The Jharija are the most powerful and numer ous of the Rajput tribes of Gujerat, and possess all the western part of the peninsula. They are a branch of the family of the rao of Cutch, who, in consequence of intestine feuds, left their country about A.D. 800, and, having crossed the Runn at the head of the Gulf of Cutch, established them selves upon the ruins of the Jetwa Rajputs and a few petty Muhammadan authorities which at that time existed in Halar. The Jharija, are also said to trace their origin from Jhara, a chief of the Muhammadan tribe of the Samins, of Sind. The lands appear to have been divided in common among the whole tribe, the teclat, or eldest branch of the family, reserving to itself the largest portion, whilst the bh'yaud or brotherhood held their respective villages by a pure feudal tenure. The outlaws amongst them, the Bahrwuttia, acted with great violence. If he failed in g ting flocks, he seized the persons of such villagers he could find, and carried them off. These we styled bhan or captives, for whose release sums ooney were demanded. The life of a Bahrwutti was one of blood and rapine, until he was killed, or by the fury of his feud he compelled his chief to him redress ; and the security of Charan (religious persons) and Bhat (Bards) races having been given on both sides, the outlaw and his family returned to their homes and occupations in perfect security.
Okhamandal is a sterile jungly tract in the extreme west of the peninsula, and contains about 13,000 inhabitants. These are the Wagher.
Their only important places are the holy Hindu site of Dwaraka on the west coast, and Beyt, a small island a few miles to the north, with shrines boasting of scarcely inferior holiness. Okha mandal, as also Umreyli in Kathiawar proper, and Korinar in South Kathiawar, are under the direct rule of the Gaekwar. Thrice, in 1803, 1858, and in October 1859, they repulsed British troops, but seemed in 1860 entirely dispersed or surrendered. Kathiawar is rich in jungle fastnesses. Its popu lation is habitually armed to the teeth, and largely intermixed with mercenaries from Mekran, Arabia, Sind, and Baluchistan.
The Miana of Mania in Mucha-Kanta, on the banks of Muchu river, have a thakur, but own allegiance only to their own chowhattias or heads of tribes. They are turbulent, take service as soldiers in the neighbourhood, and,' formerly, in every boundary fight a Miana or two was killed.
The district of Geer is full of almost inaccessible fastnesses, which for ages gave shelter to outlaws and robbers.
In the Jhalawar district, the property stolen, or the thief, had to be produced, and the paggi, who trace the pag or footprints, were there the most famous.
The Bhomea of Kathiawar still preserve a great portion of that spirit of hospitality for which their ancestors were celebrated.
Outlawry, political and predatory, has been recently suppressed, and life and property are as safe as in British districts.