Founding family & rule
The city of Sanand was historically governed by rulers from the Vaghela clan, with Jaywant Singhji Vaghela (1904–1980) being one of the most notable. He was called Sanand Bapu, served as Thakur of Sanand, and was not only a ruler but also a profound musicologist and vocalist of the Mewati gharana reddit.com+13en.wikipedia.org+13thedailyguardian.com+13.

Jaywant Singhji’s musical legacy
He composed numerous classical raags—such as Jaiwanti Todi, Gyankali, Rajrajeshwari, and more—and played an instrumental role in the propagation of the Mewati gharana. His compositions were famously performed by Pandit Jasraj and his brother, Pandit Maniram en.wikipedia.org.

Cultural ties with Pandit Jasraj
Starting in 1946, Pandit Jasraj was invited to Sanand to learn under Jaywant Singhji’s guidance. Their bond grew deep, with the Vaghelas patronizing Jasraj. His famous Mata Kalika bhajan was taught by Jaywant Singhji. The family traditionally invited Jasraj to perform at the Sanand darbar during visits thedailyguardian.com+1thedailyguardian.com+1.

Succession & heritage
After Jaywant Singhji’s passing, his son Rudra Sinhji Vaghela continued the musical patronage. Today, his descendants—Jayshiv Sinh, Nitya Bulbul Singh (daughter), and grandchildren—remain active in preserving Sanand’s musical culture ahmedabadmirror.com+4thedailyguardian.com+4thedailyguardian.com+4.

🏛️ Modern Issues & Land Disputes

While chiefly known for their cultural contributions, the Sanand royals have also been involved in notable legal and land-related matters:

  • Land near Tata’s Nano factory
    In 2008, then-prince Jayshivsinh Vaghela filed rights claims on a 250-acre plot near the Nano plant, asserting ancestral ownership. This led to tensions with local farmers prod-appfeeds.intoday.in+4telegraphindia.com+4ahmedabadmirror.com+4.

  • Forgery and fraudulent land transactions
    In 2022, Jayshivsinh’s family alleged a forgery case involving their former lawyer, Kiritsinh Solanki, who reportedly transferred land worth ₹8–10 crore by forging signatures of the ailing prince. The Gujarat High Court later rejected bail pleas related to this case curlytales.com+3ahmedabadmirror.com+3reddit.com+3.

🎶 Legacy Today

The Vaghela lineage of Sanand, distinct for its artistic & cultural leadership, has woven music into the region’s identity. They are remembered not just as erstwhile rulers, but as patrons of classical music—especially through their relationship with Pandit Jasraj and their sustained support of the Mewati gharana.

🔑 Summary