Bilkha (Princely State) Homepage with Pictures and Map : Rajput Provinces of India

Dynasty

Wala

Clan

Virani

State

Saurashtra

Accession

21^st March 1923

Revenue

INR 200,000

Villages

20 Area

186 Square Kilometers km²

Population

9,662 (1921)

Hindi Name

बिलखा

Last Updated

10^th Feb, 2023

Present Head

Raja RAMENDRA SINGH, present Raja Saheb of Bilkha since 2^nd April 2011. Married to a German lady and has issues, one son and a daughter.

Rajkumar Shri Hammi Bilkha
Rajkumari Shri Maya Bilkha

History

Origin and Foundation of the Vala Dynasty in Bilkha

The historical state of Bilkha, situated in the Sorath region of Saurashtra (Gujarat), was ruled by the Kathi Darbars of the Vala (or Wala) dynasty. The Vala Kathis trace their lineage to the ancient Vala Rajputs of Vallabhi, who later integrated with the Kathi community. The establishment of Bilkha as a distinct seat of power is closely linked with the partition of the larger Jetpur-Bilkha estate among the descendants of the Vala Kathi rulers.

During the medieval and pre-colonial periods, the Vala Kathis established their dominance over a vast tract of land in central Kathiawar, including Jetpur, Bilkha, Bagasra, and Chital. The rulers of Bilkha, known by the title of Darbar Shree, ruled over their territories with administrative autonomy, preserving their distinct cultural traditions and warrior heritage.

Mythological and Historical Significance

Bilkha holds an exalted place in the folklore and spiritual history of Gujarat. According to local legends and Hindu mythology, Bilkha was the capital of the legendary King Sagalsha (also known as Sagal Sheth) and his devout queen, Changavati. The couple is revered in Saurashtra for their supreme devotion and sacrifice when Lord Shiva, disguised as a mendicant, tested their faith by asking them to sacrifice their only son, Chalaiya. This legend is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the region and is commemorated in local folk songs and literature.

The British Era and Administrative Structure

With the expansion of the British East India Company's influence in western India, the states of Kathiawar entered into treaty alliances. Under the British Raj, Bilkha was placed under the administrative control of the Kathiawar Agency (specifically the Sorath Prant).

Historically, the estate was part of the larger Jetpur-Bilkha taluka, which was divided among various branches of the Vala clan. Unlike larger princely states, Bilkha was classified as a jurisdictional taluka where the ruling Darbars exercised civil and criminal jurisdiction over their subjects, subject to the supervision of the British Political Agent. The rulers paid a tribute, known as Zortalbi, to the Nawab of Junagadh State and British authorities.

Social Reforms and Cultural Heritage

The Vala rulers of Bilkha were known for their progressive outlook and public welfare initiatives. During the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, several administrative and social reforms were introduced:

Education: The state established vernacular schools to promote literacy among the local population.
Infrastructure: Road networks were developed to connect Bilkha with the neighboring commercial centers of Jetpur and Junagadh.
Spiritual Patronage: The rulers patronized various religious institutions. Bilkha became a prominent spiritual hub due to the presence of Anandashram, founded by the revered saint Nath Bhakta, which attracted spiritual seekers from all over India.

Post-Independence Integration and Modern Era

Following the end of British rule in India in August 1947, the last ruler of Bilkha signed the Instrument of Accession, merging the state into the Dominion of India. In 1948, Bilkha became a part of the newly formed Saurashtra State.

Following subsequent administrative reorganizations, Saurashtra was merged into the bilingual Bombay State in 1956, and later, with the creation of linguistic states in 1960, Bilkha became a part of the Junagadh district in the state of Gujarat. Today, Bilkha is remembered for its rich Kathi heritage, historical stepwells, temples, and its contribution to the unique cultural tapestry of Saurashtra.

Genealogy

BILKHA [Rawat Ram Wala Estate]

A Fifth Class Taluka originally, become a Fourth Class Taluka after 1929, with the merger of Kathad Naja Wala Estate. The rulers jurisdictional powers were as follows, Criminal - Two years rigorous imprisonment and fines of up to 2,000Rs, Civil - fines of up to 5,000Rs. Rulers were.......

Darbar Shri VIRA NAJA WALA, Darbar Shri of Jetpur 1747/-, founder of the Virani branch of the Wala dynasty in 1747, with his brother's help, they conquered the city of Jetpur, which remained with their descendents thereafter. He married and had issue.
- Kumar Shri Kanthad Vira Wala, ancestor of the Talukdars of Jetpur.
- Kumar Shri Mulu Vira Wala
- Kumar Shri Kumpa Vira Wala, died sp.
- Darbar Shri Oghad Vira Wala (qv)
Darbar Shri OGHAD VIRA Wala, married and had issue.
- Darbar Shri Ala Oghad Wala (see below)
- Kumar Shri Chomla Oghad Wala, married and had issue.
  - Kumar Shri Rawat Chomla Wala
- Darbar Shri Sata Oghad Wala (qv)
Darbar Shri SATA OGHAD WALA, married and had issue.
- Darbar Shri Bhima Sata Wala, married and had issue.
  - Darbar Shri Ala Bhima Wala, married and had issue.
    - Darbar Shri Ram Ala Wala (qv)
    - Kumar Shri Khoda Ala Wala, married and had issue.
      - Kumar Shri Laxman Khoda Wala
    - Kumar Shri Desa Ala Wala, married and had issue.
      - Kumar Shri Vajsur Desa Wala
    - Kumar Shri Odha Ala Wala, married and had issue.
      - Kumar Shri Deva Odha Wala
    - Kumar Shri Valera Ala Wala, married and had issue.
      - Kumar Shri Jiva Valera Wala
  - Darbar Shri Desa Bhima Wala, ancestor of the Talukdars of Barwala.
Darbar Shri RAM ALA WALA, Darbar Shri of Bilkha, married and had issue.
- Kumar Shri Rawat Ram Wala, he was adopted by Darbar Shri Kanthad Naja Wala and succeeded as Darbar Shri Rawat Kanthad Wala (qv)
- Kumar Shri Hathia Ram Wala

INTERREGNUM 1923/1928, administration by a Council of Administrators.

Darbar Shri RAWAT KANTHAD WALA, Darbar Shri of Bilkha 1928/1947, born 16^th January 1906, succeeded by adoption on attaining his majority in 1928; married Rani Saheb Devkuvarba Saheb, and had issue. He died in 1964.
- Captain Raja Jashwant Singh (qv)
- Kumari Bensaab Ba, married to Kunwar Rajeshwar Singh of Neri, UP, had issues, 1 son and 2 daughters.
- Kumar Shri Kishor Singh Bilkha
- Kumari Bhanu Ba, married in 1959 to Raja Kameshwar Singh, Member of Parliament of Shakarpura Raj, Bihar and has issues, 1 son and 2 daughters.
- Kumar Shri Ranjit Singh Bilkha, educated at Rajkumar College, Rajkot (1953); married Kaurani Ela Kumari, born 1942, daughter of HH Maharawat Sir Ram Singhji II Bahadur of Pratapgarh, and has issue.
  - Kumar Shri Bhanupratap Sinhji Ranjit Sinhji Bilkha, B.A. (Hons.), born 19^th February 1964, educated at Rajkumar College, Rajkot (1982), married 25^th November 1988, Baijilal Narendra Kanwar, daughter of Maharaj Banney Singhji of Raoti, and has issue.
    - Kumar Shri Devpratap Sinh
    - Kumari Kamakshi Kumari
  - Kumari Kiran Singh Wala Bilkha B.Com., born 8^th June 1966 in Rajkot, married 7^th July 1988 in Jhansi, Rajkumar Bhanupratap Singh Ju Deo of Tori Fatehpur, and has issue, one son and one daughter.
    - Kumari Hireneshwari
    - Kauwar Manvendra Singhju Deo
  - Kumar Chhaya Singh Bilkha, M.A. (Econ.), B.Ed., Dip. in Computer Application; born 18^th October 1973 in Rajkot; a National Basket Ball and Throw Ball player, he has attended many national N.C.C. camps in India, a proficient parachute jumper, he is a teacher and is presently involved in administration in one of Indore's best schools; married 18^th June 1998 in Indore, Kumari Dr. Praveen Singh of Dhabla Dhir, and has issue, two daughters.
    - Kumari Revati Singh
    - Kumari Hiteshi Singh
- Kumar Shri Hari Singh Bilkha [Kumar Shri Harischandrasinhji Rawatwala Wala], educated at Rajkumar College, Rajkot (1953), married Rajkumari Meena Kumari (born 1943), daughter of HH Raja Shrimant Mahendrasinhji Judev Parihar of Nagod and Ranat Maharani Jaswant Kumari Parihar of Nagod and has issues.
  - Kumar Shri Vijaychandrasinhji Harishchandrasinhji Bilkha, born 1970, studied at Rajkumar College Rajkot, married to Kumari Shri Urvashidevi Maharaoji, daughter of K.S.Karansinhji Maharaolji of Chaliar and has issue.
    - Kumar Shri Prithvirajsinh Bilkha, studied at Rajkumar College.
  - Kumar Shri Bhavanichandrasinhji Harishchandrasinhji Bilkha, born 1971, studied at Rajkumar College Rajkot, married to Kumari Shri Yagnakumari, daughter of K.S Kishorsinhji Devisinhji Jadeja of Sapar (Morvi) and has issue.
    - Kumari Shri Rajrajeshwari Bilkha
Captain Raja JASHWANT SINGH, Raja of Bilkha 1947/2011, born 19^th November 1928, educated at Rajkumar College, Rajkot 1939/1944; Member of the Rajkumar College Council 1966/2001; married 27^th May 1946, Rani Nirvana Devi, born 12^th December 1928 at Simla, daughter of HH Raja Joginder Sen of Mandi, and his first wife, HH Rani Amrit Kaur, and had issue, four sons. He died 2^nd April 2011 at Pune.
- Yuvaraj Mahendra Singh, born 24^th February 1948, educated at Rajkumar College, Rajkot (1967); married and had issue. He died 21^st November 2007.
  - Rajkumari Gyaneshwari Bilkha [Sirdarni Gyaneshwari Ishwar Singh], born 26^th December 1979, married 6^th January 2004, Sirdar Ishwar Singh, son of Colonel Shamsher Singh, Rajvallabh, M.A. (Cantab.), (married 1^stly, Maharajkumari Diamond Balbir Kaur of Jind), and his second wife, Renée Doring, daughter of Professor Hans Karl Doring, Dresden, Germany, and has issue, one son.
    - Tikka Aryan Singh, born 9^th May 2006.
  - Rajkumari Priya Bilkha
  - Rajkumari Pooja Bilkha
- Rajkumar Ramendra Singh, he succeeded as Raja Ramendra Singh of Bilkha (qv)
- Rajkumar Yajurvindra Singh, born 1^st August 1952 in Rajkot, educated at Rajkumar College, Rajkot (1970); First Class cricketer 1971/1982 and a Member of the Indian Cricket Test Team 1977/1979 (four tests); in his Test debut, he took five catches in the first innings to equal the record set in 1935/36 and then took two more catches in the second innings to equal the record set by Greg Chappell two years previously; married and has issue. Married to Rajkumari Lina Bilkha and has issue, one daughter.
  - Kumari Shri Shubika Bilkha
- Rajkumar Jagatshamsher Singh, educated at Rajkumar College, Rajkot (1974); married and has issue.
  - Kumar Shri Nikhil Bilkha
  - Kumari Shri Shivanee Bilkha
Raja RAMENDRA SINGH, Raja of Bilkha (see above)

BILKHA [Kanthad Naja Wala Estate]

A Fifth Class State with the ruler enjoying jurisdictional powers as follows, Criminal - Three years rigorous imprisonment and fines of up to 5,000Rs, Civil - fines of up to 10,000Rs. The branch of the ruling family became extinct on the 21^st March 1923 and the Estate was merged with the Rawat Ram Wala's Estate. Rulers were.......

Darbar Shri ALA OGHAD WALA, married and had issue.
- Darbar Shri Devdan Ala Wala (qv)
Darbar Shri DEVDAN ALA WALA, Darbar Shri of Bilkha -/1890, married and had issue. He died 1890.
- Darbar Shri Kala Devdan Wala (qv)
Darbar Shri KALA DEVDAN WALA, Darbar Shri of Bilkha 1890/1895, married and had issue. He died 1895.
- Kumar Shri Amra Kala Wala, died sp.
- Darbar Shri Naja Kala Wala (qv)
Darbar Shri NAJA KALA WALA, Darbar Shri of Bilkha 1895/1909, born 1865, he succeeded 14^th June 1890, educated at Rajkumar College, Rajkot; married and had issue. He died 1909.
- Darbar Shri Kanthad Naja Wala (qv)
Darbar Shri KANTHAD NAJA WALA, Darbar Shri 1909/1923, born 1870, died sp on 21^st March 1923. This branch became extinct with the Darbar Shri's death and the estate passed to the descendents of Darbar Shri Sata Oghad Wala.