Qaranivalu

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Nobility of Fiji

Titles
Adi - Bulou - Ro - Ratu

Institutions
Great Council of Chiefs
Chairman, Great Council of Chiefs
House of Chiefs

Confederacies:
Burebasaga - Kubuna - Tovata

The Qaranivalu is a senior Chief of Naitasiri province, 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.

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.

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.