Khirasra

The Taluka, a Seventh Class State, is an offshoot of the Dhrol State. Kaloji of Dhrol had seven sons of whom Sangoji was the eldest, Bhimji the second and Junoji the third. On Kaloji's death Sanjoji succeded to the Gadi of Dhrol, the other brothers having been provided with suitable appanages. Sangoji died while fighting on the side of Nawanagar State with a Mahomedan army and had no issue. The succession accordingly devolved on Bhimji but he abdicated in favour of his younger brother Junoji, himself remaining content with his appanage of Khirasara and 12 other villages. At that time Khirasara was a small castle fortress. Succession is ruled by Primogeniture. The Jurisdictional Powers of the State are: Criminal - fifteen days of rigorous imprisonment and fines up to 50Rs, Civil - None.

It is recorded that Khirasara Palace was built by Thakore Ranmalji, an illustrious and mighty descendent of Thakore Bhimaji, during the Ghori Empire. Thakore Ranmalji, who played a major role in redefining the regional history, started restoration of Khirasara Castle with 350 masons. Mysteriously, in spite of the sustained efforts the masonry work used to collapse in the evening. Thakore Ranmalji visited 'Nale-Sat-Pir', a Sufi fakir from Sindh, dwelling nearby to the north of the castle. When asked about the mysterious happenings at the site, the Pir said, 'Son, the world is a forest full of dangers and difficulties, a beguiling place - a maze. If you want your castle unbeaten, for Allah's sake construct an enchanting place here. Then you will be blessed and your worldly structure will last forever.' Thakore Ranmalji interpreted those esoteric words and constructed a grand structure to the north of the castle, where two to four hundred people could reside. The Pir and his retinue stayed in that abode for many years and the castle remained unbeaten. Even today there are tombs of the Pir and his descendents Aaras Mahmad Pir and Hakimbai present in the abode.

The restorated Palace was looked with disfavor, distrust and envy by the enemies, especially Mohbatkhan, the Nawab of Junagadh. He attacked the Khirasara Castle twice - but his forces could not stand the strategy and bravery of Thakore Ranmalji. As memories of those victories, two canons of Junagadh artillery were mounted on the eastern gate of the castle. Once Meraman Khawas of Jamnagar attacked Khirasara but the Castle again remained undefeated.

In the government treasury one big Kettledrum of two and half mounds was constructed as a symbol of victory. Thakore Ranmalji and his victories have remained a favorite theme for the writers and the poets.

At one point of time in history, the state of Khirasara was so influential that the rulers could have expanded the borders of the state, but Thakore Ranmalji - a loving and kind soul remained friendly with all the neighboring states. He breathed his last at the Gondal ruled 'Gomta' village.

The Seventh generation, Thakore Sursinhji made efforts to resurrect and rebuild Khirasara Palace. In great tradition of his fore fathers, he tried to regain the honour and riches of Khirasara by improving the conditions of the farmers, increasing the production, establishing the agencies for the benefits of the common people. He introduced Khirasara to the post-independence development and progress.