Rajkot is the 4th largest city in the state of Gujarat, India. Rajkot is the 28th urban agglomeration in India, with a population more than 1.43 million as on 2008. Rajkot is ranked 22nd in The world's fastest growing cities and urban areas from 2006 to 2020.
Rajkot is a city of Gujarat state in India and administrative headquarters of the Rajkot District, 245 km from the state capital Gandhinagar, located on the banks of the Aji Riverand Nyari River. Rajkot was the capital of the then Saurashtra state from 15 April 1948 to 31 October 1956 before merging in bilingual Bombay State on 1 November 1956. Rajkot was merged into Gujarat State from bilingual Bombay state on May 1, 1960.
History
Rajkot has been under many different rulers since it was founded. Rajkot has a long history and played a significant part in Indian independence movement.
Foundation
Rajkot was founded by the then ruler of Sardhar 1608 A.D. on the west bank of Aji River, in the middle of Saurashtra. Vibhaji Ajoji was the grandson of Jam Sataji of Nawanagar, the present day Jamnagar. Rajkot was named in honour of its co-founder, Sunni Muslim Raju Sandhi.
Nawab Rule
Masum Khan, a deputy Faujdar of Junagadh's Nawab, conquered Rajkot in the year 1720 AD. and changed the name of Rajkot to Masumabad. In 1722 AD, fortress were built with about 4 to 5 kilometers perimeter and had walls that were 8 feet (2.4 m) wide. There were eight gates, each studded with iron spikes on its outer side, for access to Masumabad: 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. The ruins of the fort wall can be seen in the bastion in the 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.
Jadeja rule
Masumabad was later conquered by the Jadeja clan with the help of Raviraj Gadhvi and its name restored to Rajkot. Bavajiraj Jadeja built Darbargadh, the first palace of this princely state. Bavajiraj was succeeded by his son, Sir Lakhajiraj Jadeja, the most prominent ruler amongst the Jadeja rulers to that time, who constructed Lalpari and Randarda lakes. Dharmendrasinhji Jadeja, succeeded his father, Sir Lakhajiraj, but died while hunting of Lion in Sasan Gir and was succeeded by his brother Pradyumansinhji Jadeja, Sir Lakhajiraj Jadeja's second son. Rajkot was merged into Republic of Indiaduring Pradumansinh Jadeja's reign.
British rule
The British East India Company founded the Saurashtra agency in Rajkot to moderate all princely states. The regional headquarters and residency of this agency was at Kothi Compound. The British constructed many impressive colonial buildings and educational institutions, such as Connaught Hall and The Rajkumar College.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, a.k.a. Mahatma Gandhi, spent the early years of his life in Kaba Gandhi No Delo when his father was a Diwan to the king of Rajkot. Gandhi fasted to ask to form a people's council and liberation of people of Rajkot at Rashtriya Shala in March 1939.
Post independence
After independence Rajkot became capital of the State of Saurashtra, headed by U. N. Dhebar as Chief Minister. Rajkot was merged into the newly-created Gujarat State when it was separated from the bilingualBombay State on May 1, 1960. Thakore Pradyumansinhji died in 1973. His son, Thakore Manoharsinh Pradyumansinh, who has carved out a political career at the provincial level, succeeded him. He served as a Member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly for several years and as the state Minister for Health and Finance. The Heir Apparent, Mandattasinh has embarked on a business career and environmentalism .
Jubilee Garden
Jubilee Garden, Rajkot is a major Tourist Attraction in Rajkot. Jubilee Garden is visited by people of all ages. The Jubilee Garden in Rajkot is known for the natural beauty and the beautiful atmosphere of the place. Jubilee Garden in Rajkot is situated in the heart of the city. Many other tourists attraction in Rajkot is all located near by the Jubilee Garden in Rajkot. The amusement parks in the Jubilee Garden attract both adults and children. People of all ages like to visit and spend time in the Jubilee Garden at Rajkot in Gujarat in India. The Jubilee Garden, Rajkot is a big garden with beautiful paths and trees lined by the path. The trees, the swings, beautifully laid paths make Jubilee Garden in Rajkot in Gujarat in India look more beautiful and attractive. Another major attraction of The Jubilee Garden in Rajkot is the local chutney called “Chevdo”. The Jubilee Garden is more famous for this chutney to all the visitors visiting the place. “Chevdo” is made by mixing pea nuts and rice flakes and the spice that is added to it gives “Chevdo” a tingling taste. “Chickee” is another local food that is sold here in the Jubilee Garden. “Chickee” is made out of nuts. In the amusement park of the Jubilee Garden people can spend a nice time trying out the rides, relaxing with family and friends and eating at the food courts. During winter the Jubilee Garden of Rajkot looks more beautiful with the flowers and trees in full bloom. The winter bird which comes to this area during the winter adds beauty and life to the garden. The lively and the vibrant atmosphere attract more and more people during the winter season. The pleasant atmosphere and the people around help the visitor in spending a good time in the Jubilee Garden at Rajkot in Gujarat in India. People of Rajkot visit Jubilee Garden for an evening walk, to meet and sit with friends in the park and enjoy a beautiful evening. The food stalls and amusement park in the Jubilee Garden of Rajkot are an attraction for both children and adults alike. As the Jubilee Garden of Rajkot is situated in the center of the city, it is easy for the people and the tourists to visit it at any time of the day. The location of the Jubilee Garden in the city center also makes it easily accessible. The conveyances to the Jubilee Garden are easily available from any part of the city. Rajkot is famous as a commercial hub of the state and the number of industries present here gives an added popularity to the city. Rajkot was the capital of Saurashtra. The location of the Jubilee Garden in the center of the city helps in maintaining the ecological balance of the city. The large number of trees present in the Jubilee Garden helps in maintaining the ecological balance of the city to a fair level.
