Sayla

Origin and Foundation of Sayla State

Sayla was a princely state in India during the British Raj, ruled by the Jhala Rajput clan. The state was founded in 1751 by Thakore Saheb Sesabhai Haloji, a charismatic and courageous leader of the Jhala dynasty. The Jhalas of Kathiawar trace their ancestry back to Harpaldevji, who established his rule in Patdi. Sayla itself emerged as an offshoot of the Limbdi State, which in turn branched from the parent state of Dhrangadhra, the ancestral seat of the Jhala Rajputs.

In 1751, Sesabhai Haloji launched an expedition and successfully captured Sayla from the Karpada Kathi clans, who had ruled the region for generations. Recognizing the strategic value of the location, Sesabhai established his capital here and fortified the town, building a massive wall and a strong fortress, laying the groundwork for a stable, independent principality.

Mughal and Maratha Periods

During the mid-to-late 18^th century, the disintegration of the Mughal Empire left a power vacuum in Kathiawar, which was quickly filled by the Maratha Empire, specifically the Peshwas and the Gaekwads of Baroda. Sayla, like many neighboring states, had to navigate this turbulent geopolitical landscape. The rulers of Sayla paid tribute (known as khiraj or moolgiri) to the Gaekwads to preserve their autonomy. Despite occasional Maratha incursions and the heavy burden of tributes, the Thakore Sahebs of Sayla managed to maintain internal sovereignty and preserve the cultural and social integrity of their territories.

The British Period and Administrative Status

In 1807–1808, Major Alexander Walker negotiated a historic settlement (known as the Walker's Settlement) on behalf of the British East India Company and the Gaekwad of Baroda. This settlement stabilized the tribute payments and brought permanent peace to the Kathiawar peninsula. Under this treaty, Sayla came under British protection and was classified as a Third Class state in the Kathiawar Agency.

The British period brought administrative modernization and infrastructure development to Sayla. Rulers like Thakore Saheb Kesrisinhji Sesabhai (reigned 1839–1881) and Thakore Saheb Pratapsinhji Kesrisinhji (reigned 1881–1924) worked closely with the British political agents to introduce modern governance. Infrastructure projects, including the construction of schools, hospitals, courts, and transportation networks, were initiated during this era, steering the feudal state toward modern administrative practices.

Key Reformers and Spiritual Heritage

Sayla holds a unique place in the spiritual landscape of Saurashtra and is affectionately known as Bhagat nu Gam (the Village of Devotees). This reputation is largely due to the revered saint, Lalji Bhagat, who established a famous ashram in Sayla during the late 18^th century. The Thakore Sahebs of Sayla were great patrons of Lalji Bhagat and supported his spiritual and philanthropic endeavors, which focused on feeding the poor, providing shelter, and promoting communal harmony.

During the early 20^th century, Thakore Saheb Madarsinhji Pratapsinhji (reigned 1924–1938) introduced several progressive reforms. He promoted education, especially for women, and worked towards eradicating social evils. The rulers of Sayla also encouraged the local handloom and weaving industries, laying the foundation for the region's famous textile traditions, particularly the tie-and-dye work.

Post-Independence and the Modern Era

Following India's independence on 15^th August 1947, the last ruling chief of Sayla, Thakore Saheb Karansinhji Madarsinhji, signed the Instrument of Accession, merging the state into the Dominion of India. On 15^th February 1948, Sayla officially integrated into the United State of Kathiawar, which later became the State of Saurashtra. In 1956, Saurashtra was merged into Bombay State, and subsequently, with the linguistic reorganization of states in 1960, Sayla became part of the Surendranagar district in the modern state of Gujarat.

Today, Sayla is celebrated as a hub of heritage tourism and traditional crafts. The royal family's ancestral residence, the Old Palace, and the historic Bell Guest House (now a heritage hotel), have been preserved to offer visitors a glimpse into the state's regal past. The town remains famous for its hand-woven single-ikat patola textiles and its deep-rooted spiritual atmosphere centered around Lalji Bhagat's ashram.

References and Further Reading

• Sayla State - Wikipedia
• The Imperial Gazetteer of India, Vol. XXII (1908) - Archive.org
• Jhala Dynasty History - Wikipedia