Princely State of Bhadli

The Princely State of Bhadli was a former native state that was under the indirect rule of the British Empire in India. During the early 19th century, the region was appointed as one of the princely states of India that was administered by a native ruler. The region covered a total area of 15 sq miles and is presently a part of the Indian state of Gujarat. The region comprised of a total population of 2,437 in the year 1931. The erstwhile princely state of Bhadli 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 a part of the Western Kathiawar Agency and Babra Thana as well.

The taluka of Bhadli was located in the Babra Thana region. It included around 13 villages, which was located in the south and central Kathiawar. The state of Bhadli was bounded by the princely state of Bhavnagar in the east; by a remote block of Nawanagar territory in the south; by Itaria in the southwest; by the princely state of Jasdan in the northwest and north; and by the princely state of Kariana in the northwest.

Babra Thana covered a total area of 298 sq miles and comprised of a total population of 21,406 in the year 1931. The region included around 13 estates and almost all of the estates were held by Khachar Kathi and Vala shareholders, including talukdars and bhagdars. The territory also included the villages of Vavdi, situated 6 miles towards the southwest of Babra, and Kotda Pitha, which belonged to the 3 Bhoka Jaitani talukas and Kotda Pitha respectively. Babra Thana was generally bordered by the princely state of Jasdan in the north; by the princely state of Bhavnagar in the east; by the estate of Jetpur in the south; and by the princely state of Gondal in the west.

History of Princely State of Bhadli
The Princely State of Bhadli was initially ruled by the Sarvaiya Rajputs, the Bhayads of the Chudasama rulers of Junagadh. The princely state of Bhadli was claimed by several princes, who were formally addressed as shareholders. There are 10 such shareholders, including bhagdars and talukdars, in the state. The shareholders of Bhadli were Khachar Kathis who seized the region from the Sarvaiya Rajputs during the 18th century. The estate holders of the Babra Thana were well learned and educated and were aware of the political scenario in the nation. Almost all of the shareholders possessed substantial financial resources which improved their status amongst the native rulers of other states.

Bhadli state was a non- jurisdictionary princely state and it paid an annual tribute to the princely state of Baroda. According to the Attachment Scheme of 1943, the princely state of Noghavandar was attached to the princely state of Baroda.

The Princely State of Bhadli was acceded to the newly formed Union of India after the nation was divided into the Dominion of India and Pakistan, after the Indian independence in the year 1947. Later the territory was merged with the modern state of Gujarat, India.