Rise and Glory History of Halari Visa Oshwals

Author(s): Rati Dodhia
Publisher: Rati Dodhia

Page 80

Chapter 12. Migration to Halar
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On the way to new land he camped near Vavania Harbor. He attacked and conquered the kingdom of Merana and killed the ruler Deda Shaka. He then conquered the kingdom of Dhamanpur located eighteen miles away and killed the ruler Hardhman of the Chavda dynasty. He changed the name of both kingdoms to Dhrol and appointed his brother Rao Hardholji as the new ruler. From there he marched onwards. On his way he conquered the kingdoms of Khilosh, Nagna Harbor and Bakota. There he established his new kingdom. He imported toolmakers and built a factory to manufacture guns capable of firing bullets to a considerable distance. These guns in time became famous as Jamnagari Guns.
After staying in Bakota for five years he decided to move. He marched westwards and conquered the village of Bed and land around it. Here he increased the number of cavalry in his army. He built a factory and manufactured canons, guns and explosives in large quantities, which he stored in a safe place.
In span of eleven years after leaving Cutchh, he conquered the kingdoms of Merana, Amaran, Dhamanpur, Khilosh, Nagna, Bakota and Bed. Jam Rawal named this new kingdom Halar from the name of one of his ancestor, Jam Halaji. As the kingdom had expanded he decided to look for a better place to build a new capital. He chose the village of Khambhalia as it was close to Bakota and Okha. He completely changed the look of the village. He built new houses, a royal assembly hall, and widened the streets and roads. And in Vikram Samvat 1585 after a religious fire ceremony he proclaimed and crowned himself as the ruler of Halar followed by grand celebration and splendor.
After he had settled down in his new capital city he issued standing orders for the army commanders to safeguard the boundaries of the Kingdom. Soldiers would go on regular patrols to make sure the borders were safe. During