Savantvadi State, also spelt Sawantwadi ruled by the Sawant Bhonsale dynasty was one of the non-salute Maratha princely states during the British Raj. It was the only state belonging to the Kolaba Agency under the Bombay Presidency, which became later part of the Deccan States Agency. Its capital was at Sawantwadi, in the present-day Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra.
Sawantvadi State measured 438 square kilometers in area. According to the 1931 census, the population was 250,589. The official language of the inhabitants of the state was Marathi while the local language is Malvani
History
Sawantwadi state was founded in 1627 by Khem Sawant I, later becoming a vassal state of the Sultanate of Bijapur. Khem Sawant II made Sundarwadi his capital which later got the name of Sawantwadi as the rulers were known as Sawants.
The Sawant dynasty, the head of the Sawantwadi State, arrived in the province in the 16th century. This dynasty ruled over South Konkan for a long time. Their career is full of bravery.
These families are considered to be the kings of the Sun dynasty.
Mang Sawant of this family was the first to come here in South Konkan. He is considered to be the progenitor of the Sawantwadi dynasty. He came to this province with the army of King of Vijayanagar.
Initially, he was stationed
at Gandharvagad in Chandgad taluka for some time. Therefore, he was also known as Chandgudhadhipati. After coming to Konkan, he first established his stronghold at Hodawade (Tal. Vengurle). He defeated the local chiefs who had influence in the area at that time. His fame gradually spread in the province. In the previous part, the same Mang Sawant has been referred to as having a conflict with the Lord of Kudaldesha who dominates this part.
In 1580, Mang Sawant and Kudaldeshastha Prabhu's general Dev Dalvi jointly declared war on Kudal province. The purpose behind this was to establish the power of the Marathas. The lord of Kudal got help from the emperor of Bijapur. Mang Sawant was killed in a battle between the two armies at Hodawade. It had some fortified hills, such as Manohar and Mansantosh. On 7 April 1765 Savantvadi State became a British protectorate.
Sawantwadi acceded to the Dominion of India on 15 August 1947, becoming part of Bombay State in 1948.
Rulers
Mang Savant (1554) - He revolted from Bijapur, tried to establish himself as an independent chief in Hodavda village near Sawantwadi. He defeated the Bijapur troops sent against him and was independent till his death. Mang's successors again became feudatories of the Bijapur kings. Khem Savant I (1627 - 1640) - On the decline of Bijapur power, Phond Savant's son Khem Savant, who held part of the Vadi country in grant, jaghir, made himself independent. Som Savant (1640 - 1641) - Khem Savant was succeeded by his son Som Savant and ruled for only 18 months and later his brother, Lakham Savant succeeded him. Lakham Savant (1641 - 1665) - He, in a predatory incursion, made captive the Desai of Kudal, put him to death, and seized his lands. When Shivaji's power increased (1650), Lakham Savant offered him his allegiance. Shivaji made him Sar Desai of the whole south Konkan. He din't abide by the terms of the treaty (1659) and joined Bijapur Sultanate. In 1660, Shivaji sent one of his earliest followers, Baji Phasalkar. He fought a drawn battle with Lakham's commander Kay Savant. Both were slain in the battle. In 1662, Shivaji defeated Lakham. From political and family motives, for the Savants like himself belonged to the Bhonsla family, Shivaji reinstated Lakham. Phond Savant (1665 - 1675) - Lakham was succeeded by his brother Phond Savant.
Title Raja Sar Desai
1675 – Feb 1709 Khem Savant II Bhonsle (b. 16.. – d. 1709) - He helped Mughals against Shivaji and in return got more territory from them. Feb 1709 – 2 Jan 1738 Phond Savant II Bhonsle (b. 1667 – d. 1738) 2 Jan 1738 – 1755 Ramachandra Savant I Bhonsle (b. 1712 – d. 1755) 2 Jan 1738 – 1753 Jayram Sawant Bhonsle – Regent (d. 1753) 1755 – 1763 Khem Savant III Bhonsle (b. 1749 – d. 1803) 1755 – 1763 Soubhagyavati Janaki Bai Bhonsle (f) – Regent
Title Raja Bahadur
1763 – 6 Oct 1803 Khem Savant III (s.a.) - He received RajaBahadur Title from Delhi Badshah Shaha alam on recommendation of Jivbadada Kerkar & Mahadji Shinde.