Raisinhji I of Halvad

Maharana Raj Raisinhji I, also known as Raya and Rai Singh of Halvad, was the 28th ruler of Jhalavad. Raisinhji succeeded his father, Mansinhji I, in 1563 and ruled until his death in 1587. Mahatma Isardas composition in Rai Singh's praise:Kārāgrah sū kāḍhiyau, bīdag bījī bār । Aiyo rāyāansigh rā, ghar handā upagār ।।Which translates:

'Rescued from the prison, twice (Charans and Ahirs). The one who comes to Rai Singh, gets a favour'

Another verse is as follows:Kar fālūan gochh ghaḍae snap kāḍhū, dhaṣhat tele hāth gharū। Rāyāansīh sarīso rājā, koī hove to dhīj karūan ॥॥Which translates:

'Taking the burning shell in the hand, Holding the snake in my hands, By putting my hand in burning hot oil, I can say to the world that there is no other king like Rai Singh on this Earth'

Raisinhji then provocatively asked what would happen if another chief were to sound drums near Dhrol. Jasoji replied that any such person would have his drums broken. Taking this as a challenge, Raisinhji returned to Halvad, gathered an army, and marched to Dhrol, where he deliberately sounded his drums.

Jasoji attempted to stop him but failed. A battle broke out between the two sides at Dhrol on 3 December, 1565, and Jasoji was mortally wounded. Before dying, he declared that Sahebji Jadeja, the brother of Khengarji I the Rao of Kutch, would avenge his death. A charan (bard or messenger) carried this message to Kutch. Mahatma Isardas composed Hala-Jhala ra kundaliya based on this event. Battle of Malia Upon hearing of the duty imposed on him, Sahebji prepared to depart, with the support of his brother, Khengarji I the Rao of Kutch, who was eager to send him away. Sahebji crossed the Rann and confronted Raisinhji near Malia on 2nd March, 1566. A fierce battle ensued in which Sahibji was killed and Raisinhji was left for dead on the battlefield. This occurrence gave rise to the following couplet :-Katari Amare-shari, Toga ri talwar. Hathal Raya Saghri, deli-re Darbar Translation:The dagger of Amarsingh-The sword of Togáji. The palm of Rai Singh (have marked) the darbár of Delhi.