Home > Indian History > History of India > Princely States of Sawantwadi
Princely States of Sawantwadi
Princely State of Sawantwadi was appointed as a 9 gun salute state. The Sawantwadi state was divided into 3 parts namely Banda, Kudal and Wadi.

Share this Article:

The Princely State of Sawantwadi was one of the prominent states under the indirect control of the British Government of India. Sawantwadi was the initial capital of the former Kingdom of Sawantwadi during the rule of the British Empire in India. The Bhonsale dynasty was the ruling family of the state. In the year 1947, the territory was merged with the newly formed Republic of India, also known as the Union of India. Until the 18th Century, the state of Sawantwadi incorporated a key portion of the present district of North Goa, which included Pedne, Sattari and Bicholim, and the present Vengurla and Kudal from district of Sindhudurg. The regions of Pedne, Sattari and Bicholim were later occupied by the Portuguese as a part of their New Conquest between 1765 and 1788 and unified with their Old Conquest to form the modern day Goa.

The princely state of Sawantwadi was a compact region that was uninterrupted by the tracts of other British districts or Indian princely states. The region occupied the southern part of the territory called the Konkan. Sawantwadi state is bounded by the Indian Ocean in the west; by the British district of Ratnagiri in the north; by Kolhapur in the northeast; by the British district of Belgaum in southeast; by the Portuguese Goa in the south. After the British administration took charge of the princely state of Sawantwadi, the province has witnessed a number of disturbances and rebellions. Sawantwadi state was under the Deccan States Agency and Kolhapur Residency.

The Sawant Bhonsale dynasty had been hereditary deshmukhs of Wari (near Goa). In the year 1707, the Sawant clan established their full dominion with the support of Shahuji, the successor of Shivaji. Later in 1819, the region came under the protection of the British as the state was severely affected by piracy during the reign of Khem Sawant III. The entire sea coast was ceded to Britain. Sawantwadi state was under the control and administration of the British during the first half of the 19th century. The ruler of the princely state held the title Raja Sar Desai. The native ruler of the state had autonomous power to administer the internal issues of the state. But they maintained pleasant association with the British as they received protection and security in return.

The state was appointed as a 9 gun salute state and the courts of the state implemented full civil and criminal jurisdiction. The native ruler exercised final and absolute control over the administrative functions of the state. The Raja of Sawantwadi state was an original member of the Chamber of Princes in his own right.

The princely state of Sawantwadi was divided into 3 parts for administrative purposes, namely Banda, Kudal and Wadi. The local tender was replaced by the British currency in the year 1839.


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.