Bhavnagar History

The history of Bhavnagar Gujarat dates back a lot further then the Bhavnagar city itself. The Bhavnagar History started in the 12th-13th century, when the Gohil Rajputs of the Surya Vanshi gens, going through extreme rivalry in Marwar, moved down to the Gujarat coast and subsequently settled at Gogha port near to the current Bhavnagar city. The Bhavnagar History is very interesting.

Ancient History of Bhavnagar

The Bhavsinhji Gohil was the founder of the Bhavnagar city Bhavsinhji Gohil, who was the ruler of Sihor in 1723 AD. It was the time of continues Maratha attacks of the States of Saurashtra. The Late Sir Krishnakumarsinhji who was the last princely ruler of Bhavnagar passed over the administration of his State to the people's consultant in 1948 on the recommendation of Gandhiji. The Bhavnagar was established as a port in 1743, Bhavnagar is still a primary trading port for the cotton products manufactured in the state of Gujarat. The Bhavnagar lock gate maintains ships in a floating state in the city's port at low tide.

The Bhavnagar city was established by the Bhavsinhji Gohil in 1723 AD near the Gulf of Khambhat, on a cautiously chosen strategic vicinity having future of maritime trade. Until the independence, the Bhavnagar State used to be dominated via the Gohil Rajput clan.

Medieval Bhavnagar History

The Medieval Bhavnagar History is as follows. In 1260 AD, Gohil Rajputs travelled to Gujarat from Marwar and had three capitals that is Umrala, Sejakpur and Sihor; before eventually setting up Bhavnagar as their capital.

The old city of Bhavnagar was once a fortified city with gates main to different primary cities of the vicinity. The Darbargadh (royal dwelling) was located on the middle of the city. The rulers of Bhavnagar eventually moved to Nilambag and Motibag Palace.

The Bhavnagar city remained a main port for about two centuries. Bhavnagar use to trade products with countries like Singapore, Mozambique, Africa, Zanzibar and Persian Gulf. This growing maritime trade developed in the high rate of urbanization excess wealth and cosmopolitan culture of Bhavnagar.

Modern History in Bhavnagar

The following section deals with Modern History in Bhavnagar. The following section deals with Modern History in Bhavnagar. The Modern day Bhavnagar owes a lot to the vision of the earlier ruler Sir Takhtsinhji Gohil. The Bhavnagar town planning strategy were designed and executed under the advice of modern rulers of Bhavnagar. Throughout the rule of Sir Takhtsinhji, the British State Engineer, Proctor Sims supervised the construction of Sir Takhtsinhji Hospital, Alfred excessive university, High Court and Barton Library.

The Takhteshwar Temple which is said to be constructed in 1893 AD is situated on a hill, on a high platform, providing a scenic view of Bhavnagar town. The tall shikhara rising above the pillared rectangular mandap makes it a major landmark in the Bhavnagar. The Takhteshwar Temple is one of amazing Bhavnagar Temples.

The Gangajalia which is said to be built in 1893 AD is a mesmerizing temple devoted to Gangadevi, with a beautiful pavilion and lovely bridge made up of white marble. The Gangajalia is situated in the center of a former tank. The Gangajalia was designed by Sir John Griffith.

The Nilambag Palac is now a heritage hotel. The Nilambag Palace has an elegant architecture and covers an area of about 10 acres. The Nilambag Palace was designed by a German architect. The Nilambag Palace structure has elements of Indian architecture.

The Gandhi Smriti is a lovely memorial, with an interesting library which houses various books and photographs related to the life of Mahatma Gandhi. The Gandhi Smriti memorial also houses excellent collection of artistic things representing the Saurashtra region culture.

The Barton Library which was built in 1895 AD is a wonderful two floor building, properly designed for an avenue junction. The Barton Library is considered as one of the oldest libraries in Gujarat and also has a museum.

The Town Hall was built in 1932 AD was previously known as Darbar Hall, where the crowning of Sir Krishnakumarsinhji took place. It is an amazing structure in the colonial style, built in a lovely laid out garden.