From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Bhavnagar

Bhavnagar (Gujarati: ભાવનગર, Hindi: भावनगर, Bhāvnagar (help·info)) is a city in the Indian state of Gujarat. It was founded in 1723 AD by Bhavsinhji Gohil (1703-64 AD) and was named after its founder and ruler. It was capital of Bhavnagar State which was the first princely state to merge with the democratic Indian Union in 1948.

It is currently the administrative headquarters of the Bhavnagar District. It is the sixth-largest city of Gujarat, and the third-largest city in the Saurashtra region. Bhavnagar is also known as the cultural capital of Saurashtra.

Early history

The Gohil Rajputs of the Surya Vanshi clan, facing severe competition in Marwar, moved down to the Gujarat coast around AD 1260 and established three capitals - Sejakpur, Umrala and Sihor (then known as Sirohi). ^[1]

In 1822-1823, Sihor was raided by Khanthaji Kadani and Pilaji Gaekwad, but they were repulse by Bhanvsinhji Gohil. After great losses in the battle, he realized the weakness in location of Sihor. In 1823, he established a new capital near Vadva village, 20 km away from Sihor, and named it Bhavnagar. It was a carefully chosen strategic location having potential of maritime trade. Naturally, Bhavnagar became the capital of Bhavnagar State. ^[2]

The old town of Bhavnagar was a fortified town with gates leading to other important towns of the region. Bhavnagar remained a major port, for almost two centuries, trading commodities with Africa, Mozambique, Zanzibar, Singapore and the Persian Gulf.

State of Bhavnagar

Bhavsinhji made various far sighted decisions to ensure revenues from marine trade for Bhavnagar. During that period, marine trade was monopolized by Surat and Cambay. Castle of Surat was commanded by Sidis of Janjira. To protect maritime trade of Bhavnagar, Bhavsinhji entered into agreement with them in 1739 AD^[3], giving 1.25% of revenues generated by Bhavnagar port. When the English took over Surat in 1856 AD, Bhavsinhji entered into similar terms with them.^[2]

During his period, Bhavnagar rose from a small chieftainship to a considerably important state, with large addition of territories to the state as well as from maritime trade. This tradition was continued by successor of the founder who encouraged trade in similar manners.

Vakhatsinhji Gohil, grandson of Bhavsinhji Gohil, expanded the territory after taking possession of localities belonging to Kolis and Kathis. Also, he obtained Rajula from the Navab Saheb Ahmad Khan. Sultans of Gujarat had given the Ghogha Taluka to Babi family. It fell to Peshwa when Ahmedabad was conquered by the Marathas in 1757 AD. After falling under various hands (Momin Khan, Sher Zaman Khan), it was finally merged into Bhavnagar state by Vakhatsinji Gohil. In 1793 AD, Vakhatsinhji took over Chital, and also conquered forts of Talaja. Later, Mahuva, Kundla, Trapaj, Umrala and Botad became part of Bhavnagar state.^[4]

Bhavnagar remained the main port of the state. Other important ports were Mahuva and Gogha. It prospered well among other states of the region. During late 17th century, it became the first state in India to have built its railway on its own as quoted by Sir W. Hunter, in his publication "Imperial Gazetteer".^[5] On one occasion, Mr. Peile, a Political Agent during that time, had described the state in following manner : "With flourishing finances and much good work in progress. Of financial matters I need say little ; you have no debts, and your treasury is full."^[5]