The Princely State of Patdi, also known as Patri, was one of the notable native states that existed under the British Empire in India. During the early nineteenth century, it was recognized as a princely state and came under the indirect rule of the British administration. Although the state maintained a degree of internal autonomy, it remained politically subordinate to British authority, which oversaw external affairs and broader governance structures. Princely State of Patdi formed an important part of the princely state system that characterized colonial India.
Geographical Location and Boundaries
The former state of Patdi was situated in the northeastern part of Kathiawar, a historically significant region in present-day Gujarat. Today, Patdi lies approximately 90 kilometers west of Ahmedabad. During the princely era, the territory covered an area of about 165 square miles.
The state shared boundaries with several neighboring regions. Dasada bordered Patdi on the east, north, and northwest, while Bajana formed the southeastern boundary. To the southwest, the territory was bounded by the British enclave belonging to the Province of Bombay and a portion of the Jhinjhuvada province. These surrounding regions influenced the political and economic interactions of the princely state.
Demography and Present-Day Status
According to records from 1941, the Princely State of Patdi had a population of 20,346 people. This population was distributed across its villages and settlements within the 165 square miles of territory. The demographic structure reflected the typical rural composition of princely states in Kathiawar during that period.
In contemporary times, Patdi continues to exist as a town in the state of Gujarat. Its population remains close to 20,000, indicating that the settlement has maintained a relatively stable demographic size over the decades. While the political status of the region changed after India’s independence, the historical legacy of the princely state continues to be an important part of its identity.
Historical Background
Historically, Patdi functioned as an estate within the prant (administrative division) of Eastern Kathiawar. The rulers of the region belonged to the Kadva Patidar community. According to historical references, Mughal Emperor Jahangir granted the title of “Desai” to these Kadva Patidar rulers. This title recognized their administrative authority and social status in the region.
Patdi also had connections with the broader political landscape of the Kathiawar peninsula, particularly with the Jhalawar State. Over time, the estate developed into a princely state that maintained local governance while remaining integrated into the network of princely territories under British paramountcy.
Rulers of the Patdi State
The governance of Patdi was carried out by a succession of Desai Patel rulers. Early rulers included Bhamjibhai, Udekaramji, and Bhavsimhji, followed by Nathubhai, who ruled until 1796. Vakhatsimji Nathubhai governed the state from 1796 to 1809, after which Harisimhji assumed leadership.
Subsequent rulers included Arbhamji Harisimhji and Kubersimhji Vakhatsimhji. In 1848, Jorawarsimhji came to power and ruled until 1875. He was followed by Himmatshimji Jorawarsimhji from 1875 to 1884.
Surajmalji Jorawarsimhji ruled from 10 July 1884 until 5 August 1913. After him, Daulatsimhji Surajmalji governed the state from 1913 to 1928. Raghuvirsimhji Daulatsimhji ruled from 25 October 1928 until 2 January 1940. Naransimhji Chandrasimhji briefly ruled from 1940 until his death in 1941.
The final ruler of the princely state was Pratapsimhji Naransimhji, who governed from 17 December 1941 until 15 August 1947, when India gained independence and princely states were integrated into the Indian Union.
Legacy
Although the political structure of princely states ended
after independence, the historical significance of Patdi remains an important
part of Gujarat’s regional history. The state represents a chapter in the
complex administrative and cultural landscape of pre-independence India,
reflecting the interactions between local rulers, the Mughal Empire, and later
the British colonial administration.
