![img-7.jpeg](img_ref_8)
figure 1. View of the fortress  
Janjira stands out in early modern Indian history as possibly the only region that operated, in theory, on the basis of democratic principles, given that rule over the territories was not hereditary. Once a Sidi ruler died, a group of Sidi chiefs or sardars appointed the next ruler based on his qualification and abilities to take on the position. This method of selection often resulted in the appointment of the son of a Sidi ruler as the next ruler, but the idea behind it was still democratic, as it required general agreement on the part of the sardars. The  
[^0]
[^0]:    1 For a detailed description and illustrations of the fort of Janjira, see Jasdanwalla F. (2015).  
drawback of this idea of meritocracy was that it also led to much factionalism, with some sardars pushing for the selection of a ruler who would best serve their interests, while other factions had the power to depose rulers with whom they were displeased. This method was implemented from the establishment of Sidi rule over Janjira in 1621 until the early nineteenth century when, after much chaos and upheaval, Sidi Ibrahim Khan II (see Table 1) agreed to become the next ruler of Janjira in 1803 only on the condition that the position of ruler or nawab would be a hereditary one thenceforth. The etymon of 'nawab' is the Arabic word na'ib, meaning 'deputy' (Jasdanwalla, 2011, pp. 41-58).