Morbi

Morbi
city
Nickname(s): Paris of Saurashtra
Morbi Location in Gujarat, India
Coordinates: 22°49′N 70°50′E / 22.82°N 70.83°E / 22.82; 70.83Coordinates: 22°49′N 70°50′E / 22.82°N 70.83°E / 22.82; 70.83
Country	India
State	Gujarat
District	Morbi
Languages
• Official	Gujarati, Hindi
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN	363641/42
Area code(s)	02822
Vehicle registration	GJ-36

Morbi or Morvi is a city and a municipality in Morbi district in the Indian state of Gujarat. It was a Princely State ruled by the Jadeja clan of Rajputs until Indian independence in 1947. It is situated on the Kathiawar peninsula. In 2011, the city's population was determined to be 194,947.^[1] The town of Morbi is situated on the river Machhu, 35 km from the sea and 60 km from Rajkot.

The city-state of Morbi and much of the building heritage and town planning is attributed to the administration of Sir Lakhdhiraji Waghji,^[2] who ruled from 1922 to 1948.

History

During the British Raj era, Morvi State was one of several princely states governed by the Jadeja dynasty of Rajputs. It was classified as an 11-gun salute state.^[3]

Industry

Morbi produces 70% of India's gross ceramic production and 5% of the world's.^[4] around 80% of the country's Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) production and is the largest producer of wall clocks in India. There are around 600 ceramic factories with production worth Rs. 40 billion annually.

Points of Interest^[5][6][7][8]

Most points are located in the old city

• Julto Pul - the old hanging bridge across River Machhu
• Darbargadh - the original residence of the royalty, the Darbargarh overlooking the river can be approached through an imposing gate with a magnificently carved façade. This structure has now been converted into a heritage hotel.
• Nazarbagh palace - or the New Palace located across suspension bridge on the eastern side of the river. The premises now houses the engineering college of Lakhdhirji.
• The Art Deco Palace (1931-1944)- is a marvelous example of the influence of the last phase of the European art deco movement. It is a low, two-storey structure with banded horizontal fenestration, curves and bays, which resembles the London underground stations of Charles Holden
• Mani Mandir and Wellington Secretariat [Wagh mahel] – Wagh mahel is artistic built in Rajput architecture which was damaged partly in 2001 earthquake. Sprawling Mani mandir, a multi-religious shrine located in the same premises was built by Shri Waghji Thakur. There is a nice garden easterly facing the river.
• Green chowk with green tower, which reminds tower of Eiffle in Paris is a gentle reminder of European influence on the royalty in town development
• Nehru Gate (Llyod gate) and other two gates served as the entry points to old city remain as good landmarks
• Trimandir - of Morbi region is located about 8km northwesterly to the town.^[9][10]
• Kabir Dham or kabir vadi, Vavadi [Nani Vavdi] - is some 5 km far, westerly to the city^[11]
• Rafaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Rafaleshwar - an ancient temple is located 12km southeasterly
• Maa Khodiyar mandir, Matel - is located about 25km far southeasterly
• Tankara - a holy land, the birthplace of Swami Dayanada Saraswati, a Hindu reformist and the founder of Arya Samaj - is located 20km far southwesterly to Morbi town

References