Patel Community in History Books
It can be reliably stated that around 2000 years ago Leuva Patels migrated from Punjab to Gujarat.
They settled in Patan and then from there they also moved to Adalaj and Karnavati (Ahmedabad). Port of Khambhat too played a part in making them prosper. From there they migrated to Saurashtra, Kutch, Charotar and South Gujarat and established many villages. In Saurashtra, especially small native states invited them by hanging Torans (auspicious garland of leaves and flowers). The Kanabi (Patel) community was particularly efficient in agriculture, which was enriching these states. Hence they always paid respect with honour to this community.
Emperor Akbar also entrusted these Patels with administrative responsibilities. Similarly the Rajput kings were also inclined to give important duties to these sons of farming community appreciating their hardworking nature.
In the 12th century during the rule of king Siddhraj Jaisingh these Kanabis (Patels) developed the areas of Charotar and Bharuch and stayed there permanently. In the seventeenth century Badshah Akbar delegated Raju Patel with Desaigiri. Desaibhai of his family made a name as a brave warrior. He invaded the royal throne of Vadhvan, Limbadi, Paliyad, Jafrabad and Rajkot, which was situated in Sardhar and won it in Sanvat 1867. In 1868 he invaded Jamnagar and deated Jamnaresh (king of Jamanagar). This brought peace in Saurashtra. The Patidars came to Saurashtra thorugh the route of Dholka and Bholad from Kheda following favorable conditions for farming.
Another important point is, in 1573 Badshah Akbar won Gujarat. His Minister Todarmal took up measurement of land in Gujarat, separated arable land and gave it survey nos. and fixed its area and annual income. In 1666 Aurangzeb made the farmers owners of the land they were ploughing, in Gujarat. Paridars, thus becoming official owners of their land settled in the areas they were dwelling of course due to increase in population getting better land in better area of owing to political situation community has always migrated from one place to another. Which has played an important role in development of Patel community.
Patel Samaj has built its identity in all over the world and expanded their business activities at the international level. Patel Samaj is also contributing in educational sector, industrial sector, religious activities, science and technology, sports etc.
Patel Samaj has no separate history. It has history connected with old age kings. But in 20th century community has archived many historical feats. For making national and social life easier and comfortable it has developed the machinery to face shortage of milk, food and water at the time of famine.
Many changes will be seen very soon in this community. Till now because of busy involvements in various professions the community is spread in different parts of world. Owing to that coming together and feeling of organization has not developed significantly. Now people of the community are coming closer and feelings of organization is developing in their hearts. In near future faith in Kuldevi will become an attraction for the entire community. Which will pull community towards path of unity and a huge organization will be developed. It is very hard to explain in words about the future development and benefits of that organization. But we can say that this organization will become very beneficial for the country and society as a whole and will create a new history.
