Pre-20th-Century History
Rajkot is a city in Gujarat state, India. It was once the capital of the princely state of Rajkot, and is now the headquarters of Rajkot District. It is located in the middle of the peninsula of Kathiawar, some 70 kilometers from the Gulf of Kachchh. The town is bisected by the Aji River. Its most notable institution is Rajkumar College, which was founded in 1870 for the education of the sons of local chiefs and princes, and was modeled by its founder, Col. R. H. Keatinge, on Eton College. Mahatma Gandhi was educated in Rajkot at the Alfred High School (founded in 1875). Once the capital of the princely state of Saurashtra, Rajkot was founded by Vibhoji, the younger son of Ajoji. It is the town where Mahatma Gandhi spent the early years of his life. The city, also a former British government headquarters, has a number of impressive colonial buildings and educational institutions. It is famous for silver, textiles and a National weaving institute which promotes traditional weaves. The pleasant town is an important industrial area and a religious centre of the Arya Samaj.
The city extends from latitude 23°32 in the North to longitude 70°4 in the East. Rajkot, now a major industrial town, was once the capital of a princely State. It has the rich heritage of ancient civilization and freedom struggle. Rajkot shares many memories with the political as well as cultural history of India. Gandhi has rightly called the city a priceless laboratory for the freedom struggle based on non-violence. Rafleshwar of Rajkot Rajkot is a part of the Jamnagar Circuit comprising places like Dwarka, Jamnagar, Pirotam Island, and Rajkot.
Rajkot offers you an insight into the life of the Mahatma who almost single-handedly led a great nation and shaped India's destiny. All you need is to go through the Kaba Gandhi No Delo and Rashtriya Shala where exhibits of Gandhi and his philosophy are practically carried on. The Watson Museum offers a good insight into the past. Rajkot also gives an opportunity to buy Gujarati handlooms and handicrafts, which are famous all over India. The Gujarati dishes, which are known for their sweet and sour tinge, are not to be missed.
Modern History
Recent History
The history of Rajkot forms a major aspect of the basic information about the city. There are quite a few notable historical facts associated with Rajkot city. These facts are often considered to be important parts of the history of the entire state of Gujarat.
One of the most important facets of Rajkot history is that this city of Gujarat used to be the capital of Rajkot princely state. This city is currently the headquarters of the district of Rajkot. Another important fact related with the past of Rajkot is that it happened to be the capital of Saurashtra, another significant princely state of the state of Gujarat.
This city was established by Vibhoji, one of the sons of the famous personality Ajoji. A very crucial part of Rajkot history is its association with the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. This very famous socio-political figure of India, who had a lot of contribution to the struggle for independence in India, spent the initial days of his life in this region of Gujarat.
Rajkot used to be a headquarters during the British rule in India. Therefore, this place houses a number of fascinating buildings and knowledge centers, which bear the testimony of the colonial rule. This city of India is well known for its Arya Samaj center.
Rajkot is closely associated with the socio-political life of India. It is one of the important centers of the country where non-violence was practiced in the pre-independence days. The Watson Museum offers a good insight into the history of the city.
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