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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.
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.
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 :
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 :
Air:
Flights are available for Bhavnagar from Mumbai Rail:
Rrailway station on Ahmedabad-Bhavnagar railway line Road:
Ahmedabad (200 km), Rajkot (178 km), Vadodara(280 km) Local transport:
Local buses and non-metered auto rickshaws Food:
Some good resturants in town, local eating joints
