Dhrol.
THIS State is situated about 24 miles to, the north-east of Nawangar. It was founded by Hardholji, the brother of Jam Rawal. Both the brothers were on hostile terms with Jam Hamirji of Cutch. They migrated to Sorath, the northern portion of Kathiawar, fought with Dedo Tamachi of Amaran and conquered a large part of the surrounding territory. Hardholji proceeded onwards with his followers and took possession of Dhrol together with 140 villages from Dhamal Chawada, who reigned there. This occurred about the year 1538 A.D.
Hardholji died at the hands of an assasin, named Karasan Jambucho, in the year 1550 A.D. and was succeeded by Jasoji, the eldest of his eight sons. Jasoji was very inflammable and warlike. He even fought with his uncle, the Raja of Halawad, on a very ordinary pretext. -, He fell in the fight and was succeeded by Bamnioji. The successors of Bamnioji appear to have been brave warriors and always on friendly terms with the Jam of Nawanagar.
Till the advent of the British into Kathiawar, there was constant warfare between the different chiefs of the Peninsula, and those of Dhrol had their share of unrest. In the time of Modhaji about the beginning of the nineteenth century, Jamadar Fatteh Mahammad, the Vazir of Cutch, invaded Nawanagar and on his return journey placed an officer of his own at Dhrol. Modhaji expelled this officer and ruled independently. Thakor Modhaji was succeeded by Bhupat Singhji, during whose time the settlement of tribute payable to the Gaekwar by the Dhrol State was settled by Col. Walker, the Resident of Baroda.
Bhupat Singhji died in 1845 A.D. and was succeeded by his elder son, Jai Singh, who ruled successfully till 1886 A.D. Himself a good scholar, he always patronised men of* letters. He was a kind-hearted and considerate ruler.
Although there was a misunderstanding between the chief of Dhrol and the Jam of Nawanagar at one time, yet, Jam Shri Vibhaji, who was looked upon as their head by the Jadeja Rajputs of Kathiawar, and who was a generous prince, was on very friendly terms with Jai Singh of Dhrol.
Hari Singhji, the present Thakor Saheb of Dhrol, has received a sound education at the Rajkumar College and has been a kind-hearted and generous ruler.' In 1890 A.D. he received a sanad from the Paramount Power guaranteeing him the right of adoption.
Dhrol ranks as a second class State in Kathiawar. Its area is 283 square miles, of which only 72 square miles are under cultivation. The population according to the census of 1901 A.D. is 21,907. The gross estimated revenue of the State on an average is about Rs. 1,25,000. The Chief pays a tribute of Rs. 10,231 jointly to the Gaekwar of Baroda and the Nawab of Junagarh.
The Thakor Saheb of Dhrol has power of life and death over his own subjects and is entitled to a salute of 9 guns.
