Ghelpur

Origin and Lineage of Ghelpur Jagir

Ghelpur is a historic jagir (feudal estate) subordinate to the princely state of Chorangala, situated in the historic Rewa Kantha region of Gujarat. The rulers of Ghelpur belong to the illustrious Khichi Chauhan clan of Rajputs. The Khichi branch traces its ancestry back to the legendary Emperor Prithviraj Chauhan III of Delhi. Following the fall of the Chauhan empire, various branches migrated towards central India (establishing the region of Khichiwara) and eastern Gujarat, eventually founding principalities like Chorangala, and establishing several associated estates, including Ghelpur, to secure territorial defense and local administration.

The British Period and Feudal Administration

During the British Raj, Ghelpur, as a constituent fief of Chorangala, was placed under the political oversight of the Rewa Kantha Agency of the Bombay Presidency. The Thakurs of Ghelpur exercised revenue collection and local judicial powers within their jurisdiction, while remaining loyal vassals to the ruling chief of Chorangala. This period was characterized by structured land revenue settlements and administrative supervision under the British political agents in Gujarat.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

Following India's independence in 1947, Chorangala State, along with its subordinate jagirs including Ghelpur, merged into the Indian Union. The region initially became part of the Bombay State and was subsequently integrated into the modern state of Gujarat in 1960. The feudal privileges and jagirdari rights were formally dissolved under post-independence land reforms, particularly through the Bombay Merged Territories and Areas (Jagirs Abolition) Act. Today, the descendants of the Ghelpur ruling family continue to preserve their rich cultural heritage, traditions, and historical legacy in the region.