The Princely State of Padargarh, also known as Padargadh state, was amongst the well known erstwhile princely states of India during the rule of the British Empire in India. During the early 19th century, the region was assigned as one of the princely states of India under the indirect rule of the British administration. The taluka was located in the Lakhapadar Thana and the territory consisted of only a single village. The Padargarh was bordered by the district of Barodan in the princely state of Amreli in the north and the south, by the territory of Halaria in the east; and by the former native state of Bagasra, which also included Khari, Hadala, Natwarnagar in the west.
History of Princely State of Padargarh
The native ruler of the territory held the title of Talukdar and was Hindu by religion. The Nawab of the princely state of Junagadh initially held shares in several of the villages of Datha state. Later Junagadh state ceded its shares in the several villages in return for full possession of the taluka of Padargarh.
Administration of Princely State of Padargarh
The erstwhile princely state of Padargarh was under the administrative control of the Baroda Agency, which was incorporated as a part of the Western India States Agency. Later the territory was merged with the state of Gujarat. The state was also included as a part of the Eastern Kathiawar Agency and the Lakhapadar Thana as well. The Lakhapadar Thana, which covered a total area of 111 sq miles and comprised of a population of 13,155 in the year 1931, was located in southeastern Kathiawar region. Most of the 21 estates, which included 247 bhagdars and 41 talukdars in 1940, were bounded by the Amreli Division of Baroda. Some of the estates were also bordered by the talukas of Vala Kathi and the princely state of Junagadh. Lakhapadar thana also implemented jurisdiction over the princely state of Dhasa that belonged to the state of Rai Sankli. It also exercised jurisdiction over Bhayavadar which belonged to the territory of Kotda Pitha for more than 60 years.
The Princely State of Padargarh was owned by the Nawab of Junagadh state. The thandar of Chok Thana exercised jurisdiction over the territory. The Resident of British India, also known as Political Agents of the British East India Company, managed the associations of the estate with the British administration and other princely states of India. According to the Attachment Scheme of 1943, the princely state of Padargarh was attached to the princely state of Baroda.
Accession of Princely State of Padargarh
After the country achieved independence from the political withdrawal of the British Government of India on 15th August 1947, the nation was divided between India and Pakistan. The native rulers of the princely states of India were given the option of acceding to either the Union of India or the Dominion of Pakistan. The last native ruler of the princely state of Padargarh decided to accede his state to the newly formed Union of India. At present, the region is incorporated as a part of the Indian state in Gujarat state.
