Muli

Origin and Foundation of Muli Province

The princely state of Muli, situated in the Kathiawar peninsula of Gujarat, holds a unique position as the only Sodha Parmar state in the region. The ruling chiefs of Muli claim descent from the illustrious Ujjain dynasty, tracing their lineage back to the celebrated legendary rulers Raja Vir Vikram (Vikramaditya), Raja Bhoj, and Raja Jagdev Parmar. The Parmars originally inhabited the Thar Parkar region in Sindh. Due to geopolitical shifts and conflicts in Sindh, they migrated southward and entered the peninsula of Kathiawar between 1470 and 1475 AD under the leadership of Lagdhirji (also known as Lakhdhirji) and his brother Munjaji.

Upon their arrival in the region, they established their base near the Bhogavo River. The foundation of Muli was cemented through strategic alliances and territorial struggles with local clans such as the Chabhads (Chauhans) and Solankis. Through courage and diplomacy, the Sodha Parmars carved out their independent principality, establishing Muli as their capital.

The Legend of the Partridge (Sharanagat Dharma)

One of the most defining and celebrated epochs in the history of Muli is the legendary "Battle of the Partridge" (locally known as the Titari no Jung). This historical event perfectly illustrates the Rajput code of honor, specifically the Sharanagat Dharma (the duty to protect anyone who seeks refuge).

According to historical chronicles, a wounded partridge (titari) fled from a hunting party of neighboring Chabhada Rajputs and sought shelter in the camp of the Parmar brothers, Lakhdhirji and Munjaji. When the Chabhada hunters demanded the bird, the Parmars refused to surrender it, stating that the bird had sought sanctuary with them and protecting it was their sacred duty. This dispute escalated into a full-scale battle. Over 140 Parmars, including Munjaji, sacrificed their lives to defend the life of a single bird. This extraordinary act of bravery and commitment to chivalric principles immortalized the Sodha Parmars of Muli in the folklore of Saurashtra.

Mughal, Maratha, and British Periods

During the medieval era, Muli maintained a level of autonomy by paying tribute to the Mughal subahdars of Gujarat. As Mughal authority waned in the 18^th century, the Marathas exerted their influence over the Kathiawar peninsula. Muli came under the sphere of the Gaekwad dynasty of Baroda. In 1807–1808, the British East India Company, represented by Colonel Alexander Walker, instituted the historic Walker's Settlement. This treaty stabilized the region by fixing the tribute (peshkash) payable by the local states to the Gaekwads and British, thereby establishing peace and bringing Muli under British suzerainty.

Under the British Raj, Muli was classified as a Fourth Class State within the Kathiawar Agency. The state followed the strict rule of Primogeniture for succession. The Thakor Saheb of Muli exercised substantial administrative and judicial authority. The state possessed jurisdictional powers as follows:

• Civil Jurisdiction: Power to hear civil cases and levy fines up to 10,000 Rupees.
• Criminal Jurisdiction: Power to award up to three years of rigorous imprisonment and impose fines to the extent of 5,000 Rupees.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

Following the independence of India in 1947, the last ruling chief of Muli, Thakor Saheb Dharmendrasinhji, signed the Instrument of Accession, merging the state into the United State of Kathiawar (later known as Saurashtra State) in February 1948. In 1956, Saurashtra was merged into the Bombay State, and subsequently, with the linguistic reorganization of states in 1960, Muli became an integral part of the Surendranagar district in the state of Gujarat.

In the modern era, the royal family of Muli continues to be highly respected. They have transitioned from rulers to custodians of their rich cultural heritage. The family has actively preserved the historic Mandavrayji Temple (dedicated to the Sun God, the patron deity of the Sodhas) and the royal palace (Ambika Nivas Palace). They continue to patronize local educational institutions, charitable trusts, and cultural initiatives in the Surendranagar region.

References and Historical Sources

• For detailed administrative accounts and history of the Kathiawar states, see the Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency, Vol. VIII: Kathiawar (1884).
• For historical records on the political status and treaties of Kathiawar, refer to the Imperial Gazetteer of India (Digital South Asia Library).
• Further reading on Rajput clans and migrations can be found in the historical collections of Gujarat State Portal Archives.