Short answers, pulled from the story.
Bhavnagar State traces its origins to the founding of Sejakpur in 1194, but the city of Bhavnagar itself was established in 1723 by Maharaja Bhavsinhji Gohil, who chose the site near Vadva village for its maritime trade potential after repelling an attack on the previous capital, Sihor.
After forces led by Khanthaji Kadani and Pilaji Gaekwad attempted to raid Sihor in 1722-1723, Bhavsinhji concluded that the location itself was the reason for repeated attacks. He established a new capital 20 km away near Vadva village and named it Bhavnagar after himself.
Bhavnagar's fortified old town served as a major port for nearly two centuries, trading with Mozambique, Zanzibar, Singapore, and the Persian Gulf. Bhavsinhji negotiated a revenue-sharing agreement with the Sidis of Janjira to secure Bhavnagar's place in the coastal trade network.
Yes. During the First World War, the Bhavnagar Lancers served on active duty in Egypt, Palestine, and Mesopotamia. The unit gained battle honours and some of its men received decorations for bravery in the field.
The Maharaja of Bhavnagar, Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavsinhji, signed the accession to the Indian Union on the 15th of February 1948, becoming the first princely state ruler to hand administration directly to the people's representatives.
The Bhavnagar State Railway was notable for being the first state railway in India constructed without any financial aid from the central government, a distinction recorded in the Imperial Gazetteer.