Rise and Glory History of Halari Visa Oshwals

Author(s): Rati Dodhia
Publisher: Rati Dodhia

Page 86

Chapter 13. The Rulers of Navanagar State
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13. Jam Tamachi the Second (V.S. 1781-1799): Ruled for eighteen years.
14. Jam Lakhaji the Third (V.S. 1799-1824): He was married to Princess Dipala of Halavad. In the dowry along with jewelry he also received three Khavas brothers Mehraman (Meru), Ajani and Nanji as servants. The trio was cunning and took over power from the King.
To regain power the queen plotted to assassinate the trio. One night Meru Khavas was ordered to come to the royal palace. Meru Khavas instead of going himself sent his brother Nanji. The king's men assassinated Nanji. When Meru came to know about this he and his brother Ajani went to the palace. In spite of its being heavily guarded they were able to gain entry into the palace. They attacked and killed many soldiers and escaped. Jam Lakhaji died in 1824 due to smallpox.
15. Jam Jashaji the Second (V.S. 1824-1870): Amarji, Prime Minister of Junagadh, Hakem (provincial governor) Takhi Singh of Bhavnagar, Gohel Thakore (Rajput chief) of Kumbhaji and commander (jamadar) Fateh Mohammed of Cutchh were all his contemporaries.
Rao Godaji the ruler of Cutchh with his army marched towards Jamnagar with the intention of attacking it. When the news reached Jam Jashaji, he marched with his army to defend it and reached Fort Balambha. He took over the fort. When Rao Godaji heard this he retreated and returned to Cutchh.
In 1869 there was a great famine in Saurastra. Jam Jashaji opened centers in various areas and distributed free food to the needy.
During his reign commander (jamadar) Fateh Mohammed of Cutchh attacked Jamnagar six times and was defeated every time.