Radhanpur.
RADHANPUR, now held by a branch of the Babi family, which has always been prominent in the annals of Gujrath, since the time of Emperor Humayun. is said to have once belonged to Vaghelas, and to have been called Lunawada after Vaghela Lunaji of the Sardhara branch of that tribe. Subsequently it was held as a fief under the Sultans of Gujrath by Fatteh Khan Baloch. and is said to have been named Radhanpur after Radhan Khan, a member of that family.
The first Babi, who entered Hindustan in company of Humayun, was Bahadur Khan. He was appointed Fouzadr of Tharad in the reign of Shah Jahan; and his son, Sher Khan Babi, on account of his local knowledge, was sent to aid prince Murad Buksh in the management of Gujrath. In 1693 A.D. his son, Jafar Khan, by his ability and local influence obtained the Fouzdan of Radhanpur, Sawi, Mujpur and Terwada, with the title of 'Safdar Khan'. In 1704 A.D. he was made governor of Bijapur (in Gujrath) and in 1706 A.D. of Patan. His son, Khan Jahan, also styled Khanji Khan, received the title of 'Jawan Marda Khan', and was appointed governor of Radhanpur, Patan, Vadnagar, Visanagar, Bijapur, Kheralu, etc. His son, KamaUud-Din Khan, again usurped the governorship of Ahmedabad after the death of Aurangzeb, during the incursions of the Mahrattas, and the subsequent collapse of the Imperial power. During his rule, one branch of the family was able to establish itself at Junagarh and another at Balasinor.
In 1813 A.D. Radhanpur, through Captain Carnac, the then Resident at Baroda, concluded an engagement with the Gaekwar, whereby the latter, under the advice of the British authorities, was empowered to control the external relations of Radhanpur and assist in defending it from foreign invasions. In 1820 A.D. Major Miles negotiated an agreement with Sher Khan, Nawab of Radhanpur, who bound himself not to harbour outlaws or the enemies of the British Government, to accompany the British troops with all his forces and to pay a tribute, which was, however, remitted in 1825 A.D. and has never again been imposed.
Nawab Sher Khan died in 1825 A»D. and was succeeded by his son, Joravar Khan, who successfully ruled over the State for nearly 50 years. He was a staunch friend of the British and was granted the sanad of adoption in 1862 A.D. He died in 1875 A.D. and was succeeded by his son, Nawab Bismilla Khan, who introduced many salutary reforms in the State in recognition of which he was presented with an Imperial Flag in 1877 A.D. He died in 1895 A.D. and was succeeded by his eldest son, Nawab Sher Khanji, who unfortunately died in 1909 A.D. while on his tour to Europe. His younger brother, Jalal-ud'Din Khan, was . installed on the gadi on the 27th November 1910 A.D. when he was invested with full powers.
The total area of the State is 1,150 square miles with a population of 61,548 souls, and its gross revenue amounts to nearly four lacs of rupees.
The Nawab of Radhanpur is entitled to a salute of II guns.
