Princely State of Likhi

The Princely State of Likhi was one of the renowned native states of India that was managed and supervised by a native prince under the guidance of the British authorities. The princely state was under the indirect control of the British Empire in India. The region covered a total area of 9 sq miles and comprised of a total population of 1,205 in the year 1941. The taluka of Likhi was much bigger and was one of the most populated native state during the end the 19th century. The territory was located in Nani Marwar, which was around 9 miles towards the northeast of Himatnagar, which was the capital of the princely state of Idar. The region was bordered by the territory of Bhaderdi (Bawishi Thana) in the north and by the princely state of Idar on the other 3 sides. The erstwhile princely state of Likhi was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of the Western India States Agency. Later the territory was merged with the state of Gujarat. The region was also a part of the Sabar Kantha Agency as well.

History of Princely State of Likhi
The native ruler of the princely state of Likhi held the title of Thakor. The Chauhan Kolis were the ruling family of Likhi state, who were descendants of Makwana Rajputs and were related to the Thakors of the princely state of Ilol. The succession of the throne or gadi of the native state was governed by the rule of male primogeniture, through which the first born or eldest child of the same parents inherited the entire estate of one or both parents, to the exclusion of all others. The native rulers of the state were in charge of supervision of the administration of the state; where as the Resident of British India, also known as the Political Agent, managed the associations of the state with the British Government and other states.

The princely state of Likhi exercised very limited civil and criminal jurisdiction. The native ruler of the state was ranked in the Sixth Class of Mahi Kantha talukas, before the class system was abolished in the year 1928. Likhi state did no pay any annual tribute to the princely state of Baroda or to any other native state. The taluka was mostly in a backward state. According to the Attachment Scheme of 1943, the princely state of Likhi was attached to the princely state of Idar.

The last native ruler of the princely state acceded the territory to the Dominion of India, also known as Union of India, after the country gained independence from the British supremacy on 15th August 1947. Later the region was incorporated as a part of the Indian state of Gujarat.