Daulatgarh & Jamla

Origin and Foundation

The history of Daulatgarh (formerly known as Jamla) is intricately woven with the legacy of the Rathore dynasty of Marwar and their subsequent expansion into the Gujarat region through Idar State. The ruling family of this Thikana traces its descent from the noble Rathores of Dhanoli, a prominent estate linked to the Marwar clan system. The transition of this branch to the hilly tracts of Sabarkantha occurred during a period of administrative consolidation and military service under the Maharaja of Idar.

The Heroic Act of Thakur Shaitan Singh

The establishment of the Thikana of Jamla as a premier estate is credited to the legendary valor of Thakur Shaitan Singh, the son of the Thakur of Dhanoli. Seeking opportunities beyond his ancestral home, Thakur Shaitan Singh entered the royal service of the Maharaja of Idar. His defining moment came during a royal hunt, a frequent pastime of the Rajput nobility.

During the expedition, the Maharaja was suddenly ambushed by a pouncing leopard. Displaying immense courage and physical prowess, Thakur Shaitan Singh intervened barehanded, wrestling the wild beast to the ground and holding it at bay until the royal guards arrived to dispatch the animal. In recognition of this extraordinary act of loyalty and bravery, which saved the sovereign's life, the Maharaja of Idar bestowed upon Thakur Shaitan Singh the fertile estate of Jamla. This estate was subsequently elevated to a First-Class Thikana within the state's noble hierarchy.

Establishment of Daulatgarh and the British Era

In honor of the Maharaja of Idar, the Thikana of Jamla was renamed Dowlatgadh (or Daulatgarh). As a First-Class Thikana of Idar State, the rulers of Daulatgarh enjoyed significant administrative, revenue, and judicial privileges within their territory.

During the British Raj, Idar State, along with its subordinate Thikanas like Daulatgarh, fell under the political supervision of the Mahi Kantha Agency. The Thakurs of Daulatgarh maintained a loyal relationship with the state capital at Himatnagar, contributing to the military strength and administrative stability of the princely state.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

Following India's independence in 1947, the princely state of Idar merged into the Indian Union in 1948. Consequently, the political powers, feudal privileges, and revenue collection rights of the Thikana of Daulatgarh were dissolved under the accession agreements. The territory initially became part of Bombay State and was later integrated into the Sabarkantha district of Gujarat in 1960. Today, the descendants of the Daulatgarh Thikana preserve their rich cultural heritage, ancestral traditions, and historical legacy, remaining highly respected members of the local community.