Cutch State

Cutch State
કચ્છ રિયાસત
1147–1948
Flag Coat of arms
Cutch State, 1878
Capital Lakhiarviro (1147―1548)

Bhuj (1549―1948)
Government Not specified
History
 •  Established 1147
 • came under Cutch Agency of Company 1819
 •  merged into India as Kutch State 1948
Area
 •  1901 45,630 km² (17,618 sq mi)
Population
 •  1901 est. 488,022 
     Density 10.7 /km²  (27.7 /sq mi)
Currency Kutch kori
Preceded by 		Succeeded by
Chawda dynasty
Solanki dynasty
Kutch State
Today part of Kutch district of Gujarat, India
Public Domain This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "article name needed". Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. 
Warning: Value not specified for "continent"

Cutch, also spelled Kutch or Kachchh, was a relatively large Indian princely state during the British Raj. Its territories covered the present day Kutch region of Gujarat north of the Gulf of Kutch. Bordered by Sindh in the north, Cutch State was one of the few princely states with a coastline.

The state had an area of 17,616 square miles (45,630 km2) and a population estimated at 488,022 in 1901.[1] During the British Raj, the state was part of the Cutch Agency and later the Western India States Agency within the Bombay Presidency.[2] The rulers maintained an army of 354 cavalry, 1,412 infantry and 164 guns.

Cutch's flag was a red rectangular with images of a white elephant and Bhujia Fort in the centre and the word BHOOJ inscribed above the fort in white. The motto: Courage and Confidence was written below in a white ribbon.

History

Main article: History of Kutch
Sindh and Kutch map 1827

A predecessor state known as the Kingdom of Kutch was founded around 1147 by Lakho Jadani of the Samma tribe who had arrived from Sindh. He was adopted by Jam Jada and hence known as Lakho Jadani. He ruled Eastern Cutch from 1147−1175 from a new capital, which he named Lakhiarviro (near present-day Nakhatrana) after his twin brother Lakhiar.[3][4] Prior to this time, Eastern Cutch was ruled by the Chawda dynasty, whose last noted ruler was Vagham Chawda, who was killed in the 13th century by his nephews Mod and Manai of the Jadeja clan.[5] At the same time, Central and Western Kutch were under the control of different tribes such as the Kathi, Solanki and Waghela.[3] After the death of Raydhan Ratto in 1215 his territories were divided between his four sons. Othaji, Dedaji, Hothiji and Gajanji and they were given the Kutch territories of Lakhirviro, Kanthkot, Gajod and Bara respectively.

As Othaji was the eldest he ascended to the head throne of Lakhirviro and the rest became a part of Bhayyat or the Brotherhood in a federal system of government. However, internal rivalry between them escalated over the generations and until they merged into the two groups of Othaji and Gajanji of Bara.

The first incident among the rivals which changed the history of Kutch was the murder of Jam Hamirji of Lakhiarviro, chief of the eldest branch of the Jadejas and descendant of Othaji, by Jam Rawal of Bara. It is believed that Jam Rawal attributed the murder of his father Jam Lakhaji to Hamirji, as he was killed within the territory of Lakhiarviro by Deda Tamiachi at the instigation of Hamirji.[6] Jam Rawal, in revenge treacherously killed his elder brother Rao Hamirji, (father of Khengarji) and ruled Cutch for more than two decades till Khenagrji I, reconquered Cutch from him, when he grew up. Jam Rawal escaped out of Cutch and founded the Nawanagar as per advice given by Ashapura Mata in a dream to him.[6] Later his descendants branched out to form the state of Rajkot, Gondal Dhrol and Virpur.[7] The Genealogy is still maintained today, by the Barots of respective Jadeja branches and every single person in Jadeja clan can trace their ancestry through to Rato Rayadhan.[7]

Lakhiarviro remained the capital of Cutch from its foundation in 1147 until the time of Jam Raval in 1548.

Rulers

Family Tree of Jadeja dynasty of Cutch State

Cutch was ruled by the Jadeja Rajput dynasty of the Samma tribe[1] from its formation in 1147 until 1948 when it acceded to newly formed, India. The rulers had migrated from Sindh into Kutch in late 12th century. They were entitled to a 17-gun salute by the British authorities. The title of rulers was earlier Ja'am, which during British Raj changed to Maharao made hereditary from 1 Jan 1918.[8]

Rulers Accession
Lakho Jadani AD 1147
Ratto Rayadhan AD 1175
Othoji AD 1215
Rao Gaoji AD 1255
Rao Vehanji AD 1285
Rao Mulvaji AD 1321
Rao Kaiyaji AD 1386
Rao Amarji AD 1406
Rao Bhhemji AD 1429
Rao Hamirji AD 1472
Jam Raval AD 1524

Khengarji I, is noted as the founder of Cutch State, who united Eastern Central and Western Cutch into one dominion, which before him was ruled partially by other Rajput tribes apart from the Jadejas.[1] Khenagarji I was given fiefdom of Morbi and an army by Sultan Mahmud Begada of Ahmedabad, whose life he had saved from a lion. Khengarji waged a war for several years till he re-conquered Cutch from Jam Raval and integrated Cutch into one large dominion in 1549. Jam Raval had to escape out of Cutch to save his life. Khengarji I was crowned at Rapar but later shifted his capital from to Bhuj, a city established by his father Rao Hamirji in 1510.[1] Khengarji also founded the port city of Mandvi.

Rulers Accession
Khengarji I[4] AD 1548
Bharmalji I AD 1585
Bhojrajji AD 1631
Khengarji II AD 1645
Tamachi AD 1654
Rayadhan II AD 1665
Durbar Hall at Prag Mahal, Bhuj, built by Pragmalji II

After the demise of Rayadhan II in 1698, the regularity of succession was again deviated, Raydhunji had three sons, Ravaji, Nagulji and Pragji.Ravaji the eldest son was murdered by Sodha Rajputs, his second brother Nagulji had died of natural causes before, both the brothers,however had left sons, who by right were entitled to succeed the throne of Kutch, but as they were young, Pragji, the third son of Rao Raydhunji eventually usurped the throne of Cutch and became Maharao Pragmulji I.[9]

Kanyoji, the eldest son of murdered Ravaji escaped and established himself at Morbi, which before that formed part of Kingdom of Kutch. Kanyoji made Morvi independent of Cutch and from there he tried unsuccessfully many a times to regain his rightful throne of Cutch. The descendants of Kanyoji Jadeja thus settled in Morvi and were called Kaynani.[1]

Living quarters of Maharao Lakhpatji Aina Mahal, Bhuj
Regime Rulers
1698 – 1715 Pragmalji I (b. 16... - d. 1715)
1715 – 1719 Godji I (b. 16... - d. 1718)
1718 – 1752 Deshalji I (b.1682 - d. 1752)
1741 – 1752 Lakhpatji (regent)(b. 1717 - d. 1761)
1752 – 1760 Lakhpatji (b. 1717 - d. 1761)
1760 – 1778 Godji II (b. 1734 - d. 1778)
1778 – 1786 Rayadhan III (1st time) (b. 1763 - d. 1813)
1786 – 1801 Prithvirajji (b. 1774 - d. 1801)
1786 − 5 October 1813 Fateh Muhammad (regent)
5 October 1813 − 30 October 1813 Rayadhan III (2nd time)
30 October 1813 – 6 November 1814 Husain Miyan (regent)
6 November 1814 − 25 March 1819 Bharmalji II (b. 1798 - d. 1846)
25 March 1819 − 26 July 1860 Deshalji II (b. 1814 - d. 1860)
26 July 1860 − 19 December 1875 Pragmalji II (b. 1839 - d. 1875)
19 December 1875 − 15 January 1942 Khengarji III (b. 1866 - d. 1942)
15 January 1942 − 26 February 1948 Vijayaraji (b. 1885 - d. 1948)
26 February 1948 − 1 June 1948 Madansinhji

Bhuj was later fortified by Bhujia Fort under reign of Rao Godji I (1715−19). The major work and completion of fort was done during the rule of his son, Maharao Deshalji I (1718–1741). In 1719 during reign of Deshalji I, Khan, who was Mughal Viceroy of Gujarat invaded Kutch. The army of Kutch was in a precarious condition, when a group of Naga Bawas joined them and Mughal army was defeated.

Cenotaph of Rao Lakhpatji at Bhuj.

Deshalji was succeeded by his son Rao Lakhpatji (1741−61), who appointed Ram Singh Malam, to build the famous Aina Mahal. Ram Singh Malam also started a glass and ceramic factory near Madhapar. During reign of Lakhpatji maritime business of Cutch flourished and it was during his regime the Cutch issued its own currency, Kutch kori, which remained valid even during British Raj till 1948, when they were abolished by independent India.

Later, during the rule of Rao Godji II (1761−1778), the state faced its biggest defeat at hands of Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro of Sindh, who attacked Cutch twice once in 1763-64, (when hundreds of Kutchi people died in the battle near Jara, Kutch) and again in 1765. Godji had to make a truce with him after losing several territories. Later in 1770, a daughter of his cousin Wesuji was married to the Mian Kalhoro and the marriage was celebrated with great pomp and splendor on both the sides. In consideration of this relationship, the towns of Busta Bandar and Lakhpat and others territories that had been conquered by the Mián Kalhoro, were returned to the Rao of Cutch.

His successor, Rayadhan III (1778−86) became a religious fanatic and began forcibly converting all its pupils to Islam. At that time Raydhan was curtailed when in 1785, Anjar's Meghji Seth lead the revolt and the local chief of armies Dosal Ven and Fateh Muhamad also joined him in the coup.[10] Raydhan was put under house arrest and the state was ruled under a council of the twelve members, Bar Bhayat ni Jamat, under minor titular king, Prithvirajji. Fateh Muhammad was made ruler by these council who ably ruled Cutch from 1786−1813. After his death Rao Raydhan was again made a king by the council for a month but was replaced by Husain Miyan, as Rao had still not changed his ways. Husain Miyan ruled from 1813−1814 and later Bharmalji II, eldest son of Raydhan was made ruler in 1814 by the council keeping the army under control of Husain Miyan.[10]

On 15 December 1815, the army of Cutch state was defeated near Bhadreswar, Kutch by the combined armies of British and Gaekwads of Baroda State. The nearest major fortified town of Anjar, Port of Tuna and district of Anjar thus came under British occupation on 25 December 1815. This led to negotiations between rulers of Kutch and British. The Jadeja rulers of Kutch accepted the suzerainty of British in 1819 and Captain James MacMurdo was posted as British Political Resident stationed at Bhuj. The Anjar District, however, remained under direct occupation of British forces for seven years till 25 December 1822, when it was territory reverted to Cutch by an agreement.[1][11]

After the victory the British deposed the ruling king Jam Bharmulji II and his son Deshalji II, a minor was made the ruler of Cutch State. During his minority the affairs of the State were managed by Council of Regency, which was composed of Jadeja chiefs and headed by Captain MacMurdo.[12][13][14]

Vijaya Vilas Palace standing at sea shore of Mandvi, built for Vijayaraji, the current residence of decedents of Rao.

During his reign Kutch suffered a severe earthquake in 1819 followed by severe famine in 1823, 1825 & 1832.[4] Further, Kutch was attacked by marauding band from Sindh.[4] Deshalji II although 18 years of age took the management of law in his own hands and defeated aggressor from Sindh. His reign saw maritime trade with Africa, Oman and especially Zanzibar improve significantly. Slowly and steadily the industrialisation in Cutch got a set back which was started by Lakhpatji and Godji.[15][16] He was succeeded by his son Pragmalji II in 1860.

During later half of the 19th century and first half of the 20th century state progressed under leadership of Pragmalji II and his successor Khengarji III. The educational, judiciary and administrative reforms, which were started by Pragmulji II, were carried further by Khengarji III, who also laid foundation of Cutch State Railway, Kandla port and many schools. Khengarji III was the longest ruling king of Cutch. Khengarji also served as Aide-De-Campe to Queen Victoria for some years. Under him state was elevated to status of 17-gun salute state and title of rulers of Cutch also was elevated as Maharao.[3]

Khengarji III was succeeded by his son Vijayaraji in 1942 and ruled for few years till India became independent. During reign of Vijayaraji the Kutch High Court was instituted, village councils were elected and irrigation facilities were expanded greatly and agricultural development in the state during short span of six years of his rule. He took keen interest in irrigation matter and it was during his reign the Vijaysagar reservoir was built together with another 22 dams.[17] C+utch became the third princely state after Hyderabad and Travancore to start its own bus transport services beginning in year 1945.[18]

Cutch was one of the first princely states to accede to India upon its independence on 15 August 1947. Vijayraji was away for medical treatment at London. Upon his order Madansinhji, on behalf of his father, signed the Instrument of Accession of Kutch, on 16 August 1947, in his capacity as attorney of Maharao of Kutch.[19] Later, Madansinhji acceded the throne, upon death of his father Vijayaraji on 26 January 1948 and became the last Maharao of Cutch, for a short period of time till 4 May 1948, when the administration of the state was completely merged in to Union of India.[3][20]

Cutch, part of Bombay Presidency, 1909

The princely State of Cutch upon merger into India, was made a separate centrally administered Class-C state by the name Kutch State in 1948.

Religion

The Jadeja rulers of Cutch, were truly secular and all Hindus, Muslims, Jains and other sub-sects were free to observe their rituals and rights and all of them prospered under their reign. Even their army and ministry was of secular nature and people of all castes and creed were inducted into it on basis of their quality and qualifications rather than on basis of caste or religion.

However, the Jadejas, themselves were followers of Hinduism and worshiped Ashapura Mata, who is the kuldevi of Jadeja clan and also the State deity. The main temple of goddess is located at Mata no Madh.

Demographics and economy

There were eight main towns in the State − Bhuj, Mandvi, Anjar, Mundra, Naliya, Jakhau, Bhachau and Rapar and 937 villages.[1] Apart from it there were other port towns of Tuna, Lakhpat, Sandhan, Sindri, Bhadresar on its coast-line, which boosted the maritime trade, the main revenue earner of State. There are also other towns like Tera, Kothara, Bara, Kanthkot, which were overlooked by Bhayaat (brothers) of the Kings as their jagirs.

The various Kutchi community were known for their trades with Muscat, Mombasa, Mzizima, Zanzibar, and others, and also for their shipbuilding skills. Kandla was developed by Khengarji III in 1930 as a new port. Cutch State Railway was also laid during his reign, during years 1900-1908, which connected main towns like Bhuj, Anjar, Bachau to port of Tuna and Kandla. The railways enhanced business a lot as it paved way for movement of goods and passenger.

Hindus numbered around 300,000, Mohammedans around 110,000 and Jains were 70,000 in population as per 1901 census.[1] About 9% of population were Rajputs and Brahmins & other Hindu caste formed another 24% of population of State.[1] The most common language spoken was Kutchi language and Gujarati language. Gujarati was language used in writings and courts & documents.[1]

Agriculture was the main occupation of people, who take produce of wheat, Jowar, Bajra, Barley, etc. apart from cattle raising being the other main occupation.[1]

Rulers and chiefs

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "Cutch". The Imperial Gazetteer of India. 11: 75–80. 1908.
  2. ↑ Kutch
  3. 1 2 3 4 Kutch rulers
  4. 1 2 3 4 Cutch
  5. ↑ Kutch by India. Superintendent of Census Operations, Gujarat. Director, Government Print. and Stationery, Gujarat State. 1964. p. 53. Vagham Chavdagadh or Patgadh, (Taluka Lakhpat) At this place are the ruins of the old city of Vagham Chavda who is said to have been killed in the thirteenth century by his nephews, Mod and Manai
  6. 1 2 The Land of 'Ranji' and 'Duleep', by Charles A. Kincaid by Charles Augustus Kincaid. William Blackwood & Sons, Limited. 1931. pp. 11–15.
  7. 1 2 The Paramount Power and the Princely States of India, 1858-1881 - Page 287
  8. ↑ Princely states of India: a guide to chronology and rulers - Page 54
  9. ↑ Gujarat State Gazetteer - Volume 1 - Page 275-276
  10. 1 2 Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency: Cutch, Pálanpur, and Mahi Kántha - Page 149
  11. ↑ Glimpse of Anjar, Kutch
  12. ↑ Bhuj:art, architecture, history.
  13. ↑ Jadeja Rulers of Kutch : Deshalji II (1814-1860)
  14. ↑ Kutch State : Maharao DESALJI BHARMALJI II (Daishalji) 1819/1860
  15. ↑
  16. ↑ The presence of a glass factory and good breed of horses led Maharao Deshalji II (1819-1960) to maritime long distance trade with Zanzibar and most of all with Sultan of Oman. Makran, Oman, and Zanzibar: three-terminal cultural corridor in the western By Beatrice Nicolini, Penelope-Jane Watson.
  17. ↑ The Politics and Poetics of Water: The Naturalisation of Scarcity in Western ... By Lyla Mehta. 2005. p. 87,88.
  18. ↑ State Transport Undertakings: Structure, Growth and Performance by P. Jagdish Gandhi - 1998- Page 37.|Hyderabad (1932) and Travancore (1938) which owned State enterprises, operated fleets of passenger buses. The small State of Kutch joined then in 1945.
  19. ↑ INTERNATIONAL LAW REPORTS VOLUME 50
  20. ↑ Cutch
Bibliography

Coordinates: 23°54′54″N 70°22′01″E / 23.915°N 70.367°E / 23.915; 70.367

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