Modasa Knowledge Guide

History

The history of Modasa dates back thousands of years. It is believed that region around Modasa has been populated since the days of Indus valley civilization. Many architectural items, coins, religious artifacts, brick etc. are found at excavation sites around Modasa. These findings are evidence of the prominent role Modasa played during various periods of Indian history. Modasa has been place of significance in the times of Mauryas, Shatvahns, Kshtraps Guptas, Maritrakas, Rastrakutas etc. It is believed that Modasa is refereed as Maulayashah tirth in Skand puran. Also a more-than-2000-year-old stone has been found that refers to place as Mandasan. It is also claimed that in past Modasa was called Modhak vas or Mohadakvas. Though it is not clear where this name came from.Modasa has been referred to in many religious stories from past. Temples of many diverse faith and religion are found throughout the town. Among Hindus, Jains and Shiva worshipers dominated town for many years. Pusti marg was introduced only about 300 years ago.Modasa is also famous for Hajrat Makhdum shah lahori, a Sufi saint who spread Islam in Modasa, even converting Parmar king of that time Raja Maandata.In medieval times Modasa used to be the rest point for travellers going to Surat port for Mecca from northern Indian places like Delhi, etc. The architectural sites around Modasa indicate that once there was a kote (wall) around the town. Also there are indications that the kote has been destroyed many times. Though details are limited it is believed that town was sacked in past by armies from Muslims subas of Gujarat as well as Marathas. It was an important frontier fortified post during Gujarat Sultanate (1415) under Sultan Ahmed Shah I. At the close of the sixteenth century it was the chief place in a tract of 162 villages, yielding a yearly revenue of £80,000 (Rs. 8,00,000). Under the Mughals, Shahab-ud-din, the 3rd Viceroy (1577-1583), repaired the fort at Modasa, and stationing a party of cavalry there completely settled the country. During the eighteenth century Modasa greatly declined, and when (1818) it came under British management, the town was most backward. Quickly recovering, it had in 1825 a numerous and respectable body of traders with an estimated capital of £90,000 (Rs. 9,00,000).During British rule though most of the area around Modasa was under state of Idar, Modasa was under direct control of British government in India. This might have brought some stability in the late 19th century. During the days of independent struggle, led by Mahatma Gandhi, Modasa participated very actively. Starting from 1930’s Modasa was a vibrant place for the non-violent styagrah movement. There was a British passenger ship named after Modasa. The "S.S Modasa" was one of a class of six near-sister ships owned by British-India Steam Navigation Co. Built by Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson.Modasa RTO code is GJ-31 instead of GJ-33