Khengarji I

Khengarji I (1496-1585) was a Rajput warrior Jadeja clan, who was ruler of Morbi from 1538-1585 and later became ruler of Cutch State, assuming title of Rao of Cutch, ruling unified Cutch from 1548 to 1585.

Lifesketch

Early life

Khengarji I was son of Jam Hamirji of Lakhiarviro (Cutch), chief of eldest branch of Jadeja and descendant of Othaji, It is believed that Jam Rawal attributed the murder of his father Jam Lakhaji to Hamirji, as he was killed within the territory of Lakhiarviro, where he had been invited on the pretense of resolving the dispute between the two branches. Jam Rawal, in revenge treacherously killed his uncle Rao Hamirji in 1524 and ruled Cutch for more than two decades.

In court of Mahmud Begada

At the time of murder of Hamirji, his elder sons, Alioji and Khengarji both were in Ahmadabad and escaped the complete destruction of the royal family of senior branch. Further, the other two sons of Hamirji were saved from execution by wife of Jam Rawal. Khengarji was 15 years old when his father was murdered. He enlisted himself in to the army of Mahmud Begada and became his confidante. During one royal hunting party, Khengarji I killed a lion and saved the life of Sultan Begada for which he was asked to name his reward.