A small city in the district of Rajkot, Gujarat, Gondal was at one time, one of the princely states that made up the Bombay Presidency during British rule in India. It’s one of the few places in India where the presence of the royal family is still felt strongly. But there’s good reason for that. Maharaja Bhagwat Sinhji, who reigned from the late 19th century to the 20th century, was among the few who paid great attention to the well-being of his subjects, investing in hospitals, schools, electricity and infrastructure, among others. It was also probably the only state at the time to make education for women compulsory. The deeds of the benevolent dynasty had enormous impact and it’s evident in the modern city today.
History
The Gondal State in Kathiawar Agency was founded in 1634 by Thakore Shri Kumbhoji I Meramanji from the Jadeja dynasty, who received Ardoi and other villages from his father Meramanji. Kumbhoki's fourth descendant, Kumbhoji IV, increased the size of the state by acquiring parganas such as Dhoraji, Upleta, and Sarai.
Sir Bhagwant Singhji, who reigned from 1888 until his death in 1944, was noted for tax reforms, compulsory education for women, and also for stopping the practice of purdah (female seclusion) at a time when the royal households of India were known for this tradition.
Culture and economy.
Gondal has a history of art and literature. It is the birthplace of poets, singers and artists like Pankaj Udhas, Manhar Udhas, Nirmal Udhas, Dhumketu, Makarand Dave, Jay Vasavada.The first Gujarati dictionary was compiled by the Chief Education Officer, Chandrakant Bechardas Patel in Gondal with the financial support of Sir Bhagvatsighji Maharaj. The Patel family was awarded the king's summer palace on Palace Road called Geeta Bhuvan and its surrounding lands for their life's work. This all-encompassing Gujarati dictionary called the Bhagvat GoMandal. Janmashtami is a major and important festival and usually a week-long holiday. The 'Janmashtami Lok Mela' is organized for five to seven days at Sangramsinhji highschool ground (college chowk) to celebrate Janmashtami.
Business.
Gondal is growing in the cotton trade with the development of many ginning and pressing industries. In addition, there are two Ayurvedic (alternative) medicine manufacturers in Gondal that export overseas, as well as businesses involved in jewelry design, timber trading, and hardware manufacturing.
The largest factors in the economy of Gondal are oil mills and marketing yards. Gondal is the largest producer of ground nut oil in Gujarat, with 300–500 oil mills.The marketing yard is one of the biggest in the Kathiawar region and the second largest in Gujarat, after Unjha.
Shopping.
The markets for most commodities in Gondal are in two areas known as Nani Bazaar (small market) and Moti Bazaar (large market). The main business areas in Gondal include Town Hall, Gundala Street, Nani Bazaar, Moti Bazaar, Kadiyalane, Bus stand road, and Kumbharwada.
Famous attractions.
The Royal Garages (Royal Car Collection)
Great collection of vintage cars. They have maintained royal garage with royal care. All the well known cars are here. Some cars are from 18th century. Outstanding maintenance from that time till now. Some race cars are also here. But they are very rare to see. Apart from that approximately 35 vintage cars are available. Very great and royal family with amazing and rich history.
Heritage Hotel (Maharajah Bhagwat Sinhji)
The heritage hotels in Gondal are designed to elegantly for addressing to each and every need of its guest. The well trained staff of these heritage hotels leaves no stone unturned in pampering you. They work dedicatedly to fulfill their guest each and every requirement. The stay at the heritage hotels in Gondal is sure to make you feel like a king for once in a lifetime.
Famous hotels
The Royal Garages (Royal Car Collection)
Heritage Hotel (Maharajah Bhagwat Sinhji)
Riverside Place (Maharajah Bhagwat Sinhji)
Naulakha Palace
Huzoor Palace / Orchard palace.
Mandir (BAPS Swaminarayan)
The Akshar Deri is a major site of pilgrimage in the Swaminarayan Sampradaya and is located in the rang mandap of the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Gondal, India. The structure marks the cremation site and serves as a memorial to Gunatitanand Swami. An event was held to commemorate 150 years of the structure in Gondal, the structure as well as the site was renovated to bring it to modern standards.
Bhuvneshwari Mandir
Bhuvneshwar Temple is one of the very rare temples of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari Ma in India. One of the temple is located Gondal, Gujarat and another one is situated in capital of Orissa bhuvaneshwar. Ancient Temple of Shree Bhuvaneshwari Mataji is the only Pithsthan in the middle of the Gondal. This Pithsthan temple was built in 1946 by Acharya Shree Charantirthji Maharaj and H.H. Maharaja sahib of Gondal was the chief host of the Pratishtha ceremony of idol of goddess Bhuvneshwari Mata. Temple trust is associated with lots of social, religious, cultural activity and facility like Bhojanalaya, Gaushala and festival celebration.
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