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.
Introduction of the Arab Soldiers (1776)
In 1776, Gaekwad ruler Fatehsinhrao 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 on the Gujarat coasts, marking the beginning of a significant military presence in the region.
Role and Establishment of Sibandis (Late 18th Century)
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: Strategic Military Component
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. This practice was essential for managing and defending the state’s borders, reflecting the strategic depth of the Gaekwad administration.
Economic Challenges and Military Recruitment (Late 18th Century)
By the late 18th century, the economic situation in Baroda became strained. Govindrao, who returned to Vadodara in 1793, faced financial difficulties due to commitments to Pune and internal conflicts. His son Kanhoji created further turmoil, leading to a situation where expenditures exceeded revenues.
The state was compelled to turn to local financiers like Shamal Bechar and Mangal Parekh for support. Initially, soldiers from the south were recruited, but due to internal disputes after 1766, recruitment dwindled. In response, Fatehsinhrao began enlisting Arabs into the military, which continued under Govindrao. By this time, the Arab forces had grown to 3,730 cavalry and 13,126 infantry, incurring a monthly cost of approximately three lakh rupees (₹2,99,642).
Political Turmoil and British Involvement (1802)
In the face of mounting costs, the state found itself in a difficult political climate. The East India Company was not well-positioned, with local powers like Tipu Sultan and the Peshwas being unfriendly. Amidst this turmoil, Raujji Apaji, supportive of the British, negotiated for assistance from the East India Company.
The British viewed disbanding the Arab forces as an opportunity to strengthen their military presence. The Arabs agreed to leave if they received their overdue wages, and Raoji secured British help in exchange for income from certain mahalas, including Dholka and Nadiad.
Conflict and Disbandment of Arab Forces (December 1802)
In December 1802, conflict arose in Vadodara as plans to disperse the Arab forces were executed. The fort was under Arab control, with key checkpoints established at Laheripura and other gates. The plan involved pressuring the Arabs by removing Anandrao from his palace and applying military pressure on their commanders.
On December 18, a skirmish occurred at Laheripura Gate, resulting in casualties among the Arab forces. Heavy artillery was brought in to breach the gate, yet no further fighting ensued until December 25. The battle claimed the lives of over 150 soldiers, but the fort remained unyielding. Ultimately, on December 26, fighting ceased when the Arabs agreed to accept their wages. Once the conditions were accepted, they surrendered the fort to Raoji Apaji and departed.
Aftermath: Transition of Power (Early 1806)
With the disbandment of the Arab military presence in Vadodara, the state came under British military authority. Anandrao was welcomed back, and the Arab forces, who had primarily relied on military service, were replaced by a burgeoning commercial enterprise that began to exert greater influence over state matters. This shift had significant implications for military affairs, economic dealings, and the appointment of key officials within the state.
In a related development, Fatehsinhrao, Govindrao’s son, was captured by Holkar in 1802, raising concerns of potential unrest as he arrived in Vadodara with Pathans. The situation was further complicated by attempts from Anandrao’s wife, Takhtabai, to seize power, leveraging the Pathans’ support.
Despite the turbulence, Fatteshin was ceremonially reclaimed on April 3, 1806, and began to play a significant role in the administration, diminishing Sitaram’s influence and marking a notable transition in the state’s power dynamics.
During Anandrao’s reign, the British continued their strategy of consolidating power under the guise of military assistance, seeking to reduce the domestic army while maintaining control over the remaining Arab forces. These maneuvers led to a decline in the authority of local leaders and weakened the state’s power overall, inciting discontent among figures like Sitaram, who opposed these developments.
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 Imli (also known as 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, Chandrashekhar Patil & Baroda Muslim Official team. Some sources are taken from Baroda Central Library & Oriental Institute.
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