Junagadh

                             We have many historical cities inGujarat and other states of India, but Junagadh is unique among them, as it comprises of historical monuments starting from the very ancient age (500 BC) till the most recent history of partition of India in 1947 AD. This city, as the name suggests, isa city of old fort. It has a very old history and, as a result, thereare many historical monuments worth visiting in this city, Junagadh. In olden times, the citywas known by various names like “Raivatachal”, “Raivatnagar”, “Revant”, “Manipur”, “Chandraketapur”, “Puratanpur”,“Pratappur”, “Narendrapur”, “Girinagar”, “Karan Kunj”, “Jirna Durg”, “Mustafabad” and finally the present name “Junagadh” was given by the British Government in 1820AD. The city has acquired an important place in tourist mapof Gujarat. Everyday thousands ofvisitors / tourists visit city for religious, entertainment and educational excursions. Two main festivals celebrated here are“Parikrama” (Held in October-November during the period of five days concluding on the full-moon day of Kartik Month) and “Maha Shivratri” (Held in February-March on the No-Moon-day of Magha Month) every year. The importance of these festivals is not only up to local level but has also spread over national and international level. NagaBawa’s or Naked Sages (thatare generally seen only during Kumbh Mela’s) come to take part in these festivals from all over India. Every year on an average more than one Million people visit Junagadh during these two festivals only. The city’s history includes various rulers and dynasties as under: Maurya Dynasty ruled over Junagadh in 319 BC Kaling Dynasty ruled over Junagadh in 185 BC Greek ruled over Junagadh in 70 – 73BC Shaka ruled over Junagadh 100 –275AD Kshatrapa ruled over Junagadh 276 – 455 AD Gupta ruled over Junagadh 456 – 770 AD The Chinese Traveller Hu-en-Tsang had visited Junagadh in 640 AD Chudasama / Chavada ruled over Junagadh 875 – 1472 AD Muslim Rulers Mohammed Begada, Khalil Khan, Muzaffar, Sikandar, Bahadursha and Ibadatkhan ruled 1472 – 1572 AD Mughals ruled over Junagadh 1573 – 1748 AD Nawabs of Babi Dynasty (Yousufzai Pathan) ruled over 1749 – 1948 AD The last Babi Nawab named Mahabatkhanji III, decided to joinPakistan on getting independence from British Rule in 1947. But the majority of population being Hindu, the people resorted to revolt againsthis decision and finally they, led by Mr. Shamaldas Gandhiin an Army called “Aarzi Hukumat” (Temporary Government), attacked and captured the palace and fort by hoisting Indian Flag. The Nawab had to run away to Pakistan in order tosave his life. Since then the city is a part of Gujarat State of Independent India.The Aarzi Hukumat (How Junagadh becamepart of India) During the period spanning the independence and partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, the 565 princely states thatexisted under British rule were given a choice of acceding to either India or Pakistan. Althoughthe states were theoretically free to choose, Mountbatten stated that"geographic compulsions" meantthat most of them must choose India. In effect, Mountbatten took the position that only states that shared a common border with Pakistan could choose to accede to it. On September 15, 1947, Nawab Mohammad Mahabat Khanji III ofJunagadh, a princely state locatedon the south-western end of Gujarat and having no common border with Pakistan, chose to accede to Pakistan ignoring Mountbatten's views, arguing that Junagadh adjoined Pakistan by sea. The rulers of two states that were subject to the suzerainty of Junagadh — Mangrol and Babariawad — reacted by declaring their independence from Junagadh and acceding to India. In response, the nawab of Junagadh militarily occupied the two states. Rulers of the other neighbouring states reacted angrily, sending troops to the Junagadh frontier, and appealed to the Government of India for assistance. A group of Junagadhipeople, led by Samaldas Gandhi, formed a government-in-exile, the Aarzi Hukumat ("temporary government"). India believed thatif Junagadh was permitted to accede to Pakistan, communal tension already simmering in Gujarat would worsen, and refused to accept the Nawab's choice of accession. The government pointed out that the state was 80% Hindu, and called for a plebiscite to decide the questionof accession. India cut off supplies of fuel and coal to Junagadh, severed air and postallinks, sent troops to the frontier,and occupied the principaliites of Mangrol and Babariawad thathadacceded to India. Pakistan agreed to discuss a plebiscite, subject to the withdrawal of Indian troops, a condition India rejected. On 26 October, the Nawab and his family fled to Pakistan followingclashes with Indian troops. Before leaving, theNawab had emptied the state treasury of itscash and securities. On 7 November, Junagadh's court, facing collapse, invited the Government of India to takeover the State's administration.