Bhavnagar

Ruled by the Gohil dynasty, this state was known for its port, naval strength, and progressive administration.

Detailed Historical Chronicle

Historical Profile: Bhavnagar

Quick Facts - Country: India - State: Gujarat - Region: Saurashtra - District: Bhavnagar - Founded: 1723 - Founded by: Bhavsinhji Takhtasinhji Gohil - • Type: Municipal Corporation - • Body: Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation and BADA (Bhavnagar Area Development Authority) - • Municipal Commissioner: M. A. Gandhi - • Mayor: Bharatbhai M Barad - • Member of Parliament: Nimuben Bambhaniya - • Total: 119 km2 (46 sq mi) - • Rank: 5 - Elevation: 24 m (79 ft) - • Total: 643,382 (urban) - • Density: 5,410/km2 (14,000/sq mi) - Demonym: Bhavnagari - • Official: Gujarati - Time zone: UTC+5:30 (IST) - PIN: 364 001, 364 002, 364 003, 364 004, 364 005, 364 006 - Telephone code: (+91)278 - Vehicle registration: GJ-04 - Website: www.bmcgujarat.com

Origins & Lineage Bhavnagar was founded in 1723 by Bhavsinhji Gohil. The city is a significant educational center in Gujarat; Shamaldas Arts College, founded by Maharaja Takhtsinhji in 1885, is historically prominent as the institution where Mahatma Gandhi studied in 1888. The Gohil Rajput of the Suryavanshi clan faced severe competition in Marwar. The former princely state of Bhavnagar was also known as Gohilwad, "Land of the Gohils" (the clan of the ruling family).

Major Achievements This period produced some notable reforms in the areas of administration, revenue collection, judiciary, the post and telegraph services, and economic policy. This period produced some notable reforms in the areas of administration, revenue collection, judiciary, the post and telegraph services, and economic policy. Around 1260 AD, they moved down to the Gujarat's coastal area and established three capitals: Sejakpur (now Ranpur), Umrala, and Sihor. In 1723, on auspicious day of vaishakh Shukla Tritiya also known as Akshay Tritiya he established a new capital near Vadva village, 20 km away from Sihor, and named it Bhavnagar after himself.

Conflicts & Wars The Gohil Rajput of the Suryavanshi clan faced severe competition in Marwar. After the war, Bhavsinhji realized the reason for repeated attacks was the location of Sihor. In 1793, Vakhatsinhji conquered the forts of Chital and Talaja, and later conquered Mahuva, Kundla, Trapaj, Umrala and Botad. Percival of the Bombay Civil Service and Gaurishankar Udayshankar Oza, Chief Minister of Bhavnagar State Bhavnagar Boroz.[citation needed] In 1911, HH Maharani Nundkanvarba of Bhavnagar was awarded the Order of the Crown of India, the highest Imperial award for women of the British Empire.

Legacy & Significance History The Gohil Rajput of the Suryavanshi clan faced severe competition in Marwar.