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, in...