History of Rajkot
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Rajkot is forth largest city of Gujarat state. It is situated on the banks of River Aji in western part of India. Rajkot has been under different rulers since it was founded. Rajkot have large history and has significant part in Indian independence movement. Rajkot was home for many personalities like Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Rajkot is under process of transit period of growing cultural, industrial and economical activities. Rajkot is 26th largest city of India and 22nd fastest growning urban area of the world.
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[edit] Foundation and Origin of Name
Rajkot is founded by Thakur Saheb Vibhaji Ajoji Jadeja of Jadeja clan and Raju Sandhi in 1612 AD, middle of Saurashtra (region). Vibhaji Ajoji was grandson of Jam Sataji of Nawanagar, present day Jamnagar.
Rajkot named in honour of its co-founder Raju Sandhi.
[edit] Nawab rule
Masum Khan conquered Rajkot in the year 1720 AD. He was a deputy Faujdar of Junagadh's Nawab. Masum khan changed name of Rajkot to Masumabad. He also built the fortress in 1722 AD, which was about 4 to 5 kilometers in perimeter and its walls were 8 feet wide. Fortress was built to protect Rajkot from attack of other rulers. There used to be a wide and deep moat all around the fortress wall, which do not exist today because of ruins and relics.
There were Eight Gates for access Masumabad, which were studded with iron spikes on its outer side for defense purposes. These were Kotharia Naka, Nava Naka, Raiya Naka, Bedi Naka, Bhichari Naka, Sardhar Naka and Pal no Darwajo. Further, there was a gate without spikes called Khadaki Naka near Nakalank Temple. Debris of fort wall can be seen in the bastion in Ramnath para area.
Gates of Bedi Naka and Raiya Naka were modified during the colonial times. The chief Engineer of British Agency, Sir Robert Bell Booth, renovated Bedi gate and Raiya Naka gate and built the present three storied clock towers in 1892. Town within the gates and to the west of Aji River was the old fortified town of Rajkot. Spatial organization of Rajkot was typical of old towns of India, with division based on occupation and cast and the most prominent position being held by the palace.
[edit] Jadeja rule
Masumabad was conquered by Jadeja clan and its name was restored to Rajkot. Sardhar was the capital before Rajkot of this princely state. Bavajiraj Jadeja had built Darbargadh, first palace of this princely state. He was succeeded by his son Sir Lakhjiraj Jadeja. He was most prominent ruler amongst previous Jadeja ruler. He constructed Lalpari Lake and Randarda Lake. He also brought electricity to town and built many regal buildings including new Ranjeet Vilas Palace.
His son Dharmendrasingji Jadeja succeeded him, but he died during hunting of Lion in Sasan Gir, therefore his second son Pradumansign Jadeja tookover his monarchy. Rajkot was merged into Republic of India during his regime.
Rajkot was prime railway line junction between Gondal and Morbi.
[edit] British rule
British East India Company founded saurashtra agency in Rajkot to moderate all princely state. Regional headquarter and residency of this agency was at Kothi Compound. It has been seat of Jadeja Clan since then. British constructed many impressive colonial buildings and educational institutions, which are Connaught Hall, Masonic Hall, Lang Library, Watson museum, The Rajkumar College.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi spent the early years of his life when his father was a Diwan to the king of Rajkot. Mahatma Gandhi did his schooling from Alfred High School. Gandhiji did fasting to ask to form people's council and liberation of people of Rajkot at Rashtriya Sala in 1939.
[edit] Post independence
After independence rajkot became capital of State of Saurashtra headed by U. N. Dhebar as chief Minister and Jam Saheb of Navanagar as Raj Pramukh in 1948. Rajkot was the capital of the then Saurashtra state from April 15, 1948 to October 31, 1956 before merging in bilingual Bombay State on November 1, 1956. Rajkot was merged into Gujarat State from bilingual Bombay state on May 1, 1960. On January 26, 2001 a devastating earthquake centred near Bhuj, measuring 6.9 on the richter scale, struck the city.
