Gondal
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| Gondal | |
  Gondal
|
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| State - District(s) |
Gujarat - Rajkot |
| Coordinates | |
| Area - Elevation |
- 132 m |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Population (2001) - Density |
95,991 - |
Gondal is a city and a municipality in Rajkot district in the Indian state of Gujarat. It was one of the eight first class princely states of Kathiawar agency during Bombay Presidency. The current population of town is around 200,000.
The Gondal state was founded in 1634 AD, the Gondal town lies on the banks of Gondali river.
Contents |
[edit] Historical places of Gondal
The Riverside Palace was built in 1875 AD by Maharajah Bhagwat Sinhji for his son Yuvraj Bhojraji, which is groomed be lawns and gardens, and has marvelously appointed sitting arrangement — the "living room" is furnished in typical colonial style with chandelier, antique wooden furniture and sofas; where as the "Indian room" decorated with beadwork, brassware and paintings.
The Naulakha Palace is the oldest extant palace in Gondal, dating back to the 17th Century. It has legendary stone carvings with exquisite "jharokhas" (balconies), a fabulous pillared courtyard, delicately carved arches, and a unique spiral staircase. The large chandelier-lit "durbar" hall (court house) witnesses stuffed panthers, gilt wooden furniture, and antique mirrors. The Private palace museum displays an impressive display of silver caskets which were in the services of carrying messages and gifts for Maharajah Bhagwat Sinhji on his silver jubilee as ruler of Gondal.
The Huzoor Palace is the current royal residence, whose one wing is opened for public. It is known as the Orchard Palace because of its huge surroundings of fruit orchards, lawns and gardens. The Room of miniatures is a splendid sitting room with a collection of miniature paintings, brass, and antique furniture.
The Royal Garages have an extensive collection of vintage and classic cars. Pamba Haveli and Moti Haveli are also among the places of interest.
[edit] Geography
Gondal is located at [1]. It has an average elevation of 132 metres (433 feet).
[edit] Demographics
As of 2001 India censusGRIndia, Gondal had a population of 95,991. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Gondal has an average literacy rate of 73%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 78%, and female literacy is 68%. In Gondal, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.
[edit] Culture and economy
The people of the Gondal, like in most of the other parts of Saurashtra, are considered relatively religious. Some of the famous temples include Akshar Mandir (BAPS - Swaminarayan), and Bhuvneshwari Mandir.
The main economic impetus is through various small businesses including jewelry designers, timber trading, and various hardware enterprises. The market for most commodities is located mainly in two areas known as Nani Bazaar (literally, small market) and Moti Bazaar (literally, large market). Transportation to the from the city from other parts of the country is primarily by road and rail. Gondal is very well known for its Red Chilly, Cotton, Ground nut. Gondal is Largest producer of Ground nut oil in gujarat.it has nearly 300-500 oil mills. Gondal has two Ayurvedic medicine manufacturers exporting to various foreign countries. There is extensive farming in the outskirts of Gondal though availability of sufficient water can be a problem as is common in the rest of Gujarat.
The main residential areas in Gondal include Bhojarajapara, Housing Board, Station Plot, Gundala Road and Khodiyar Nagar.
The marketing yard here is one of the biggest in the kathiawar region. Gondal is growing bigger in trading of cotton. Many Ginning and pressing industries are developing here.
[edit] External links
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