Bhavnagar Knowledge Guide

History

Merger with the Indian Union in 1947

Until the independence of India in 1947, Bhavnagar was an independent state ruled by the Rajput Gohil family. In 1947, the Deputy Prime Minister of the newly independent Indian Union Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel undertook the ambitious and complex process of unifying 562 princely states with the Union of India. The last ruling Maharajah of Bhavnagar, Krishnakumar Sinhji handed over the administration of his Bombay State to the people's representative in 1948. Honorable Maharaja KrishnaKumar Sinhji was the First King of India whom give up his state (all area) to make a United India, due to this reason Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was highly impressed by him and made him Governor of Madras State After Independence of India. The current royal family of Bhavnagar comprises Maharajah Vijayraj Singh Gohil and Maharani Samyukta Kumari, Prince Yuvraj Jaiveerraj Singh Gohil, and Princess Brijeshwari Kumari Gohil. 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, and 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 Bhavnagar.

Transportation

Bhavnagar is well-connected to other cities of Gujarat such as Ahmedabad, Surat and Vadodara by road, with bus services operated by the state-owned transport corporation. VTCOS buses serves as a local transport in the city. Bhavnagar Terminus under the Bhavnagar railway division, serving the city, connect it to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Surat, Vadodara, Mangalore, Kochi, Quilon, Trivandrum, Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Kakinada (Train No. 17203)and other major cities of India by rail road. Bhavnagar airport is connected to Mumbai by air links. Daily flights are currently operated by Alliance Air (India). Private auto rickshaws are other modes of transport within the city and nearby villages.

Tourism

Bhavnagar has several places and sites of interest to tourists : Takhteshwar Temple is one of the prime sightseeing locations in Bhavnagar. Constructed 1893, it is a white marble temple, on a high plinth, offering a commanding view of Bhavnagar. The high shikhara rising above the pillared rectangular mandapa makes it an important landmark. Lord Shiva is worshipped as the main deity of this shrine. Nilambag Palace is the residence of the current Maharajah of Bhavnagar, HH Maharaol Vijayrajsinhji Virbhadrasinhji Gohil, and his family. It is now also a heritage palace hotel. Mangalsinhji Mahal Palace is the residence of members of the Bhavnagar royal family (the 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 was formerly the club-house for the royal family of the princely state of Bhavnagar, and currently the residence of Maharajkumar Shivbhadrasinhji Krishnakumarsinhji Gohil and his family. It is famous for its wildlife collection and lake-side views. Gaurishankar Lake is a picturesque artificial lake between small hills, made by Shree Gaurishankar Oza, the Deewan of Bhavnagar. There is Balvatika for Children, a temple of Lord Shiva, and another royal palace. Seashore at Ghogha features a sea-side palace, about 22 kilometres (14 mi) from Bhavangar, which was once a retreat of the Bhavnagar royal family, and is now a hotel-guesthouse for travellers. Victoria Park covers an area of about 500 acres (2 km2) with diverse flora and fauna, attracting bird watchers and nature lovers. It is a forest conserved by the Indian Government within the boundary of the Bhavnagar city. The forest has varieties of Indian birds like waders, raptors and perching birds. Barton Library is a two-storeyed building, with 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. Darbargadh was once the seat of the Bhavnagar royal family, and is now rented to the State Bank of India as their headquarters (formerly the State Bank of Saurashtra) Ganga Deri (Ganga Jalia Talav) is a miniature of the Taj Mahal constructed entirely in marble. Gandhi Smriti is a memorial library for Mahatma Gandhi. It also has a fine collection of art objects representing the culture of the Saurashtra region. Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI) is the only constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Gujarat. A significant research effort is being carried out here to develop biodiesel from Jatropha. Malnath Mahadev Temple (માળનાથ મહાદેવ મંદિર) is a temple of god Shiva as well as Picnic point nearby Bhavnagar. It's 26 km. away from Bhavnagar at Nagdhaniba Village from Bhavnagar-Talaja Road. Malnath hill wear Beauty of nature in Monsoon. Pillgarden, also called Sardar Baug, is a beautiful garden in the city. Himalaya Mall And The Iscon Club are the modern developments in the city