Princely State of Dholarva

The Princely State of Dholarva was one of the erstwhile princely states of India during the rule of the British Empire in India. During the early 19th century, the region was appointed as one of the princely states of India under the indirect rule of the British administration. The region was scattered over a total area of 4 sq miles and is a part of the Indian state of Gujarat. The region comprised of a total population of 400 in the year 1931. The taluka of Derdi Janbai was located in the Lakhapadar Thana. The territory consisted of a single village. Dholarva state was surrounded by the princely state of Amreli in the east, north and southeast; by the state of Dahida in the southwest and by the princely state of Dhasa in the west. The erstwhile princely state of Dholarva 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 included as a part of the Western 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 region of Dhasa, which belonged to the state of Rai Sankli. The thana also exercised jurisdiction over Bhayavadar, belonging to Kotda Pitha.

The native ruler of the princely state of Dholarva, who held the title of Talukdar, was a Vala Kathi. The native state was a non- jurisdictionary state. The Talukdar of Dholarva took charge of the administration of the state and supervised the internal affairs. The Political agent, also known as Resident of British India, managed the association of the state with the British government and other native states. Dholarva state paid annual tribute to the princely state of Junagadh and the princely state of Baroda. Under the Attachment Scheme of 1943, the princely state of Dholarva was attached to the princely state of Baroda.

After the withdrawal of the British administration and the partition of India on 15th August 1947, the princely state was acceded to the newly formed Union of India, which was also known as the Dominion of India.