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Ra Navghan I

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Ra Navghan I was a Chudasama ruler of Vanasthali (present day Vanthali) in Junagadh between 1025–1044 CE, in the state of Gujarat in India. He was the son of Ra Dayas and had escaped capture by King Solanki with his mothers maid, then was raised by Devayat Bodar family in strict secrecy. The Ahirs, former supporters of the Chudasama rulers, sacrificed their own son in place of young Ra Navghan. In adulthood, Ra Navghan led a group of supporters to recapture Wamansthali from the Solanki ruler.

Ra Navghan I was the son of king of Junagadh Ra Diyas. Ra Diyas lost the battle against King Solanki and was killed during battle. Ra Diyas' wife became sati and burnt herself in the pyre of her dead husband, leaving alone their only child of age less than a year. This child was Ra Navghan who was later to become the king of Junagadh. The child was given to Devayat Bodar, a man of his word, to save this from King Solanki, who was hunting for this child to killhim. Devayat Bodar adopted Ra Navghan and brought up like his own child. Someone informed the King about this and to prove this information wrong Devayat Bodar had to kill his own son. When Ra Navghan was young Devayat Bodar decided to fight against King Solanki. A fierce battle was fought between Solanki and Bodar (Ahirs). Finally, Ahirs won the battle and Ra Navghan became the King and Chudasama dynasty reclaimed the Throne of Junagadh.

Ra Navghan then Ruled for many years as King of Junagadh. During this time his accepted sister Jahal was kidnapped by Hamir Sumro of Sindh. Jahal was an Ahir a nomadic caste, and relocated to Sindh after there was a drought in Kathiawar. As a result of her beauty Hamir Sumro Sultan of Sindh wanted to marry her. Therefore she told him that she has an oath that see mustn't marry for 6 months of which only 3 months are remaining. In this time she sends a letter to Navghan requesting help. Accordingly, Ra Navghan comes to her aid being helped by Varudi Maa. He rescues Jahal and kills Hamir Sumra. Ra Navghan was the father of Ra Khengar.

Taking into account the famous sources like Dayashraya and Kumar Prabandh, both Ra Navghan and Ra Khengar are referred to as Ahir Rana or shepherd Kings.

References

Ra Navghan I Wikipedia