The Feudatory State of Morvi

Morvi was a princely state in the Kathiawar region of present-day Gujarat. It was one of the seven smaller princely states ruled nominally by the Jadeja clan, under the suzerainty of the Marathas or the British.

Early History

The Morvi state was established around the mid-17th century by Thakur Kayanji, a member of the Jadeja Rajput clan known for their influence in the Saurashtra and Kutch regions. The Jadeja Rajputs were descendants of the Samma Rajputs of Sindh, and many of their rulers claimed descent from Lord Krishna of Dwarka. Morvi emerged as a significant state due to its strategic location near the Gulf of Kutch and its fertile lands.

The British Raj

In 1807, Morvi became a princely state under British suzerainty, aligning with the British East India Company to ensure protection and stability amidst regional conflicts. The state’s rulers adopted the title of Thakur Sahib, a style of address common among Rajput rulers. The state came to be known as one of the progressive ones under its rulers who understood the importance of modernization. Important irrigation projects and Railways were established during this period.

Independent India

In 1948, Thakur Sahib Maharaja Lakhdirji Waghji acceded to India, and Morvi became part of Saurashtra State, which later merged into the state of Gujarat in 1960.

Stamps of Morvi

Morvi issued its first postal stamps in 1931, during the reign of Thakur Sahib Maharaja Lakhdirji Waghji. A total of 19 postal stamps were issued, carrying the portrait of the Maharaja in two designs, with two different portraits but the same frame.

The design had MORVI STATE POSTAGE inscribed in English at the top and Gujarati at the bottom. The sides contained denominations in English and Gujarati. The royal portrait was placed inside an oval frame with an elaborate pattern. The stamps were typographed, perforated and gummed.