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merged into Gujarat State
from bilingual Bombay state on May 1, 1960. Today, the city
of Rajkot is the home of several temples. During summers,
the temperature ranges between 24°C and 42°C. In winter, the
temperature varies between 10°C and 24°C. The best time to
visit Rajkot is between the months of October and March. The
weather of Rajkot is the most pleasant at this time of the
year.
History of Rajkot
Rajkot has been under different rulers since it was founded.
Rajkot has large history. Rajkot was founded by Thakur Saheb
Vibhaji Ajoji Jadeja of Jadeja clan and Raju Sandhi in 1612
AD. Vibhaji Ajoji was grandson of Jam Sataji of Nawanagar,
present day Jamnagar. Rajkot was named in honour of its
co-founder Raju Sandhi. Masum Khan conquered Rajkot in 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. There were Eight Gates to access
Masumabad, which were studded with iron spikes on its outer
side for defence purposes. Further, there was a gate without
spikes called Khadaki Naka near Nakalank Temple. 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. Masumabad was conquered by
Jadeja clan and its name was restored to Rajkot. 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 rulers. He
constructed Lalpari Lake and Randarda Lake. His son
Dharmendrasingji Jadeja succeeded him, but he died during
hunting of Lion in Sasan Gir, so his second son
Pradumansingh Jadeja took over his monarchy. Rajkot was
merged into Republic of India during his rule. British East
India Company founded saurashtra agency in Rajkot to
moderate all princely states. The British constructed many
impressive colonial buildings and educational institutions,
few of them are Connaught Hall and the Rajkumar College.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi spent the early years of his life
when his father was a Diwan to the king of Rajkot. He did
fasting to ask the people to form people's council and
liberation of people of Rajkot at Rashtriya Sala in 1939.
After independence Rajkot became capital of State of
Saurashtra headed by U. N. Dhebar as chief Minister. Rajkot
was merged into Gujarat State from bilingual Bombay state on
May 1, 1960.
Shopping in Rajkot
Rajkot has quickly developed as a Patola weaving industry.
This skill comes from Patan and is a laborious process that
involves dyeing each thread. However in Patan, both the warp
and weft threads are dyed (double ikat), while in Rajkot
only the weft is dyed (single ikat). The workshops in the
people's houses can be visited in the Sarvoday Society Area.
Tourist Attractions in Rajkot
The important tourist attractions in Rajkot are the Mahatma
Gandhi House or Karba Gandhi No Delo and Watson museum. The
Mahatma Gandhi House has a good collection of things related
to the Mahatma Gandhi's life and is a family home. The
Watson Museum and Library commemorates the work of Colonel
John Watson, political agent from 1886 to 1889.
More...
How to reach Rajkot
By Air:
The regular flights are available to Mumbai from Rajkot.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is located on the Ahmedabad -
Bhavnagar railway line. Rajkot is connected with trains to
Ahmedabad, Jamnagar and Porbandar.
By Road:
Rajkot is connected with Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar,
Junagadh and Bhuj. |
