History of Santrampur of Gujarat (Sant state)

A pivotal episode in Sant State’s history concerns a mid-18th-century succession crisis. In 1753, Rana Ratansinhji of Sant State (Santrampur, Gujarat) died, and the Maharawal of neighboring state Banswara sought to usurp the throne. According to traditional accounts, the Maharawal killed three young princes of Santrampur to eliminate rivals, but the fourth son, Badansinghji, was rescued and concealed by local Koli groups (sometimes referred to as “Kolis of Santrampur” or “Kolis of Sant state” in sources). When Badansinghji matured, these Kolis assembled Koli forces against the Banswara army, defeated it, and reinstated Rana Badansinghji to the throne of Sant State. This intervention demonstrates both the military capacity and local influence of Koli groups in that era and region.