The Princely State of Morvi was one of the well known 11 gun salute states of India that was administered by a native prince under the supervision of the British authorities. The princely state was under the indirect control of the British Empire in India. The territory was scattered over a total area of 822 sq miles in the year 1931, which was extended to 942 sq miles after the attaching of states in 1943. The region comprised of a total population of 141,761 in the year 1941. Later the population of the state rose to 154,215 after the attaching of states in 1943. The native state of Morvi included around 147 villages and was located in northwestern Kathiawar, which was situated on the banks of the Macchu river, towards south of the Rann. Morvi state also held some territory on the northern region of the Rann of Kutch.
History of Princely State of Morvi
The native ruler of the princely state of Morvi held the title of Thakor Saheb until the year 1926 and later the native princes held the title of Maharaja. The Jadeja Rajputs were the ruling family of the state and the rulers represented the senior branch of the dynasty. In the year 1675, Morvi state was granted as a fief to the son of the ruler of Kutch. After the death of Rao Radhayan I, his 3rd son Pragmal ascended to the royal throne. Eventually Kayan, the heir of his murdered second son, seized the fief of Morvi and Adhoi. Later the state was established as the independent state of Morvi.
Administration of Princely State of Morvi
The erstwhile princely state of Morvi 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 native was granted as one of the 11 gun salute states of India and was ranked 10th in order of precedence amongst the states of Western India, between the princely state of Radhanpur and the princely state of Gondal. The Maharaja of Morvi took charge of the administration of the state and was supported by a Dewan and a council. The courts of the native state exercised full civil and criminal jurisdiction. The princely state of Morvi paid annual tribute to the princely state of Baroda and the princely state of Junagadh.
According to the Attachment Scheme of 1943, the princely state of Morvi was attached to the princely state of Malia and the princely state of Kotda Nayani and the Hadala mahal of Vithalgadh. The total area of the territory was 120 sq miles and comprised of a total population of 12,454.
Accession of Princely State of Morvi
When the country achieved independence after 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 native Maharaja of the princely state of Morvi decided to accede his state to the newly formed Union of India. At present, the region is incorporated as a part of the modern Indian state in Gujarat state.
