Junagadh History

We have many historical cities in Gujarat and other states of India, but Junagadh is unique among them, as it comprises of historical monuments starting from the very ancient age.  The history of Junagadh in order presents the birth and origins of this small city in the state of Gujarat. A city and municipality, Junagadh is located at the foothills of the sacred Girnar Hills. The city is presently the headquarters of the Junagadh district of Gujarat.

In olden times, the city was 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 name Junagadh means Old Fort. Various famous rulers such as the Kshatrapas, Mauryans, Chudasamas, Guptas, Vilabhis, Gujarat Sultans and Babi Nawabs have reigned in this part of the world. The architecture and rich cultural heritage of Junagadh stands as the edifice of the political and religious influences of the various rulers who have ruled the region. Four major religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam, have left a substantial influence on Junagadh. However, a stronger influence of the rulers of Junagadh was felt on the architecture of the city. During the reign of Babi Nawabs, Junagadh was the capital of the Junagadh State. Among the two defensive structures, Uparkot in the west is one of the fortifications of Junagadh. Uparkot was a stronghold of Mauryans and Gupta Empire. This place is known to have survived 16 obstruction in a span of 1000 years.

The foundation of the city by the Gujarat Sultanate was a new beginning for the Junagadh Fort. With strong embankments raised along the city, attractive gardens and magnificent monuments the city gained a new prestige along with a new king. The year 1818 brought the Western Rulers in the Throne of Junagadh. British East India Company took formal control of the empire except the Saurashtra area.  The present old town was developed during the 19th and 20th centuries and it is a British Princely State in India. After the British East India Company, the Junagadh Fort came directly under the control of Independent India. In the course of protests and revolts, the Indians finally won the Junagadh Fort. The History of Junagadh, or the History of Junagadh Fort is therefore a tale of successors and who besieged the throne from time to time. The History of Junagadh Fort is therefore an attractive break into the life and culture of Junagadh.