Gwalior State
Jat kingdom established in 1505, known for its resistance against Marathas.
Gohad State or Kingdom of Gohad was a kingdom in India. It was established by King Singhadev I in 1505. The royal clan of Gohad traces its origin to Haryana's adjacent-twin villages of Bhadani-Dulehra, 8 km east of present-day Jhajjar. From there, the Bamrolia chiefs migrated to Agra. Later in the 12th century, their first raja, Rana Jai Singh Deshwal, conquered territories in Bairat (60 southwest of Alwar). The state's formation happened in the time period of the Tomar dynasty of Gwalior. The Jats settled the town of Gohad and nearby forts and garhis (fortresses) in the 16th century.
- Founded
- Early 18th century
- Founder
- Ranoji Sindhia
- Area
- 64,856 km²
- Population (1940)
- 4,006,159
- Capital
- Gwalior (later Lashkar)
- Dynasty
- House of Scindia (Shinde)
- Salute
- 21-gun salute
Lore & Background
The most renowned ruler was Maharaja Bhim Singh Rana (Deshwal) who established the Jat rule over the trans-Chambal region and historic Gwalior fort. During his reign, the revenue of the kingdom was 56 lakhs and Bhim Singh Rana (Deshwal) had control on 56 mahals or small parganas. The most successful ruler of Gohad is meant to be Maharaja Chhatar Singh Rana (Deshwal) also known as Rana Lokendra Singh. He repulsed Maratha raids on Gohad and other Jat forts many times. He even defeated Peshwa Raghunath Rao. An attack on Gohad city was made by Faujdar Melsarao Appa of Bhilsa and Amba Ingle in 1778; the Maratha army was defeated by Jats under Maharaja Chhatar Singh. Later, in the same year, Maharaja Chhatar Singh Rana (Deshwal) invaded Lahar state of Kachwaha Rajputs. He defeated them and added Lahar and adjacent territories to his kingdom with the help of Capt. Popham.
Reader's Guide
Maharaja Chhatar Singh Deshwal handed over the administration of Gwalior fort to his younger queen. Later, jealous of the success of the Jat Raja, Mahadaji Sindhia planned an attack to conquer Gwalior. In 1782, he besieged Gwalior with the help of the East India Company and bribed one of Maharani's trusted guards to desert from the Jat Raja along with 2000 troops. Seeing no scope of victory, Maharani committed Jauhar on 27 February 1783 and the Marathas occupied the fort. The place is still renowned as Jauhar-kund in Gwalior Fort. It is noted that after the siege the Jats returned to their native villages in Haryana. Later on, in order to create a buffer between the Kingdom of Bharatpur and the Marathas, who often allied against them, the British supported the Jats led by Rana Kirat Singh. Jats helped the British to reclaim the Gohad region from the Scindias. As part of an agreement, Rana Kirat Singh was given control of Dholpur, while the British took over Gohad. Thus, Dholpur State was formed, and Rana Kirat Singh declared its ruler in 1805.
Did You Know?
- Gohad State was established by King Singhadev I in 1505.
- The royal clan of Gohad traces its origin to the twin villages of Bhadani-Dulehra, 8 km east of present-day Jhajjar in Haryana.
- Maharaja Bhim Singh Rana (Deshwal) had control over 56 mahals or small parganas, with a revenue of 56 lakhs.
- Maharaja Chhatar Singh Rana (Deshwal) defeated Peshwa Raghunath Rao and repulsed Maratha raids on Gohad.
- The Gohad Fort, built by Bamrolia Jat ruler Rana Singh Dev in the 16th century, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gwalior State?
Gwalior State was a Maratha princely state in Central India governed by the Hindu House of Scindia (Shinde) from the early 1700s through the British colonial era. It held the title of the largest state in the Central India Agency and was granted a 21-gun salute, marking its seniority among Indian princely states.
What role did Gwalior State play in early modern state formation?
Gwalior functioned as the dominant political and military power across Central India, first as a pillar of the Maratha Confederacy and later as a semi-autonomous entity under British suzerainty. Under Mahadji Sindhia (1761–1794) it projected influence far beyond its borders, shaping regional diplomacy and warfare.
How does Gwalior State's story end?
The Anglo-Maratha Wars curtailed Gwalior's independent military power, reducing it to a British-protected princely state. After Indian independence in 1947, the Scindia dynasty acceded to the Republic of India, ending the state's separate dynastic existence.
Why is Gwalior State important?
Spanning roughly 64,856 km² with a 1940 population of over four million, it was the single largest political entity in Central India. Its strategically vital Gwalior Fort and the long tenure of the Scindia dynasty made the state a central actor in both Maratha and colonial-era power structures.
Who founded Gwalior State and when?
Ranoji Sindhia established the territory in the early 18th century as a component of the broader Maratha Confederacy. The House of Scindia (Shinde) then maintained continuous dynastic rule over the state for more than two centuries, making it one of the longest-lasting princely lines in Indian history.
More in Early Modern State Formation And Dynasties 1-20
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