Tuesday 27 September 2011

SOLANKI OF JUNAGADH

Solanki Empire
सोलंकी
Solanki Samrajya
CE 942–CE 1244
Capital Patan
Language(s) Gujarati
Religion Hinduism
Government Monarchy
King
 - 942/960-995/997 Mulraj I
 - 1143–1173 Kumarpal
 - 1242–1244 Tribuvanpal
Historical era Classical India
 - Established CE 942
 - Disestablished CE 1244
The Solanki (Devanagari: सोलंकी) was a royal Hindu Indian dynasty that ruled parts of western and central India between the 10th to 13th centuries. According to one view Solankis were descended from 6th Century Badami Chalukyas.[1] While according to later manuscripts of Prithviraj Raso, they belonged to the Agnikula group of Rajputs. However, a number of scholars including V. A. Smith assign them Gurjar origin.[2][3]
The name Solanki comes from Chalukya the ancient Indian dynasty. During 543–566, Pulakesi I, established the kingdom at Vatapi (present-day Badami, Bagalkot District in North Karnataka of Karnataka).[4] The Solanki clan-name is found within the Rajput and Gurjar[5][6] community of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Yaduvanshi Ahirs also have a Gotra named Solangi, which they believe is other form of Solanki.[7] These Ahirs are found in large numbers in Gujarat.[8][9]
In Gujarat, Anhilwara (modern Siddhpur Patan) served as their capital. Gujarat was a major center of Indian Ocean trade, and Anhilwara was one of the largest cities in India, with population estimated at 100,000 in the year 1000. The Solankis were patrons of the great seaside temple of Shiva at Somnath Patan in Kathiawar; Bhima Dev helped rebuild the temple after it was sacked by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026. His son, Karandev, conquered the Bhil king Ashapall or Ashaval, and after his victory established a city named Karnavati on the banks of the Sabarmati River, at the site of modern Ahmedabad.

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Origin

Dr. Dashrath Sharma states that Solankis were of Brahmin origin. However P K Mohanty believes that the work of other scholars shows that Solankis were descendants of the Gurjars.[10]

Establishment of the dynasty

1.MULRAJA I
                   960/995 or 942/997
            2.CHAMUNDARAJA
                   |
             3.VALLBARAJA
                   |
           4.DURLABHARAJA ----- Unknown
                1009/1021         |
                              5.BHIMA DEV I 
                                  | 1021/1063+
         --------------------------
         |                        |
7.SIDHRAJA JAISINH        6.KARNA I [Karan Dev I]
                                  | 1063/1093
     1093/1143+                   |
                                  |
                            8.KUMARAPALA ----- Unknown (Brother)
                                   1143/1173      |
                                             9.AJAVAPALA
                                                       |
                                 --------------------------------
                                 |                              |
                         11.BHIMA DEV II (killed nephew)     Unknown (die while Ajavpal was alive)
                                | died 1242                     |
                         12.TRIBUVANPAL                        10.MULRAJA II
                                   1242/1244

Mulraj

Mulraj (942–996) Solanki overthrew Samantsinh Chavda in 942 and set up what came to be known as the Solanki dynasty. Mulraj Solanki's father was Raji who probably ruled in Gurjaratra region around Jodhpur. Raji's marriage with Samantsinh Chavda's daughter does not have any bearing for invitation to Mulraj to take over Anhilvad pattan. Raji was a suba of king Mahipal Parihar of Kanyakubja. Raji seems to have related with king Mahipal by marrying his daughter. Losing his kingdom in attacks by Rashtrakut king Krishna III in 940, Mulraj moved southward from Gurjaratra region and took over Anhilvad Patan from Chavda rulers in 942. Mulraj was from Bhardwaj Gotra and Agnivanshi Kula. Mulraj married to Madhavi, a daughter of king Chauhan Bhoj. Initially, Mulraj's territory was around Siddhpur Patan. His son Chamund started taking responsibility during his ruling (977). He defeated Abhira king Grahripu of Saurashtra and Laxraj (Lakha Fulani) of Kutch. He snatched Lat for some period from Barapp in one war. Shakambhari king Vigrahraj Chauhan defeated Mulraj. He got defeat from Malav King Munj Parmar (Vakpati II).
After death of Munj in 995, Mulraj adorned self as “Param Bhattarak Maharajadhiraj Parmeshawara”. His administration pattern was similar to Gupta's. He invited many learned Brahmins-Brambhatta and other castes to settle in Saraswat mandal. He bestow the land of Devasthali – Sidhapur to Brambhatta of Kanshi - Varanasi. Some Bram-Bhatta family are holding the same land in Devsthali. He constructed several temples. Also he initiated construction of Rudra Mahalaya in Siddhpur. He was kind hearted, brave, smart and shred in ruling his kingdom. Considering need of situation, he was accepting defeat to save his kingdom. He died in 996. At the time of his death, his kingdom included Saraswat and Satyapur Mandals, Kutch and some territories of Saurashtra. Mulraj Solanki's reign marked the start of a period during which Gujarati culture flowered as manifested in art, architecture, language and script. It is described as the golden period of Gujarat's chequered history. Mulraj himself adopted the title of Gurjaresh, an aristocratic title. The territory under the sway of the Solankis came to be known by different variations such as Gurjardesh, Gurjara-Rastra, Gurjaratra and finally Gujarat.

Chamund

Chamund (996–1009) could not extend his kingdom territory further. He tried to be independent from Malav king Sindhuraj (successor of Munj) but could not succeed. In the later years of his life, he lost his character (womanizer). His sister Chachinidevi dethroned him and gave it to his son Vallabhraj in 1009. Chamund ended his life by immersing in Narmada river near Shuklatirth.

Vallabhraj

Vallabhraj (1009 for six months) attacked King Sindhuraj's territory as soon as he became king. He died due to small pox in the war.

Durlabhraj

Durlabhraj (1009–1022) (brother of Vallabhraj) could not extend father's kingdom much. He married the sister of Chauhan Baliraj's son Mahendra of Naddul. He was of good character. He invited Jain saints in his kingdom. He continued as Samant of Malav king Bhoj. After his death, his nephew Bhimdev (son of Nagraj) became king in 1022.

Bhimdev I

Modhera Sun Temple built by Bhimdev I.
Bhimdev I (1022–1063) was son of Durlabhraj's brother Nagraj. Bhimdev's mother was Laxmidevi, a princess of Chauhan of Naddul. Bhimdev was a mandlik of Malav king Bhoj. Sultan Mehmud of Gazani invaded Anhilpur pattan in December 1025. Bhimdev had to flee and take shelter in Kanthkot fort in Kutchh. In January 1026 Sultan Mehmud of Gazani attacked Somnath temple, demolished it completely. United army of all kings under leadership of King Bhoj chased Sultan Mehmud thereafter. He had to flee from the place to Gazani. Bhimdev was one of the foremost participant of the united army. Bhimdev and Bhoj jointly reconstructed Somnath temple. Bhimdev added Saurashtra, Kutchh, Abu and some parts of Khetak mandal and Mahimandals with his kingdom. Bhimdev became independent from Bhoj on his death in 1054. Bhimdev had married to Udaymati, a pricess of Saurastra Narvahan Khengar. He had also married to Bauladevi (also called Chauladevi) who was not a princess. Bhimdev had a son named Karndev from Udaymati and sons named Xemraj and Mulraj from Bauladevi. Mulraj died in very early age. Shantacharya and Suracharya were two Jain saints during his reign. Apart from reconstruction of Somnath, Delwada temples by Vimalshah, Modhera Sun Temple and Stepwell of Udaymati (Raniki vav) goes to Bhimdev's credit. Bhimdev died in 1064. Karndev (Bhimdev's son by Udaymati) came on the throne after Bhimdev's death.

Karndev

Karndev (1064–1094) (Bhimdev's son by Udaymati) came on the throne after Bhimdev's death. He is described as a very handsome king. As soon as he came to the throne, he made friendship with King Someshwar of Kalyani. Up to 1075, he added entire Lat in his kingdom. His territories were touching Konkan in south and Naddul in north. He married to Karnataka's king Tribhuvanmalla's friend Jaykeshi's daughter Mayanalladevi (Minaldevi). Jaykeshi was Konkan's suba. Karn had built many temples, lakes and cities like Karnavati. Shakambhari's king Dushshal chauhan defeated and killed Karn in a war. Malav king Laxmdev and Naddul king Joggal helped in defeating Karndev. Patan's condition was worse in the last days of Karandev. His son Jaysinh became Karandev's successor for the throne.

Siddhraj Jaisinh

The one name stand out in the Solanki dynasty is Siddhraj Jaysinh (1094–1143) also known as Siddhraj Solanki who was considered as the most prominent Solanki king. Siddhraj is said to have ascended the throne of Patan after the death of his Father Karandev. Patan's condition was worse in the last days of Karandev. The successors from his grand father Bhimdev's first wife Bauladevi tried their best to acquire the throne from child Jaysinh. His mother Minaldevi, Maha Mantri Santu and Munjal Mehta initially played a great part to deter the internal revolt and in establishing his rule and stability to Patan in Gujarat. Jaysinh came on throne in 1096. So the years between his father's death and his actual takeover might have been guarded by his mother and his mantris. In those initial days his mother along with child Jaysinh took shelter in Saurashtra in the guise of yatra to Somnath leaving administration of Patan to Mantri Shantu. Malav king Narvarma attacked Patan in those days. Mantri accepted Narvarma's Kingship for Jaysinh as Samant of Malva. Jaysinh afterwards strengthened himself getting rid of unwanted involvement of grandma's maternal side relatives, useless samants as well as mantris. He also weakened the successors from his grand father Bhimdev's first wife Bauladevi. He was after the life of Kumarpal, then successor of queen Bauladevi and probable candidate for Patan's throne. Kumarpal hid himself from Jaysinh for more than 30 years.
Apart from Saurashtra and Kachchh, Siddhraj Jaysinh had also conquered the Malwa defeating king Yashovarma and south Gujarat. The popular conception of Siddhraj mixes greatness and medieval callousness. One of the most prominent legends of the Gujarat bards is woven round the siege of Junagadh by Siddhraj' Jaysinh. Siddhraj wanted to marry the princess Ranakdevi, but his vassal, Ra Khengar, the Chief of Junagadh, married her before he could do so. An enraged Siddharaj attacked the mountain-fortress of Junagadh. It fell after Ra Khengar's nephews betrayed him. Ranakdevi refused Siddharaj's advances for marriage after he had killed her husband and two sons. She was forcibly brought to Wadhwan where she committed the ritual of Sati at this place to protect her honour. It is believed that her curse made Bhogavo, a local river, waterless, forever. Some historians doubt the authenticity of the story.
He adorned the title of “Barbarak Jishnu” and also “Siddhraj” after controlling Bhil king Barbarak. He became Chakravarti after acquiring total control of the region under old Chakravarti kings. He renovated and widened the lake constructed by Durlabhraj and named it as Sahastraling Lake. He constructed two lakes in the memory of his mother. He also renovated Rudramahal.
He also features in the legend of Jasma Odan, a beautiful woman of the tank diggers' community-oudes, who were digging a new tank in Patan. Already married, she refused Siddhraj's advances and committed sati to protect her honour. It is believed that her curse made this tank waterless and the king without an heir to the kingdom of Gujarat.
During Patan flourished in education, religion and commerce. He gave shelter to many scholars of different religion and castes. Other notable figures of his time included his, Prime Minister Munjal Mehta, Kak and leading Courtier Udayan Mehta. Siddhraj Jaysinh died in 1143. The throne remained without King for 18 days. Thereafter Kumarpal was suddenly declared King of Patan.

Kumarpal

Siddhraj Jaysinh did not have any son. His daughter's son Someshwar was brought up by him in Patan. But many Mantris like Dadak, Madhav, Sajjan and Udayan were of the opinion that decedent of Mulraj and Bhimdev should be made King of Patan. Siddhraj Jaysinh hated this proposal. Kumarpal (1144–1174) was the probable candidate being decedent of Bhimdev by his second wife Bauladevi (Xemraj->Devprasad->Tribhuvanpal->Kumarpal). Hence Kumarpal was under direct wrath of Siddhraj. Kumarpal had to flee and hide from Siddhraj for 30 years to save his life. Udayan Mehta and Hemchandracharya helped him during his exile. There were many internal fights for Patan's throne. After Siddhraj Jaysinh's death, Kumarpal was ultimately given throne of Patan in 1144. Kumarpal had to face much resistance. He along with his able mantries took harsh steps to subside the resistance. Many mantries opposing him were given death sentence. Krishnakumar was beaten and made blind. He suppressed revolts of many samants.
Kumarpal adopted Jain religion in 1160 along with Shiv religion. He became vegetarian and stopped animal slaughter. He built 1440 Jain Vihars. He renovated Somnath temple. In his old age he reduced interest in administration and left it to his faithful samants and mantries. Again internal conflicts for throne have surfaced. One of the group wanted Kumarpal's nephew Ajaypal (Mahipal's son) as a king. Ajaypal came on throne after a revolt in 1173. Perhaps Kumarpal died in early 1174 due to poison given to him.

Ajaypal

Kumarpal's nephew Ajaypal (1173–1176) (Mahipal's son) came on throne after a revolt in 1173. Ajaypal was very shrewd and merciless. Group associated with Hemchandracharya under leadership of Amrabhatt opposed Ajaypal. He got rid off all people connected to Kumarpal. Under his kingship Patan's rule remained from Gwaliar to Narmada river. He discouraged Jain saints and leaders. A pratihar named Vayjaldev injured Ajaypal with a dragger. Ajaypal died in 1176 due to this injury suffering a lot. His child son Mulraj was given Patan's throne on his death.

Mulraj II

Mulraj (1176–1178) was on the throne for two years. His mother Naikdevi along with child Mulraj pushed back Islamic army of Shahbuddin Ghori near Gadrar ghat war. Mulraj died in 1178. His brother Bhimdev II came on throne after him.

Bhimdev II

When Bhimdev (1178–1241) came to throne India was passing through a great turmoil. Gahadwal of Kanoj, Chandelas of Jejabhukti, Yadavs of Devgiri and Kalyani's Chalukyas were Bhimdev's (Patan's) stern enemies. Bhimdev remained in top of an allied royal army to fight Muijuddin Ghori and defeated him in 1178. Kutubuddin Aibak defeated Gujarat army near Abu in 1197. Bhimdev hid in an unknown place. But in 1199, he defeated Aibak and pushed him away from Patan. He adorned himself as “Abhinav Siddharaj” thereafter. Malav king Subhat varma invaded Gujarat in 1209. Bhimdev fled to either Saurashtra or Kutchh. Between 1209 and 1226, a brave Chalukya named Jaisinh/ Jayansinh took over the kingdom of Gujarat (Patan), probably to save Patan in absence of Bhimdev. In 1226, Bhimdev again came on the throne of Patan. Mantri Vastupal, Maha Mandleshwar Lavanprasad and his son Virdhaval played an important role in bringing Bhimdev to throne. They virtually ruled Patan even though Bhimdev was a king. In the old age of Bhimdev, Virdhaval's son Visaldev and Vastupal's brother Tejpal took the charge to rule Patan. Bhimdev died in 1241. His son, Tribhuvan pal, was made king after him.

Tribhuvan Pal

Tribhuvan Pal (1241–1244) was a king for namesake (Bhimdev II's son). In fact, Visaldev and Tejpal ruled Patan. During this period, Tejpal persuaded ambitious Visaldev from dethroning Tribhuvan pal and continue ruling in his name. Tribhuvan pal died in 1244. Visaldev took over the throne as a king. Thus the Solanki dynesty came to an end. Visaldev being a decedent from Arnoraj Vaghela's son Lavanprasad, Vaghela dynesty ruled Patan there after.

Later generations

After 1243, the Solankis lost control of Gujarat to their feudatories, of whom the Vaghela chiefs of Dholka came to dominate Gujarat. In 1297, Gujarat was conquered by the Delhi Sultanate.
Descendants of King Tribhuvanpal settled in Rajasthan under King Ranakdeo. His descendants settled in Lach village in Sirohi. Rao Lakha of Sirohi attacked King Bhoja 16 times and failed on every occasion. At last, Rao having assistance from Idar attacked Solankis and King Bhoja was killed in the 17th battle. His descendant Raimal Solanki went to Mewar where he was rewarded with Roopnagar (Desuri) Jagir for ridding out the district from troublesome Madrecha Chauhans. His descendants fought several times against Mughals with Maharanas of Mewar. From Roopnagar, Solankis spread throughout the Mewar and Marwar.

Vaghela

Descendants of the Anhilwara Solankis ruled the state of Rewa, in the Bagelkhand region, the eastern part of present-day Madhya Pradesh. Vyaghra Deo, brother of the King of Gujarat, moved to Bagelkhand in the middle of the twelfth century, and obtained the fortress of Marpha, 18 miles northeast of Kalinjar. His son Karandeo married a Kalchuri (Haihaya) princess of Mandla, and received the fortress of Bandogarh as her dowry. Bandogarh served as the seat of the Solankis of Bagelkhand until its destruction by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1597. After the destruction of Bandogargh, the Solankis moved their capital to Rewa. From 1812 to 1947 the Solanki, Maharajas of Rewa ruled the princely state of that name, within British India. In 1947, the last Maharaja of Rewa acceded to newly-independent India.

Solanki rulers of Gujarat

Name Reign began C.E. Reign ended C.E.
1 Mulraj I 942/960 995/997
2 Chamundaraj 995/997 1010
3 Vallabharaj 1010 1010
4 Durlabhraj 1010 1021
5 Bhimdev I - Solanki Kingdom of Gujarat invaded by Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi in 1025-1026, who destroys the Somnath Temple. 1021 1063
6 Karnadev I 1063 1093
7 Jayasinh I "Siddharaja" - Conquers greater portion of Malwa. He defeats neighbours in various encounters. He is a Master builder constructing various temples and palaces. 1093 1143
8 Kumarapala 1143 1173
9 Ajavapal  ? 1176
10 Mulraj II 1176 1178
11 Bhimdev II 1178 1242
12 Jayasinh II - Co-ruler with Bhimdev II 1223 1242
13 Tribuvanpal - Loses power to his nobles who setup small city states 1242 1244

See also

Middle kingdoms of India
Timeline: Northwestern India Northern India Southern India
 6th century BCE
 5th century BCE
 4th century BCE

 3rd century BCE
 2nd century BCE

 1st century BCE
 1st century CE


 2nd century
 3rd century
 4th century
 5th century
 6th century
 7th century
 8th century
 9th century
10th century
11th century
(Persian rule)
(Greek conquests)






(Islamic conquests)
(Islamic Empire)















JUNAGADH DISTRICT


Junagadh
—  city  —
Junagadh
Location of Junagadh
in Gujarat and India
Coordinates 21°31′N 70°28′ECoordinates: 21°31′N 70°28′E
Country India
State Gujarat
District(s) Junagadh
Population 285,000 (2009)
Time zone IST (UTC+05:30)
Area
Elevation

107 metres (351 ft)
Website www.junagadhmunicipal.org    Junagadh (Gujarati: જુનાગઢ) is a city and a municipal corporation, the headquarters of Junagadh district in the Indian state of Gujarat. The city is located at the foot of the Girnar hills, 355 km south west of state capital Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad. Literally translated, Junagadh means "Old Fort". It is also known as "Sorath", the name of the earlier Princely State of Junagadh.

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[edit] History

[edit] Mauryan dynasty

Ashoka's Rock Edict at Junagadh
An impressive fort, Uperkot, located on a plateau in the middle of town, was originally built during the Mauryan dynasty by Chandragupta in 319 BCE The fort remained in use until the 6th century, when it was covered over for 300 years, then rediscovered in 976 CE The fort was besieged 16 times over an 800-year period. One unsuccessful siege lasted twelve years.
An inscription with fourteen Edicts of Ashoka is found on a large boulder within 2 km of Uperkot Fort.[1] The inscriptions carry Brahmi script in a language similar to Pali and date back to 250 BCE On the same rock are inscriptions in Sanskrit added around 150 CE by Mahakshatrap Rudradaman I, the Saka (Scythian) ruler of Malwa, a member of the Western Kshatrapas dynasty.[2] Another inscription dates from about 450 CE and refers to Skandagupta, the last Gupta emperor. Old rock-cut Buddhist "caves" in this area, dating from well before 500 CE, have stone carvings and floral work. There are also the Khapra Kodia Caves north of the fort, and the Babupyana Caves south of the fort.
The Maitraka dynasty ruled Gujarat in western India from 475 to 767 CE The founder of the dynasty, general Bhatarka, a military governor of Saurashtra peninsula under the Gupta empire, established himself as the independent ruler of Gujarat approximately in the last quarter of the 5th century. However, James Tod states Maitraka rule ended as early as 524 CE.[3]

[edit] Solanki dynasty

The Solanki, of the Chalukya dynasty, ruled Gujarat in the 11th and 12th centuries. The two large step wells (vavs) of Uperkot Fort were both commissioned by Rah Navghan I (1025-1044 CE)Muslims conquered Gujarat in 1299 and the Sultanate of Gujarat was formed in 1407. Mahmud Begada (Mahmud Shah I) invaded Junagadh in 1467. The city was annexed to the Gujarat Sultanate; the city foundation was laid for Mahmudabad in 1497. Strong embankments were raised along the river, and the city was adorned with a palace, handsome buildings and extensive gardens. When the Portuguese took over the ports of Diu and Daman in the 16th century, a fifteen-foot cannon, made in Egypt in 1531, was abandoned at Uperkot Fort by a Turkish admiral opposing the Portuguese forces at Diu.

[edit] Mughal rule

Junagadh Nawabs and state officials, 19th century
Mohammad Bahadur Khanji I, who owed allegiance to the Sultan of Ahmedabad, founded the state of Junagadh by expelling the Mughal governor and declaring independence in 1748. Mohammad Bahadur Khanji I, who assumed the name "Zaid Khan" when he came to power in Junagadh, was the founder of the Babi dynasty. His descendants, the Babi Nawabs of Junagadh, conquered large territories in southern Saurashtra and ruled over the state for the next two centuries, first as tributaries of Baroda, and later under the suzerainty of the British. Nawabs of Babi dynasty:
  • 1735 - 1758 : Mohammad Bahadur Khanji I[4]
  • 1758 - 1775 : Mohammad Mahabat Khanji I
  • 1775 - 1811 : Mohammad Hamid Khanji I
  • 1811 - 1840 : Mohammad Bahadur Khanji II
  • 1840 - 1851 : Mohammad Hamid Khanji II
  • 1851 - 1882 : Mohammad Mahabat Khanji II
  • 1882 - 1892 : Mohammad Bahadur Khanji III
  • 1892 - 1911 : Mohammad Rasul Khanji
  • 1911 - 1948 : Mohammad Mahabat Khanji III

[edit] British period

Flag of Junagadh, during British period
In 1748 Junagadh state founded. In 1807 it becomes British protectorate. The East India Company took control of the state by 1818, but the Saurashtra area never came under the direct administration of British India. Instead, the British divided the territory into more than one hundred princely states, which remained in existence until 1947. The present old town, developed during the 19th and 20th centuries, is one of the former princely states which were outside but under the suzerainty of British India.
The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Junagadh was constructed on the land presented by Jinabhai (Hemantsingh) Darbar of Panchala, and dedicated on Friday, 1 May 1828 A.D.

[edit] Accession of Junagadh to India

During the period spanning the independence and partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, the 562 princely states that had existed outside British India under British suzerainty were given a choice of acceding to either India or Pakistan or remaining outside them. Although the states were theoretically free to choose, Earl Mountbatten stated that "geographic compulsions" meant that most of them would choose India. Mountbatten took the position that only states that shared a common border with Pakistan should choose to accede to it, but he had no power to impose this point of view on the states.
  • 15 Aug 1947 Accedes to Pakistan.
  • 15 Sep 1947 Accession to Pakistan accepted.
  • 9 Nov 1947 Occupied by India.
  • 10 Nov 1947 Rescinds accession to Pakistan, accedes to India
  • 24 Feb 1948 Referendum approves accession to India.
  • 25 Feb 1948 Accession to India in effect.
On September 15, 1947, Nawab Mohammad Mahabat Khanji III of Junagadh, a princely state located on the south-western end of Gujarat and having no common border with Pakistan, chose to accede to Pakistan ignoring Mountbatten's views, arguing that Junagadh adjoined Pakistan by sea. The rulers of two states that were subject to the suzerainty of Junagadh — Mangrol and Babariawad — reacted by declaring their independence from Junagadh and acceding to India. In response, the nawab of Junagadh militarily occupied the two states. Rulers of the other neighbouring states reacted angrily, sending troops to the Junagadh frontier, and appealed to the Government of India for assistance. A group of Junagadhi people, led by Samaldas Gandhi, formed a government-in-exile, the Aarzi Hukumat ("temporary government").[5]
India believed that if Junagadh was permitted to accede to Pakistan, communal tension already simmering in Gujarat would worsen, and refused to accept the Nawab's choice of accession. The government pointed out that the state was 96% Hindu, and called for a plebiscite to decide the question of accession. India cut off supplies of fuel and coal to Junagadh, severed air and postal links, sent troops to the frontier, and occupied the principalities of Mangrol and Babariawad that had acceded to India.[6]
Pakistan agreed to discuss a plebiscite, subject to the withdrawal of Indian troops, a condition India rejected. On 26 October, the Nawab and his family fled to Pakistan following clashes with Indian troops. Before leaving, the Nawab had emptied the state treasury of its cash and securities.
On 7 November, Junagadh's court, facing collapse, invited the Government of India to take over the State's administration. The Dewan of Junagadh, Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto, the father of the more famous Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, decided to invite the Government of India to intervene and wrote a letter to Mr. Buch, the Regional Commissioner of Saurashtra in the Government of India to this effect.
The Government of Pakistan protested, saying that since the Nawab had chosen to accede to Pakistan, the Dewan had no authority to negotiate a settlement with India. Also, if India could acquire Kashmir (with an overwhelming Muslim majority) because its ruler had decided to accede to India, then Pakistan could claim Junagadh
The government of India rejected the protests of Pakistan and accepted the invitation of the Dewan to intervene.[7] A plebiscite was conducted in February 1948,but it was not internationally monitored and Pakistan claims was not based on the plebiscite but on the logic of Kashmir Annexation, which went almost unanimously in favour of accession to India.[8] Junagadh became a part of the Indian state of Saurashtra until 1 November 1956, when Saurashtra became part of Bombay state. In 1960, Bombay state was split into the linguistic states of Maharashtra and Gujarat, in which Junagadh was located.

[edit] Geography

View of Girnar Hills from Damodar Kund
Junagadh is located at 21.52°N 70.47°E. It has an average elevation of 107 metres (351 ft).
Rainfall
The average annual rainfall of the Saurashtra region is about 775.0 mm with a standard deviation of 75.1 mm. Monsoon rainfall averages 680 mm with a variability of 61 %. Rainfall for the months of June, July, August and September averages 194, 338, 187 and 105 mm, with the corresponding coefficients of variation being 150, 69, 87 and 84%, respectively. The monsoon from June to September is received in 33 rainy days with a late season long dry spell.

[edit] Demographics

As of 2001 India census,[9] Junagadh had a population of 168,686. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Junagadh has an average literacy rate of 73%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 77%, and female literacy is 67%. In Junagadh, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

[edit] Events

  • Shivratri Mela - At the foot of Girnar Mountain (Talati) in the month of MAHA (9th day of the month of Maagha). The mela lasts for the next five days. About 500,000 people visit.
  • Girnar Parikrama - Starts from Kartik and draws 1 to 1.5 million people. People walk the periphery of the Girnar Hills on foot (about 40 km) to enjoy the religious and natural beauty.
  • Girnar Competition - Every year, between the 1st and the 10th of January, a Girnar Climbing Competition is held by the Gujarat government. Anyone who climbs up 5,500 feet (1,700 m) within 2 hours gets a certificate from the Government of Gujarat, and the winner gets lots of prizes.

[edit] Places of interest

Chhatri of Lord Swaminarayan's Charanavind on top of Swaminarayan temple
  • Somnath: Somnath is situated at Prabhaspatan in Junagadh District; 79 km away from Junagadh City and is the most sacred of the twelve Jyotirlings (lingas of light) of the God Shiva. Somnath means "The Protector of Moon God". The Somnath Temple is known as 'the Shrine Eternal', as although the temple has been destroyed six times it has been rebuilt every single time.[1][2], on the last occasion, it was built after a plan was mooted by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in November 1947, when he visited the area for Indian Integration of Junagadh, and later after his death carried out by K.M. Munshi, also a Minister in Government of India.
A Girnar Mountain
Girnar Mountain range, After monsoon season
A Lake on Girnar Taleti
  • GIRNAR The mountain, 6 km. from Junagadh city, has five principal peaks. It has roughly 9,999 steps. The third peak, Gorakhnath, at 3,661 ft (1,116 m) above sea level, is the highest. The area of the hills is approximately 10 km. To ascend the hills a stepway is built UPERKOT certainly worth seeing Jain tamples. Spots to visit Bhimkund, Satpuda, Gaumukhi Ganga, Pathar chati, Bhairavjap, Bharatvan Sheshavan, Hanumandhara. The peak of Ambaji, with a height of 3,330 ft (1,010 m), is famous for the temple of Ambaji. Kamandal kund; stepway diverts between temples of Gorakhnath and Dattatreya. The path to Dattatreya temple is difficult (photo gallery), but on the top of the peak is a small temple on the padukas of Guru Dattatreya.
  • ASHOK SHILALEKH:- About 2 km east of Junagadh and 3 km from the foot of Girnar Hill, between the two places, is an edict of Emperor Ashoka inscribed on a rock dating from the third century BC. The Ashokan edicts impart moral instructions on dharma, harmony, tolerance, and peace. An uneven rock, with a circumference of seven metres and a height of ten metres, bears inscriptions in Brāhmī script etched with an iron pen.[10]
Ashok Shilalekh
  • SAKKARBAUG ZOO - This is the oldest zoo in Gujarat and the 3rd oldest in India. The rare Gir lions are bred and supplied to other zoos.
  • THE WILD MUSEUM - In the same premises as the zoo. Rare specimens of art furniture, stuffed animals, ancient coins, Persian Sanskrit inscriptions and various other articles of interest.
Bahauddin Makbara, mausoleum of the Wazir of Junagadh.
  • MAKABARA - Nawabs were buried here. This is a fine specimen of medieval structure.
  • JAIN DERASAR - Excellent Temple on Girnar Hill at 3,100 feet (940 m). There are many temples with excellent design.
  • NARSINH MEHTA NO CHORO - This place is said to be one where the great poet Saint and reformer Narsinh Mehta held his assemblies of discovers in 15th century. Some believe that Lord Krishna held a traditional "Rasleela" dance for his devotee Narsinh Mehta.
  • UPERKOT - Uperkot is an impressive fort located on a plateau in the middle of town. It was originally built in 319 BC. It was covered over for 300 years, then rediscovered in 976 AD. It was besieged 16 times over an 800-year period. One siege lasted twelve years, but was not successful. Visitors enter the fort through a large gate. Some parts of the fort’s walls are 20 m high. If, after entering the gate you turn left, you will come to Jama Masjid. It has 140 pillars supporting its ceiling.
    • Further down the road are what are believed to be old Buddhist caves, said to be 1,500 years old (dating from before 500 AD). They are carved into the rocky hill and have stone carvings and floral work. There are also the Khapra Kodia caves north of the fort, and the Babupyana caves south of the fort.
    • There is a huge, fifteen-foot cannon, made in Egypt in 1531. There are also two interesting large step wells (vavs) here. The 11th century Navghan Kuva has a circular stairway that descends over 50 m down into the well. The Adi Chadi Vav descends 170 steps.
  • DARBAR HALL MUSEUM - Picture gallery , textiles, arms gallery, the kacheri, the hall which was used by Nawabs of Junagadh to hold their darbar. The Durbar Hall and Museum has an interesting collection of weapons, thrones, silver articles, costumes, paintings, tapestries, and palanquins on display. It is not far from the entrance to the fort.
  • GAYATRI MANDIR & VAGHESHWARI MANDIR - On the way to Girnar Talati, are both of the beautiful temples of Maa Gayatri and Maa Vagheshwari. At every navratris, a mela is held.
  • SONAPUR - Where many statues of saints are erected. It also has a Sai Baba temple and serves as a cemetery.
  • DAMODAR KUND - Built in 500 a.d., this often reconstructed kund (water reservoir) is a check dam. This kund is about a km before the bottom of Girnar Hill. It is a sacred bathing tank. Close to Damodara Kund is Revati Kund. It is said that Revata left Dwarka and moved near Girnar Hill after his daughter, Revati, married Lord Balarama.
  • DAMODARJI TEMPLE Near Aswatthama Hill, which is north of Damodara Kund, is the Damodarji Temple, said to have been built by Vajranabha, Lord Krishna’s great-grandson.
  • DATAAR HILLS - 2,779 feet (847 m) high stepway is built for going up shrine of Jamiyalshah Datar.
  • SCIENCE MUSEUM - Gujarat’s first and the only private science museum. More than 60 working science projects based on science facts. Which can be operated by visitors. Worth visiting attached one small aquarium and evening open air garden restaurant garden café serves south Indian and Punjabi dishes since 1981.
  • WELLINGTON DAM - Built by the Britishers near the foot of Datar hill. The three sides and a garden in front it affords an enchanting view.
  • MOTI BAUG - The best garden the campus of agricultural university and botanical garden. It also houses the Junagadh Agricultural University Campus which has total land area of 754.62 ha and 2485 ha including 17 sub centers and 1500 manpower with annual budget around 28.5 crores. Having very nice pari talao.
  • Mujkund Caves - Famous place where Krishna ran and came from mathura after which he was named as Ranchod Rai
  • Ayurvedic Museum- Ayurvedic Museum is located at the Ayurvedic College at Sardarbag in the western part of town. The personnel are helpful to those interested in learning something about this ancient and natural medical treatment.
  • NARSINH MAHETA LAKE- A beautiful lake constructed by joint effort of the people of Junagadh near Talav Gate.
  • BAHAUDDIN COLLEGE(Arts & Science)- Gujarat's first science college built by the Nawab's vazeer "Bahauddin" who was brother in law of Nawab.
  • BEHT - Bhagvatinandji Education and Health Trust [See http://www.beht.org] has been working in the many places of Gujarat, and is well-known for its work in Junagadh since many decades. In junagadh dist, BEHT has boarding school of 1200 capacity in Champarda, an educational institute for girls in Junagadh itself and many elderly houses and Ashrams located throughout the Junagadh.
  • KESAR KERI (MANGOES)- Junagadh is famous for Kesar Mangoes (Safaron Mangoes). As name says Kesar mangoes are very sweet and looks like safaron color.
  • SWAMI VIVEKANANDA VINAY MANDIR, JUNAGADH - It is one of the oldest secondary and higher secondary schools of Gujarat. Widely spread on a large land with a huge playground, gardens and contains oldish domes. The special thing about this school is two of its legendary students, Dhirubhai Ambani and Jainil Dewani. Till date, Dhirubhai's birthday is widely celebrated with various cultural programs. Every year one of the Ambani family members' visit is must. Nowadays very famous for 11th and 12th standard (Science Stream).
  • Junagadh is very developing area in education. In this there is a big school SARASWATI SCHOOLS which is giving the best result in commerce field and India's first visually impaired Chartered Accountant (CA) Mr. Ashish Mankad is from this school.
  • Junagadh is also emerging as the Educational hub of the Saurashtra (region)with establishment of Noble group of institutions (NOBLE PHARMACY & ENGINEERING COLLEGE), JJCE colleges.
  • Junagadh is emerging as small scale industries hub, as many small scale industries are there like oil mills, solvent extraction plants, plastic recycling and manufacturing industries. Furthermore, many new industries are coming up including Metallics India with fully integrated facility for manufacturing Transition Metals like Tungsten and Cobalt.