Qaranivalu

The Qaranivalu is a senior Chief of Naitasiri province in Fiji. The Qaranivalu since 1997 is "Ratu" Inoke Takiveikata, who is now serving a life sentence for his role in the Fiji coup of 2000.

Chiefly authority

The "Qaranivalu" exercises direct chiefly authority over the villages of Navuso, Tamavua, Kalabu, Vuniniudrovu, Kasavu, Nacokaika, Naganivatu, Nakini, Natowaika, Deladamanu, Waitolu, and Drekeiwaila, and is considered the overlord of the Roko Tui Vuna, the traditional ruler of the villages of Sawani, Navatuvula, and Colo-i-Suva. According to some sources, this chiefly title is the most senior in the Province of Naitasiri.

A brief history

The "Qaranivalu" descends from the most senior line of the Vunivalu of Bau, Ratu Seru Epenisa Cakobau through the Vunivalu's daughter, Adi Arieta Kuila, who married the Qaranivalu at the time, Ratu Timoci Vakaruru. It was during this time that the traditional geographical borders of Naitasiri were redrawn to include the villages of Kasavu, Nabu (inhabitants now residing in Kasavu together with the Yavusa Nawainovo, Yavusa Sawa and Burenitu), Nacokaika and Deladamanu. These villages were formerly under the dominion of the "Ratu" of Verata, Kasavu traditionally being the leading village among the group. These villages are now known as the kai vale of the Qaranivalu.

References

* Viceroy of the Pacific: Life of Sir John Bates Thurston, By Deryck Scarr (Page 92)Published 1980, Australian University Press, ISBN 0909150885, Original from the University of Michigan, the University of California, Digitized Nov 21, 2006, "Reference to the title of the Qaranivalu"
* [http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0708107044&id=tekVAAAAIAAJ&q=Qaranivalu&dq=Qaranivalu&pgis=1 The Majesty of Colour] , By Scarr, Deryck, (Page 78, Published 1980, Australian University Press, ISBN 0708107044. "reference to the title and its ties to Bau".
* King of the cannibal isles - Page 120, Published 1937, Original from the University of California, Digitized Nov 21, 2006.

External links

* Article on the [http://www.radiofiji.com.fj/index.cfm?si=main.resources&cmd=forumview&cbegin=-4568&uid=rfgoldnews&cid=4627&station=rfgold Qaranivalu]
* Reference to [http://www.fiji.gov.fj/publish/page_7600.shtml Qaranivalu] case