International Indexed & Referred Research Journal, April, 2012. ISSN- 0974-2832, RNI-RAJBIL 2009/29954; VoL.

IV * ISSUE-39

Research Paper - History

The Problem of Junagadh and Aarzi Hakumat

* Prof. Kanagara Vipul
* Govt. Arts College, Vasada So many problems were happened against India after getting her freedom. Among them unification of princely states was the biggest problem. Government of India created a new department named Department Pertaining to native states on 4 July, 1947 and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Home Minister of India was entrusted this new department. He was succeeded in getting sign on letter of unification within the very short time of forty days (5 July 1947 to 14 August 1947) with the help of his officers of his department Shri V.P.Menon and C.C.Desai. Only states like Kashmir, Hyderabad and Junagadh did not sign on the better of signification till 14th August, 1947 and made a page of history.The state of Junagadh was the biggest among 222 princely states of Saurashtra and possessing highest income also. Its 82% people were hindu. Its ruler was Nawab Mahabatkhan III of Babi family. He declared his decision to join with Pakistan under the misguidance of Shah navaz Bhutto on 15th August, 1947 and created a history1. A Muslim navab of vast Hindu majority state created a trouble tough situation declaring sudden and unexpected decision. A defense committee of three members Shri Jethalal Joshi, Shri Rasiklala Parekh and Rutubhai Adani was constituted in Rajkot on 25-8-1947. The committee declared boy cott against Junagadh state. A five members committee was constructed in Mumbai on 15-9-1947.2 Constuction of Aarzi Hakumat : In such tough situation a meeting of people was held in "Janmabhumi" daily office in junagadh on 23-9-1947. Shri Dhhebarbhai emphasized on giving fight after giving the picture of situation and constructing a parallel government. He proposed a proposal of constructing a parallel government. He proposed a proposal of constructing Aarzi Hakumat" before this meeting which was passed unanimously and suggested to place a programme creating a committee before this gathering of people of Junagadh.3 Gandhiji also spoke historical works in evening prayer : "How Pakistan can be made in Junagadh ? I can't understand.. Pakistan must go from Junagadh". In this way, blessings was given to these leaders by Gandhiji. Knowing positive response from Gandhiji, K.M.Munshi declared open a
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April , 2012 proclamation of freedom of people of Junagadh against the gathering of 30 thousand people in Mumbai on 25-9-1947 and a notification was issued regarding the establishment of Aarzi Hakumat.4 Shri Shamaldas Gandhi was appointal as a leader of Aarzi Hakumt. Ministry of Aarzi Hakumat came from Mumbai to Rajkot on the third day of its establishment i.e. on 28-9-1947. They started their victory by capturing 'Junagadh House' situated in Rajkot after the thirds day of their arrival. and started their work (office) from this house. They gathered volunteers in large strength and started military preparation. A three fold fighting was started - economic blockade, propagation as well as military against the Navab. An army which was constructed by Aarzi Hakumat for freedom of Junagadh was known as "Loksena" or "Mukti Foj". Approximately 4000 soldiers / warriors were constituted in this army. Shri Ratubhai Adani was the commander of this army. Against this, Nawab had defense force not more than 3000. Navab asked help from Pakistan. But Pakistan asked to pay expense in advance so this help was not received by Navab. Government of India did not recognize Aarz Hakumat not given any military help buy appointed Gurudayal Sinh as the head of defense to protect native states of Kathiawad and sent an army. The Muktisena captured Amrapar and 10 surrounding villages on Vijayadasmi, the 24th October, 1947. This success made serious effect on Navab and he ran away from keshod to karanchi by air declaring the reason of it health. The Loksena captured another 10 villages on the next day. Kashmir joined to Indian union on 20th October 1947. It affected adverse effect on Junagadh. Diwan Bhutto wrote government general of Pakistan that, "The effect of invasion ofAarzi Hakumat feels discourage to us".5 106 villages were captured by Loksena from Dussehra to Diwali. After not getting help from Pakistan Navab suggested Bhutto to act according to situation by telegram from Karanchi. Council of Junagadh gave authority to discuss against proper authority and frame policy of the state due to economic blockade, military movement and administrative difficulties.6 Diwan Bhutto decided to hand over Junagadh to Government of India instead of to Aarzi
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International Indexed & Referred Research Journal, April, 2012. ISSN- 0974-2832, RNI-RAJBIL 2009/29954; VoL. IV * ISSUE-39

Hakumat. The decision was informed to Shri Nilam Buch, the regional commission at Rajkot. Nilam Buch reached Rajkot on 9th November, 1947 with Indian army and took possession of Junagadh at 6.00 pm. In this way, Babi administration of 200 years on Junagadh ended on that day. Sardar Patel and ministry of Aarzi Hakumat came to Junagadh on the new year day. i.e. on 13th November 1947. In this way golden dawn of democracy rose in Junagadh on the new year day of Vikram Samvat 2004.

In this way Aarzi Hakumat of Junagadh was a successful experiment for regional freedom. It was an extraordinary movement started by the people of Junagadh, of the people of junagadh and for the freedom of Junagadh. It was a freedom-fighting of Junagadh. It was a well-organized movement and it was succeeded . It was such a movement which cannot be compared with freedom movement of India. It was a neo experiment to make the people free from the sway of autocratic kingship.

R E F E R E N C E
1. 2. 3. p. Jani, S.V., Saurashtranu Itihas, Ahmedabad, 2007, p. 557. Ibid, p. 559. Parekh Mugatlal, Junagadh tari Aganyotra, Mumbai, 1949, 24. 4. Junagadh Rajyani Prajanu Azadina Jahernamu, Rajdafatar, Gandhinagar, 1998, p. 81. 5. Ibid, p. 15. 6. Shukla, Jaykumar, Deshi Rajyonu Vilinikaran, Ahmedabad, 1989, p. 96.

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