Bhavnagar district General information
Bhavnagar district is a district in Gujarat state. Bhavnagar city is the administrative headquarters of the district. It had a population of 2,469,630 of which 37.86% were urban as of 2001. It covers an area of over 9940 km². Bhavnagar borders with Ahmedabad and Surendranagar districts to the North, the Gulf of Cambay to the East and South and Amreli and Rajkot districts to the West.
Once the capital of princely state. Bhavnagar was founded in 1743 and is now a flourishing port on the Gulf of Khambhat. For the tourist it is a convenient base for the visits to the town of Palitana and the sacred hill of Shatrunjaya. Bhavnagar is a coastal city with ports, salt works, ship building and ship breaking yards along its coast.
History
The History of Bhavnagar goes back a lot further then the city itself. It begins in the 12th-13th century, when the Gohil Rajputs of the Surya Vanshi clan, facing severe competition in Marwar, moved down to the Gujarat coast and finally settled at Gogha port, near present-day Bhavnagar.
Bhavnagar was founded by Bhavsinhji Gohil, the rulers of Sihor in 1723 AD. It was the time of persistent Maratha raids of the States of Saurashtra. The last princely ruler Late Sir Krishnakumarsinhji handed over the administration of his State to the people's representative in 1948 on the advice of Gandhiji.
Founded as a port in 1743, Bhavnagar is still an important trading post for the cotton goods manufactured in Gujarat. The Bhavnagar lock gate keeps ships a float in the city's port at low tide.
Bhavnagar was founded by Bhavsinhji Gohil (1703-64 AD) in 1723 AD near the Gulf of Khambhat, on a carefully chosen strategic location having potential of maritime trade. Till independence, Bhavnagar State was ruled by the Gohil Rajput clan. The Gohil Rajputs came to Gujarat from Marwar in 1260 AD and had 3 capitals- Sejakpur, Umrala and Sihor; before finally establishing Bhavnagar as their capital. The old town of Bhavnagar was a fortified town with gates leading to other important towns of the region. The Darbargadh (royal residence) was located at the center of the town. The rulers of Bhavnagar subsequently shifted to Motibag and Nilambag Palace.
Bhavnagar remained a major port, for almost two centuries, trading commodities with Africa, Mozambique, Zanzibar, Singapore and the Persian Gulf. This flourishing maritime trade resulted in the high rate of urbanization surplus wealth and cosmopolitan culture of the town.
Present day Bhavnagar owes much to the vision of the past ruler Sir Takhtsinhji Gohil (1869-96 AD). The town planning schemes were designed and implemented under the guidance of progressive rulers of Bhavnagar. During the reign of Sir Takhtsinhji, the British State Engineer Proctor Sims supervised the construction of Barton Library, High Court, Alfred High School and Sir Takhtsinhji Hospital.
Tourist Place
urishankar Lake: beautiful picnic spot. Near the lake, there is also a well laid out park. Good birdwatching spot specially for ducks, geese, pelicans, cranes and wading birds. Plovers and terns nest on the island. The lake shore Bhav Vilas Palace, owned by a relative of the family, was the former club of the royal family with sports complex and hunting trophies.
Takteshwar Temple: Situated on a hill, the site provides a panoramic view. A historic hilltop temple with great views over the cityscape to the Gulf of Cambay sea coast.
Lock Gate: The first of its kind in Gujarat. The sea water here impounded by the lock gates to keep ships afloat during low tide, which could be seen with special permission.
Palitana: A 56 Kms. drive from Bhavnagar, Palitana lies at the foot of the Shatrunjaya Hill, with the Shatrunjaya river flowing to its south. The sacred hill rises in a crescendo of magnificent temples - 863 in all - that soar in marble splendour to the top of the hill. The temples were built over an impressive span of 900 years with each generation of pilgrims making its contribution to the shrines of Shatrunjaya. The 600-metre climb to Shatrunjaya is usually made on foot. Dolis or lift-chairs are also available for the ascent.
Barton Museum & Gandhi Smriti: 1895 AD museum with collection of farming tools, beadwork, wood carvings, weapons, musical instruments and reminders of Mahatma Gandhi's period as a student of Bhavnagar university.
Darbargadh: Old palace of Bhavnagar with arches, wood carvings and interesting architecture.