Princely State of Satlasna

The Princely State of Satlasna, also known as Mahavad state, was assigned as one of the former princely states of India during the early 19th century. Like all other princely states of that time, the territory was under the indirect control of the British Empire in India. The erstwhile native state was scattered over a total area of 50 miles and had a total population of 5,657 in the year 1931. The taluka of Satlasna was situated in the Sadra Division and consisted of around 19 villages. The princely state of Satlasna was bordered by the Princely State of Danta in the north. The Princely State of Idar bordered in the east and various other estates and talukas of Gadhwada Thana formed the southern and western margins of the State of Satlasna.

The native ruler of the princely state of Satlasna held the title of Thakor. The ruling family of the state was Kolis who claimed to be descendants of the Chauhan Rajputs. In 1459. The ruling family that came and settled in the state of Satlasna was Chauhan Gadhias. The Gadhia Chauhan Rajputs, offshoots of the state of Satlasna, were also the ruling family of the Princely State of Timba. The Thakor ruler of the Satlasna State founded the jagirs of Umbri, Kothasna and Bhalusna for his sons in the year 1703. Later during the 18th Century, Satlasna faced many wars which even resulted in the loss of some parts of its territory. The native state lost almost one third of its Gadhwada holdings in the wars with Palanpur during this time.

The process of inheritance of the rule or administration was different in the state of Satlasna as compared to other states or empires of that time. It was a common practice that the first born or eldest child of the male primogeniture or ruler would inherit the entire state from one or both parents while other children of the same parents will be excluded from such administrative powers or duties. This was not followed in the succession of the throne or gadi of Satlasna state.

The native state was under the administrative control of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of the Western India States Agency. Later the territory was amalgamated with the Indian state of Gujarat. The princely state of Satlasna was also incorporated as a part of the Sabar Kantha Agency and the Sadra Division as well. Satlasna state was included in the Gadhwada Thana and was its headquarters. 

Until the class system was abolished in the year 1928, the Thakor of princely state of Satlasna was ranked as a Sixth Class state of Mahi Kantha chiefs. The territory was primarily a non jurisdictionary state and the Political Agent, also known as Resident of British India, supervised the relations of the native ruler and the state with the British administration and other Indian princely states. The native ruler of the state was not invested with jurisdictional authority which was exercised in the Thakor’s behalf by the Thandar of Gadhwada Thana. The native state paid annual tribute to the Princely State of Baroda and the Princely State of Idar. According to the Attachment Scheme of 1943, the princely state of Satlasna was attached to the Princely State of Baroda.

When India gained 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 Thakor of the princely state of Satlasna 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.

Satlasana is currently a town situated in Satlasna taluka within the Mehsana district of Gujarat, India. It forms part of the North Gujarat region and falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the Mehsana district, with the city of Mehsana serving as the district headquarters. The town lies approximately 72 kilometers north of Mehsana.  The local economy is primarily driven by the dairy and oil industries, which play a significant role in sustaining livelihoods in the area. Satlasana taluka encompasses a network of more than 60 towns and villages, contributing to its regional significance.