Devgadh Baria

Devgadh Baria is located on the bank of Panam River; a town built very articulately in princely style. It is part of Dahod district (formerly Panchmahal) in the state of Gujarat.

This town was established in the year 1782. Two sons of King Vatai Rawal escaped from this region when the famous King of Gujarat, Mohamad Beghado, tried to conquer Pavagadh. Older brother Prithiraj’s son Udaisinh established the town of Chhota Udaipur, whereas the younger brother Dungerpursinh established the famous town of Devagadh Baria. The family of Dungersinh ruled the Baria State for the twelve generations.

The state of Baria was always safe due to the unique geographical location. King of Baria never gave any monitory compensation to Moslems or Maratha rulers. Internal state affairs were performed independently, without any outside help. Baria State was divided into Sagtala, Rajgadh, Haveli, Dhanpur, Limkheda and Randhikpur. These regions were known as Mahals. Administrators and Thanedars were appointed for the smooth administration of each Mahals.

At the coronation ceremony in the year 1908, Ranjitsinhji was installed as a King. Highly educated and a person with brilliant career, he had joined the Imperial Cadet Core and was awarded the title of “Knight Commander of India”. Because of this prestigious title, he was popularly known as Sir Ranjitsinhji.

After the death of Sir Ranjitsinhji, his grandson, Jaydipsinhji (son of Youvraj Subhagsinhji) was established as a King, at the coronation ceremony in the year 1948. A few years after India gained independence from British rule, all the small kingdoms and kings were abolished and their authorities were taken away. In this transformation process, Baria was merged into Bombay State.

Shri Jaydipsinhji was a Rajyogi. He had donated most of his personal assets to various institutions for the common good of the people of Baria and surrounding areas. His own Rajmahal (King’s residential Palace) was donated to Gujarat Agricultural Institution. He established AdivasiResearch and Training institution, for uplifting of these poor people. Old Rajmahal was also dedicated to the Baria Higher Education Society. He started Yuvraj Subhagsinhji Arts College for the higher college education. An assports complex was started in the big open space of Sir Ranjitsinhji Gymkhana, for the enhancement of various sports events. Shri Jaydipsinhji was honorable country member of World Olympics.