Dhadi

Origin and Foundation of Dhadi State

The princely state of Dhadi was founded by Thakur Kesar Singh, a grandson of Thakur Karam Singh of Tharoch. The ruling clan of Dhadi belonged to the Sisodia dynasty of Rajputs, claiming descent from the royal house of Mewar (Udaipur). Situated in the rugged, mountainous terrain of the Shimla Hills, Dhadi was classified as one of the smaller Shimla Hill States (often termed as a Thakurain or petty chiefship).

Political Hegemony and Shifting Allegiances

Due to its modest size and geographical position, Dhadi's political survival depended heavily on its relationships with neighboring, more powerful states. Over the centuries, its tributary status shifted several times:

• Tharoch Suzerainty: As an offshoot of the Tharoch state, Dhadi was initially bound by feudal ties and paid tribute to its parent state.
• Bashahr Influence: With changing political dynamics in the Shimla Hills, the suzerainty of Dhadi later passed to the powerful state of Bashahr.
• The Gurkha Occupation (1803–1815): Like most of the hill states, Dhadi suffered heavily under the Gurkha invasion of the early 19^th century. The Gurkha forces under General Amar Singh Thapa overran the region, forcing local chiefs into exile or subjugation.
• British Intervention and Settlement: Following the Anglo-Gurkha War (1814–1816) and the expulsion of the Gurkhas, the British East India Company established its supremacy over the Shimla Hill States. Through subsequent Sanads (charters), the British stabilized the boundaries and feudal obligations of these hill states.

The Jubbal Feudatory Era (1896)

In 1896, during the reign of Thakur Dharm Singh, the British administration formally reorganized the political boundaries of the region. To streamline administrative control and settle long-standing territorial disputes, Dhadi was declared a tributary of the Jubbal State. From this period onward, the Thakurs of Dhadi paid an annual tribute (tribute money or tika) to the rulers of Jubbal, while maintaining internal administrative authority over their subjects.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

Following India's independence in 1947, the ruling Thakur signed the Instrument of Accession to merge the state with the Indian Union. On April 15, 1948, Dhadi was integrated into the newly formed Union Territory of Himachal Pradesh, merging along with 30 other Shimla Hill States to form the Mahasu district. Today, the territory of the erstwhile Dhadi state is located within the Rohru and Jubbal areas of the modern-day Shimla District of Himachal Pradesh.

References and External Links

• Read more about the historical grouping of these regional principalities on the Shimla Hill States Wikipedia Page.
• Explore the regional history and administrative evolution of the territory on the Official Website of Shimla District.