Bhadarwa

Origin and Foundation

The state of Bhadarwa was founded in 1483 by the rulers of the Baghela (Vaghela) dynasty, a prominent branch of the Solanki (Chalukya) Rajputs. Following the fall of the Vaghela Kingdom of Anhilwara Patan to the Delhi Sultanate in the late 13^th century, members of the royal clan migrated to safer territories along the banks of the Mahi River. They established several small principalities in the Rewa Kantha region, of which Bhadarwa emerged as a significant estate under its Rajput chieftains, who adopted the title of Rana.

The Maratha Era and British Protectorate

During the 18^th century, with the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Maratha Peshwas and subsequently the Gaekwads of Baroda established their dominance over the Gujarat region. Bhadarwa, like many other neighboring principalities in the Rewa Kantha region, was forced to pay tribute (known as ghasdana) to the Gaekwad of Baroda.

In 1820, during the expansion of the British East India Company, Bhadarwa entered into a treaty with the British. The settlement of the tribute owed to the Gaekwad was mediated and guaranteed by the British government. Consequently, Bhadarwa was placed under the political supervision of the Rewa Kantha Agency. The state was classified as a third-class state with jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters within its territory, which spanned approximately 27 square miles of fertile lands along the Mahi River.

Administration and Progress

The Ranas of Bhadarwa were known for their progressive administrative policies, particularly during the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Despite the relatively small size of the state, the administration focused heavily on the welfare of its subjects. Agriculture was the mainstay of the economy, and the state government invested in irrigation works along the Mahi River to aid local farmers. Primary education and basic healthcare services were also introduced under the state's patronage during the reign of Rana Ranjitsinhji.

The Twentieth Century and Accession

The last ruling chief of the state, Rana Natwarsinhji Ranjitsinhji, ascended the gadi in 1935. Under his rule, the state continued to maintain its distinct identity and cultural heritage. Following the end of British rule in India, Bhadarwa signed the Instrument of Accession to the Dominion of India on August 15, 1947.

The state was subsequently merged into the Bombay Province on June 10, 1948, under the integration scheme of smaller princely states. Following the linguistic reorganization of Indian states in 1960, the territory of the former Bhadarwa State became part of the Vadodara (formerly Baroda) district in the modern state of Gujarat.

Historical References and External Links

• To read more about the political history of the region, see the Vaghela Dynasty on Wikipedia.
• For details on the administration of the region under British rule, refer to the Imperial Gazetteer of India on Digital South Asia Library (DSAL).