[46], After six months administration by Government of India, three civilian members (Samaldas Gandhi, Dayashankar Dave and Pushpaben Mehta) were inducted for the administration of Junagadh on 1 June 1948. Junagadh was a princely state of the British Raj, located in what is now the Indian state of Gujarat. However, during the reign of Rudradaman I, a terrible storm damaged trees, hilltops, gates and homes. [24] These later coins were all only of the Archer type, and this standard and type was followed by all subsequent Gupta rulers. Junagadh city is the headquarter of the Junagadh district in Gujarat. The merger was completed in January 1949.[29]. Location, Script and Language : Junagadh has more than 1000 hand pumps and 200 stand posts situated throughout the city drawing from groundwater sources. He took the title of Maha-Kshatrapa. At Girnar, these 14 major rock edicts occupy the north-east part of the rock, in two columns, separated by straight lines. [42], The city generates approximately 150 tonnes (150 long tons; 170 short tons) of solid waste daily, which is within the recommended limit, of 400 grams (14oz) per capita, per day, for domestic waste. It was under the suzerainty of the British Raj, but not part of directly-ruled British India . On 25 September 1947, the Aarzi Hukumat headed by Samaldas Gandhi was declared in a public meeting at Madhavbagh in Bombay. It holds a key position in understanding the history of ancient India. [citation needed] Mangoes and onions are grown in large quantities in the district. [citation needed], Some of the large-scale industry present in Junagadh are Mother Dairy Fruit & Vegetable Pvt Ltd (popularly known as Junagadh Dairy in the region), Agro Marine Exports, Creative Castings Ltd., and Austin Engineering. [14], The Bhitari pillar inscription states that Skandagupta defeated the Hunas:[14], (Skandagupta), "by whose two arms the earth was shaken, when he, the creator (of a disturbance like that) of a terrible whirlpool, joined in close conflict with the Hnas; . However, an alternative interpretation of the inscription reads "Yudhyamitras" (a generic term for enemies) instead of "Pushyamitras". Coins of Satakarni II's reign have been found . This theory is based on the fact that Skandagputa's inscriptions mention the name of his father, but not of his mother. [8] Agrawal disputes Fleet's reading of the "Aryan status" line, providing an alternative reading: "whom nobility causes to blush by reason of the narrations of his exploits by means of songs and eulogies". . Rudradaman I Rudradman I (r. 130-150) was a aka ruler from the Western Kshatrapas dynasty. [55], This article is about Junagadh city. [21], India asserted that Junagadh was not contiguous to Pakistan and, believing that if Junagadh was permitted to accede to Pakistan communal tension already simmering in Gujarat would worsen, refused to accept the nawab's accession to Pakistan. The city is divided into the main city, which is centered on Mahatma Gandhi (M.G.) [citation needed] The fort remained in use until the 6th century, when it was abandoned for about 300 years, then rediscovered by the Chudasama ruler Graharipu in 976 CE. The state government has sanctioned the development of a Circuit Tourism project at Junagadh.[48]. The Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Ltd. Rudradaman's Junagarh rock inscription, also known as Rudradaman's Girnar rock inscription, is a Sanskrit prose inscription engraved on a rock by the Western Satraps emperor Rudradaman I. Junagadh has a tropical wet and dry climate (Aw) bordering on a hot semi-arid climate (BSh), with two distinct seasons: a dry season from October to May, and a wet season from June to September. Another bridge spans the Sonrakh River in the northern outskirts of the city. The first is the Girnar Prasasti, a eulogy in praise of the Sudarshan Lake, by Mahakshatrap . Soon after Indian soldiers began arriving in Kashmir . It has a unique place in the history of world epigraphy. [32] From June to September the city is drained by the southwest monsoon. Girnar Edict and Inscription Rock Open 09.00-13.00, 14.00-18.00, daily. . At the foothills of the Girnar range is the city of Junagadh, with a history of 2,300 years. It was originally built in 319 BCE during the Mauryan dynasty by Chandragupta. The total number of voters on electoral rolls was 200, 569 and less than 10,000 Muslims voted for India. . The Sultan also installed Bhupatsingh, the son of the last Chudasama king, Mandalika III, in Junagadh as a jagirdar (feudal lord). One unsuccessful siege lasted twelve years. The most famous were (1) Mirzah Isa Tarkhan (2) Kutb ud din Kheshgi, and (3) Sardarkhan. The bardic legends differ very much in the names, order, and numbers of early rulers; so they are not considered reliable. [45] In the plebiscite India polled 222,184 votes and Pakistan 130 out of a total population of 720,000 of Junagadh and its feudatories. The most eloquent testimony to his reign is the Junagadh inscription dated around the Saka year 72 i.e. It is located near Girnar hill near Junagadh, Gujarat, India. Conduits from the dam were later built under the orders of his grandson, Emperor Asoka. In the summer months, temperatures range from 28 to 38C (82 to 100F). A turning point in Ashokas life was the gruesome Kalinga war that he fought. A c. 460-461 inscription refers to the "tranquil reign of Skandagupta, the lord of hundred kings. But the vote was largely in favour of India with 190,870 people voting to join India and only 91 voting in favour of Pakistan. He ruled around 70 to 60 BC. The unsettled conditions in Junagadh had led to a cessation of all trade with India and the food position became precarious. The main language group is Gujarati. The presence of large reserves of limestone makes the cement industry a thriving industrial sector. Key Points The Junagadh rock, which contains inscription of the earlier emperors, Ashoka and Rudradaman, has an inscription engraved on the orders of Skandagupta's governor Parnadatta. Since Mahendraditya was a title of Kumaragupta, and Vikramaditya that of Skandagupta, this may be a reference to Skandagupta's victory over the Hunas. Still, Rudradaman ordered that it be rebuilt. [18], Junagadh, under the amendments done to the Government of India Act 1935, had political bonds with the neighboring states of Mangrol and Babariawad. Great confusion existed now in Sorath. The Junagarh inscription has inscriptions of Ashoka (one of fourteen Major Rock Edicts of Ashoka), Rudradaman I, and Skandagupta. Meanwhile, tensions were simmering in the regional areas and in major cities such as Bombay against Nawab's decision. . [citation needed], The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple in Junagadh was constructed on land presented by Jinabhai (Hemantsingh) Darbar of Panchala, and dedicated on 1 May 1828. Between 475 CE and 767 CE, the region was ruled by the Maitraka dynasty, followed by the Chudasama dynasty, which ruled from the 9th to the 15th centuries CE, and then the Mughal Empire in the 16th century CE. The mela lasts for the next five days. The Junagadh rock inscription of Rudradaman, also known as the Girnar Rock inscription of Rudradaman, is a Sanskrit prose inscribed on a rock by the Western Satraps ruler Rudradaman I. The last of the faujdars was Sherkhan Babi, who became independent and assumed the title of Nawab Bahadur Khan. In later periods, the region came under the reign of the Western Kshatrapas (35 CE - 405 CE) and Guptas, (3rd to 6th CE) which is evident from the Girnar inscriptions. Ashoka appointed Dhamma-Mahamatras, (officials of morality) for the establishment and promotion of Dhamma (Dharma) and also started Dhamma tours and emphasised religious tolerance. These inscriptions presuppose a flourishing centre of learning and culture at Girinagara. Sikhs and Parsis are very few in number. This initial coinage is quite scarce. Kosambi in, harvnb error: no target: CITEREFLumby1954 (, Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board, International General Certificate of Secondary Education, "Junagadh Gets New Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Other Office Holders", "Junagadh City Population Census 2011 | Gujarat". [42], Nehru had shifted from his earlier position of allowing a plebiscite under the UN and now said that it was unnecessary for a plebiscite to be held under the UN though it could send one or two observers if it wished to do so. The inscription was written about the year 150 CE. [17] The Nawab and Pakistan reasoned that Junagadh was close enough to Pakistan and linked by a sea route (Veraval to Karachi). In his time, Akbar conquered Gujarat, although Sorath yet remained independent under the Ghori rule. Both these works were carried out during the reign of Skandagupta under Chakrapalita, son of Parnadatta, who was the Governor of Saurashtra. It was during his reign that a conflict broke out between Saka's from the Malwa region, Maharashtra region and Satavahanas began. It is possible that he was a minor at the time of Kumaragupta I's death, because of which Skandagupta ascended the throne. . As per the legend, the founder of the Ror DynastyRaja Dhaj,Ror Kumar,alias Rai Dyach, ruled over the principality of Jhunagarh in the fifth century BC. Prince Khalil during his tenure of office founded the village called Khalilpur. [11][12], The Uparkot Fort of Junagadh was occupied by the Chudasamas during the reign of Graharipu. Ashoka's edicts are the inscription on the rocks in Brahmi script and Pali language, which claims to be oldest script used in India. He was the grandson of the famous Mahakshatrapa Chastana and was a Saka ruler from the Western Kshatrapa dynasty. Our aim is to bring alive the many stories that make India and get our readers access to the best research and work being done on the subject. The Bhitari inscription mentions it after describing the conflict with the Pushyamitras (or the Yudhyamitras), which suggests that it happened later during Skandagupta's reign. (A) Rudradaman (B) Bimbisara (C) Chandragupta II (D) Gautamiputra Satakarni . English and Gujarati are the predominant languages of instruction. This official collected the tribute and revenue of the crown domain. Rainfall averages 800 to 1,200 millimetres (31 to 47in) annually. The dam lay in the region of Saurashtra, and the closest town appears to have been a place called Girinagar. It may help the candidate who is preparing for the STAFF SELECTION COMMISSION COMBINED GRADUATE LEVEL exam. According to the inscription, Junagad town was known as Girinagara and Mount Girnar was called Urjayat. These were issued in 257-256 BCE. The Girnar inscription of Rudradaman I is also evidence of a record-keeping tradition prevalent in ancient India, as Rudradaman mentions the works carried out on the lake before his time. 8,663 upon the building erected over the famous inscribed Asoka rock at the foot of Girnar. He conquered Madhya Pradesh and ruled there. . He repelled an Indo-Hephthalites (Hunas in India) invasion, most likely the Kidarites. [31][32] Pakistan objected to India's indifference to the actions of Junagadh's provisional government. Among these Hindus are the majority and Muslims are the largest minority group. The politics of Junagadh city has always been closely contested between the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP). The Bhitari inscription records the career of Skandagupta. Junagadh city has two rivers, the Sonrakh and the Kalwo, which is polluted from city sewers. It is a UNESCO Protected site, A ticket of . The inscription of the Asokan Edicts onto rocks in the Junagadh area allowed this fairly isolated city to enter into the Indian historical record. Rudradamans Inscription 219 2.Satakarni I He is the third king of this empire. [23][48] Pakistan's official maps show Junagadh, Manavadar and Sir Creek as Pakistani territory. "The Coinage of the Gupta Empire", Varanasi: Banaras Hindu University. The jagir allotted to Bhupatsingh was the Sil Bagasra Chovisi; and his descendants were known as Raizada. also provides broadband service. The Maitraka dynasty ruled Gujarat from 475 to 767 CE. The Nawab acceded to the Dominion of Pakistan on 15 August 1947, against the advice of Lord Mountbatten, arguing that Junagadh joined Pakistan by sea. Your email address will not be published. According to the inscription on his Bhitari pillar, he restored Gupta power by defeating his enemies, who could have been rebels or foreign invaders. Diwali, Maha Shivaratri, Holi, Janmastami, Muharram, Navratri, Christmas, Good Friday, Dussera, Muharram, and Ganesh Chaturthi are some of the popular festivals in the city. These people include Kumaragupta's brother, This page was last edited on 16 April 2023, at 04:45. People walk the periphery of the Girnar Hills on foot (about 32 kilometres (20mi)). just as if it were the roaring of (the river) Ganga, making itself noticed in (their) ears. [23][24] This government received support from the 'Gujarat States Organisation' and also received sponsorship from the Kathiawar States' Political Conference. [51], The people of Junagadh celebrate both Western and Indian festivals. Skandagupta would have restored Gupta control over the region soon after. It is unclear whether the verse refers to routine appointments made by the king or his actions following a political upheaval caused by a war of succession or invasion. However, India also made it clear that it would not under any circumstances postpone the plebiscite so as to allow the UN or Pakistan to send observers. These edicts were erected in public places, on trade routes, and places of religious importance, to maximise the number of people who read them. An example is the Bhitari seal of the 6th century king Kumaragupta III. It was fed by the rivers Suvarnasikata and Paladini, along with other smaller streams. The Girnar Hills have been a sacred site since ancient times. In response, the nawab's forces militarily occupied the two states. His descendant Khengara is attributed with building a stepwell, Ra Khengar Vav, on the way to Vanthali from Junagadh.[13][14]. . In his time Jam Raval conquered Halar and built Navanagar. 2. arrows . Bombay State was split into the linguistic states of Gujarat and Maharashtra in 1960, and Junagadh district is now one of the districts of Gujarat. It was a part of Saurashtra state and later Bombay state. Telecom service is provided mainly by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (B.S.N.L. Around 455-456 CE, due to terrible rains, the banks of Sudarshana lake burst again. There are also the Khapra Kodia Caves north of the fort, and the Bava Pyara Caves south of the fort. The Bava Pyara caves contain artworks of both Buddhism and Jainism. Regional parties active in Junagadh are the Mahagujarat Janta Party, the Samata Party, and the Republic Party of India. The Junagadh inscription, dated to the Gupta era's year 138 (c. 457- 458 CE), mentions Skandagupta's victory over the mlechchhas (foreigners). A sacred site for Buddhists, Hindus and Jains, it is visited by pilgrims who converge here for the numerous temples that dot its slopes and peaks. However, a possible reference to this conflict in the Junagadh inscription suggests that it may have happened at the beginning of the Skandagupta's reign or during the reign of his father Kumaragupta. . The rock has the inscription of King Ashoka, which tells the people, the rule and regulations of how to live the life. Ashoka condemned and prohibited animal sacrifice. The Nawab of Junagadh, Muhammad Mahabat Khanji III, a Muslim whose ancestors had ruled Junagadh and small principalities for some two hundred years, decided that Junagadh should become part of Pakistan, much to the displeasure of many of the people of the state, an overwhelming majority of whom were Hindus, about 80%. After the siege and capture of Junagadh in 159192 by Naurang Khan, Syad Kasim, and Gnjar Khan; Khengar was dismissed to his estate of Sil Bagasra, and the Raizada ceased to rule at Junagadh. Skandagupta issued five types of gold coins: Archer type, King and queen type, Chhatra type, Lion-slayer type and Horseman type. B.S.N.L. Meanwhile, the state of Junagadh had raised a force of 670 Muslim men, who had been stationed at various places to ensure retaliation, if any. The edicts were engraved in 257 BC. There are Tibetan migrants who practice Buddhism. [29], India allowed the provisional government to take control over outlying areas of Junagadh. Around 14 edicts are written on the rock which is approximate 75 feet in circumference. The dam was subsequently re-built by Rudradaman in c. 150, but burst in c. 456-457 (year 137 of the Gupta era). [27][28], The news article Dainik Jagran claimed that the popular movie Baahubali 2: The Conclusion was based on Skandagupta's life.[29]. Because of many fault lines in the vicinity, Junagadh is in a seismically active zone. Mandalika I was the first Chudasama ruler known from inscriptions; and during his reign, Gujarat was invaded by the Khalji dynasty of Delhi. This file has been identified as being free of known restrictions under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights. Ashoka Edict Rock, Junagadh. Ferguson Bridge connects the parts of the city on either side of the Kalwo River. [9], According to one theory, these enemies invaded the Gupta empire during the last years of Kumaragupta's reign, or shortly after his death, and Skandagupta defeated them. It was copied and sent to James Prinsep only in 1837 by Rev. Muharram is celebrated by Muslims. [41], On 24 September, legal adviser Walter Monckton told Mountbatten that Pakistan's consent would be needed for any plebiscite India wished to conduct in Junagadh because of the Nawab's accession to Pakistan. He did this not only in his kingdom but also for his neighbouring kingdoms like Cholas, Pandyas and the Greek king Antiochus. Daksipatha, twice but did not destroy him on account of his being not distantly related. [15], The first faujdar of Junagad was Naurang Khan and, next, Syad Kasim. The Sanskrit Junagadh inscription of 150 CE credits him with supporting the cultural arts and Sanskrit literature and repairing the dam built by Mauryas. He was the grandson of the king Caana. Junagadh's drainage system is 62 kilometres (39mi) long but it serves only 67% of the total area and 60% of the population.[44]. By road, it is situated on the National Highway 8B, which connects Ahmadabad to Junagadh via Rajkot. [21], Upon Menon's advice[22] Mahatma Gandhi's nephew, Samaldas Gandhi, created a provisional government in Bombay with the provincial government's backing. Schools in Junagadh are either municipal schools run by the municipal council or private schools run by trusts or individuals, which in some cases receive financial aid from the government. The BJP won this seat in the 2007 election, with 52.36% of the 118,888 votes cast, with the next largest vote being 26.32% for the INC candidate. In 1350, Junagadh was conquered by Muhammad bin Tughluq with the help and forces of Koli chieftain Jesaji (Jesing) from Ra Khengar. The Junagadh Municipal Corporation has 17 wards and total of 51 seats. Rulers of other neighbouring states reacted angrily, sent troops to the Junagadh frontier, and appealed to the government of India for assistance. His Essays on Indian antiquities, historic, numismatic, and palaeographic, of the late James Prinsep to which are added his useful tables illustrative of Indian history, chronology, modern coinages, weight measures, etc were edited by E Thomas, and published in, Very good concepts and all things about it ashoka s rock edict, Your email address will not be published. Pakistan brought the case of Junagadh to the United Nations in January 1948. Sultan Mahmud Begada changed the name of Junagadh to Mustafabad and built the fortifications around the town and the mosque in Uparkot Fort.