2017-08-08 Tue

India under British rule, is not a statement, but a truth that we have studied from our school times. These four words describe two hundred years of Indian history. It's an account of her slavery, her struggle for freedom and her penance for a democratic state. Hence within this, there were many kings who ruled their kingdom under British administration. For the English crown, they were the Prince and their Kingdoms were Princely States.

Today we will explore the story of one such Princely state called Morvi and her Prince. The historical accounts locate this state in ‘Halar Prant'(district) but during British rule; it was a part of Kathiawar.

Morvi was established around 1688 by Kanyoji when the King of Bhuj Ravaji was murdered. British titled it as a British Protectorate in 1807 under the Bombay Presidency. The rulers of this state belong to Jadeja dynasty of Rajputs. They bore the title of Thakur Sahib until 1926; after which the higher title Maharaja was added.

This state also issued postal stamps like the other feudatory states (in terms of Postal service). The above-shown image depicts a postal stamp issued by Morvi state. The stamp contains the portrait of its Maharaja.

This princely state ceased to exist on 15th August 1947 and became a part of the Indian union. Today it is a part of Gujarat state.

To know more about Princely states click here.