Jafarabad State was founded around 1650. On 6 December 1733 the ruler of Jafarabad State signed a defensive and offensive treaty with the
British East India Company. In 1759, the Jafarabad and Janjira states entered into a
personal union. Finally in 1834 Jafarabad State became a
British protectorate. Around 1731 when the
Mughal Empire rule was relaxed in Gujarat, the local
Thanedar (ruler) who was an ally in the Muslim Mughal garrison became independent. Thereafter the
Thanedar and the local
Kolis were devoted to piracy, repeatedly attacking ships and disturbing commercial traffic from
Surat.
Sidi Hilal, the prince of the dynasty of
Janjira which was then ruling Surat, attacked the Kolis, destroyed their boats and captured them demanding a hefty fine. ==See also==