NEW GLOBAL INDIAN
The pinnacle of Saurashtra: Jamnagar City
Written by Ratnadeep Banerji Tuesday, 20 December 2011 10:50
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The city of Nawanagar later called Jamnagar was founded in 1540 AD by Ram Rawal. Straddled between two rivers, Rangmati and Nagmati, Nawanagar meaning 'new town' started to grow around the city palace, the 'Darbargarh'. Nawanagar since 1959 came to be known as Jamnagar City after the Jam rulers.
In 1768, Jam Jasaji the Second took over the mantle and began the construction of a walled city with five gates though only one, Khaubaliya Gate stands today. Historically, the kingdom of Nawanagar strove hard to uphold its independence. It stood out the most important state of Saurashtra. It came under British protection on February 22, 1812. Jam Ranmalji ascended the throne in 1820. He undertook the construction of several buildings as a measure to provide the citizenry with a viable source of livelihood. The Bhujio Kotho and the Lakhota Fort came up then. Ranmal Lake was also excavated.
The rulers of Nawanagar, fondly called Jam Sahebs were great builders of temples and mosques. Jamnagar City has around 135 temples. In 1897, the first railway line in Saurashtra linked Jamnagar City with Rajkot. In 1907, Maharaja Kumar Shri Ranjitsinji became the Jam Saheb. He found the city in abysmal state owing to inept planning. Ranjitsinhji roped in Sir Edwin Lutyens to remodel Nawanagar. Almost the entire city was revamped and styled in accordance with European architecture. Imposing structures like the Pratap Vilas Palace, Willington Crescent and the piazza came up to get the sobriquet of the 'Paris of Saurashtra'.
In 1948, under Kumar Shree Digvijaysinhji. Nawanagar became one of the first princely states to sign the Instrument of Accession to merge with the Union of India. He actively helped Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in his integration of princely states of Saurashtra with the Union of India. The former ruler, Digvijaysinhji after independence served as the Rajpramukh of Kathiawar and also represented India at the United Nations. In the 1930s, Kumar Shree Digvijaysinhji had ushered in strong industrial base like Digvijay Wollen Mills found its inception. Also, air service with the introduction of aerodrome facilities were introduced then.
On June 19, 1959, the boundaries of the district Nawanagar were expanded following the inclusion of the adjoining Okhamandal; and territories of the former states of Navanagar, Dhrol, Dhrafa, Thana and parts of Jalia Devani and the district was renamed Jamnagar under the bilingual state of Bombay. On May 1, 1960, Jamnagar City became integrated into the new state of Gujarat following the cleavage of the state of Bombay into Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Vignette buildings
Darbargarh Palace: The old royal residence of the Jamsahebs reflects the mingling of Rajput and European styles of architecture. Exquisite features of stone carving, wall paintings fretwork jali screens, ornamental mirrors, carved pillars and sculptures render the semi-circular palace into an imposing structure.
Lakhota Fort: In the midst of a lake stands a fort like palace of the Jamsahebs. An arched stone-bridge with balustrade connects the Lakhota Palace with the town.
Bhujio Kotho: On the banks of the Lakhota Lake near Khambhaliya Gate, this five-storey building proved a bulwark against invasions. On the first floor there are guns placed in all directions.
Pratap Vilas Palace: It is replica of Victoria Memorial of Calcutta except for the three glass domes upon it follow Indian architecture. The columns of the palace bear ornate carvings of creepers, flowers, leaves, birds and animals. The araish work done on the facade remains intact despite the ravages of history. European architecture forged with Indian carvings render an altogether different appeal.
Willington Crescent: The entire semi-circular two-storey arcade verily bears a European imprint. The arcades with cusped arches, pilasters on the curving walls and baluster on the parapet add to the splendour of the building.
