Jethwa Clan

The Jethwas are one of the oldest ruling Rajput houses in Western India, governing the coastal Barda region of Saurashtra. Claiming descent from Makardhwaja, they established the glorious architectural capital of Ghumli and later founded the princely maritime state of Porbandar.

Detailed Historical Chronicle

Antiquity and Foundation of Ghumli The Jethwas ruled the Barda hills of Kathiawar since the 8th century. In the 10th century, King Sanghaditya established the capital at Ghumli.

At Ghumli, the Jethwas erected the magnificent Navlakha Temple in the 12th century, one of the oldest and grandest stone temples of Gujarat, featuring a double-storied sanctum adorned with intricate elephant friezes, celestial maidens, and soaring spiraling shikharas.

Destruction of Ghumli and Transfer to Porbandar In 1313 CE, Ghumli was attacked by the Jadeja ruler Jam Unad of Sindh. The legendary poet-saint Sonbai placed a curse upon the fortress, which was subsequently abandoned. The Jethwa rulers moved their seat successively to Ranpur, Chhaya, and finally founded the coastal seaport capital of Porbandar in 1785 CE under Rana Sartanji.

Porbandar grew into a prosperous maritime hub with trade across East Africa, Arabia, and the Persian Gulf, celebrated in modern history as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi.