The Princely State of Mengani, also known as Mengni, was one of the former princely states of India that were administered by native rulers or Indian princes under the indirect control of the British Government of India. The territory covered a total area of 34.5 sq miles and comprised of a total population of 3,644 according to the census of 1931. The erstwhile princely state of Mengani included 3 villages in a constricted territory that were located in west central Kathiawar. After the independence of India in the year 1947, the native state was acceded to the newly formed Union of India, also known as the Dominion of India.
History of Princely State of Mengani
The native ruler of the princely state of Mengani or Mengni held the title of Thakor. The ruling family of the state was Jadeja Rajputs. The erstwhile princely state was founded by Nathuji, who was a grandson of the founder of the princely state of Gondal, during the middle of the 18th century. The last native ruler of Mengani state was the 8th of his line. 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, was followed in the succession of the throne or gadi of Mengani state.
Administration of Princely State of Mengani
The native state was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency. Later the territory was merged with the state of Gujarat. The region was also a part of the Western Kathiawar Agency. The native ruler of Mengani state exercised limited jurisdictional authority. Mengan issued cash coupons in lieu of regular coinage during the Second World War in order to meet the shortage of British Indian colonial coinage. The Princely State of Mengani paid annual tribute to the princely state of Junagadh through the princely state of Gondal. The territory of Mengani was attached to Gondal state under the Attachment Scheme of 1943.
Accession of Princely State of Mengani
The last native ruler of the princely state of Mengani acceded the territory to the newly independent Union of India after the political withdrawal of the British Government of India from the country on 15th August 1947. After the country was divided between India and Pakistan, the native rulers of the states were given the choice of acceding to either the Union of India or the Dominion of Pakistan. The Thakor of Mengani state decided to merge with the Republic of India. At present, the region is incorporated as a part of the Indian state in Gujarat state.
