CHAPTER XII

(A.D. 1756-1807)

VERY soon after the minor Jam Jasaji had succeeded his
father in Nawanagar, Meraman Khawas was offered a
good opportunity of showing the position he intended
to assume, and he did not hesitate to take it. Rao Godji
of Kachh considered that now was his time to benefit in
some way, either in money or land, at the expense of
Nawanagar, and wrote threatening letters to Meraman,
declaring his intention of invading Nawanagar, and
demanding compensation if he should not do so. The
Dewan at once marched against the Rao's fort at Balambha,
and attacked and captured it before the Rao was able
to cross the Rann of Kachh to come to its assistance.
When he did succeed in crossing he was not allowed to
remain long in the peninsula, but was obliged to retire,
not only without having effected anything but instead
having lost Balambha, and consequently his footing in
Saurashtra. Meraman now began to consolidate his
power in Nawanagar, and proceeded to attack Jadej a
Halaji of Pardhari, who had seized Modpur after having
brought about the assassination of Jam Tamachi in
A.D. 1743 and had since been in open rebellion. Modpur
was now invested, and surrendered on Halaji being killed
by a musket-shot in the neck. Bai Jawuba, who had
in A.D. 1756 endeavoured unsuccessfully to bring about
Meraman's ruin, now left Nawanagar on the excuse of
proceeding on a pilgrimage. Hastening to Dhrangadhra,
she plotted there in secret for the removal of Meraman

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