Initially, the Gaekwads and their commander Dabhade relied on troops from the south. However, after 1766, internal conflicts among the Gaekwad brothers made it increasingly difficult to recruit soldiers from that region. In response, Fatehsinghrao Gaekwad I began recruiting Arab soldiers, whose numbers and military strength grew progressively. These soldiers were tasked with protecting the fort of Baroda and participating in battles as needed. During financial difficulties, the Shahukars of Baroda stepped in to cover their salaries and assist with the state’s financial strain.
Arrival of Arab Troops
In 1794, Gaekwad ruler Govind Rao Gaekwad brought the Jamadar brothers, Bachcha Jamadar and Hamid Jamadar, both Arab soldiers known as ‘Arab Sibandis,’ to Baroda. These Arabs, originally sailors and soldiers from the Baghdad fleets, arrived with intentions to plunder and conquer the Gujarat coasts.
Role and Establishment of Sibandis
Upon their arrival in Baroda, these Arab soldiers were organized into platoons known as karkhanas or bedos, with Jamadars serving as their paymasters. The term ‘Sibandi’ refers to an irregular or retainer army funded and managed by individual nobles rather than the state. This primarily cavalry-based army was crucial in defending the state’s borders and controlling conquered territories. Notable Sibandi leaders included Amin Jamadar, Bachcha Jamadar, Ragho Ramchandra, and Kasam Kaale.
Mulak-Giri
A key component of the Gaekwad military strategy was the term “Mulak-giri.” This referred to the army employed to secure and conquer territories (Mulak) and collect revenues from landlords who did not regularly pay their taxes. It was essential for managing and defending the state’s borders, reflecting the strategic depth of the Gaekwad administration.
Challenges and Dissolution
During the reign of the last Gaekwad rulers, particularly before the acceptance of the Subsidiary Alliance, the Arab troops created considerable challenges. Major Walker, the first British Resident in Baroda, disbanded these troops in 1802. Despite their dissolution, the descendants of these paymasters remain in Baroda today. By the late 18th century, the Gaekwads had recruited over 16,000 Arab soldiers.
Distinctive Features and Practices
The Arab soldiers predominantly hailed from Hadhramaut near Yemen. They traveled with a princely demeanor, and their armed aristocracy was eventually sold due to difficulties in management.
Key Figures
Baccha Jamadar: Baccha Jamadar, also known as Bacchumiya Dhingana Jamadar, was a prominent commander of the Arab troops and the Mulak-giri forces. His name ‘Baccha,’ reflecting his height of around 5’6″, was used by locals and later came to be known as Bacchumiya. His original name remains unknown, and he served from 1800 to 1824. Baccha Jamadar’s tomb, or kabristan, is located behind Bagikhana, where several tall but ruined tombs remain. This site also features an old Eidgah wall, reputedly the first Eidgah in Baroda.
The Hujarat Paga and Jamadars’ Paga
In the Gaekwad army, a prominent feature was the horse-mounted units known as “Paga” (cavalry units). The term “Paga” refers to these specialized groups of riders, integral to the military structure.
The foremost ranks in the Gaekwad army were held by the riders, with notable divisions including the Hujarat Paga and the Jamadars’ Paga. The Hujarat Paga, established during the time of Pilajirao Gaekwad, was a symbol of the state’s martial tradition. It was associated with significant state symbols such as the Jaripatko, Nishan (state insignia), and the state drum, originally bestowed by Shahu Maharaj of Satara. During Dussehra, the Hujarat Paga, adorned with the Jaripatko, was prominently displayed, emphasizing its ceremonial importance.
The Jamadars’ Paga, also referred to as Bachha Jamadar ni Paga, was situated in the Khodi Amli area of Baroda. Apart from the Hujarat and Jamadars’ Pagas, other Pagas were led by the Maharaja’s relatives and chieftains who had accompanied Pilajirao and Damajirao from the south. These chieftains and their descendants, such as Raje Pandhare, Raje Ghorpade, and Mir Sahib, were well-respected and received salaries from the state.
Ballantyne
Lieutenant Colonel Ballantyne, a British official, played a significant role in promoting British protection in regions like Mahi-Kantha. During this period, he worked alongside Bachcha Jamadar of Baroda. Ballantine House was located near Kothi, reflecting the close interactions between British officials and local military leaders.
Jamatdars to Jamadar
The term “Jamadar” translates to “Captain” in English and is derived from the Urdu word jam’dar, which itself comes from Arabic jamā‘a(t) ‘muster’ + Persian -dār ‘holder’. It denotes the leader of a particular group, especially within a military or administrative context.
Legacy and Modern Reflection
The Gaekwad government’s order dated March 30, 1801, reflects the ongoing influence of these troops, including instructions related to Surat port and the role of Bacchu Miya Jamatdar. The legacy of the Jamadars, particularly their contributions to Baroda’s military and administrative framework, remains significant. Their impact is evident in the continued respect and recognition of their descendants in Baroda today. The collaborator Ibrahim’s mother, Raziya Begum, is a descendant of Baccha Jamadar, and his father is a descendant of Hamid Jamadar.
This post is written in collaboration with Ibrahim Jamadar, Mirza Akram Ali Baig Ballantine, Rehan Kuwa Wala, Aiyub Khan Pathan, Nasir Shaikh & Baroda Muslim Official team.
No Comments