Ranoji

Maharana Raj Ranigdev, also known as Ranoji, was the 26th Maharana of Jhalavad. He deposed his step-brother Ajoji in 1500 and ruled until his death in 1523.^[1][2][3]

Ranigdev
Maharana Raj
Maharana Raj Ranoji dancing on Rasada Haq Pade Vinar Jagjo with the women of his family and court during the Navratri festival, 1515.
Maharana Raj Sahib of Jhalavad
Reign	1500-1523
Predecessor	Ajoji
Successor	Mansinhji I
Born	1491 (1491) Halvad, Kingdom of Jhalavad
Died	1523 (aged 31–32)
Spouse	Hetkunvarba or Kalyande Vaghela, of Sanand Naniba Chavda of Mansa Jatan kunwar Rathore, Daughter of Rao Lunkaran of Bikaner Ajab kunvarba Jadeja of Bhadarwa Hirjiba Solanki of Gajana
Issue	Mansinhji I Vasaji Udaysinhji
Names Ranigdev I Raidharji Jhala
House	Halvad
Dynasty	Jhala
Father	Raidharji
Mother	Asade Parmar of Muli

Biography

Early life

Ranoji was born in 1491 to Raidharji and his second wife, Asade Parmar of Muli. After Raidharji's death in 1500, Ajoji, Ranoji's elder step-brother, succeeded to the throne of Jhalavad.^[4][1][5]

Seizing the throne

Later, when Ajoji went to Haridwar to perform some rituals, Ranoji, with the support of his maternal grandfather Lakhdarji, the Thakore Sahab of Muli, closed the gates of Halvad and seized control. Ranoji was then declared the new Maharana, effectively deposing his step-brother. Although Rajmata Asade was the regent untill Ranoji grew mature.^[6][2][3]

Upon his return to Halvad, Ajoji learned of his brother's betrayal and went to seek help from the Sultan of Ahmedabad. However, the Sultan, having received a large nazrana (gift) from Lakhdarji, refused to assist him. Other neighbouring Rajput kingdoms including Idar and Marwar refused to help Ajoji against a powerful Rajput state.^[6][3]

Death

Ranoji once ordered the execution of Malik Bakhan of Dasada. Malik Shajiv, the son of Malik Bakhan killed Ranoji to avenge his father's death in 1523. Ranoji was succeeded by his son Mansinhji I.^[3][5]