Jadeja

This article is about a historical clan. For the Indian cricketer, see Ravindra Jadeja.

A Jadeja Chief in Kutchi attire during the reign of Maharao Deshalji II, 1838.

The Jadeja is a Rajput clan who claim to be descended from the mythological Krishna and thus to belong to the Yaduvanshi Rajputs, who in turn form a part of the Chandravanshi (Lunar Dynasty).Jadejas are division of Great Samma dynasty.

A Jadeja dynasty ruled the princely state of Kutch between 1540 and 1948, at which time India became a republic. This state had been formed by king Khengarji I, who gathered under him twelve Jadeja noble landowning families, who were also related to him, as well as two noble families of the Waghela Rajput community. Khengarji and his successors retained the allegiance of these Bhayat (chieftains) until the mid-18th century.

Among other territories or princely states ruled by Jadeja Rajputs before independence of India, were Dhrol Gondal, Morvi, Nawanagar, Rajkot, and Virpur.

Although the British rulers found the tradition distasteful, the Jadeja's high social status and the rigid caste system that forbade intermarriage with lower social groups contributed to the community's tradition of female infanticide because it was difficult and costly to arrange suitable marriages for female offspring, with substantial dowries often being required. The practice continues to some degree today, although where modern facilities are available it may take the form of female foeticide.

Notable people

• K. S. Ranjitsinhji, cricketer, Anglophile and appointed — rather than ancestral — ruler of Nawanagar between 1907 and 1933 after whom Ranji Trophy is named
• Kumar Shri Duleepsinhji, nephew of K. S. Ranjitsnhji, noted cricketer, later served as High Commissioner of India in several countries. after whom Duleep Trophy is named.
• Himmatsinhji M. K., a noted ornithologist, politician hailing from ruling family of Cutch.
• General Maharaj Shri Rajendrasinhji - the first Chief of Army Staff of the Indian army and later Commander-in-Chief of the Indian armed forces and head the Indian Army - hailing from the ruling family of the Nawanagar State.
• Ajay Jadeja, Cricketer and Actor.
• Ravindra Jadeja, Cricketer.

External links

• Media related to at Wikimedia Commons