Sant

Origin and Foundation of Sant State

The ruling dynasty of Sant (or Sunth) claims descent from the imperial Parmar (Pawar) dynasty of Dhar and Ujjain in Malwa. According to historical records and local chronicles, the ancestors of the family migrated from Dhar after its decline. They initially established themselves at Jhalod in the Panchmahal region. However, in the 13^th century, after facing military pressures from local powers, the chief Rana Sunthji (or Sant) migrated further into the rugged, forest-clad hilly tracts of the region.

In 1255, Rana Sunthji successfully established an independent principality after defeating the local Bhil chieftains who inhabited the wild borderlands. The newly founded capital and the state were named "Sunth" after the founder chief. The state's geographical layout, consisting of dense forests and defensive hills, provided a natural stronghold that helped the rulers preserve their independence through subsequent centuries of regional conflict.

Mughal and Maratha Periods

During the medieval era, Sant State maintained a delicate political balance with neighboring powerful states. Under the Gujarat Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire, the rulers of Sant managed to retain their autonomy by paying a nominal tribute (peshkash) and providing military contingents when summoned. The rugged terrain made any direct conquest of the state highly difficult and unprofitable for the imperial powers.

With the decline of the Mughals in the 18^th century, the Maratha Empire expanded its influence over Gujarat. The Maratha confederacy, represented by the Gaekwads of Baroda and the Scindias of Gwalior, asserted suzerainty over the Rewa Kantha region. During this turbulent period, Sant State was subjected to heavy tribute demands and frequent military raids (Mulkgiri) by Maratha forces. To protect its territories, the state was forced to pay tribute to Scindia, which severely strained its financial resources.

The British Period and Reforms

In 1803, the British East India Company entered into relations with the states of the Rewa Kantha Agency. In 1819, with the mediation of the British government, a treaty was concluded between the Scindia of Gwalior and the state of Sant. This agreement fixed the tribute payable to Scindia and placed Sant under British protection, bringing long-awaited peace, stability, and relief from predatory raids.

The administrative integration with the British Raj took a concrete shape under the Rewa Kantha Agency of the Bombay Presidency. The rulers of Sant were recognized as First Class chiefs in the agency, enjoying extensive judicial and executive powers. They were granted a formal 9-gun salute.

The late 19^th and early 20^th centuries were marked by major progressive reforms and modernization. Under the long and enlightened reign of Maharana Pratapsinhji Zorawarsinhji (who ascended the gadi in 1896), the state underwent a significant socio-economic transformation. Key achievements during this period included:

• The introduction of modern land revenue settlements and the abolition of oppressive taxes.
• Establishment of primary schools, high schools, and free medical dispensaries for the subjects, particularly benefiting the local tribal Bhil population.
• Construction of metalled roads, public buildings, and irrigation tanks to boost agriculture.
• Establishment of the capital city of Santrampur as a center of trade, art, and administrative excellence.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

Following the end of British rule in August 1947, the last ruling Chief, Maharana Pravinsinhji Pratapsinhji, signed the Instrument of Accession to the Dominion of India. On June 10, 1948, Sant State was officially merged into the Bombay State. Following the linguistic reorganization of Indian states in 1960, the region became a part of the Panchmahal district of Gujarat.

Today, Santrampur is a taluka headquarters in the Mahisagar district of Gujarat. The royal palace, known as the Shri Pratap Palace, stands as a grand monument to the state's architectural and cultural legacy, drawing historians and tourists alike.

References and External Links

• To read more about the administrative history of the region, visit the Digital South Asia Library - Imperial Gazetteer of India.
• Further details about the regional history can be found on the Wikipedia Page on Sant State.