A throbbing city at the center of Saurashtra and popularly known as “Rangeelu Rajkot”, Rajkot has a history full of valor, education, industry, and cultural heritage. It is not just a city, but a heritage that has made an important contribution to the history of Gujarat and India. Let us take a trip through the history of Rajkot.
History Of Rajkot – Establishment and early Jadeja rule (E.S. 1620)
Rajkot was founded by Thakor Saheb Vibhoji Ajoji Jadeja of the Jadeja dynasty of Jamnagar (then Nawanagar) in AD. It was done in 1620. It is said that with the help of his friend Raju Sandhi, he conquered the area, and the city was named “Rajkot” after both of them. Initially, it was a small principality that grew on the west bank of the Aji River. Vibhoji Jadeja laid the foundation of the regime and tried to establish peace and order in the region.
Mughal rule and ‘Masumabad’ (E.S. 1720 – 1732)
After almost a century of Jadeja rule, the history of Rajkot took a major turn. E.S. In 1720, Masum Khan, the deputy fojdar of the Mughal Subedar of Junagadh (Sorath), invaded Rajkot and conquered it. He changed the name of the city to “Masumabad”. To strengthen his rule and protect the city, he also built a fort around Rajkot, the remains of which can still be seen in areas like Bedi Naka, Raia Naka, and Kotharia Naka. However, this Mughal rule did not last long.
Restoration of the Jadeja regime (E.S. 1732)
In a span of just 12 years, Thakor Ranmalji Meramanji Jadeja, a descendant of Thakor Saheb Vibhoji, bravely fought and defeated Masum Khan and e.S. Rajkot was again occupied in 1732. He returned the city to its original name, “Rajkot,” and re-established the Jadeja regime. This victory gave a new direction to the history of Rajkot.
Headquarters of British Raj and Kathiawar Agency
With the arrival of the British in India in the 19th century, the importance of Rajkot increased unprecedentedly. Due to its geographical position, which was at the center of Saurashtra, the British chose it to be an administrative centre. E.S. In 1822, the British government established the “Kathiawad Agency” to monitor the numerous princely states of Kathiawar and made Rajkot its headquarters.This decision proved to be a milestone for Rajkot. The British developed facilities like modern constructions, schools, hospitals, and railways here.
Educational Revolution: Rajkot became a center of education. Famous for the children of princes and nobles, Rajkumar College (RKC) was established in 1870. In addition, institutions such as Alfred High School (now known as Mohandas Gandhi High School) increased the scope of education.
Modern construction:Magnificent structures such as Connaught Hall, Watson Museum, and Long Library are the legacy of this period, which is still the pride of the city today.
Economic development:Laying of railway lines made Rajkot a major center of trade and commerce and increased its economic prosperity.
Mahatma Gandhi and Rajkot: An Unbreakable Relationship
Mention of Rajkot is incomplete without the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhiji’s father, Karamchand Gandhi (Kaba Gandhi), was the Diwan of the Rajkot princely state. This is why Mahatma Gandhi spent important years of his childhood and youth in Rajkot. He attended Alfred High School. Rajkot remained the land of early rites and experiments of truth in his life. Even today, his residence, “Kaba Gandhi’s Delo”, is preserved as a national monument, keeping Gandhiji’s memories alive. Rajkot Satyagraha is also an important chapter of India’s freedom struggle.
After Independence: Capital of Saurashtra State (1948 – 1956)
When India became independent in 1947, the princely states of Saurashtra were merged to form a new state, “United Kathiawar Rajya” (later known as Saurashtra State). Rajkot received the distinction of being the capital of this new state due to its central position and developed infrastructure. Rajkot was the capital of Saurashtra from 1948 to 1956. During this period, the city became the center of administrative and political activity, which led to its further development. Shri Uchchangarai Dhebar became the first Chief Minister of Saurashtra state.
Merger and Industrial Development in the State of Gujarat
In 1956, the state of Saurashtra was merged into the state of Greater Mumbai due to the reorganization of states on a linguistic basis. Subsequently, when Maharashtra and Gujarat became separate states on May 1, 1960, Rajkot became an important district and city of Gujarat.Even after losing the status of capital, the development of Rajkot did not stop. The city made a splash in the industrial sector. Rajkot made its mark across India, especially in the diesel engine, auto parts, casting, and forging industries. It is also called the “Engineering Hub of Gujarat”. Apart from this, Rajkot also leads in the production of gold and silver jewellery and kitchen equipment (kitchenware).
Present Rajkot: A modern and vibrant city
Today, Rajkot is one of the fastest-growing cities in Gujarat. A unique blend of education, health, industry, and culture is found here.Modern infrastructure: Vast roads, flyovers, international airports, and the establishment of institutions like AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) have established Rajkot as a modern metropolis.
Cultural Identity: Rajkot is known for its vibrant culture.
Navratri, food and beverage markets, and hospitality here are world famous. The title of “Rangeelu Rajkot” lives up to the nature of the festive and enterprising people here. Vision towards the future: Rajkot is undergoing more well-planned development under the Smart City Mission. Projects like Aaji Dam and Narmada Yojana are in place to tackle the water problem.
Epilogue
Starting from a small princely state, facing Mughal rule, becoming the headquarters of the British Raj, proud as the capital of Saurashtra, and the journey to Rajkot to today’s industrial metropolis has been extremely exciting and inspiring. The history of Rajkot is the story of the courage, vision, and hard work of its people, who are committed to scaling new heights of development in the future as well.
