Bhavnagar State
In 1723, Maharaja Bhavsinhji Gohil established a new capital near Vadva village. This location sat twenty kilometers away from the old town of Sihor. Forces led by Khanthaji Kadani and Pilaji Gaekwad had attempted to raid Sihor in 1722, 1723. The Maharaja realized that repeated attacks stemmed directly from the vulnerable location of Sihor. He named the new settlement Bhavnagar after himself. It was a carefully chosen strategic spot for maritime trade. Naturally, this became the capital of Bhavnagar State. The state covered an area of 2,961 square miles. By 1941, its population reached 618,429 people. The Gohils claimed descent from the Pandavas and traced their line to Shalivahan. Their family title Rawal or Raol came from the battle of Chitor fought with Alauddin Khilji in 1303.
The old town of Bhavnagar remained a major port for almost two centuries. Commodities traded there included goods from Mozambique, Zanzibar, Singapore, and the Persian Gulf. Bhavsinhji ensured the state benefited from revenue brought in from maritime trade. This trade was previously monopolized by Surat and Cambay. The castle of Surat was under the control of the Sidis of Janjira. Bhavsinhji brokered an agreement giving the Sidis 1.25% of the revenue from the Bhavnagar port. He entered into a similar agreement with the British when they took over Surat in 1856. In 1807, Bhavnagar State became a British protectorate. The territory expanded further when Vakhatsinhji Gohil conquered forts like Chital and Talaja. Mahuva and Ghogha also became important ports alongside Bhavnagar. Because of this maritime trade, the state prospered compared to other states during that era.
During the late 19th century, the Bhavnagar State Railway was constructed. This made Bhavnagar the first state able to build its railway system without aid from the central government. Mr Peile, a political agent, described the state as having flourishing finances and no debts. Between 1870 and 1878, the state was put under joint administration because Prince Takhtsinhji was a minor. This period produced notable reforms in administration, revenue collection, judiciary, post and telegraph services, and economic policy. The ports were modernized during these years. Two people responsible for those reforms were Mr E. H. Percival of the Bombay Civil Service and Gaurishankar Udayshankar. They served as Chief Minister of Bhavnagar State. In 1911, HH Maharani Nundkanvarba received the Order of the Crown of India. It was the highest Imperial award for women of the Empire. The former princely state was also known as Gohilwad or Land of the Gohils.
Initially, the infantry known as the Bhavnagar State Infantry were employed as armed police. Some were noted as having been specially trained for artillery duties. While the State maintained an artillery, cavalry, and infantry for defense, these gave way to a body of police in 1866. In 1890, the Thakur joined other Rulers in Kathiawar offering troops for re-organization under the Imperial Service Troops Scheme. It was agreed that Bhavnagar's contribution should be 300 Rajput cavalry. By 1909, the army comprised 256 Imperial Service Lancers, 51 Cavalry, and 285 Infantry. During the First World War, the Bhavnagar Lancers were on active service in Egypt, Palestine, and Mesopotamia. The unit gained battle honors and some men received decorations for bravery. In 1922, both the Lancers and the State Infantry joined the Indian State Forces Scheme. During the Second World War, units supplied men for an Indian Army transport company. They provided 15 signalers for the Indian Corps of Signals. In December 1948, the Bhavnagar Lancers and Infantry amalgamated to form the 2nd Battalion, Saurashtra Infantry.
In 1947, Deputy Prime Minister Vallabhbhai Patel undertook unifying 565 princely states with the Union. The Maharaja of Bhavnagar, Krishna Kumarasingh Bhavasingh, handed over administration to the people's representative in 1948. The ruler signed the accession agreement on the 15th of February 1948. This marked the end of the state as a separate political entity. The royal family continues to lead an active role in public life today. They remain involved in business sectors including hotels, real estate, agriculture, and ship breaking. The population holds them in high regard within the city and surrounding areas. The legacy of the state persists through institutions like the Bhavnagar State Railway named after it. An old photo from 1910 shows the railway station built by the state in 1880.
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Common questions
When was Bhavnagar State established and by whom?
Maharaja Bhavsinhji Gohil established the new capital of Bhavnagar State in 1723. He named the settlement after himself to replace the vulnerable old town of Sihor.
What area did Bhavnagar State cover and what was its population in 1941?
The state covered an area of 2,961 square miles. By 1941, its population reached 618,429 people.
How did Bhavnagar State become a British protectorate and when?
Bhavnagar State became a British protectorate in 1807. The territory expanded further when Vakhatsinhji Gohil conquered forts like Chital and Talaja.
Who were the Chief Ministers responsible for reforms in Bhavnagar State between 1870 and 1878?
Mr E. H. Percival of the Bombay Civil Service and Gaurishankar Udayshankar served as Chief Minister of Bhavnagar State during this period. They modernized ports and implemented reforms in administration, revenue collection, judiciary, post and telegraph services, and economic policy.
When did the Maharaja of Bhavnagar sign the accession agreement with India?
The ruler signed the accession agreement on the 15th of February 1948. This marked the end of the state as a separate political entity after Deputy Prime Minister Vallabhbhai Patel undertook unifying 565 princely states with the Union.