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 flourising maritime trade resulted
in the high rate of urbanization surplus wealth and cosmopolitan
culture of the town.
Present day bhavnagarm 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.
Takhteshwar Temple (1893 AD) is located on a hill, on a high
plinth, offering a commanding view of Bhavnagar. The high
shikhara rising above the pillared rectangular mandapa makes
it an important landmark.
Barton Library (1895 AD) is a beautiful two storeyed building,
appropriately designed for a road junction. It has two wings
and a central tower, constructed in ashlar stone masonary,
with Gothic arch windows and a sloping roof with Mangalore
tiles. It is one of the oldest libraries of Gujarat and also
houses a museum.
Gangajalia (1893 AD) is a temple dedicated to Gangadevi,
with a chhatri, pavilion and bridgeall in white marble. It
is located in the middle of a former tank. It was designed
by Sir John Griffith, principal of Sir J J School of Arts,
Bombay.
Nilambag Palace, now a heritage hotel, is a magnificant building
set amidist a huge estate of 10 acres. It was designed by
a German architect, as a royal residence in 1859 AD. It combines
elements of Indian architecture with a modern outlook.
Town Hall (1932 AD) was formerly a Darbar Hall, where the
coronation of Sir Krishnakumarsinhji took place. It is an
imposing structure in the colonial style, set in a well laid
out garden. Victoria Park covers an area of about 500 acres
with deverse flora and fauna. This park is a paradise for
bird watchers and nature lovers.
Gandhi Smriti is a memorial, with a library of Gandhian books
and photographs about the life of Mahatma Gandhi. It also
has a fine collection of art objects representing the culture
of the Saurashtra region.
Bhavnagar has many good educational institutes with excellent
architecture- Sir P P Science Institute, Shamaldas College
(Mahatma Gandhi studied here in 1884 AD), Alfred High School
and Central Salt Research Institute.
Excurtions in Bhavnagar
Palitana (Jain Temples) 55 km, Sihor (Darbargadh, fresco paintings,
brass utensils) 25 km, Velavadar (Black-Buck sanctuary) 37
km, Alang (ship breaking yard) 50 km, Ranpur (13th century
fort) 163 km, Piram Islands (turtle breeding) 25 km, Talaja
(birth place of Narsinh Mehta, a group of rock cut Buddhist
caves) 54 km, Gopnath (Gopnath Temple, a heritage hotel) 89
km.
How to reach Bhavnagar
By Air
flights are available for Bhavnagar from Mumbai
By Rail
railway station on Ahmedabad-Bhavnagar railway line
By Road
Ahmedabad (200 km), Rajkot (178 km), Vadodara(280 km)
By Local transfprt
Local buses and non-metered auto rickshaws.
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