History-Junagadh City

Junagadh is one of the most picturesque town in India.Dotted with historical monuments and religious places, the small town at the base of the Girnar mountain makes on interesting destination for tourists till today.


Many memons families were settled in different towns in the district of Junagadh like Bantva,Chorvad,keshod,Manavadar,Nanadiya,Una-Gujrat,Vanthali,Veraval,Visavadar.

The city of Junagdh takes its name from the fort that sourrounded it until very recently. It is said that the city was deserted from 7 A.D. to 10 A.D. and was discovered, completely swamped by the jungle. It was then named Jirndurg, meaning old city, by its discoverer Rah Grahar. Later, as the city was fortified against marauders, the name was modified and changed to Jirngadh, meaning old fort. Over the centuries, the name got polished by usage and emerged finally as Junagadh.

Various famous rulers such as the Kshatrapas, Mauryans, Chudasamas, Guptas, Vilabhis, Gujarat Sultans and Babi Nawabs have reigned in this part of the world. The architecture and rich cultural heritage of Junagadh stands as the edifice of the political and religious influences of the various rulers who have ruled the region. 

Four major religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam, have left a substantial influence on Junagadh. However, a stronger influence of the rulers of Junagadh was felt on the architecture of the city. During the reign of Babi Nawabs, Junagadh was the capital of the Junagadh State. 

There are many historical monuments and religious places. Foremost of the historical sights is the old fort known as Uparkot, the ancient citadel around which the fort of Junagadh was built. Although extensively renovated and extended many times during the course of its long  past its antiquarian outlook remains intact.
Among the two defensive structures, Uparkot in the west is one of the fortifications of Junagadh. Uparkot was a stronghold of Mauryans and Gupta Empire. This place is known to have survived 16 sieges in a span of 1000 years. This is courtesy to the strategic location which makes access to this place very difficult. Buddhist caves, Baba Pyara caves, Adi-Kadi Vav, Navghan Kuvo and Jami Masjid are the major sites here. The former residence of Ranakdevi was converted into the Jami Mosque by Muhammad Begada after his conquest of Junagadh in 1470. 

As we go through the history of Junagadh,it would reveal the presence of rulers who were great patrons of art and architecture. Massive beautification of Junagadh was done during the reign of Nawab Mahobat Khat II, who was one of the Babi Rulers. Under his patronage, many renowned edifices like Aina Mahal, Circle Chowk with clock tower and Dewan Chowk were built. The Maqbaras or the mausoleums of the royal family are also architectural extravaganzas of the city. Manoranjan Guest House, Bahauddin College, Mahobat Madresa are the other important buildings constructed during the Nawabi period. 


Modern Junagadh:
The foundation of the city by the Gujarat Sultanate was a new beginning for the Junagadh Fort. With strong embankments raised along the city, attractive gardens and magnificent monuments the city gained a new prestige along with a new king. The year 1818 brought the Western Rulers in the Throne of Junagadh. British East India Company took formal control of the empire except the Saurashtra area. 

The present old town was developed during the 19th and 20th centuries and it is a British Princely State in India. After the British East India Company, the Junagadh Fort came directly under the control of Independent India. Amidst protests and revolts, the Indians finally won the Junagadh Fort. The History of Junagadh, or the History of Junagadh Fort is therefore a tale of successors and who besieged the throne from time to time. The History of Junagadh Fort is therefore an interesting chapter into the life and culture of Junagadh.