History Of Veraval- Patan

Veraval was once a fortified town of the royal family of Junagadh.It is said that memons migrated to this city somewhere in the 17th century,they are reffered to as a trading community who spoke Gujrati and Kathiawari by the historians.It is also said that this community originated in the town of Patan in Gujarat. The community spread from Patan to the cities of Veraval, Govindpura, Naodra, Kalji, Chourbad, Kesod and Junagadh.Patan was the capital of Gujarat in medieval times.History of Patan dates back to 745 AD.This city had been of great importance in the history.It still contains many Hindu and Jain temples as well as few mosques, dargahs and mazars. The city has many historical places also.Hence it can be said that Veraval memons are a sub group of Patni Memons.

Veraval is a port town that is located in the Junagadh district of the state of Gujarat.The recorded history of Veraval dates back to 13th or 14th century when Rao Veravalji Vadher, a Rajput brought significant progress to this port. The port town had claimed great importance in trade and business over the years, It had been the departure point for many Muslims who wished to travel to Mecca before the port of Surat had flourished.

summer palace now sanskrit university

The town still has many of its old buildings and boasts of a rich cultural heritage as well. It was once a fortified town and was the home of the royal family. There are many old palaces that are located in the town, the Summer Palace of the Nawabs is one if the main attractions of the place.The palace was converted into a college after it was abandoned by the nawab.At present it is the building of a Sanskrit university. Tourists flock to witness this exquisite feat of architecture. Near the palace, the ruins of the old fort can still be seen today and the gates of the fort which are impressive are still standing. However they are in a bad state due to lack of maintenance. The Pathan Gate and the Jungadh Gate are the main entrances of the fort.

Veraval also has long stretch of beaches that are uninhabited and are free of tourists. Only a small portion of the stretch has been made commercial.Its importance now is as a fishing port which is one of largest in India. Sea going dhows and fishing boats are still being built by the sea without the use of any instruments other than a tape-measure. Traditional skills are passed down from father to son.

It is also the city nearest to the great Somnath Temple which had an extremely chequered history. Legend has it that the original temple was built by Somraj, the moon-god himself, out of gold. Later, Ravana made with silver, then Krishna in wood and finally King Bhimdev in stone.A temple which has a long history of being built and demolished and being rebuilt again.It is the temple which is also famous for being demolished by one of the greatest soldiers Mehmood Ghaznavi.Here is where he is reffered as the Mehmood But shikan