Etymology and History
Kathiawar, also (Kattywar), the peninsula gets its name from the prominence of the Kathi community which was widespread in the region and dominated central Saurashtra in particular for some centuries. And this is how it influenced the Saurashtra as Kathiawar, whereas history of Saurashtra together is pretty old. Although the Kathis are supposed to have migrated to the area in the 16th century, they have played an important part in the documented history of the region. During the reign of Gurjar Pratihar ruler Mihir Bhoj, the Gurjar empire had its one extremity as Kathiawar, other being Bay of Bengal. Haddola inscription confirms that Gurjar Pratihars continued to rule in this region during reign of Mahipala I too. The peninsula of Saurashtra dotted by antiquity and consistent historical turnover since prehistoric times to early periods of Mahabharata through Indus civilization, remained influenced by Kathi people particularly between 16th century AD to very much till mid 20th century and therefore the emergent name of Kathiawar became a favorite alternative to the region of Saurashtra.
In geopolitical context, the area of Kathiawar is core or central Saurashtra. In feudal times, there were certain principle divisions of Saurashtra falling under princely states, namely Kathiawad, Sorath, Gohilwad, Halar, Panchal & Zalawad, Nagher, Okha Mandal, etc. But the principle Kathiawar covered parts of mainly Rajkot district, Gohilwad (Bhavnagar), Sorath (Junagadh, Amreli) and Panchal (particularly the delta of now Bhavnagar-Surendranagar-Ahmedabad districts and its interiors) making the Kathiawad shaped almost as an oval occupying the central Saurashtra. Some historians suggest and are of opinion for Kathi people are basically Scythians who migrated to Surashtra (referred to as Saraostus as well, by Greeks) around second century B.C.
Concurrently, major Rajput clans that held a sway over this region include the Walas ( Kathis ), Jethwas, Raijadas, Chudasamas, Gohils, Parmars, Jhalas, Jadejas, Chavdas, Solankis, Patgirs or Pargirs, and Sarvaiyas, Savjis. Most of the princely states of Kathiawar were brought under the British protectorate by 1820, but from Kathiawad first treaty with the British was made by Vira Wala of Jetpur with Col.Walker at Baroda on 26 October 1803.
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