Porbandar

Porbandar is a coastal harbour city situated on the western coast of Saurashtra, Gujarat, along the Arabian Sea. The place is the administrative center of Porbandar District. It is a district by itself and is the possessor of rich natural resources. Porbandar, Gujarat is famous as the birthplace of the `Father of Nation`, Mahatma Gandhi. The city has historical significance and also has been recognised as among the famous tourist destinations in India.

A rich history has enhanced the importance of the city. In the 10th century Porbandar was known as "Pauravelakul" and thereafter renamed as "Sudamapuri". The Port City dates back to AD 1045 and it is believed that Porbandar was discovered on Shravan Poornima, Raksha Bandhan day. Historical evidences show that Porbandar was inhabited by Harappan settlement dating back to the 16th - 14th century BC. According to proofs the Harappan legacy of maritime activity continued till the late Harappan period on the Saurashtra coast. The findings ancient jetties along the Porbandar stream are certain significant evidences that highlight the importance of the city as an active centre of maritime activities in the past. The state was subordinate to the Mughal governor of Gujarat and was overrun by the Marathas in the latter half of the 18th century.

It was a historic port of Jetwa Rajputs dynasty that ruled vast areas of the Kathiawad peninsula for approximately 2000 years. In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the Jetwas faced a defeat at the hands of the Jadeja Rajputs. However they came to power in the year 1630s. They shifted their capital from Ranpur to Chaya during that time and by the 18th century, the Jetwas finally settled in Porbandar. The city had enthralled them as it occupied an exclusive position as a port city. It was strategically situated south of the ports of Nawanagar and the Kutch state, and north of Veraval in Junagadh state. Afterwards, it came under the authority of the Gaekwad court at Baroda, and eventually of the Peshwa. After the Independence of India in 1947, the state acceded to the dominion of India. It was merged with the `United state of Kathiawar` with effect from February 15, 1948 and eventually formed the present state of Gujarat. The Walker Treaty was introduced in the 19th century and progressively, development started in the state of Porbandar, Gujarat. Furthermore, the city is associated with several historical figures such as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Swami Vivekanand and Rabindranath Tagore.

Geographically, Porbandar is located at 21.63°N 69.6°E. It has an average elevation of 0 metres. The climatic condition of Porbandar, Gujarat generally remains pleasant. The summer season continues from March to June with the daytime temperature crossing 42 degree Celsius. July and September are the periods of monsoons and winter comes in from October and stays till February. The city faces strong winds, heavy rain, and occasional thunderstorms due to the cyclonic storms or depressions in the Arabian Sea in the post monsoon months. The winter temperature ranges from 10 degree Celsius to 24 degree Celsius.

Porbandar is proud of its rich cultural heritage. A number of colorful festivals are celebrated throughout the year. Festivals such as Hollika and Navratri are very famous and people from all other states visit Porbandar, Gujarat during this festive season. The state produces beautiful fabric and is renowned for handicrafts item. The city holds a prominent position among the Kshatriyas of Rajasthan as the place is considered to be the birthplace of Sudama (Lord Krishna`s Friend) and Mirabai (devotee of Lord Krishna). Even today most Rajasthanis come to take the blessings of Sudama after their marriage.

Porbandar, Guajarat have been attracting tourists for over a longer period. The structures such as Huzoor Palace, Daria Rajmahal, Haveli of the Gandhi family, Kirti Mandir and Manu temple along with its natural beauty attracts tourists from all over the country. The city invites tourists as it is a famous sited for bird watching too. Nearby places of visit include Kuchdi, Ghumli, Gope and Barda Hills covered with forest.

The Princely State of Porbandar was amongst main states during the rule of the British Empire in India. During the early 19th century, the region was appointed as one of the princely states of India under the indirect rule of the British administration. The Jethwa dynasty of Rajputs was the ruling family of the state. The dynasty had been established in the territory since the mid-16th century. Porbandar state was subordinate to the Mughal governor of Gujarat until they were over-powered by the Marathas during the end of the 18th century. Later they were under the authority of the Gaekwad court at Baroda and ultimately came under the authority of the Peshwa.

The state of Porbandar was located on the western coast of the Kathiawar peninsula and was bounded by Nawanagar in the north and by Junagadh in the southeast. In the year 1911, the region included 96 villages and 1 town. The princely state was a former First Class state and ranked 6th in order of precedence among the states of Western India, between Dhrangadhra and Bhavnagar. The courts of the princely state exercised full civil and criminal jurisdiction. The native ruler of the state held full powers for the administration of Porbandar. A constitution went into effect in 1944. It provided for a mostly elective legislative assembly. Porbandar paid annual tribute to Junagadh and Baroda. Until the end of the 19th century, the princely state of Porbandar continued to mint its own currency.

The Princely State of Porbandar first came under the domain of British East India Company in the year 1807, like the other states of Kathiawar. This happened after the HEIC assured protection and security in the territory in return of a fixed annual tribute to be paid to the Peshwa and the Gaekwad. The Peshwa ceded his share to the HEIC I 1817 and the Gaekwad agreed to have the HIEC assemble his due tributes in Kathiawar and pay the same amount to his treasury. During the rule of the British Government of India, Porbandar state was scattered over a total area of 1,663 sq km, including 106 villages and a total population of 100,000 in the year 1921. By the year 1947, the native rulers, also referred to as Indian princes by the British, held the title of Maharaj Rana Sahib and the style of Highness. The rulers of the princely state of Porbandar were granted a personal salute of 13 guns as a hereditary distinction.

After the withdrawal of the British from the nation and the partition of India in the year 1947, Porbandar state was acceded to the newly formed Union of India or the Dominion of India. The territory was merged with the United State of Kathiawar on 15th February 1948. Later it was incorporated as a part of the modern state of Gujarat.

Monuments in Porbandar are many in number, having both religious and historical worth.

The Daria Rajmahal was built in the late 19th century by Maharaja Bhavsinhji to designs prepared by the state engineer, Phulchand Parekh. Built in creamy local stone, it stands on the edge of the Arabian Sea and, in its plan and layout, shows distinct Arab influences. However, the facades are Italianate in style, with an interesting blend of Renaissance and Gothic detail conceived by a man of knowledge and taste. Internally, the palace has all the usual princely trappings - chandeliers, painted murals and European furniture. The Town Hall, Library and most other public buildings were all built under the watchful eye of the Maharaja.

The Huzoor palace is a true architectural marvel situated at the edge of the sea. The Palace was built by Natwar Shah, and resembles a European mansion. The palace has neo-Classical pillars and porticoes with a semi-circular design with a sloping timber roof. The European style porticoes and pillars mark the entrance of the palace from different sides. The palace has various wings in a zigzag fashion and railed terraces. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and water fountains, it offers a remarkable view of the Arabian Sea.

Darbargadh is a fortified palace found built by Rana Sartanji at Porbandar. It has a huge carved stone entrance flanked by massive wooden doors and high turrets. The edifices lying to the left of the entrance are typical examples the royal enclosures situated within the town of Gujarat- large mansions with courtyards and intricately carved wooden elements. The fort has several bastions, 3 small gates (baris) and 4 main gates. The main gates are Porbandar gate in the west, Kathiawar Darwaja in the east, Halar Gate in the North and Junagadh gate in the south. The smaller gates are Sita Bari, Bhinji Bari and Darbari Bari. The point of approach of Darbargadh is the Darbari Bari. It is a beautiful gate, resting on brackets of four elephant statues and adorned with a jharokha. Darbargadh is a three-storied structure standing on a high plinth. The facade is designed with complex geometric designs, sculptures of musicians, intricately carved pillars decorative kanguras and horizontal friezes. Darbargadh is designed to resemble a jewel box, in the architectural style of the Navlakha palace situated at Gondal.

The Anut Nivas Khambala was built in 1927 by Maharaja Natwarsinhji, a progressive figure. It is a large, two-storey building along straightforward classical lines in a delightful position bordering the sea. The interior is lavish but not ostentatious. The Rajput Room is a museum of Kathiawad`s past.

One of the chief attractions of Porbandar is the Kirti Mandir. It holds great significance as it is said to be the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, and he is said to have lived here for the first twelve years of his life. It is now a memorial dedicated to the mahatma. Visitors flock to this site in order to get an insight into the life and works of Gandhiji. . In the year 1950, the building was renovated by Shri Nanji Kalidas and Shri Purushottam Mistry in reverence to the Mahatma. The upper story of the temple has Gandhi`s room and a Gandhian library which contains a wide selection of Gandhian writings to choose from. Also found within are a big prayer room, a nursey and a spire. The walls of the temple are decorated with 79 diyas, the age of the Mahatma at the time of his death.

Close to the kirti mandir is the house of Mahatma Gandhi. This haveli of the Gandhi family, built in the mid nineteenth century had three stories around a courtyard with a kitchen, a wooden shrine and seventeen rooms. This haveli has now been converted into a memorial museum with a lot of valuable memorabilia in the library. The museum holds a moving photographic pictorial display of the life and achievements of Gandhiji providing an insight into the contributions of one of the greatest freedom fighters of India.

The Grishmabhuvan is a pleasure pavilion situated at Porbandar. It was built by Maharana Sartanji in an excellent example of Rajput architectural style. The Grishmabhuvan is a three-storied summer pavilion has exquisite pillars, impressive domes and delicate arches. The four parts of the pavilion represent the four seasons.Also known as the Sartanji Choro, the pavilion was a kind of asylum for Sartanji away from the crowds of Porbandar.

An early twelfth century step well, the Vikai Vav, is also found here, located at Ghumli. This ruined step-well is one of the largest of its kind in the state, measuring almost 60 by 40.5 sq m. The well has numerous flights of steps leading up to it and string-coursed carvings. Te entrance pavilions can still be seen standing intact at three places.

The Sudama mandir is a beautiful shrine located in the centre of Porbandar city. Sudama was a close friend and devotee of Lord Krishna who was born here. It is said to be the only temple in India dedicated to Sudama. The temple was constructed between 1902 and 1907, and has an interesting story behind it. It is said that during the construction of the temple there was a depletion of funds. In order to collect money, the devotees organized drama shows, and following thus the construction of the temple was completed. There is a plaque in the temple depicting this entire course of events. A monument is found inside the temple dedicated to Shri Ram Devji Jethwa. Who is believed to have been severely attacked and wounded at the time. There is amaze found within the temple. It is said that if a person crosses this maze all his sins are forgiven.

The Bharat Mandir is situated in a beautiful garden opposite the Nehru Planetarium. The mandir has a number of murals depicting the great men and religious preceptors of India. There is a huge relief map of India on the floor. There are beautifully matched mirrors in the temple which depict the Gods and legendary personalities from the Hindu Epics and the Indian Puranas. There are six distorting mirrors in the veranda which are very popular among the children.

Porbandar, though it has a lot to offer in terms of monuments, is best known for being the birthplace of the Mahatma Gandhi. The memorial dedicated to him is therefore one of the chief attractions among the monuments of Porbandar.

Porbandar is a city which is nestled along the Arabian Sea in the Western Coast of Saurashtra. It is a harbour city in the Gujarat state of India. Porbandar was originally a fortified town with high rampart walls, bastions and five gates. Though it had lost its fortification by the order of Colonel Lally in 1888 AD, yet even in the present days, it is a ritual of the Hindus to circumambulate the fortification. This thriving port of the Mughal period attracts tourists from all over the country.

Tourism in Porbandar has expanded as the city houses impressive features of planned city and the stone buildings with ashlar masonry and rich carving. Tourists can enjoy the facades of the houses on either side of the streets with carved gateways detailed with eclectic architectural language. In addition to that the city provides the tourists an opportunity to witness the striking temples and beautiful public buildings and edifices overlooking the sea on Marine Drive. The city can be identified as on the list of coastal heritage towns of Gujarat.

Pilgrimage Tourism in Porbandar : The pilgrim spots of the city include the various religious places that dot the city. There are various temples around the district. The shrine at Purnagiri, 20 kilometres from Tanakpur, is a magnificent place to visit. There is also a Sikh shrine near Lohaghat called Ritha Sahib, associated with the visit of Guru Nanak. Kirti Mandir in Porbandar is the birth place of Mahatma Gandhi. It is a sacred place visited by the pilgrim tourists. This monument is known for its elegance and speaks about Gandhi family and its prosperity.

Other important temples include Bharat Mandir and Rokadia Hanuman Temple. Bharat Mandir displays pictures, sculptures and symbols portraying Indian culture and religion. This temple is the mirror of Indian tradition. In addition to these temples, the city is incomplete without the visit to the Sudama Mandir and Tara Mandir. The white Manu temple is also most visited site in the city. A powerful goddess who is known to bring rain to these mountains is found to be seated here.

Leisure Tourism in Porbandar : Tourism in Porbandar means the beautiful lakes, monuments as well as museums. Leisure Tourism in Porbandar includes visit to the art and sculpture centres of the city. Rana Sultanji`s Grishma Ghar Hajur Palace, Darbargarh (Chaya), Darbarghar (Shitla Chowk), Rajmahal (Chowpatty), Hajur Court (Revenue office of taluka), Victoria Jubilee Maddressa (School), Old Rajmahal (B. Ed., College), Jubilee Hall (Public Library) and Kirti Mandir are the places visited for their beautiful sculptures. Kirti Mandir has a wonderful Museum as well as a library and a book stall.

Other beautiful sculptures which are admired by the tourists include the Natraj Statue of Arya-Kanya Gurukul and Krishna and a hunter`s statue in the Hindu Crematorium. Shravan`s statue in Rupali Baug (Garden) reflects the artistry of Mr. Jagannath Adivasi and Mr. Arsinh Rana from Porbandar.

The tourists can pay a visit to the Hazur Palace. The palace is a massive European mansion structure which has a large garden at the edge of the sea. The palace has various wings in a zigzag formation that create space for numerous forecourts and rear courtyards. These places were used for gardens and fountains. The structure presents a modern style. It is crowned by trussed timber roofs and balustrade terraces offering a fabulous view of the beach and the sea. The main attraction of the palace is its semi-circular porticoes on neo-classical pillars which offer entry from different sides of the palace.

Daria Rajmahal is another most visited site. It is built in a style that blends Arabic, Indian, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. The entrance is matchless as it is through a Gothic style archway, crowned by a tall tower that offers a marvelous view of the palace courtyards. The beach beyond, and the sea also presents an exceptional sight. At present though nothing remains of the Durbar Hall yet the palace captivates the tourists` attraction as a palace turned college.

The Darbargadh Palace, built in 1784 by Maharana Sartanji in the typical wood and stone carved style of Gujarat. The beautiful architecture of this period is the Grishmabhuvan, there are pleasure pavilion with impressive domes, exquisite pillars and delicate arches, set in a pleasant garden enhances the landscapes. This pavilion is called Sartanji Choro because of its four part that represent different seasons.

Nature Tourism in Porbandar : Tourism in Porbandar involves bird watching too. The city is a heaven for bird watchers. Great flocks of flamingoes can be watched at a close range around the coastal marshes of Porbandar. Besides bird watching, a tour around the number of lakes around can be a pleasurable activity. Jolingkong and Anchherital are situated at a height of 4,634 meters and 3,658 meters, respectively. Excursions from Porbandar to the places around the city offer unique experience to the tourists.

Porbandar Bird Sanctuary : Covering a small area of only 1 sq. km, the Porbandar Bird Sanctuary is well known among the ornithologists for being home to a rich variety of bird species. The sanctuary is located in the center of the Porbandar city, which is also famous for being the birth place of Mahatma Gandhi. It was declared as a sanctuary in November, 1988. The sanctuary provides natural habitat to several varieties of bird species and the lake located within this sanctuary also draws thousands of migratory birds, throughout the year. The sanctuary has the distinction of being the only bird sanctuary of the western Indian state of Gujarat, which provides protection to varied species of birds, nesting here.

The Porbandar Bird Sanctuary does not have a rich variety of floral species. The tourists won`t find any sprouting vegetation at this place. However, the Forest Department has planted a few plant species inside the sanctuary and those species are maintaining the eco-balance in the sanctuary. The main attraction of the sanctuary is definitely its collection of bird species. The sanctuary is home to about 150 species of birds, and the bird species include both the resident and migratory types. The most important and notable bird species found in the Porbandar Bird Sanctuary include the Flamingo, Pelican, Spoonbill, Avocet, Coot, Pintail, Little Cormorant, Little Grebe, Indian Roller, Shoveller, Ducks, Geese, Whistling Teal, Bittern, Stork, Heron, Egret, Ibis, Gull, Tern, Jacanas, Ruff, Red Shank, etc.

The best time to visit the sanctuary is between the months of October to March, as the climate remains predictable during this period. The sanctuary attracts several tourists, especially the ornithologists from around the world, who visit the place for experiencing the great variety of bird species. In fact, the sanctuary caters to a practical example of the peaceful co-existence of man and nature.

Porbandar Beach : Porbandar Beach is a pristine sea beach nestled in between the Veraval and Dwaraka. It lies towards the southwest coast of the state of Gujarat. Porbandar Beach comprises an ancient port, which doubles its significance and beauty. The place Porbandar is the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi- the Father of Nation.

Besides Porbandar Beach in Gujarat, there is a city named Porbandar. Porbandar is the city of Mahatma Gandhi. From Porbandar, the tourism of Gandhi Circuit began.