Bhavnagar

Bhavnagar

Information on Bhavnagar
Bhavnagar lies in the southeast corner of the Kathiawar peninsula in the Saurashtra plains. Bhavnagar was founded by Bhav Singh ji Gohil in 1723 AD near the Gulf of Khambhat, on a carefully chosen strategic location having potential of maritime trade. Earlier, Bhavnagar was a flourishing port but today, various activities related to the sea takes place at the Ghogha and Alang port. Bhavnagar grew into one of the 15th richest princely states in India during the early 20th century. Today, the city of Bhavnagar is the home of several lakes and temples. This city is also associated with the Mahatma Gandhi, who went to the Bhavnagar university. Bhavnagar is a busy industrial centre that makes a useful base for journeys to nearby Jain temples at Palitana and the Velavadar National Park.


History of Bhavnagar
Bhavnagar was founded by Bhav Singh ji Gohil in 1723 AD near the Gulf of Khambhat. Till independence, Bhavnagar was ruled by the Gohil Rajput clan. The Gohil Rajputs came to Gujarat from Marwar in 1260 AD and Sejakpur, Umrala and Sihor were their three capitals. Originally, Bhavnagar was the capital of a state of the same name and ruled by the Suryavanshi Rajputs from Marwar. The rulers of Bhavnagar also shifted their residence to Motibag and Nilambag Palace. For almost two centuries, Bhavnagar remained a major port and established trade with Africa, Mozambique, Singapore and the Persian Gulf. Bhavnagar has long been an important cotton trading post, but now supplement its survival on diamonds, plastics and ship parts- Bhavnagar lock gate keeps ships afloat in the port at low tide. The trade resulted in the high rate of urbanization, surplus wealth and cosmopolitan culture of the town. The tangled bazaars and crumbling wooden houses of the old city feel remarkably untouched by the outside world. The present state of Bhavnagar owes much to the vision of the past ruler Sir Takhtsinhji Gohil (1869-96 AD). During the rule of Takhtsinhji, the Barton Library, High Court, Alfred High School and Sir Takhtsinhji Hospital were constructed.


Tourist Attractions in Bhavnagar
The two important tourist attractions in Bhavnagar are the Takhteshwar Temple and Gandhi Smriti and Barton museum. The Takhteshwar Temple is located on a small hillock which provide good views over the city and the Gulf of Cambay. The Gandhi Smriti and Barton Museum is located in the northeast, by the clock tower and has a good collection of Gandhi memorabilia. The other tourist attractions in Bhavnagar are the Victoria Park, Takht Singh ji Hospital and Gaurishankar Lake.

How to reach Bhavnagar