Rise and Glory History of Halari Visa Oshwals

Author(s): Rati Dodhia
Publisher: Rati Dodhia

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Part III. Settlement in Halar
16. Jam Sataji the Second. (V.S. 1871-1876): After the death of Jam Jashaji his younger brother ascended to throne. His health was poor as he was addicted to opium. As he did not have any children, queen Achuba adopted Ranmalji son of Jasaji Jadeja of Bhanward (a cousin of king) and made him the crown prince.
Jasaji on his deathbed recommended Kamdar Jagjivan Devshi to be the chief Minister. Queen Achuba selected Motiram Shyamji Butch. As his selection was not accepted, he incited the Arabs living in Kandorna and Paddhany Forts to riot against the kingdom. There was disorder all over. The Queen asked the help of the king of Gaikwad who defeated the Arabs and forced them to leave the forts.
The Arabs went to Jodiya and took shelter under Jamindar (landlord) Sangram Singh, nephew of Meru Khavas. Queen Achuba was angry and seized all the lands (Jodiya, Balambha and others), which he was given during the time of Meru Khavas. Sangram Singh left Jodiya and took shelter with the king of Morbi. From there with the help of the king of Gaikwad and Sunderji Sodagar he opened negotiations. He was pardoned and given one village back but with the condition that he would be under the authority of the king.
17. Jam Ranmalji (V.S. 1876-1908): He succeeded to the throne at the age of 17 years. As he was young an administrator, Shri Hansraj Seth, nephew of Sunderji Sodagar, was appointed by British Government to run the kingdom for ten years with yearly payment of 1,730,000 Jamshahi Rupees. Jam Ranmalji was not happy with this arrangement. He dismissed Hansraj Seth, took over Jodiya and Balambha districts. Seeing such a bold step the British commanders Wilson and Blen kept quiet. In 1880 he attacked and took over the Balarab region. In 1885, he married princess Rajba, daughter of king Vajesinhji of Bhavnagar.