He was granted the title of Raja by Mughal Emperor Akbar as a reward for a successful campaign in Bengal, and for punishing the Bhil Chiefs of Jhabua, who had murdered the wife and daughters of the Imperial Viceroy of Gujarat.

Kesho Das was killed by his own son called Karan Singh which threw the state into disorder.

[2] During 1698, Khushal gave much of his lands to his brothers and sons and was too weak to rule his state effectively.

Shiv was an infant and therefore the states administration during this time was managed by the raja's mother and the nobles.

The threat from Jai Singh of Sailana forced the nobles of Jhabua to rely on Maratha protection, Holkar thus sent his officers to manage the states affairs.