Bhavnagar, Gujarat

Bhavnagar, Gujarat

Bhavnagar was founded as a Port in 1723 AD near the Gulf of Khambhat, on a location having potential of maritime trade. Till independence, Bhavnagar State was ruled by the Gohil Rajput clan. It is a sprawling city with distinctly separate old and new sections. It is located in the peninsular part of the state of Gujarat, in the western region of India. Bhavnagar was founded by Bhavsinhji Gohil in 1723 AD on the site of a small village of Vadva, near the creek. The Gohil Rajputs came to Gujarat from Marwar in 1260 AD. It was the time of persistent Maratha raids of the States of Saurashtra. The last princely ruler Late Sir Krishnakumarsinhji handed over the administration of his State to the people's representative in 1948 on the advice of Gandhiji.

Bhavnagar is an important trading centre for cotton goods manufactured in Gujarat. Today, activities related to the sea near Bhavnagar take place at the port of Ghogha and at Alang, which has also Asia's largest ship breaking Yard. It remained a major port For almost two(2) centuries, trading commodities with Africa, Mozambique, Zannibar, Singapore and the Persian gulf. The Bhavnagar lock gate keeps ships a float in the city's port at low tide. This flourising maritime trade resulted in the high rate of urbanization surplus wealth and cosmopolitan culture of the town. 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.

Bhavnagar is near the Gulf of Cambay. Bhavnagar is at sea level. Though Bhavnagar is near the coast and experiences coastal climate, yet it has hot summers. Winters are cool. It experiences southwestern monsoon rains. As Bhavnagar is near the coastline, it is generally humid throughout the year. Like most parts of Gujarat, Bhavnagar is also known for its traditional handicrafts, which include embroidery and high quality appliqué work. Locally made tie and dye and block-printed fabrics are also popular. The main shopping center is located in Darbargarh area of the city. Population : 1300,000* Climate : Summers Max - 44°C Min - 24°C* Winters Max - 32°C Min - 15°C *

Bhavnagar is 225 km from Ahmedabad and 690 km from Mumbai (Bombay). It is easily accessible from any part of India besides the other cities of Gujarat. The excellent road network, railway system and the air linking make Bhanvnagar a travel destination. Bhavnagar has an airport, which is southeast of the city center. Gandhinagar, Vadodra, Rajkot, Palitana and Jamnagar are easily accessible through road.