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capital of the Jethwa
Rajput petty princely state. Porbandar, originally a
fortified town, with high rampart walls, bastions and five
gates, lost its fortification by the order of Colonel Lally
in 1888 AD. Even today, a ritual to circumambulate the
fortification is performed by Hindus. The most impressive
feature of Porbandar is the city planning and the stone
buildings with ashlar masonry and rich carving, the facades
of the houses on either side of the streets, with windows
and carved gateways. Porbandar is also associated with
Mahatma Gandhi, the father of nation as he was born here.
Today, fine quality silk and cotton are manufactured here.
There are also chemical factories and cement works.
History of Porbandar
Porbandar was the last capital of the Jethwa Rajputs, who
ruled this area for about 1200 years. Porbandar was a
prosperous town due to the maritime trade and was a thriving
port in the Mughal period. It was attacked by the Portuguese
in the wake of achieving supremacy over sea trade in 1531
AD. The Walker Treaty of 1807 AD between the ruling clans of
Saurashtra and the British put an end to the feuds and it
resulted in a favorable environment for the civic
development of the Porbandar State. Porbandar is also
associated with the Mahatma Gandhi as at this place Mahatama
Gandhi was born in 1869 AD.
Tourist attractions in Porbandar
Kirti Mandir, Darbargadh, Sudama temple and the Huzoor
Palace are the various tourist attractions in Porbandar.
Kirti Mandir was the house of the Mahatma Gandhi and his
wife. This place has a Gandhian library and a prayer hall.
Sudama temple is a beautiful temple which is built in the
middle of the Porbandar town. This temple is the only temple
in India which is dedicated to Sudama. Darbargadh is the
fortified palace built by Rana Sartanji and has a huge
carved stone entrance gate flanked by high turrets and
massive wooden doors. Huzoor Palace is the sprawling palace,
built in the European style with sloping roofs, several
wings and big windows.
More...
How to reach Porbandar
By Air:
Porbandar is connected by air to Mumbai.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is located on the Porbandar –
Ahmedabad railway line.
By Road:
Porbandar is connected with various cities of Gujarat like
Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Jamnagar. |
