Vegdaji Bhil | Vegda Bhil | Koli ruler Vegdaji Bhil | Koli raja Vegda Bhil

Vegdaji Bhil is a legendary Koli figure known as the king of the Dron in Gujarat, and his story has become an integral part of regional folklore and history among the Koli caste of Gujarat.

Royal Lineage

Vegdaji Bhil is traditionally believed to have been born into a royal Koli family that belonged to the Bhil (or Bheel) clan (Gotra, Kutumb) of Koli caste. More specifically, he is associated with the Talpada Koli subcaste of Koli caste in Gujarat, a lineage that has been revered in local history for its martial traditions and leadership in the region. This royal heritage not only underscores his legitimacy as a Koli ruler of the Dron Kingdom but also reinforces his celebrated status as a warrior king - a defender of regional pride and religious heritage. The narratives surrounding his lineage emphasize a legacy steeped in valor and cultural significance, which has continued to inspire regional folklore and modern media portrayals alike.

Dron Kingdom in Gujarat

The Dron Kingdom, ruled by Vegdaji Bhil, is remembered as a prosperous and formidable state during the Sultanate period. According to traditional accounts, the kingdom was marked by its economic independence - it even minted its own currency - which underscored its strength and self-sufficiency. Vegdaji Bhil, hailing from a royal Koli family of the Bhil clan (Gotra, Kutumb) of Koli caste, led a realm where martial prowess and cultural resilience were highly valued.

Under his leadership, the kingdom played a significant role in regional defense, notably in the legendary struggle to protect the Somnath Temple from invaders such as Mohammed Begda. This act of valor not only reinforced the kingdom's reputation but also contributed to a legacy of resistance that has been celebrated in folklore and revived in modern media. Such narratives highlight the Dron Kingdom as a symbol of regional pride and an exemplar of indigenous governance during a tumultuous era.

Legend of resistance

The legend of resistance by Koli ruler Vegdaji Bhil centers on his determined stand against invaders during a turbulent period in Indian history. According to traditional accounts:

• Defending the Sacred: When Mohammed Begda launched an attack on the Somnath Temple - a site of immense religious and cultural significance - Vegdaji Bhil, a revered Koli ruler of the Bhil clan (Gotra, Kutumb, Vansh) of Koli caste, mobilized his Koli forces to defend it. His decision to protect the temple was not just a military action but a symbolic resistance to the forces that sought to undermine regional identity and heritage.
• Alliance with Warriors: In this legendary resistance, Vegdaji Bhil is said to have joined forces with Hamirji Gohil, another heroic figure celebrated for his valor. Together, they confronted the invading forces, engaging in a fierce battle that has been immortalized in local folklore. Although both heroes ultimately sacrificed their lives, their unwavering commitment to defending the temple left a lasting legacy of courage and defiance.

This narrative has been passed down through generations, symbolizing the spirit of resistance and the deep-rooted cultural pride among the Koli caste of Gujarat. Their sacrifice is remembered not merely as a historical event but as an enduring inspiration for preserving heritage and identity in the face of overwhelming odds.

Defending Somnath Temple

The 15th-century defense, led by Koli ruler Vegdaji Bhil and Hamirji Gohil against Zafar Khan, is less documented in mainstream history but prominent in community narratives. According to Nirvandiaries, Hamirji, inspired by his sister-in-law, met Vegdaji in the Gir forest, married his daughter, and led a group to Prabhas. Jñāna Chakshu describes a fierce war, with Bhils using sharp arrows, Vegdaji martyred by an elephant, and Hamirji defending with burning arrows, stone balls, and boiling oil, repelling the first attack. Both made the supreme sacrifice, aligning with the "Black War of Somnath" mentioned in earlier discussions.

Movies on Koli ruler Vegdaji Bhil

Currently, there is only one known movie that features Vegdaji Bhil:

• Kesari Veer: This is a historical drama directed by Prince Dhiman and Kanu Chauhan. The film stars Suniel Shetty as Koli Raja Vegdaji Bhil, Sooraj Pancholi as Hamirji Gohil, and Vivek Oberoi as the antagonist Zafar Khan. It revolves around the real-life story of Hamirji Gohil and Vegdaji Bhil's efforts to protect the Somnath Temple from the Tughlaq Empire. Kesari Veer is set to release on March 14, 2025.

Books on Koli king Vegdaji Bhil

1. Koli Vir Vegdaji Bhil by Raghunandan: This book is described as containing "true historical facts" about Vegdaji Bhil. It is a softcover book with 60 pages, available for purchase online through retailers like gujaratibookshelf.com and booksvilla.co.in (ISBN: 9789385581588). It appears to be a focused historical account or biography of Vegdaji Bhil, emphasizing his life and deeds, particularly his efforts to protect the Somnath Temple. Note that slight title variations exist (e.g., Koli Veer Vegdaji Bhil or KOLI VIR VEGADAJI BHIL), but they likely refer to the same work by Raghunandan.
2. Somanatha – The Shrine Eternal by K.M. Munshi: Written by the renowned Gujarati historian and author K.M. Munshi, this book traces the history of the Somnath Temple across centuries. Given Vegdaji Bhil’s association with defending the temple, it may contain references to him or the events he was involved in, though it is not exclusively about him. This could be a valuable resource for understanding the broader historical context of his actions.