Rajkot district General information
Rajkot district is a district in the state of Gujarat with the headquarters of Rajkot city. This district is surrounded by Kutch (North), Surendranagar, Bhavnagar (East), Amreli, Junagadh (South) and Jamnagar (West) districts. It had a population of 3,169,881 of which 51.29% were urban as of 2001. Rajkot was once the capital of the princely state of Saurashtra. It was also the headquarters of the British Government. Rajkot is famous for its jewellery market. Mahatma Gandhi did his schooling from Alfred High School now known as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi High School.
The prestigious Rajkumar College dates back to the second half of last century and is regarded as one of the best private schools in the country. It was one of five schools set up by the British for the education of the sons of nobility (rajkumar means prince).
Rajkot in the heart lands is one of the most important commercial and industrial cities of Saurashtra. This was a childhood home of Mahatma Gandhi who went to school here. The Gandhi house is now a memorial to the Mahatma, the Rashtriya shala is promoting his love for handlooms by teaching and encouraging various kinds of weaving and handicrafts. The prime attraction is Watson museum, with a 19th century Victoria memorial statue, portraits and photographs of royal princes of Saurashtra and European dignitaries, historic finds and architectural fragments from archeological sites, dioramas of life among the rural, pastoral and tribal people of Saurashtra, handicrafts and princely relics. Lakes around Rajkot-Aji dam, Nardi-offer pleasant spots for picnics, some attract winter birds.
Rajkot is famous for its Bandhani Sarees, mirror-work, patch work, bead work, jewellery market and silk embroidery. The city hosts many small scale manufacturing industries including but not limited to Bearings, Diesel Engines, Kitchen Knifes and other cutting appliances. Diesel Engines are exported all over the world, mainly in Africa and Middle East.
HISTORY
Rajkot is founded in the year of 1612 by Thakur Saheb Vibhaji Ajoji Jadeja and Raju Sandhi in the middle of Saurashtra region of the Gujarat state. During British Rule, it was a regional headquarter. After Independence, it became the capital of Saurashtra State. It hosted the State Assembly for the state. When states were created based on Spoken Languages in 1960, the city along with Saurashtra State was merged into newly formed Gujarat State.
ORIGIN OF NAME
The district is named after its headquarters, Rajkot city. The name of the city of Rajkot (literally means the city of princes) was probably derived from Raju Sandhi, the co-founder of the erstwhile princely state of Rajkot in 1610.
TOURIST PLACE
Kaba Gandhi no Delo: Gandhiji's ancestral home which now houses the Gandhi Smriti, a permanent exhibition.
Watson Museum And Library: Located in the pleasant Jubilee Garden, the museum is a good introduction to Saurashtra’s cultural heritage.
Lal Pan Lake And Randerda: A picturesque picnic spot, 5 kms. from Rajkot
Aji Dam : It is situated 8 Kms. from Rajkot and supplies the towns water
The Rajkumar College (Alfred High School): As early as in I870, the state had become known for its Rajkumar College, built for the education of the princes of the Indian State. Earlier known as Alfred High School, it is a school with a checkered history. Established in 1853, for its standard of education, it became the most sought after school of the region. Gandhiji had his secondary education from this school. It has E shape building of one storey with Gothic Norman structure surrounded by an open playground on all the sides.
Rashtriya Shala: It was founded by Mahatma Gandhi, which has a centre of patola weaving.
Jagat Niandir: It is, a beautiful carved temple of Shri Ramkrishna Paramhansa. It is made of red stones.
Wankaner: About 50 kms. from Rajkot on the way to Kachchh, is the palace of Wankaner, now converted into a Heritage Hotel.