Samaldas Arts College
In 1885, Takhtsinhji, the Maharaja of Bhavnagar State, established a new college in memory of his Diwan Samaldas Paramananddas Mehta. The institution opened its doors to students in January 1885 within the Majiraj Girls High School building. This location served as the temporary home for classes during the first eight years of the college's existence. The Maharaja sought to honor his minister by creating an educational legacy that would outlast their time together. The name Samaldas College reflected this deep personal connection between ruler and advisor.
The foundation stone for the first permanent structure was laid on the 25th of November 1884 by James Furgusson, Governor of Bombay. R. Proctor Sims, the Public Works Councillor, constructed the building opposite Peel Garden. Lord Reay, Governor Bombay, officially opened the facility on the 17th of December 1886. Students moved into the new quarters in 1893 after leaving the girls school behind. A second building rose on Vaghawadi Road in 1932 under the direction of Krishnakumarsinhji, Maharaja of Bhavnagar. That structure later became the P. P. Institute of Science starting in June 1963. On the 1st of November 1955, Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, laid the foundation for the present main building. The original 1893 building now houses Sheth J. P. Ayurveda College while the 1932 structure serves scientific studies today.
R. H. Gunion served as the first principal from 1885 until 1890. J. N. Unwalla took over leadership duties and held the post from 1890 through 1905. K. J. Sanjana led the college during two separate periods spanning 1905 to 1906 and again from 1907 to 1923. B. A. Enti briefly managed operations in 1906 before Sanjana returned. T. K. Shahani guided the institution for twenty-five years between 1923 and 1948. Later leaders included J. B. Sendil who served from 1952 to 1962 and B. C. Desai from 1962 to 1966. S. M. Shah led the college from 1967 to 1970 followed by A. S. Prabhudesai from 1975 to 1977. A. A. Shaikh began his tenure in 1994 and continues to serve today.
Mahatma Gandhi attended Samaldas College for a short period lasting only six months from January 1888 to June 1888. This brief enrollment occurred while he was still an Indian independence leader in training. The historical significance of this attendance lies in its brevity rather than any long-term academic achievement. Gandhi's time at the college remains one of the most famous associations with the institution despite its short duration. No other student or faculty member from that specific six-month window is recorded as having such global impact.
H. J. Kania became the first Chief Justice of India after graduating from the college. Harivallabh Bhayani emerged as a linguist, researcher, critic, and translator who contributed significantly to Gujarati literature. Lalsinh Raol worked as an ornithologist, nature conservationist, and writer before passing away. Nautam Bhatt served as a physicist while Anantrai Raval worked as a critic and editor. Yashwant Trivedi wrote poetry, essays, and criticism alongside his work as a poet. Kundanika Kapadia authored novels, stories, and essays that remain influential today. Krishnalal Jhaveri served as a writer, scholar, literary historian, translator, and judge during his lifetime. Sanat Mehta became a politician and social activist known for his public service.
The college currently operates under the affiliation of Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University. It stands as one of the oldest colleges in western India with roots stretching back to 1885. The institution has maintained its presence in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India for over a century and a half. Its history includes multiple relocations and building projects that reflect changing educational needs. Today it continues to serve students while preserving the legacy established by Takhtsinhji and Samaldas Paramananddas Mehta.
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Common questions
When was Samaldas Arts College established and by whom?
Takhtsinhji, the Maharaja of Bhavnagar State, established Samaldas Arts College in 1885. The institution opened its doors to students in January 1885 within the Majiraj Girls High School building.
Where is the main campus of Samaldas Arts College located today?
Samaldas Arts College operates under the affiliation of Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India. The college has maintained its presence in this location for over a century and a half since its founding.
Who served as the first principal of Samaldas Arts College?
R. H. Gunion served as the first principal of Samaldas Arts College from 1885 until 1890. He led the institution during its initial years before J. N. Unwalla took over leadership duties.
Did Mahatma Gandhi study at Samaldas Arts College and when did he attend?
Mahatma Gandhi attended Samaldas Arts College for a short period lasting only six months from January 1888 to June 1888. This brief enrollment occurred while he was still an Indian independence leader in training.
Which notable figures graduated from Samaldas Arts College?
H. J. Kania became the first Chief Justice of India after graduating from Samaldas Arts College. Other alumni include Harivallabh Bhayani, Lalsinh Raol, Nautam Bhatt, Anantrai Raval, Yashwant Trivedi, Kundanika Kapadia, Krishnalal Jhaveri, and Sanat Mehta.