Bhavnagar
—  city  —
Bhavnagar Location of Bhavnagar in Gujarat and India
Coordinates	21°46′N 72°09′E / 21.76°N 72.15°E / 21.76; 72.15Coordinates: 21°46′N 72°09′E / 21.76°N 72.15°E / 21.76; 72.15
Country	India
Region	Saurashtra (region)
State	Gujarat
District(s)	Bhavnagar
Mayor	Suresh Dhandhalia
Population • Density	1,300,000 (2009[update]) • 9,586 /km2 (24,828 /sq mi)
Literacy	78.08[1]%
Official languages	Gujarati, Hindi, English
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Area • Elevation	53.30 square kilometres (20.58 sq mi) • 24 metres (79 ft)
Codes • Pincode • 364XXX • Telephone • +0278 • Vehicle • GJ 04
Website	www.bhavnagar.gujarat.gov.in

Bhavnagar (Gujarati: ભાવનગર, Hindi: भावनगर, Bhāvnagar) is a city in the Indian state of Gujarat. Founded in 1723 by Bhavsinhji Gohil (1703–1764), the city was named after its founder and ruler. It has been the capital of Bhavnagar State, which was a princely state before it was merged into the Indian Union in 1948. It is now the administrative center of the Bhavnagar district.

Bhavnagar is situated 228 km from the state capital Gandhinagar and to the west of the Gulf of Khambhat. Bhavnagar is the fifth largest city of Gujarat, and the second largest city in the Saurashtra region. It is also known as the cultural capital of Saurashtra.

History[link]

The Gohil Rajput of the Suryavanshi clan faced severe competition in Marwar. Around 1260 AD, they moved down to the Gujarat coast and established three capitals; Sejakpur, Umrala and Sihor.^[2]

In 1822-1823, forces led by Khanthaji Kadani and Pilaji Gaekwad attempted to raid Sihor but were repealed by Maharaja Bhavsinhji Gohil. After suffering defeat, he realized the reason was the location of Sihor (old Bhavnagar). 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 because of the potential of maritime trade. Naturally, Bhavnagar City became the capital of Bhavnagar State.^[3]

The old town of Bhavnagar was a fortified town with gates leading to other important regional towns. It remained a major port for almost two centuries, trading commodities with Africa Mozambique, Zanzibar, Singapore, and the Persian Gulf.

State of Bhavnagar[link]

Bhavsinhji ensured that Bhavnagar benefited from the revenue that was brought in from maritime trade, which was monopolised by Surat and Cambay. As the castle of Surat was under the control of the Sidis of Janjira, Bhavsinhji brokered an agreement with them, giving the Sidis 1.25% of the revenue generated by Bhavnagar port. Bhavsinhji entered into a similar agreement with the British when they took over Surat in 1856.Whilst Bhavsinhji was in power, Bhavnagar grew from a small chieftainship to a considerably important state. This was due to the addition of new territories as well as the income provided by maritime trade. Bhavsinhji's successors continued to encourage maritime trade through Bhavnagar port, recognizing its importance to the state. The territory was further expanded by Bhavsinhji's grandson, Vakhatsinhji Gohil when he took possession of lands belonging to Kolis and Kathis, obtained Rajula from the Navab Saheb Ahmad Khan, and merged Ghogha Taluka into the state. In 1793, Vakhatsinhji conquered the forts of Chital and Talaja, and later conquered Mahuva, Kundla, Trapaj, Umrala and Botad.Bhavnagar remained the main port of the state, with Mahuva and Gogha also becoming important ports. Because of the maritime trade, the state prospered compared to other states. During the late 19th century, the Bhavnagar State Railway was constructed. This made Bhavnagar the first state that was able to construct its railway system without any aid from the central government, which was mentioned in the Imperial Gazetteer. Mr Peile, a political agent, 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."^[4]Between 1870 and 1878 the state was put under joint administration, due to the fact that Prince Takhtsinhji was a minor. This period produced some notable reforms in the areas of administration, revenue collection, judiciary, the post and telegraph services, and economic policy. The ports were also modernized. The two people who were responsible for those reforms were Mr E.H Percival of the Bombay Civil Service and Sri Gaurishankar Udayshankar Oza, Chief Minister of Bhavnagar State. 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. The former princely state of Bhavnagar was also known as Gohilwad; "Land of the Gohils" (the clan of the ruling family). The current royal family of Bhavnagar resides in the Nilambagh Palace.

Rulers[link]

Leading Freedom Fighters of Bhavnagar State[link]

• Blavanatrai Maheta
• Jadavajibhai Modi
• Jagubhai Parikh
• Nanabhai Bhatt
• Akhileshvribahen Maheta
• Ganjanan Purohit
• Gunvantbhai Purohit
• Atmaram Bhatt
• Rajabali Lakhani
• Pruthvisinh Azad
• Tarabahen Modak
• Gijubhai Badheka^[5]

Merger with the Indian Union in 1947[link]

Until the independence of India in 1947, Bhavnagar was an independent state ruled by the Rajput Gohil clan. In 1947, the Deputy Prime Minister of the newly independent Indian Union Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel undertook the ambitious and complex process of unifying 565 princely states with the Union of India. The last Maharaja of Bhavnagar, Krishnakumar Sinhji handed over the administration of his Bombay State to the people's representative in 1948, and Bhavnagar became the first of these states to join the Indian Union. The erstwhile royal family of Bhavnagar continues to lead an active role in the public eye as well as in business (hotels, real-estate, agriculture & ship-breaking) and is held in high regard by the population both in the city as well as areas that comprised the former princely state of Bhavanagar.

Geography and climate[link]

Topography[link]

Bhavnagar is a coastal city on the eastern coast of Saurashtra, also known as Kathiawar, located at 21°46′N 72°09′E / 21.77°N 72.15°E / 21.77; 72.15.^[6] It has an average elevation of 24 metres (78 ft). It occupies an area of 53.30 km². The general slope dips towards the north-east at the apex of Gulf of Khambhat. A small non-perennial river named Kansara Nala passes through the outer area of the city.

Climate[link]

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

Geology[link]

The region of Saurashtra is a geologically active part of West India, and falls in the seismic zone 3 of the Zoning Map of the 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 with epicenters in Bhavnagar. 132 earthquakes of 0.5M to 3.8M were recorded. There were five earthquakes greater than 3M, with a 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 a maximum magnitude of 6.0.^[8]

Culture and arts, socialism and reforms[link]

This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (May 2012)

Home to socialism, reforms, and cultural legacy, Bhavnagar is considered a city of education and culture, and is known as the cultural capital of Saurashtra.^[9] People of Bhavnagar are considered to be easy-going, and art-loving. The artists 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 reformists, thinkers, socialists, poets, writers, artists, educationists, and freedom fighters. A few of these luminaries are mentioned below:

• Narsinh Mehta - a poet-saint and exponent of Hindu devotional religious poetry, author of the famous bhajan 'Vaishnav Jana To', was born in the village of Talaja in Bhavnagar district.
• Ganga sati - a medieval Gujarati saint and poet who wrote many bhajans on devotional themes, hailed from Samadhiyala village of Umrala Taluka of Bhavnagar district. The Holy place of Ganga Sati & Panbai is situated on the riverbed of the Kalubhar river.
• Kavi Kant - a well known poet who served as the royal poet of Bhavnagar, was born in Chavand village of Bhavnagar district.
• Nanabhai Bhatt - Founder of Lok Bharti, educationist, creative writer, thinker.
• Gijubhai Badheka - Educationist and reformer.
• Jhaverchand Meghani - one of the greatest^{[citation needed]} Gujarati poets and writers of Gujarati folk literature, worked as a teacher in Bhavnagar and produced most of his literary works while living in Bhavnagar.
• Kalaguru Ravishankar Raval- a painter, art teacher, art critic, journalist, and essayist, was born in Bhavnagar.
• Manubhai Pancholi "Darshak": an educationist, writer, and politician, who wrote many books on history and on education and other subjects lived at Lok Bharti 44 km away from Bhavnagar. His famous books are 'Socrates', 'Jher to pidha chhe jani jani', 'Itihaas kathao- Greece, Rome'. He was awarded the 'GYANPITH AWARD' for Socrates, the Jamanalal Bajaj award for services, Murthidevi award, etc.^{[citation needed]}
• Prahlad Parekh and Krishnalal Shridharani - Two notable poets.
• Prof. Mehboob Desai, well known thinker, writer, and historian, he was honored by Chief Minister & Governor of Gujarat State on 26 January 2012.http://mehboobdesai.blogspot.com
• Vinod Joshi is a well known modern Gujarati poet and critic.
• Kismat Qureshi, Nazir Dekhaiya, Barkat Virani are writers of Ghazals.
• Prajaram Raval - poet, born in Bhavnagar, worked as principal of Ayurvedic college of Bhavnagar.
• Dula Kag - renowned poet, social reformer and freedom fighter, born in Mahuva town of Bhavnagar district.
• Morari Bapu - Saint, Teacher, Preacher.
• Mukundrai Muni : A well known history teacher lived at Lok Bharti.
• Dr. I. K. Vijliwala - The most famous^{[citation needed]} child specialist of Bhavnagar and an author of a best seller Gujarati book Silence please! had wrote many other famous books.
• The famous Gujarati novel Saraswatichandra by Govardhanram Tripathi was based on locations of Bhavnagar and Sihor. A few chapters were written during his stay in Bhavnagar.
• Somalal Shah - painter did all his active work in Bhavnagar.
• Kishor Parekh - Internationally acclaimed photographer was born in Bhavnagar.
• Bhavnagar has rich tradition of having Educationist like Gijubhai Badheka, Nanabahi Bhatt, Mulshankar M. Bhatt
• Dr Ramkrishna B Mehta- a well known physician (F.R.C.P) of Gujarat belonged to Bhavnagar, his father Dr. Balkrishna N Mehta served as a palace physician of Bhavnagar, and his brother Dr Vishnu B Mehta was also a very famous doctor of the region.
• Classical music group named Abhinav Sangit Kala Mandal run by Shri Mahidharbhai B Dave During the period 1955 to 1970.
• Dave Nathalal Bhanji;MA, BT,Poet;b June 3,1912 Bhuva (Gujarat);m Narmada Devi, three

son and one daughter. Education: Basic Training, Bombay Univ, Sevagram; Retd Principal G. B.T.C., Mangrol; President,Sahitya Parishad, AhmedabadPublications:Kalindi(1942),Jhanvi (1961), Anurag(1973), Upadadrav(1974)-all poetry; Bhadra(1954),Shikharone Pele Par(1977) -short stories; Ravindra Vaibhav; Awards:State Awards,won prize in Bombay competition as the best poet of humorous-satirical verse in Gujarati 1974-84; Address: ' 1016,'Sadhna Path',Dawn,Krishna nagar, Bhavnagar-364001, India.

City planning and architecture[link]

Multiple town planning schemes were designed and implemented under the guidance of the progressive rulers of Bhavnagar. During the reign of Sir Takhtsinhji, the British State Engineer Proctor Sims supervised the construction of Barton Library, the High Court, Alfred High School, and Sir Takhtsinhji Hospital.^[2]

A few architectural examples include:

• 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.
• 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 (1859), now a heritage hotel, is set amidst a huge estate of 10 acres (40,000 m²). It was designed by a German architect as a royal residence. It combines elements of Indian architecture with a modern outlook.
• Barton Library (1895) is a 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.
• 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. In 1975, he created a master plan for Bhavnagar.

Beautiful garden at junction of the roads is the salient feature of town planning. Other gardens are located at Ghogha Circle, Mahila College Circle, Rupani Circle, Meghani Circle, Shivaji Circle, Sardarnagar Circle, Jewels Circle and Crescent Circle.

The city of Bhavnagar was one of the earliest towns to have underground drainage in Gujarat,^[10] and was among the first cities in Gujarat to have a water filtration Plant. When set up by Krushnakumarsinhji, the filtration plant was the largest plant in Asia.^{[citation needed]}

Education[link]

Bhavnagar is known for pioneering and laudable efforts in the fields of rural, children's as well as women's education. Nanabhai Bhatt, Gijubhai Badheka, Manbhai Bhatt (Founder of Shishuvihar), Harbhai Trivedi, Gijubhai Badheka, and Taraben Modak were the pioneers who experimented and sowed new trends in rural and children's education. Nanbhai's institutions of Dakshinamurti at Bhavnagar, Gram Dakshinamurti at Amala, and Lokbharti at Sanosara have prepared three generations of brilliant workers and leaders engaged in reshaping village India. Gijubhai's Dakshinamurti became the cradle of 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. Sheth J. P. Govt. Ayurved College is one of the colleges of the well-known Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar that offers BAMS (Ayurvedacharya) course (35 seats per year). The college is situated in Vadva area and is named after Sheth Jivandas Prabhudas. Tapibai Ayurvedic Hospital which is the district level Ayurvedic hospital is part of this college.

Maharaja Krishna Kumar Sinhji Bhavnagar University[link]

The new name of Bhavnagar University is 'Maharaja Krushan Kumar Sinhji Bhavnagar University' it is is located in Bhavnagar city in the western province of Gujarat, India. The University Most probably covered a District area of Bhavnagar. The university provides teaching and research programs in Arts, Commerce, Science, Engineering, Medicine, Management, Rural Studies and Law Faculties. It has 25 departments, 18 postgraduate centres and four recognized institutes and research centres. 100 colleges affiliated to university belong to Arts, Science, Commerce, Law, Education, Engineering, Management, Rural and Medical disciplines. Twenty two post graduate courses are run by some of the colleges which are affiliated to University. Bhavnagar University came into being in 24 May 1979. Its land-estate area is 198.29 acres. A recent breakthrough in field of optical science was achieved by scientist Rasbindu Mehta of the university to trap light.

Shamaldas Arts College is the oldest institution of higher education in the region. Mahatma Gandhi studied here in 1884 AD. Maharaja Krishna Kumar Sinhji Bhavnagar University is well known in the region having an enrolment of nearly 23,000 students,a number of graduate colleges, and 25 post graduate departments including B.A, B.Com. B.Sc. M.A. M.Com. M.C.A, M.Sc.^[11] There are two engineering colleges Shantilal Shah Engineering College and Government Engineering College, Bhavnagar. Both the colleges are affiliated with Gujarat Technological University.

Healthcare[link]

Wockhardt Hospitals & Sterling Hospitals are multi-speciality hospitals providing many important healthcare services. There is also the Sir T. Civil Hospital associated with Govt. Medical College. Tapibai Ayurvedic Hospital serves the people providing Ayurvedic Treatment. There are also some trust hospitals & a large number of private clinics providing medical care.

Natural heritage sites[link]

Velavadar Black Buck National Park is the only tropical grassland in India recognized as a National park. It is spread over an area of 34.08 km². The park contains mainly blackbuck, antelopes, nilgai, wolves, jackals, hyenas, jungle cats, fox, and wild boar. Endangered birds such as Houbara Bustard, Lesser Florican, Sarus White Storks, White Pelican, Montagu, and Pallid Harriers also call the park home. Raptors including the Greater Spotted Eagle, Juvenile Imperial Eagle, Bonelli's Eagle, Short-toed Snake Eagle, and Long-legged Buzzard are also seen in the park. The climate in Velavdar makes it one of the best places for the migrating birds to breed.

Piram bet is an island approximately 6 km offshore off Ghogha. It is said that this island was created about 3.5 million years ago. It is well known for its diversity of life, including many vulnerable or endangered species. There is a ruined fort which was built in 1325.

Economy and industrial profile[link]

This unreferenced section requires citations to ensure verifiability.

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 ship-breaking industries. Bhavnagar is an important centre 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 are involved in cities like Surat, Mumbai, and Antwerp. Bhavnagar stands second in the diamond cutting & polishing industry after Surat in India, with 6,000 units operating from the district and employing more than 300,000 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,^{[citation needed]} with 34,500 tons of salt being produced annually in the district. The 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 the 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, and Sound Build Care Pvt Ltd. 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 depend 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)[link]

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

Industry investment trends[link]

As per the Industrial Entrepreneur Memoranda (IEMs) filed, the total investment during 1988-97 was 2,693 Crore (USD 657 million), and during 1998-2007 investments worth 4,775 Crore (USD 1,164.6 million) were undertaken. Around 87% of the investments during 1998-07 has been contributed by infrastructure projects, and the cement and gypsum, and chemicals sectors, 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[link]

Infrastructure sector attracted the highest investment of 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 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 79 Crore (USD 19 million).

Investments in pipeline[link]

A total of 11 (Memorandum of Understanding) MoUs were signed during Vibrant Gujarat Global Investor Summits (VGGIS) 2003, 2005 and 2007, in several sectors such as ports, power, agricultural & food processing, tourism, and mineral-based industries. The power sector witnessed investments of over 4000 crore (USD 975.60 million) during VGGIS 2003 and 2005 by Nirma Chemicals Limited and Gujarat Petro Chemical Limited respectively. The maximum number of MoUs were signed in relation to the port sector 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[link]

Major investments were witnessed in infrastructure projects during 1998-2007 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 catalysing the growth of industries, making it an important terminal for trade. 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[link]

Main Crops:

• Groundnut, onion, cotton, and bajra.
• Guavas and pomegranates.

Commerce[link]

• Exports of cotton, ship machinery and dehydrated onions.
• Diamond cutting, polishing, and marketing.
• Manufacture of diamond jewellery.
• Manufacture of plastic ropes, yarns, twines.
• Re-rolling mills driven by the ship-breaking yard at Alang.
• Other large scale manufacturing industries like fertilizer, soda-ash, steel casting etc.

Demographics[link]

As of 2001^[update] 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. 1.3 million. 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.

Transportation[link]

Bhavnagar Airport

Bhavnagar is well connected to other major cities of Gujarat such as Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Surat, etc. by road, with bus services operated by the state-owned transport corporation as well as private operators such as VTCOS.The city is also connected to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Surat, Vadodara, and other major cities of Saurashtra by rail road.^[13] Bhavnagar was one of the first cities in Gujarat to have an airport. Daily flights to Mumbai are operated by Jet Airways and Kingfisher Airlines from Bhavnagar Airport.^[14]Private auto rickshaw, bicycle, and motorcycles are other modes of transport within the city and nearby villages.

Tourism[link]

• Takhteshwar Temple: Located at the centre of the city. this temple is one of the highest points from which the entire city can be seen.
• Nilambag Palace: The residence of the current Maharaja of Bhavnagar, HH Maharaol Vijayrajsinhji Virbhadrasinhji Gohil & his family; is now also a heritage palace hotel.
• Mangalsinhji Mahal Palace: This palace is the residence of the members of the Bhavnagar royal family (family of Maharajkumar Mangalsinhji Takhatsinhji of Bhavnagar). It is a historical property in the heart of Bhavnagar city and is designed on traditional Kathiawari architectural principles. It is now the formal residence of the descendants of Rajkumar Chandrajitsinhji Mangalsinhji of Bhavnagar.
• Bhav Vilas Palace: This palatial property was formerly the club-house for the royal family of the erstwhile princely state of Bhavnagar, now the residence of Maharajkumar Shivbhadrasinhji Krishnakumarsinhji Gohil & his family. It is famous for its wildlife collection & lake-side views.
• Seashore at Ghogha (About 22 km. from Bhavangar): Sea-side palace retreat of the Bhavnagar royal family, also now a hotel-guesthouse for travellers with excellent sea-side views & cuisine.
• Victoria Park: It covers an area of about 500 acres (2 km²) with diverse flora and fauna. This park is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers.
• Nava Bandar (New Port)
• Barton Library
• Darbargadh: Once the seat of the Bhavnagar royal family, now rented out to the State Bank of India is also their headquarters (formerly the State Bank of Saurashtra)
• Ganga Deri (Ganga Jalia Talav): This monument is a miniature of the Taj Mahal constructed entirely in marble and is one of the masterpieces of old times gifted by the Maharaja.
• Gaurishankar Lake (Bor Talav): Named after a very able 19th century minister of the king, Gaurishankar Lake is a reservoir originally planned for water supply to the town. It is a popular picnic spot where one can watch sunsets over the lake and enjoy a stroll on the parapet wall of the lake.
• Alang Ship Breaking Yard: (About 50 km from Bhavangar on the way to Talaja)
• Gandhi Smriti: A memorial, with a library of Gandhian books and photographs about the life of Mahatma Gandhi. It also has a fine collection of art objects representing the culture of the Saurashtra region.
• BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Aksharwadi, Bhavnagar.
• CSMCRI (Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute): The only constituent laboratory of CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) in Gujarat. A significant research effort is being carried out here to develop Bio-Diesel from Jatropha.
• Ghogha Beach (19 km away from Bhavnagar): It is a favourite spot for local trips.
• Oldest Mosque during the period of Hazarat Muhanmad Paygambr of Gujarat is in Ghogha.^[15]
• Piram Bet (About 20 km away from Ghogha Beach): treasured fossils and old caves
• Malnath Shiv Temple and Trambak Water Fall (About 15 to 20 km from Bhavnagar): Trambak is very beautiful place, trekking trails are present of length approx. 5 km from Malnath to Trambak.
• Khodiyar Temple.
• Pillgarden: A beautiful garden in the city. Also called Sardar Baug.
• Palitana: Famous for its beautiful Jain temples. A pilgrimage place for Jains.
• Velavadar: A black buck National park.

Photo gallery[link]

Twin sister cities[link]

Bhavnagar is twinned with:

Loughborough, England

Ports[link]

Bhavnagar had trade links with Southeast Asia, Africa, Arabia and ports of Red sea since the early 18th century. The original port located at 21°48′N 72°09′E / 21.8°N 72.15°E / 21.8; 72.15 built by the state of Bhavnagar was a very important part of the commerce. It also hosted a light 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 railway transportation were added. A new port, 8 km south of the original port, was built and made operational in 1950s due to heavy silting at the location of the old port. This port also had a lighthouse, which was damaged in the 2001 earthquake.^[16]

Bhavnagar lockgate, built in 1963 & the first of its kind in India when built, is one of the oldest bundar in the state, and is very useful to keep ships afloat during low tide.

See also[link]

• Kalpasar Tidal Energy Project
• Postal, telegraph and telephone service
• Prasar Bharati
• Low-power broadcasting
• Broadcast relay station
• FM broadcasting
• NGO

References[link]

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

External links[link]

• Government/Administration:

Bhavnagar Area Development Authority

Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation

Bhavnagar Collectorate

Bhavnagar District Panchayat

• History:

Gohil Dynasty

Historical Vignettes

• Photos and videos:

Bird's Eye View of the city

Some old pictures/paintings of the city

Bhavnagar Ship Scrap Market, video 9:48 min

• Other Information:

Information about charitable as well as non-profit organizations in Bhavnagar - www.bhavnagar.org

Bhavnagar Information

Accuweather.com Bhavnagar

Current Local Time in Bhavnagar

• Educational Institutes:

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

Sir Bhavsinhji Polytechnic College

Industrail Training Institute Bhavnagar

Swami Vivekanand College Of Computer Science