Bhavnagar History, India

It was the Gohil Rajputs (who hailed from the Surya Vanshi Dynasty) who moved to the land near Arabian Sea (which is now the state of Gujarat) somewhere during the year of 1260 A.D. as they were facing huge threats from the Marwar Dynasty. They established three capitals around the region which they covered. These capitals were Umrala, Sejakpur, and Sihor (which was known by the name of Sirohi during those years).

During the 1822 and 1823 Bhavsinhji Gohil (who was ruling the region during those days) had to face attacks from Pilaji Gaekwad and Khanthaji Kadani. The armies of these two rulers attacked Sihor to take control of the capital. He lost many people in these battles and hence established a new capital near the so called Vadva Village somewhere in the year of 1823. This village was around 20 kilometer away from the old capital Sihor and he named this new capital Bhavnagar. This name was chosen from his own name Bhavsinhji.

This land was chosen after lots of surveys. This piece of land had a lot of potential in terms of trade via sea. Lately this city became the capital of Bhavnagar State.

The city of Bhavnagar remained an important port for the kingdom of Gohil for over 2 centuries. This port used to serve as a spot for trade from Persian Gulf, Zanzibar, Africa, Singapore, and Mozambique. The old city of Bhavnagar was covered by walls from all the sides and the only few available gates on these walls were made in a manner that they opened towards some of the major cities of those days.

Importance of Bhavnagar grew due to various kinds of trades, which were occurring in the city, and hence soon the city of Bhavnagar grew from being a city to bing a state. Many major lands were brought under the state of Bhavnagar and the city of Bhavnagar was named as the capital of this newly formed state. Vakhatsinhji Gohil was responsible for expanding this state to the surrounding areas.

Somewhere in the 17th century, Bhavnagar State was the first to build its own railway without any foreign help. Many British Rulers had quoted Bhavnagar State as being one of those states which had the power to live by themselves and ask no help from others. State of Bhavnagar was prospering well during those years.

Later in 1948 Bhavnagar became the first princely state amongst the 565 available that joined the Indian Union.

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