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 3 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. The trade
resulted in the high rate of
urbanization, surplus wealth
and cosmopolitan culture of
the town.
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. |
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