Valaવાળા

The account

Of the clans of Rajputs at present occupying Saurashtra, the Valas claim to be the oldest. They trace their origin from Shiladitya of Valabhi — the great dynasty destroyed about A.D. 766 — while another tradition derives them from Vratket, son of Karna, the hero of the Mahabharata.

After the destruction of Valabhi the Valas established themselves at Dhank in the Barda hills; the main branch retained the south-eastern coastal strip which is still known as Walak.

Dispossessed of their seat at Vala-Chamardi by the Gohils, they retired to Talaja, found Janjmer, and spread as far south as Mahuva and Bhadrod. The Vala Rajputs remain petty landholders in many villages of Walak; some raised their standing by marrying their daughters among the Gohil chiefs.