The Jhala dynasty of Jhalawar holds a special place in the history of Rajasthan, as Jhalawar is known as the last princely state of Rajasthan. Prominent rulers of this dynasty included Jhala Madan Singh (Rajrana) (1838–1845), Rajrana Prithvi Singh (1845–1875), Rajrana Jalim Singh II (1875–1896), Rajrana Bhawani Singh (1899–1929), Rajrana Rajendra Singh (1929–1943), and Rajrana Harishchandra (1943–1948). These rulers made significant contributions to administration, judicial system, and regional development.
The Jhala Dynasty of Jhalawar
Jhalawar (The last princely state of Rajasthan)
Capital –
- The capital was Jhalrapatan, which is called the “City of Bells”.
- Jhalrapatan is situated on the banks of the Chandrabhaga river.
- Establishment (1831 AD) – A new princely state was established by the ruler of Kota, Ram Singh II, combining 17/19 parganas.
- In April 1838, this princely state was recognized by the British.
- A treaty was made between Jhalawar and the British.
- Terms of the treaty –
- Jhala Madan Singh was accepted as the first ruler (Rajarana).
- It was made mandatory to pay 80,000 rupees annually to the East India Company.
- The ruler was granted the title of “Rajrana”.
Jhala Madan Singh (Rajrana) (1838–1845)
- He was the grandson of Zalim Singh.
- He became the first ruler of Jhalawar.
Rajrana Prithvi Singh (1845–1875) –
- He was a pro-British ruler during the 1857 revolt.
- In 1862, he was granted the right of adoption.
- In 1866, free land was provided for the construction of the railway line.
Rajrana Zalim Singh II (1875–1896) –
- In 1881, he entered into a “Salt Agreement” with the British government.
- Salt production was banned in the state.
- This led to disagreements with the British.
- In 1896, he was removed from the throne.
- On January 1, 1899, 15 parganas of Jhalawar were returned to Kota, and the state’s territory was reduced.
Rajrana Bhawani Singh (1899–1929) –
- The circulation of the British Kaladar coin was initiated in 1901 AD.”
- Provided free land for the construction of the Nagda-Mathura railway line.
- Participated in the Delhi Durbar in 1911.
- Dedicated the account of his European travels to the British Empire.
Rajrana Rajendra Singh (1929–1943)
- Educated at Mayo College and Oxford.
- Attended the Round Table Conference in 1930 as an observer.
- He was an active member of the Narendra Mandal (1921).
- He supported the British during World War II.
- He wrote poems under the pseudonym “Sudharak” (Reformer).
- He granted permission for Harijans to enter state temples.
- He had the “Kashtha Prasad” (Wooden Palace) built in Jhalawar.
Rajrana Harishchandra (1943–1948) –
- He was the last ruler of Jhalawar.
- He supported the Praja Mandal movement.
- In October 1947, the responsible government scheme was implemented.
- He himself assumed the post of Prime Minister.
- Mangilal Bhavya and Kanhaiyalal were appointed as ministers.
- Princely states established by the British
- Dholpur
- Tonk
- Jhalawar (last)
Note – Shahpura princely state (1631 AD)
- Emperor Shah Jahan made Sujan Singh the Independent ruler of Shahpura.
- A new princely state was established by dividing the Mewar state.
- At that time, the ruler of Mewar was Rana Jagat Singh II.
- This was the smallest princely state in Rajasthan.
- Sujan Singh was the grandson of Rana Amar Singh.
- He was a feudal lord of the Phulia pargana.
