Bhavnagar

Bhavnagar
—  City District  —
Bhavnagar city in twilight night
Bhavnagar
Location of Bhavnagar
in Gujarat and India
Coordinates
Country  India
Region Saurashtra (region)
State Gujarat
District(s) Bhavnagar
Mayor Mehul vadodaria
Population

• Density

 1,300,000 (2009)

• 9,586 /km2 (24,828 /sq mi)
Literacy 78.08 [1]% 
Official languages Gujarati, Hindi, English
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
Area

• Elevation

 53.30 km2 (21 sq mi)

• 24 metres (79 ft)
Website www.bhavnagar.gujarat.gov.in

Bhavnagar (Gujarati: ભાવનગર, Hindi: भावनगर, Bhāvnagar) 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 fifth-largest city of Gujarat, and the second-largest city in the Saurashtra region. Bhavnagar is also known as the cultural capital of Saurashtra.

Contents

History

Early history

The Gohil Rajputs of the Suryavanshi 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). [2] In 1822-1823, Sihor were raided by Khanthaji Kadani and Pilaji Gaekwad, but they were repulse by Bhavsinhji 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. [3]

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[4], 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.[3]

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.[5]

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 19th century the state built the Bhavnagar State Railway, thus becoming the first state in India to build its railway on its own. This was noted by Sir W. Hunter, in his publicationImperial Gazetteer.[6] On one occasion, Mr. Peile, a Political Agent during that time, described the state as follows: "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."[6]

Between the years 1870-78, as the prince Takhtsinhji was a minor, an experiment in joint administration was carried out and Bhavnagar was put under a joint administration. This period produced some notable reforms. The two important people who were responsible for these reforms were Mr. E.H. Percival, of the Bombay Civil Service and Sri Gaurishankar Udayshankar Oza of Bhavnagar.

These reforms were in the areas of administration, revenue collection and judiciaries. Post and telegraph services along with railways were introduced and augmented. The port was also modernized and a new economic policy was introduced.

These reforms and changes in the system caused John Houston to say "Bhavnagar is the most important and the most advanced of the native states of Kathiawar. From a very early date it became friendly with the British authorities.It was the pioneer of civilization and administrative activity in the peninsula and has ever set an example to the neighboring chiefs in the spread of education, in the prosecution of public works, in the development of commerce and in adoption of measures generally conducive to the welfare of its subjects." [7]

In 1911, HH Maharani Nundkanvarba of Bhavnagar, was awarded the Order of the Crown of India, the highest Imperial award for women of the Empire.

Region of Bhavnagar state was also known as Gohilwad.

Merger with the Indian Union in 1947

Till the independence of India, Bhavnagar was an independent state ruled by the Gohil Rajput clan.

In 1947, the Deputy Prime Minister of newly independent Indian Union Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel undertook the ambitious and complex process of political integration of India to unify 565 princely states with the Union of India. The last princely ruler of Bhavnagar Late Sri Krishnakumar Sinhji handed over the administration of his State to the people's representative in 1948, and Bhavnagar became the first state to join the Indian Union. Krishnakumar Sinhji later served as the Governor of Madras Province.

Geography and climate

Bhavnagar
Climate chart ()
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average max. and min. temperatures in °C
precipitation totals in mm
source: Weatherbase

Topography

Bhavnagar is a coastal city in the eastern coast of Saurashtra, also known as Kathiawar, located at [8]. It has an average elevation of 24 metres (78 ft). It occupies area of 53.30 km². General slope dips in the northeasterly direction at the apex of Gulf of Khambhat. Small non-perennial river named Kansara Nala passes through outer area of the city.

Climate

Bhavnagar has a semi-arid climate, with hot, dry summers from March to mid-June, the wet monsoon season from mid-June to October where the city receives around 550 mm of rain on average. The semiarid classification is due to the city's high evapotranspiration. The months from November to February are mild, the average temperature being around 20°C, with low humidity. Due to proximity to the sea, the climate remains a bit humid throughout the year.

Geology

The region of Saurashtra is a vital geo-dynamic part of the western continental margin of India, and falls in the seismic zone-III of the Zoning Map of Bureau of Indian Standards. The region as a whole and the area around Bhavnagar in particular has been tectonically unstable.

Between 9 August 2000 and 15 December 2000, there was a series of earthquakes in east Saurashtra which started in Bhavnagar. 132 earthquakes of 0.5M to 3.8M were recorded. There were five earthquakes greater than 3M, with maximum magnitude of 3.8. These events were confined to an area which covered southern part of the Bhavnagar city and Tarsamiya village on the outskirts of the town.

According to historical records, an earthquake of magnitude 7 occurred near Bhavnagar in February 1705. Earthquake swarm activity also occurred in and around Paliyad (60 km north of Bhavnagar) during July–August 1938 for about two months, with four earthquakes of magnitude greater than or equal to 5 and maximum magnitude of 6.0.[9]

Culture and Arts

Bhavnagar is considered a city of education and culture, and is known as the cultural capital of Saurashtra. [10] People of Bhavnagar are considered to be easy-going, and art-loving. The artistes and literary luminaries of Bhavnagar have immensely contributed to the culture of the city.

Gujarati is the language of normal life, although Hindi is commonly understood. Knowledge of English is limited to the more educated population of the city.

Bhavnagar has produced many poets and writers of Gujarati literature. Just to name few:

Entertainment

Bhavnagar has couple of Single screen theaters a multiplex with 5 screen and more...

Top 3 is the largest multiplex in Saurashtra with 5 screens, food courts, game stations and a large sprawling Amusement Park besides it. A two screen theatre turned multiplex called Apsara Twins, The Yashwantrao Natya Gruh is a one of the biggest Play hall in Bhavnagar District. Two Hyper Markets Reliance Super Mall and V-Mart. A large under construction leisure cum entertainment spot called ISCON City (claimed to be the largest organised township of Gujarat) and Himalaya Mega Mall (which is claimed to be the largest of Saurashtra), Rangoli Resorts and Restaurants (a complete fun destination at the outskirt of the city), are to name a few which adores beauty of Bhavnagar further.

Hospitality & Food

Bhavnagar is also a home of many large Hotels and Restaurants.

There is a Three Star hotel Sun n' Shine located centrally near ST Bus Station, Nilambaugh Palace Hotel a unique Royal Palace turned hotel along with a restaurant and other hotels like The White Rose, Blue Hill, Jubilee, Appollo etc.

Bhavnagar is also known for its good bud taste with some of the big brands in restaurant chains like Sankalp (for South Indian food), Uncle Sam's & Domino's Pizza etc., Along with other local players like Red Rose Restaurant(An authentic venue for delicious food),Jalsa - The Lounge (continental) Baker's Basket, The Coffee Cafe etc.,

The upcoming ISCON Mega Mall project is an entertainment cum shopping plaza at the opposite side of the Victoria Park. It is known to be the largest organised shopping area of Saurashtra Region. Along with a large resedential bunglows, flats, hospitals, club house etc. bhavnagar's hotel is very fine.

City Planning and Architecture

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.[2]

Takhteshwar Temple (1893) 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) is a beautiful two storeyed building, appropriately designed for a road junction. It has two wings and a central tower, constructed in ashlar stone masonry, 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) is a temple dedicated to Ganga-devi, with a chhatri, pavilion and bridge all 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 magnificent building set amidst a huge estate of 10 acres (40,000 m2). It was designed by a German architect, as a royal residence in 1859. It combines elements of Indian architecture with a modern outlook.

Town Hall (1932) 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.

Modern Bhavnagar comprises Takhteshvar Plots, Krishnanagar, Sardarnagar and surrounding area. During 1935-1937, Krishnanagar area was planned and developed by late Shri Virendrabhai C. Mehta, the official town planner for the State of Bhavnagar. In 1961, he extended his Krishanagar plan towards Sardarnagar while he planned Congress Adhiveshan. In 1975, he again got involved in planning of Bhavnagar and made a master plan of Bhavnagar.

The city of Bhavnagar was one of the earliest to have an underground drainage in the whole of Gujarat. [11]

Bhavnagar was among the first cities in Gujarat to have Water Filtration Plant.

Education

Bhavnagar is known for pioneering and laudable efforts in the fields of rural child as well as liberal women's education.

Nanbhai Bhatt, Gijubhai Badheka, Manbhai Bhatt (Founder of Shishuvihar) and Harbhai Trivedi were the trinity who experimented and sew new trends in rural and liberal child education. Nanbhai's Gram Dakshinamurti and Lokbharati have prepared three generations of brilliant workers and leaders engaged in reshaping village India. Gijubhai's Dakshinamurti became the cradle of new liberal children's education and charted a new direction in the field. Harbhai Trivedi pioneered a similarly new trend in secondary education and his Home School became a model for contemporary educators in Western India.

Liberal women's education was born in Bhavnagar through the efforts of another illustrious educator-social reformer Amrutlal Dani. What has become a vibrant cluster of women's schools and colleges today is due to his devoted and pioneer work.

Bhavnagar's Shamaldas Arts College is the oldest institution of higher education in the region. Mahatma Gandhi studied here in 1884 AD. Bhavnagar University is well known in the region having nearly 23,000 students, number of graduate colleges, 17 post graduate departments including MBA, MCA, MSc, engineering, and medical college.

Economy and Industry Profile

Industrial development in Bhavnagar district could be attributed to the presence of a large number of diamond cutting and polishing units, salt and marine chemicals, plastics, ship building, and breaking industries. Bhavnagar is an important center for the diamond cutting and polishing industry in Gujarat as well as India. Thousands of skilled diamond-polishing workers are employed in diamond-cutting and polishing firms,whose subsidiary offices involved in cities like Surat, Mumbai, and Antwerp. Bhavnagar stands second in diamond cutting & polishing industry after Surat in India, with 6,000 units operating from the district and employing more than 3 lakh people. Bhavnagar’s commercial importance is enhanced by its proximity with the Gulf of Cambay and the Arabian Sea.Bhavnagar is the largest producer of salt, with 34,500 tons of salt being produced annually in the district. Alang ship breaking yard is the biggest in the world, recycling about 50% of the salvaged ships of the world. This has also helped developing supporting industries, such as Oxygen bottling plants, re-rolling mills and induction furnaces. Bhavnagar manufactures FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) boats and steel vessels at ship building facility of Alcock Ashdown (Gujarat) Ltd. The prominent industries located in Bhavnagar are Alcock Ashdown (Government of Gujarat Undertaking), Tamboli Castings Limited., Excel, SteelCast Bhavnagar, Investment & Precision Castings etc. Ruvapari Road and Nari Road are areas where most industries are clustered. Bhavnagar has about 150 units manufacturing plastic monofilaments, and more than 400 units manufacturing plastic cloth, twine, ropes, films, and multifilament yarn. Some sections of the society depends upon agriculture for their livelihood. The city is a prominent trading post for cotton products. There are 112 medium and large scale industries located in Bhavnagar district.

>>Small Scale Industries (SSI) The district has 10,080 SSI units with employment of 49,587 involving a total investment of INR 28,955 lakhs (USD 70.62 million). Around 4,460 SSI units are present in Bhavnagar taluka, witnessing investments to the tune of INR 9,956 lakhs (USD 24.28 million). Maximum number of industries are engaged in repairing & servicing, textiles, chemicals, glass & ceramics, and wood products.

>> Faculty of Management(FOM) The faculty has added a number of service in terms of consultancy and technical Seminars to the SSI sector in the city under the leadership of Dr A Kumar.

>>Industry Investment Trends As per the Industrial Entrepreneur Memoranda (IEMs) filed, the total investment during 1988-97 was INR 2,693 Crore (USD 657 million), and during 1998-2007 investments worth INR 4,775 Crore (USD 1,164.6 million). Around 87% of the investments during 1998-07 has been contributed by infrastructure projects, cement and gypsum, and chemicals sector, while 89% of the investments during 1988-97 was contributed by industries such as chemicals, cement and gypsum Miscellaneous machinery and engineering sector showed increase in number of units while chemicals, plastic and food processing industries showed remarkable growth in investments during 1998-2007.

>>Investment Trends: 1998-07 Infrastructure sector attracted the highest investment of INR 2,200 Crore (USD 536.5 million) contributing 46% to total investments generated during 1998-07. The next highest investment was generated by cement and gypsum sector of INR 1,637 Crore (USD 399.26 million) growing by 39% and contributing 34% to the total investments. Highest employment was generated by the chemical sector creating 3,997 jobs contributing 36% to the total jobs created Food processing industries grew by over 250 times during 1998-07 with an investment of INR 79 Crore (USD 19 million).

>>Investments in Pipeline

A total of 11 MoUs were signed during Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summits (VGGIS) 2003, 2005 and 2007, in several sectors, such as, ports, power, agro & food processing, tourism and mineral-based industries. The power sector witnessed investments of over INR 4000 crore (USD 975.60 million) during VGGIS 2003 and 2005 by Nirma Chemicals Limited and Gujarat Petro Chemical Limited respectively. Port sector witnessed maximum number of MoUs during 2003 and 2005 in the district. Gujarat State Petronet Corporation (GSPC), has signed an MoU during Vibrant Gujarat 2007, for the privatisation of Bhavnagar port.

>> Economy Drivers

Major investments were witnessed in infrastructure projects during 1998-07 which would further enhance the image of the district as a commercial region. Recent surge in the growth of food processing industries in the district has increased employment opportunities for the masses. Presence of Bhavnagar port has helped in catalyzing the growth of industries, making it an important terminal for export and import of goods. Proximity with other major industrial hubs of the State, such as Ahmedabad, and Rajkot has helped the district in attracting investments. Small scale industry sectors such as repairing & servicing, textiles, chemicals, glass & ceramics and wood products are the supporting pillars of the economy providing numerous employment opportunities.

Agriculture

Main Crops:

chitrakala arts & net world

Commerce

Demographics

As of 2001 India census[12], Bhavnagar had a population of 510,958. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%.Estimated population in 2010 is approx. 130000. Bhavnagar has an average literacy rate of 72%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 77% and female literacy of 66%. 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Tourism

The city offers vibrant shades of traditional Gujarati culture to the traveler. Bhavnagar is also a suitable stopover for tourists who are venturing to the Jain temples at Palitana on the Shatrunjaya Hills, Sihor and the Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar - the home of the famous Indian Blackbuck. Blackbuck National Park of Velavadar is the only place where Blackbucks can be found. This National Park is home for many other species of animals and birds.

Transportation

Bhavnagar is well connected to other major cities of Gujarat such as Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Surat and more by road, with bus services operated by state-owned transport corporation ([GSRTC]) as well as private operators.

The city is also connected to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Surat and Vadodara and some major cities of Saurashtra by rail road.

It was one of the first cities in Gujarat to have an airport. It is connected to Mumbai by air and railway. Daily flights are operated by Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines from Bhavnagar airport.

Intracity bus service is operated by VTCOS . Private auto-rikshaw is other mode of transport within the city and nearby villages.

Points of interest

Twinning (Sister city)

Bhavnagar is twinned with:-

England Loughborough,England

Ports

Bhavnagar had trade links with Southeast Asia, Africa, Arabia and ports of Red sea since early 18th century. The original port () built by the state of Bhavnagar was very important part of the commerce. It also hosted a lighted beacon since 1860. This port was later modernized in 1930 under the supervision of J. Johnston, then Port Officer of Bhavnagar state. Wharfs, warehouses and transportation by rail systems were added. But heavy silting affected the old port, and a new port, 8 km south of the original port, was built and was operational in 1950s. This port too had a lighthouse, which was damaged in the 2001 earthquake. [13]

Bhavnagar lockgate, built in 1963, is one of the oldest in the state, and is very useful to keep ships afloat during low tides.

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://www.bhavnagar.gujarat.gov.in/
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 [www.bhavnagar.com/history.asp "History of Bhavnagar city"]. www.bhavnagar.com/history.asp. Retrieved 2007-08-15. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Dosábhai, Edalji (1894). A History of Gujarat from the Earliest Period to the Present Time. United Print and General Agency. p. 177. 
  4. ↑ Gazetteer Vol. VIII - Kathiawar, 1884. Govt. Central Press, Bombay Presidency. p. 390. 
  5. ↑ Amarji, Ranchodji (1882). Târikh-i-Sorath: A History of the Provinces of Sorath and Hâlâr in Kâthiâwâd. Edu. Soc. Press, & Thaker & Co. Ltd.. p. 95. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Naoroji, Dadabhai (1902). Poverty and Un-British Rule in India. S. Sonnenschein. p. 259. 
  7. ↑ "The Urban Structure Of Bhavnagar". http://members.rediff.com/Lavu/Ormscpts.html#Bhart. Retrieved 2008-06-11. 
  8. ↑ "Bhavnagar, India Page". Falling Rain Genomics, Inc.. http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/9/Bhavnagar.html. Retrieved 2007-08-15. 
  9. ↑ "Earthquake Sequence in and around Bhavnagar" (PDF). http://www.ias.ac.in/currsci/apr252004/1165.pdf. Retrieved 2008-06-10. 
  10. ↑ "Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation". http://www.udd.gujarat.gov.in/Default_files/MuniCorp.htm. Retrieved 2008-06-11. 
  11. ↑ Gujarat State Gazetteers, 1969. Directorate of Govt. Print., Stationery and Publications, Gujarat State. p. 538. 
  12. ↑ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2004-06-16. http://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999. Retrieved 2008-11-01. 
  13. ↑ "Bhavnagar Old Port Lighthouse". http://dgllnoida.gov.in/history/bhavnagar.htm. Retrieved 2008-06-10. 

District Profile -
http://www.vibrantgujarat.com/district_profile/detail/Bhavnagar.pdf

External links

Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation
Bhavnagar Collectorate
Bhavnagar District Panchayat
Gohil Dynasty
Historical Vignettes
Bird's Eye View of the city
Some old pictures/paintings of the city
Bhavnagar Ship Scrap Market, video 9:48 min
Bhavnagar Information
Bhavnagar University
R. K. Home school (Ghar shala)
Shree Dakshinamurti
Shantilal Shah Engineering College, Sidsar
Shree Swaminarayan College of Computer Science
Barton Library webpage
A tribute to Fatima Convent
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