Home > Indian History > History of India > Kathiawar Agency
Kathiawar Agency
Kathiawar Agency was an erstwhile political unit of the British Empire in India which was situated in the Kathiawar peninsula in the western India.

Share this Article:

The Kathiawar Agency was a political office of the British Empire in India that dealt with a collection of around 200 princely states of India. These states were under the control of the Bombay Presidency of British India. The Agency was located in the Kathiawar peninsula in the western part of the Indian subcontinent. After the Indian independence and withdrawal of the British in the year 1947, most of the princely states acceded to the newly formed Union of India. These were later merged with the state of Bombay. The territory was later incorporated into the new state of Gujarat in the year 1960, after the Bombay state was divided into Maharashtra and Gujarat states.

There were a total of 193 princely states in the Kathiawar Agency that varied in importance and size. Among these, 14 states exercised independent jurisdiction and the rest of the states were under varying degrees of British control and administration. The first class included 8 princely states, namely Porbandar, Nawanagar, Morvi, Junagadh, Jafarabad, Gondal, Dhrangadhra and Bhavnagar. The Kathiawar Agency was spread over a total area of 54,080 sq km. According to the Census of India in 1901, the total population of the territory was 2,329,196. The Agency was managed by a Resident of British India, also known as political agent, who was appointed to the Governor General of the British India. The headquarters of the political agent was at Rajkot. The Rajkumar College was also located in Rajkot where the sons of the Indian Princes were educated. At Gondal, there was another educational institute for the chiefs of lower ranks.

The Kathiawar Agency developed and implemented an outstanding system of metre gauge railways that was established with the financial support of the major princely states within the territory. Maritime trade was also well developed in the Agency and the major ports were Veraval, Mangrol and Porbandar. The progressive activities of the territory received a setback due to the famine during the years 1899- 1900, which was extreme severe. As a result of the famine the population of the Indian princely states in the Kathiawar Agency decreased by 15 per cent.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.