Jhala

Jhala is a Rajput clan belonging to the Suryavanshi lineage, primarily found in the Indian states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Their collateral branch is the Rana sub-branch of Jhala. The Jhalas claim descent from Harpaldev and Shaktidevi. Harpaldev had nineteen sons, one of whom was Manguji (Limbdi), whose son was Karansinhji (Samla).

History of Jhalas

The Jhalas once ruled a region of Gujarat, which was named Jhalawar in their honor. Several princely states were ruled by the Jhala dynasty, such as Dhrangadhra, which was a 13-gun salute state in the 1920s. Other regions under their control included the 11-gun state of Wankaner, and the 9-gun states of Limbdi and Wadhwan. They also governed non-salute states like Lakhtar, Sayla, and Chuda.

In the 12th century, a war broke out between Maharaja Kesar Dev Makwana of Kirtigarh and the Emperor of Sindh, Hamir Sumra. Only Prince Kesardevji and Harpaldevji survived the conflict. The Makwanas ultimately lost the war, and Prince Harpaldev decided to hide in the forest. During his time in the jungle, he learned various arts and black magic from rishis (sages) living there. Determined to reclaim his kingdom, he traveled to Anhilpur Patan (now in Gujarat) and stayed at the residence of his relative, Karnadev Solanki.

Harpaldev's exceptional skills in archery and swordsmanship earned him a place in the Raj Darbar (royal court) of Anhilpur Patan. At that time, the king of the state, Karnadev, was concerned about a rebellious leader named Babaro Bhut. To test Harpaldev's bravery, Karnadev sent him to defeat Babaro.

Harpaldev succeeded in defeating Babaro, and through his wisdom and intellect, managed to make peace with him. As a result, Babaro and his followers helped rebuild the fort of Patan. As a reward for his efforts, Karnadev gave Harpaldev several villages near Patadi. Harpaldev later married Shakti, the daughter of Karnadev Solanki, who had assisted him during his early struggles. Shakti is now considered the mother goddess of the Jhalas.