Namli

Namli, situated on the fertile Malwa plateau in the Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh, possesses a rich historical legacy deeply intertwined with the martial history of the Songara Chauhan Rajput clan and the princely state of Ratlam. Originally named after the revered saint Naamliya Baba, who practiced the spirituality of Naad-Braham (the Yoga of sound) at his local ashram, the settlement evolved around the historic fort of Namli Garh, which was strategically constructed on a fortified artificial mound. Historically, the estate was initially held by the Sanchora Chauhans of Panched, but was later granted by Raja Man Singh of Ratlam to the illustrious Songara Chauhan warrior, Bhopat Sinhji, in recognition of his military prowess and alliance. The Songaras of Namli cemented their loyalty through immense sacrifice in battle, leading to the formal distribution of Jagirs and the bestowal of the title of Thakur in 1783. While several junior branches of the family established seats in estates like Kandarwasa (granted to Kishor Sinhji), Jhar, Sandala, Arjala, Umran, Nalkoi, Jarkhedi, Pipal Khunta, Bajeda, and Bhadwasa, Namli remained the coveted Patvighar (the principal seat or main branch) of this noble lineage, preserving its administrative and cultural prominence through the Maratha and British colonial eras until the democratic integration of princely states post-Independence.