The Princely State of Vekaria, also known as Vekria state, was amongst the well known 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 8 sq miles and comprised of a total population of 653 in the year 1931. The taluka of Vekaria was located in the Lakhapadar Thana. The territory consisted of only a single village located around 20 miles to the east southeast of Bilkha and almost 10 miles towards the south southwest of Bagasra. Vekaria state was bordered by the princely state of Monvel in the west; by the princely state of Kathrota in the northeast; by the princely state of Amreli in the north; and by a remote block of territory that belonged to the princely state of Junagadh in the south and east.
History of Princely State of Vekaria
The Vala Kathis were the ruling family of Vekaria state. The native ruler of the territory held the title of Talukdar and was Hindu by religion. The region was mainly a non jurisdictionary state and the native ruler supervised the administration of the state under the guidance of the Resident of British India, also known as Political Agents of the British East India Company. The state 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 Vekaria or Vekria was attached to the princely state of Baroda.
Administration of Princely State of Vekaria
The erstwhile princely state of Vekaria 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 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 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 princely state of Dhasa that belonged to the state of Rai Sankli. It also exercised jurisdiction over Bhayavadar which belonged to the territory of Kotda Pitha for more than 60 years.
Accession of Princely State of Vekaria
After the country achieved independence from 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 last native ruler of the princely state of Vekaria decided to accede his state to the newly formed Union of India. At present, the region is incorporated as a part of the Indian state in Gujarat state.