Jamnagar
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| ?Jamnagar Gujarat • India | |
| Coordinates: | |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Area • Elevation | • 100 m (328 ft) |
| District(s) | Jamnagar |
| Population | 447,734 (2001) |
| MP | Vikram Madam |
| Codes • Pincode • Telephone • Vehicle | • 361 xxx • +288 • GJ-10 |
Coordinates: Jamnagar is a city and a municipal corporation in Jamnagar district in the Indian state of Gujarat. The city was built up substantially by Maharaja Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji in the 1920s, when the district was known as Nawanagar. The district lies just to the south of the Gulf of Kutch. Jamnagar has shot to prominence as Reliance Industries, India's largest private company, established the world's largest refinery near Moti Khavdi village. It is also home to Essar Oil, another important oil refinery of India.
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[edit] History
The Jamnagar district, originally constituted as Halar district, is not only recent in its origin but also in its modern set up. But the region comprised therein is of great antiquity and dates back to ancient periods of Jamnagar. According to Pauranik literature, Lord Krishna established his kingdom at Dwarka, now in Jamnagar district, after his migration from Mathura and it is to this great Yadava race that the Jams of Nawanagar trace their descent.
The founder of the princely state of Jamnagar was the Jam Rawal, who descended on the northern coast of Kathiawar in 1535 A.D. Jam Rawal's father Jam Lakhaji ruled in Terabanu in Kutch.
According to bardic chronicles, Jam Lakhaji had two cousins Tamachi Deda and Hamirji Jadeja, they envied his reputation for valor. Their envy was heightened by the fame of Jam Lakhaji at the siege of Pawagadh. So largely did he contribute to its capture by Bahadurshah, the Emperor of Gujarat, that he was bestowed 12 villages by him. As Jam Lakaji was going to take possession of his new fief, he was treacherously killed by his cousins Tamachi Deda and Hamirji Jadeja. Jam Lakhajis son Jam Rawal escaped and on growing up, took vengeance of his fathers murder in the same manner by killing Hamirji Jadeja.
Hamirjis two sons Khengarji and Sahibji fled to Delhi and after twelve months of waiting to meet the Great Moghul Emperor Humayun, they got the chance to join the crowd goingalong with the Emperor for lion hunting.
During the lion hunt, they got the chance to kill the lion just when it was going to attack the Emperor. As a reward, an army of 1,00,000 was sent with them to regain back their kingdom.
When Jam Rawal heard of the two princes coming back to the Kutch with the imperial army, he started getting ready for the battle. On one night, Goddess Ashapura came in his dream and told him that as he had broken the oath taken on her name about not killing Hamirji, even though, he was the person responsible for the death of his father. She should have punished him, but as he had at all other times honored her. So he should no longer dwell in Kutch but cross the sea and take Kathiawar as a dwelling place.
Upon awakening he called his counselors and discussed the dream, they agreed that he must leave Kutch and found for himself a Kingdom across the Gulf. So Jam Rawal along with his soldiers and many traders marched out. On the way he killed and conquered the territory of King Tamachi the other conspirator in the killing of his father, and he also conquered the town of Dhrol and its dependencies and gave them to his brother Hardholji, who was later killed in battle during that period, and the State of Dhrol was given to his eldest son, Jasoji.
Thus Jam Rawal made himself master of a great territory and the need for a capital arose.
The story goes like this, that once on a hunting trip on the land of present day Jamnagar, a hare was found to be brave enough to turn on the hunting dogs and putting them to flight. Deeply impressed by this, Jam Rawal thought that if this land can breed such hares, if his capital was built on this land, the men born here would be superior than other men.
He counsulted his astrologers and wise men, and the day chosen for laying the foundation stone was the 7th day of the bright half of the month of srawan, VS 1956. (August 1540 AD) on the banks of two rivers Rangmati and Nagmati and named it Nawanagar meaning new town.
Nawanagar eventually came to be known as Jamnagar meaning the town of the Jams.
[edit] Geography
Jamnagar is located at It has an average elevation of 20 metres (65 feet). Jamnagar has a lake called Lakhota lake which is very popular among local Jamnagar residents.
[edit] Education
SCHOOLS
NAME PHONE
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Vidhyalay 2676780
Smt. G. S. Mehta Kanya Vidhyalay 2751897
D. C. C. High School 2678743
G.D.Shah High School 2670094
Gayatri School 2553623
L G Haria School 2561453
Jaykunwarben School 2678334
Kumar Mandir 2678696
Madresa School 2676944
Mahila Adhyapan Mandir 2676822
Municipal High School 2678695
National High School 2678961
Vibhaji High School 2678995
Nawanagar High School 2676046
Sajuba Girls High School 2676923
Oshwal High School 2677753
Parvatidevi School 2554965
Prabhulal Sanghraj Shah Vidhyalay 2678744
Pranami School 2562930
Ratabai High School 2679175
Sanskardeep School 2676999
Matushri Ravalben Kanya Vidhyalay 2676903
National High School 2678961
Shreyas High School 2752155
Sharda Mandir High School 2675178
Satya Sai High School 2555863
Satya Sai Bal Mandir 2678722
Shishu Vihar Hindi High School 2676912
St. Xavier's High School 2553908
St. Ann's Girls School 2754868
St. Mary 2558039
St. Gregorious 2753388
Kendriya Vidhyalaya, Valsura 2522088
Kendriya Vidhyalaya, Airforce 2565669
COLLEGES
NAME PHONE
Ayurved College 2676864
D.K.V. College 2550351
Dental College 2750368
I.T.I. Technical College 2672902
M.P. Shah Medical College 2550204/5/6
M.P. Shah Commerce College 2678608
Law College 2678074
Mahila College 2677098
Panchavati College 2676719
Polytechnic College
Gujarat's largest Aurvedic college is located in Jamnagar.
[edit] Demographics
As of 2001 India census[1], Jamnagar had a population of 447,734. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Jamnagar has an average literacy rate of 70%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 75%, and female literacy is 63%. In Jamnagar, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.
[edit] Culture
Most residents of Jamnagar are Gujarati and speak Gujarati language. A small percentage speak Kachchi language which is written in the Gujarati script but is not mutually intelligible with Gujarati. Kathiawadi Language (which is a variant of Gujarati)is widely used for day to day communication. Major communities include Dawoodi Bohras Ahirs(Yadav), Patels , Bhanushalis , Rajputs (Khavas), Mers , Jains, Oswals, Lohanas etc.
Marine National Park, the only marine sanctuary of India is near Jamnagar - on the coral reef island of Pirotan. Jamnagar is well-known for its four marble Jain temples: Vardhman Shah's Temple, Raisi Shah's Temple, Sheth's Temple, and Vasupujya Swami's Temple. All were built between 1574 and 1622. Bala Hanuman temple in Jamnagar is also very famous and is listed in the Guinness book of world records for the continuous chanting of "Ram Dhun" since 1st August 1964.
[edit] Religion
There are ancient and archeologially important temples like : Sidhnath Mahadev Temple in Jamnagar city area, the Navlakha Temple in Ghumli, Kileshwar Temple in Barda Hills, The Ancient Sun Temple at Gop.
Bala Hanuman - Highly venerated among the devotees of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the Bala Hanuman Temple is famous the world over for the continuous chanting of the mantra "Jai Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram". Starting since 1st August, 1964, the chant is still continuing and has earned the temple a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. This place has taken the invention of industrial methods and given it a divine thrust. For it is here that you will find efficient, non-stop devotion where people have been chanting 'Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram,' in shifts 24 hours a day. Early evening is particularly good time to visit as it's fairly animated then. In fact this whole area on the south-eastern edge of the lake becomes very lively around sunset, when people come to promenade.
Bhid Bhanjan Temple - The Ancient Bhid Bhanjan Temple built by the Jams is worth visiting even if you are not a believer.
Shiv Temple - The Shiv Temples within the city are so many. Temples like Badri kedar Nath and Nilkanth Mahadev Temle around the Town Hall and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple on the K.V. Road are worth visiting.
[edit] Economy
Jamnagar has a large number of small metal foundries/ companies located in Udhyognagar and GIDC phase 1&2. Reliance Industries has a greenfield project located in Motikhavdi which houses largest petroleum refinery in Asia. Jamnagar is also a home to Bandhani sarees. Also, the Indian Navy has a naval base as well as an air base nearby. This is in part to the close proximity to the Pakistani mainland and the not-too-distant city of Karachi. It also houses a good agro coal company called Sri Lotus Agro Coals.
[edit] Entertainment
Hindi Cinema is the perfect entertainment among local people.The city has a multiplex :(Mehul Cinemax) to cater to a large number of youngsters.In near future there will be many shopping mall and multiplexes,of which construction might be completed in 2008-09.
Lakhota lake is the perfect centre for entertainment.On holidays and during rainy season and vacation and shravani melas one cannot find a place to even step there.
Night life is very safe in Jamnagar.
[edit] Places to Visit
Lakhota Palace - This diminutive palace once belonged to the Maharaja of Nawanagar. Today it houses a small museum with displays from archaeological sites in the area. The museum is reached by a short causeway from the northern side of Ranmal Lake, and is open daily except Wednesday from 10.30 am to 1 pm and 3 to 5.30 pm there's a small entry fee.
Bala Hanuman Temple - The Bala Hanuman Temple is on the southeastern side of Ranmal Lake, and here, 24 hours a day since 1 August 1964, there's been continuous chanting of the invocation Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram'. This devotion has earned the temple a place in the Guinness Book of Records. Early evening is a particularly good time to visit as it's fairly animated then. In fact this whole area on the southeastern edge of the lake becomes very lively around sunset when people come to promenade, and the usual chai and kulfi stalls set up and ply their trade.
Cremation Park - You don't require a morbid disposition to visit Jamnagar's cremation park, 10 minutes north of the city centre by auto-rickshaw. There are statues of saints and deities, as well as scenes from the Ramayana. This is an interesting place to visit, and the atmosphere is anything but depressing.
Marine National Park - At a distance of 30 kms. from Jamnagar in the Gulf of Kachchh, is the country's first Marine National Park covering 42 islands with an area of 150 sq.kms. and coastal zone of 309 sq.kms., totalling 458 sq.kms. of extremely rich area of marine biodiversity. The importance of the region had come to light with the survey by Mr. Harnell in 1905. Assigned to survey the Okhamandal coast he had noted that never before had he seen such a rich marine biota in so confined a place.Of the three Marine National Parks of India (the other two being Gulf of Mannar and Andaman Nicobar Islands), the Gulf of Kuchh has a unique ecosystem which supports thousands of species a marine iota.Here are seven species of mangroves, several species of herbs, grosses and shrubs along with 120 species of algae in the area. Many species of sponges, corals, fish, crabs, reptiles and birds have been recorded. The chief attraction of the park are colourful sponges and corals, giant sea anemone, 'elly fish, sea horse, octopus, oyster, pearl oyster, Portuguese man of the war, starfish, bonellia, sepia, lobster and dolphin. Of the 42 islands, visitors are permitted access to Pirotan Island.
Ayurved University - Dhanvantri Mandir was built under the personal supervision of Dr. Pranjivan Manekchand Mehta, Chief Medical Officer of Guru Govindsingh Hospital. After independence it gained the status of Ayurved University.
Pratap Villas - A beautiful palace inspired by the 'Victoria Memorial' of Calcutta with beautiful traditional carvings of birds, animals, creepers and plants. Its three domes are made of glass. The palace was built during the rule of His Royal Highness Jam Ranjitsinhji. A must see for all tourists.
Solarium - Known as the Ranjit Institute of Poly-Radio Therapy. A slowly revolving tower provides full day long sunlight, that provides Solar Therapy facility. It is open after working hours for the visitors.
Pirotan Island - The only Marine National Park of its kind in India at Jamnagar Dist. Gujarat is situated almost 16 Nautical Miles away in Great Arabian Sea near Jamnagar. Area is almost 3.0 square k.m. of Island, and covered with Marine Trees, dense forest - "Mangroves" deep much. The Pirotan Island has beautiful scenarios, and Majestic view of Sunrise and Sunset.
Kileshwar Temple - Kileshwar is an old Shiva Temple. The history behind the place is of Mahabharata Period, it is believed that the Pandvas stayed at this place during their "Vanavas" period.
Jain Temples - Out of a pair of Jain temples, one is dedicated to Adinath (the first Tirthankara) and other built to honour Shantinath (the sixteenth ). The quality and quantity of the murals on the walls, ceilings and pillars of the temple are extraordinary. Hazy yellows, greens, pinks, oranges and blues depict a riot of flowers, people, Gods and domestic objects, while tableaux tell the life stories of Jain saints. The most spectacular of the two, Shantinath Mandir, is a maze of brightly coloured columns, each section of roof between them highlighted with individual designs. The marble floor beneath is emblazoned with distinctive Jain patterns in yellow, black, white and red. Above the main sanctuary, an enormous dome rises in a series of concentric circles glinting with gold. The outer side of the large dome over Adinath Mandir is inlaid with gold and coloured mosaic, and both Temples have cupolas enriched with design of mirrors above the entrance porch.
[edit] Festivals
Festivals in Jamnagar symbolize people's cultural, social and religious aspirations for fuller and better life. Festivals like Diwali, Navratri, Makkar Sankrati (Kite Festival), Janmashtami and Holi are the most notable festivals. Other festivals like Ramnavami, Mahashivaratri, Mahavir Jayanti and Paryushana are also celebrated in a big way.
Diwali is a four day festival of the Hindu New Year, beginning with Laxmi-puja. Diwali celebrations are accompanied by fire-crackers and sweets. Every home is illuminated and decorated.
Navratri is the festival of nine nights in honour of Goddess Ambaji. Both male and female congregate in public to perform dance called Garba and Raas.
Makkar Sankrati On 14th January the day when Sun enters the tropic of Cancer, Makkar Sankrati festival is observed. On this day young and old fly kites from every imaginable place.This is true for other places in Gujarat but Jamnagar is an exception.
Holi is the festival of spring, observed on the full moon day of the month of Falgun as per Hindu calendar (March/April). It is a festival of colour when people smear and spray colour on their near and dear ones.
Janmashtami is celebrated in a big way in Saurashtra (also all over India) on the twenty-third day in the month of Shravan as per Hindu calender (August/September). This day is celebrated in honour of Lord Krishna, being his birthday.The Janmashtami fair is held at Jamnagar, Dwarka, Beyt, and the Ramdev Pir fair at Vodisang in Kalavad taluka.
The fairs in Gujarat are generally associated with some deities and religious observances. Most of the fairs are held on river banks, hill sides, seashores or pilgrim centres.
The fair held at Tarnetar in Surendranagar district is perhaps the best that Gujarat has to offer. It is held in winter. Other fairs at Vautha, Chandod, Shuklatirth and Shamlaji are also worth visiting.
[edit] Transport
Jamnagar is well connected with road,rail and air. Jamnagar has a daily flight to Mumbai. Jamnagar is connected with Rajkot, Junagadh, and Porbandar by road. It also has a very large port, making it accessible to the seas as well.
Bus : ST buses go hourly to Rajkot and every 30 minutes to Junagadh; other buses go to Dwarka, Porbandar, Bhuj and Ahmedabad and other places of Gujarat.
There are various private bus companies having modern buses in good condition and which are air conditioned. By Rail: Jamnagar Railway Station is well connected with Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Calcutta and other important cities of India through regular trains.
By Air: Govardhanpur Airport in Jamnagar is 10 km from the city center. The Indian Airlines office on Bhid Bhanjan is open from 10.30am to 5pm. Indian Airlines has four flights a week to Mumbai.
Contacts :
Airport Authority of India : 0288- 2566477
Indian Airlines (Reservation & Enquiry) : 0288-2550211
Airport Enquiry : 0288-2550213
By Rail: Jamnagar Railway, situated between Rajkot and Porbandar, is managed by the Western Railways. It is well connected with Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Calcutta and other important cities of India through regular trains. There are direct trains from Mumbai and Ahmedabad via Rajkot. Dwaraka Express, Mumbai-Porbandar Saurashtra Express, Puri-Okha Express, Porbandar-Howrah Express and Saurashtra Janata Express pass through this station. Contacts : Railway Enquiry : 0288-2550222, 2550131/ 36, 2550141 Station Master : 0288-2550269
Road: Jamnagar has a well-established road link to various cities of Gujarat like Rajkot, Porbundar, Bhuj, Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad, Baroda and Surat. Jamnagar is 308 kms from Ahmedabad. There are STC buses to Rajkot every 30 minutes and other departures to Dwarka, Porbander, Bhuj, Junagadh and Ahmedabad.
State of Gujarat | ||
|---|---|---|
| Capital | Gandhinagar | |
| Major cities | Ahmedabad · Surat · Vadodara · Rajkot · Jamnagar · Bhavnagar · Junagadh | |
| Districts | Ahmedabad · Amreli · Anand · Banaskantha · Bharuch · Bhavnagar · Dahod · Dang · Gandhinagar · Jamnagar · Junagadh · Kheda · Kachchh · Mehsana · Narmada · Navsari · Panchmahal · Patan · Porbandar · Rajkot · Sabarkantha · Surat · Surendranagar · Vadodara · Valsad | |
| Topics | Politics · Governors · Chief Ministers · History · Notable people · Cities and Towns · Education institutes · National parks & Sanctuaries | |
[edit] References
- ^ Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns. (Provisional). Census Commission of India. Retrieved on 2007-09-03.
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