Rajkot
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| ?Rājkot Gujarat • India |
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| Coordinates: | |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Area • Elevation |
104.86 km² (40 sq mi)[1] • 134 m (440 ft) |
| Climate • Precipitation Temperature • Summer • Winter |
Semi-Arid (Köppen) • 500 mm (19.7 in) 26 °C (79 °F) • 43 - 33 °C (76 °F) • 22 - 19 °C (53 °F) |
| Distance(s) • From Delhi • From Mumbai • From Ahmedabad |
• 1,131 km NE (Road, Rail) • 761 km SE (Road, Rail, Air) • 216 km NE (Road, Rail) |
| Nearest city | Ahmedabad |
| Region | Saurashtra (region) |
| District(s) | Rajkot |
| Population • Density • Literacy rate |
1,335,397† (25) (2008) • 3,250 /km² (8,417 /sq mi) • 80.6 (2001) |
| Language(s) | Gujarati, Hindi, English |
| Mayor | Shri Dhansukh Bhanderi |
| Rajkot Municipal Corporation | 1973 |
| Legislature (seats) | Municipality (72) |
| Parliamentary constituency | 1[2] |
| Assembly constituency | 3[3] |
| Planning Agency | 1 (RUDA) |
| Zone | 3 (Central, East & West)[1] |
| Ward | 24[1][4] |
| Codes • Pincode • Telephone • UN/LOCODE • Vehicle |
• 360 00X • +0281 • INRAJ • GJ-3 |
| Website: Rajkot Municipal Corporation | |
| † Estimated as on 2008 | |
Rajkot (Gujarati: રાજકોટ, Hindi: राजकोट, English: Rājkot, pronunciation ) is the 4th largest city in the state of Gujarat, India. Rajkot is the 28th urban agglomeration in India, with a population more than 1.43 million as on 2008.[5][6] Rajkot is ranked 22nd in The world’s fastest growing cities and urban areas from 2006 to 2020.[7]
Rajkot is a city of Gujarat state in India and administrative headquarters of the Rajkot District, located on the banks of the Aji River and Niari River. Rajkot was the capital of the erstwhile Saurashtra state from 15 April 1948 to 31 October 1956 before merging in bilingual Bombay State on 1 November 1956. Rajkot was merged into Gujarat State from bilingual Bombay state on May 1, 1960.
Contents |
[edit] History
Rajkot has been under many different rulers since it was founded. Rajkot has a long history and played a significant part in Indian independence movement.
[edit] Foundation
Rajkot was founded by Thakur Saheb Vibhaji Ajoji Jadeja of the Jadeja clan and Raju Sandhi in 1612 AD, in the middle of Saurashtra. Vibhaji Ajoji was the grandson of Jam Sataji of Nawanagar, the present day Jamnagar. Rajkot was named in honour of its co-founder, Raju Sandhi.
[edit] Nawab Rule
Masum Khan conquered Rajkot in the year 1720 AD. He was a deputy Faujdar of Junagadh's Nawab. Masum Khan changed the name of Rajkot to Masumabad. He also built the fortress in 1722 AD, which was about 4 to 5 kilometers in perimeter and had walls that were 8 feet wide. There were Eight Gates, each studded with iron spikes on its outer side, for access to Masumabad: Kotharia Naka, Nava Naka, Raiya Naka, Bedi Naka, Bhichari Naka, Sardhar Naka and Pal no Darwajo. Further, there was a gate without spikes called Khadaki Naka near Nakalank Temple. The ruins of the fort wall can be seen in the bastion in the Ramnath para area. Gates of Bedi Naka and Raiya Naka were modified during the colonial times. The chief Engineer of British Agency, Sir Robert Bell Booth, renovated Bedi gate and Raiya Naka gate and built the present three storied clock towers in 1892.
[edit] Jadeja rule
Masumabad was later conquered by the Jadeja clan and its name restored to Rajkot. Bavajiraj Jadeja built Darbargadh, the first palace of this princely state. Bavajiraj was succeeded by his son, Sir Lakhjiraj Jadeja, the most prominent ruler amongst the Jadeja rulers to that time, who constructed Lalpari and Randarda lakes. Dharmendrasingji Jadeja, succeeded his father, Sir Lakhjiraj, but died while hunting of Lion in Sasan Gir and was succeeded by his brother Pradumansign Jadeja, Sir Lakhjiraj Jadeja's second son. Rajkot was merged into Republic of India during Pradumansign Jadeja's reign.
[edit] British rule
British East India Company founded the Saurashtra agency in Rajkot to moderate all princely states. The regional headquarters and residency of this agency was at Kothi Compound. British constructed many impressive colonial buildings and educational institutions, such as Connaught Hall and The Rajkumar College.
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, a.k.a. Mahatma Gandhi, spent the early years of his life in Rajkot when his father was a Diwan to the king of Rajkot. Gandhi fasted to ask to form a people's council and liberation of people of Rajkot at Rashtriya Shala in 1939.
[edit] Post independence
After independence Rajkot became capital of the State of Saurashtra, headed by U. N. Dhebar as Chief Minister. Rajkot was merged into the newly-created Gujarat State when it was separated from the bilingual Bombay State on May 1, 1960.
[edit] Geography and climate
| Climate chart for Rajkot | |||||||||||
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| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
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0
28
10
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0
30
12
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0
35
16
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0
38
21
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10
40
23
|
100
37
25
|
270
32
25
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120
31
23
|
80
33
22
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10
35
20
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0
32
16
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0
29
12
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| temperatures in °C • precipitation totals in mm source: Weatherbase |
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Imperial conversion
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[edit] Topography
Rajkot is located at .[8] It has an average elevation of 134 metres (439 feet).The city is located on the bank of Aji River and Nyari River which remains dry except the monsoon months of July to September. The city is spread in the area of 104.86 km².[9]
[edit] Climate
Rajkot has a tropical wet and dry climate, with hot, dry summers from mid-March to mid-June, the wet monsoon season from mid-June to October, when the city receives 620 mm of rain on average. The months from November to February are mild, the average temperature being around 20°C, with low humidity.
One of the most important weather phenomena that are associated with the city of Rajkot is cyclone. The cyclones generally occur in the Arabian Sea during the months after the rainy season. The region experiences a lot of rainfall and high-speed winds during the time of the year after the monsoon season as well as the months of May and June. However, May and June experience lesser amount of rainfall and winds than the post-monsoon time. Thunderstorms are another important part of the Rajkot weather in the months of June and July. Fog is one of the major phenomena of Rajkot climate during winter. During summer time, the temperature ranges between 24°C and 42°C. In the months of winter, Rajkot temperature varies between 10°C and 22°C.[10]
[edit] Demographics
Rajkot had a total population of 10,03,015. Males are 5,25,898 and females are 5,25,898, in percent males are 52.43% and females are 47.57% of the total population in Rajkot (RMC) and it's suburbs including Manharpur, Madhapar, Anandpar, Munjka, Mota Mova, Vavdi, Bedi and Kotharia. Figures are As of 2006[11]
Rajkot city has an average literacy rate of 80.6%, higher than the national average.
[edit] Culture
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The people in Rajkot are predominantly vegetarians and are vehemently against any form of hunting. This could be the main reason for the survival of rich fauna in this city. The women in Rajkot are very fond of jewelry. Large chains, pendants and other heavy gold jewelry are a common sight during marriages and festivals. The Rajkot men love to flaunt thick gold chains and numerous rings on their fingers. The attire changes with the season and approaching festivals. The ladies normally wear the Gujarati flavour of the Sari and men can be seen in flowing Kurtas.
Rajkot city is best known as a place that mixes tradition with modernity. This perfect blend is evident in its architecture and cuisine. The 21st century has not left Rajkot India trailing behind. Rajkot is bland of multicultural. People have arrived from various part of the world. One can find many languages, like Gujarati, Hindi, English, Sindhi, Marathi and Tamil. However, only Gujarati, Hindi and English are well understood.
[edit] Tourism
Rajkot is home to numerous national landmarks and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the India. The Jubilee Garden is a large, open park area in the center of the city featuring many monuments to colonial time. Located prominently in the center of the garden is the Connaught Hall. Other notable points of interest near the Garden include the Alfred High School, Watson Museum, Lang Library .
The Rotary Dolls Museum has collection of more than 1,400 dolls, which is unique collection of dolls all over India. [12]
The Lang Library and the G. T. Sheth Library collect thousands of documents and books covering every period in Rajkot and Saurashtra (region) history. Rajkot has many other public libraries with many branches throughout the city. It includes Rotary Midtown of Rajkot City Library and many more.
Other points of interest in the Rajkot include Masonic Hall, Jam Tower, Race Course, Aji Dam, Ramakrishna Aashram, Shri Ranchhoddas Ashram, Swaminarayan Temple, Nageshwar Parswanath Jain Temple, Balkrishna Haveli, Ishwariya Temple and Garden, Mukti Dhama, Lal Pari Lake, Randerda Lake. Kaba Gandhi no Delo : Gandhiji's ancestral home which now houses the Gandhi Smriti, a permanent exhibition. Watson Museum And Library : The Watson Museum today has collection of human history and culture. Its collections precious objects of colonial period of India and History of Rajkot. Located in the pleasant Jubilee Garden, the museum is a good introduction to Saurashtra's cultural heritage.
[edit] Performing arts
Rajkot is a major regional center for the arts, with many venues for the performing arts in the city. Hemu Gadhvi Natyagraha,[13] one of the first non-profit regional theaters, is rich with history and dedicated to the Gujarati Play.
[edit] Music
Rajkot has its own native music genre, called Dayro,[14] which is used to convey folk stories and sayings. Rajkot also inherited Kathiyawadi folk music.
[edit] Sports
Cricket is the most famous sport in the city. One-day internationals, domestic tournaments such as the Ranji Trophy, the Duleep Trophy and many inter-school and collegiate tournaments are played at the Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Ground. Rajkot has produced cricketers such as K S Ranjitsinhji, Karsan Ghavri and Cheteshwar Pujara who have been members of the Indian cricket team. Rajkot has other many cricket ground around city, including Railway Cricket Ground and Rajkumar College South Ground. Apart from cricket, other sports such as hockey, football, badminton, tennis, swimming and squash are rapidly popularizing in city. There has been a significant increase in recent years in the number of private sports clubs, gymkhanas and gymnasiums. Kathiawar gymkhana, indoor stadium and swimming pools of Rajkot Municipal Corporation are major sports club in city. Recently, the Gujarat Hockey Team (Under 14) made up with all the 16 players from Rajkot.[15]
[edit] Media
[edit] Newspapers
Rajkot has number of newspaper publications mainly distinct by Daily morning and evening news papers. News papers published in English language are The Times of India, Indian Express, Economic Times, Business Standard and news papers published in Gujarati language are Phulchhab, Jaihind, Jansatta, Sandesh, Gujarat Samachar, Divya Bhaskar, Sambhav. Rajkot also published evening news paper including Akila, Sanj Samachar, Aaj Kal those have very health estimated readers per copy rate. A large number of magazines, periodicals and journals are regularly published and circulated across the city.
[edit] Radio
The city has five FM stations at All India Radio (Akashvani), Rajkot (102.4 FM), Gyan Vani, Rajkot (107.8 FM), Big92.7FM (92.7FM), Radio Mirchi (98.3FM), S FM (93.5 FM) and Satellite radio WorldSpace with 33 channels. Radio Mirchi & S FM are 24 Hrs Radio Station. However All India Radio, Rajkot also broadcasts on (1071 AM). [16]
[edit] Television
Prasar Bharti telecasts DD National (DD1), DD Gujarati (DD11) from Doordarshan Kendra, Rajkot. Rajkot Chamber of Cable operators (RCC) has launched a company, which provide cable connection to Rajkot City and its suburbs with 94 circulars. Currently RCC is multicasting around 90 channels. BSNL Telephone Exchange provides PSTN, Mobile, WLL and Broadband services. Private companies like Reliance Infocomm, Tata Indicom, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone India also provides Mobile and Broadband services.
[edit] Festival
Garba, a dance form, is popular both with men and women and is performed during the Navratri festival. The dance starts before midnight and continues until dawn. Mata Ambe, who rides a Lion, has a special reverential status with any highly religious Gujarati. The 'Janmastami Mela' organizes by RMC for five days at racecourse ground to celebrate Janmastami.
[edit] Economy
The city contributes to the economy of the state with heavy and small scale industries under the patronage of Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) and Gujarat State Financial Corporation (GSFC). The economy of Rajkot got another shot in the arm with 28 crore World Bank aid for development of infrastructure of the city. Many a renowned business houses made a beeline for grabbing the property market in the city, before it skyrockets. The plans are already in place to beautify and modernize the ancient city, including a Rock Garden, ala Chandigarh. Another 25 crore project to rebuild the Kaiser-e-Hind, the only major bridge linking to the city, is already nearing completion. All such infrastructure development will add to the economic wealth and promote the local business houses.
[edit] Industry
Rajkot is famous for its jewellery market, silk embroidery and watch parts. The city hosts several small scale manufacturing industries. Some of the industrial products for which Rajkot is known include Bearings, Diesel Engines, Kitchen Knives and other cutting appliances, Watch Parts (Watch Cases & Bracelets), Automotive Parts, Forging industry, Casting industry, Machine tools, Software Development, Share Market
Rajkot is well known throughout the world for its casting and forging industries. Over the last few years, it has started to play an increasingly important role in the complex supply chains of many global engineering companies that make products such as electric motors, automobiles, machine tools, bearings, etc. Companies such as H J steel, Prashant Ferex, Rolex Rings, etc. are prime examples of this trend and due to huge investments by the Government and private sector in local infrastructure such as highways, ports, power plants etc., many more companies are expected to join them.
There are about 500 foundry units in Rajkot. The cluster came-up mainly to cater to the casting requirements of the local diesel engine industry. The geographical spread of the cluster includes Aji Vasahat, Gondal Road and Bhavanagar Road areas. Majority of the foundry units in Rajkot produce Grey iron castings for the domestic market. A very small percentage (about 2%) of the foundry units export castings such as electric motor castings, automobile castings etc.
Rajkot is also famous for its gold purity. It has one of the largest gold markets in India. Rajkot is also growing up in Software Industries and ITeS. There are many SOHO companies working in web development and many new multinational software companies and call centers are setting up their operation and development center in Rajkot. AllianceTek has announced to set up development center in Rajkot by end of March 2009. [17]
In the near future, the government of Gujarat will allocate large land areas for the development of Special Economic Zone[18] which will be parted in three different areas and will include industries such as Software, Auto-Mobiles, etc. As per recent market reviews, Rajkot is becoming Asia's biggest Auto-Mobile Zone.
[edit] Law and government
[edit] Local government
Rajkot is managed by many government bodies, including Jilla Seva Sadan (Rajkot district Collector Offices), Rajkot Municipal Corporation, Rajkot Urban Development Authority and Police Department of Gujarat and Rajkot City Traffic Police Department.
| Preceded by Mansukhbhai Chavda |
City Mayor 2005 – Present |
Succeeded by Dhansukh Bhanderi |
| Preceded by Babubhai H. Ghodasara |
City Municipal Commissioner 2007 – Present |
Succeeded by Ms. Arti Kanwar |
| Preceded by K. Nityanandan |
City Police Commissioner 2007 – Present |
Succeeded by Sudhir Sinha |
The city civic body has started a 24x7 call center, the first of its kind in Gujarat and the second in the country to take care of all complaints relating to civic management. Citizens can now get all their complaints registered with the Rajkot Municipal Corporation by dialling a single number with an assurance that the problem would be addressed within 72 hours.[19]
[edit] Education
The public school system in the city is operated by Rajkot Municipal Corporation and consists of 20 schools and learning centers,[20] which consist of 3 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, 4 junior high schools, 4 senior high schools, 1 education centers, and 1 special schools.[21]
[edit] Colleges and universities
The city is home to Saurashtra University, several colleges, and other institutions of higher education, both public and private. The Saurashtra University is the city's public university; it provides one of the most modern and sophisticated infrastructures in the region for higher studies. It is spread across approximately 410 acres of lush green land with 28 post graduation departments.[22]
[edit] Transport
Rajkot is connected to major Indian cities by Air, Railway and Road.
[edit] Roads and highways
The Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) runs regular buses to and from Rajkot to other cities of Gujarat. Rajkot is very well connected with Gujarat State Highways, National Highway 8 and East-West Corridor. There are a number of private bus operators connecting city with Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi and other states of India.
[edit] Rail and bus
Rajkot Railway Station is a main railway junction of Saurashtra (region), trains for the all the major cities of India is available from here.
Rajkot Municipal Corporation has restored city bus services with Public Private Partnership in 2007. RMC and Private company is providing around 80 CNG buses under 15 to 20 routs in city and suburbs. RMC is also working for Rajkot Bus Rapid Transit System (RBRTS)[23] for providing better transportation within city.[24] Rajkot has sufficient amount of auto rickshaws, which are running round the clock within city.
[edit] Aviation
Rajkot is very well connected to Mumbai by daily flights, which are operated by Jet Airways and Air Deccan via Rajkot Airport.
[edit] Sister cities
Rajkot has one sister city.[25] Leicester Rajkot Twinning Association is going to build Leicester House with collaboration of RMC in Rajkot.[26][27]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Statistics. Rajkot Municipal Corporation. Retrieved on 2007-12-19.
- ^ List of Lok Sabha Members from Gujarat. Lok Sabha. Retrieved on 2007-12-19.
- ^ List of MLAs from Rajkot District. Gujarat Vidhan Sabha. Retrieved on 2007-12-19.
- ^ Ward details. Rajkot Municipal Corporation. Retrieved on 2007-12-19.
- ^ India: metropolitan areas. World Gazetteer.
- ^ World Gazetter: Largest cities in India, Retrieved on January 4, 2008
- ^ City Mayors World's fastest growing urban areas (1), Retrieved on December 13, 2007
- ^ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Rajkot, Retrieved on 2007
- ^ Rajkot Geography, Retrieved on January 3, 2008
- ^ Weatherbase of Rajkot (60 years on record), Retrieved on February 1, 2008
- ^ Census of India Retrieved on December 13, 2007
- ^ Rotary Dolls Museum, Rajkot, May 21, 2008
- ^ Sargam Club - Hemu Gadhvi Natyagraha, Retrieved on January 13, 2008
- ^ Gujarati Dayro, Retrieved on January 13, 2008
- ^ Gujarat Hockey Team U14, Retrieved on January 28, 2008
- ^ Frequency of Rajkot Radio, Retrieved December 13, 2007
- ^ Press Release: AllianceTek's new development Center in India, Retrieved on [May 26], [2008]
- ^ REA SEZ, Retrieved on January 13, 2008
- ^ Civic Call Center, Retrieved on January 28, 2008
- ^ RMC School Board RTI, Retrieved on January 13, 2008
- ^ RMC Highschools, Retrieved on January 13, 2008
- ^ About Saurashtra University, Retrieved on January 13, 2008
- ^ Rajkot BRTS, Retrieved on December 6, 2008
- ^ Rajkot BRTS, Retrieved on January 6, 2008
- ^ Sister cities of Leicester, England. Retrieved on December 18, 2007
- ^ Sister (Twin) Cities of Rajkot. Retrieved on December 18, 2007.
- ^ Leicester City Council. Retrieved on December 18
[edit] Further reading
- Sadashiv, Anant. "A History of important ancient towns & cities in Gujarat & Kathiawad". ASIN B0008B2NGA.
- Singhji, Virbhadra. "The Rajputs of Saurashtra". ISBN 8171545467.
- Curzon, George Nathaniel. "Speeches".
- Thornton, Edward. "A Gazetteer of The Territories under the government of The East-India Company, and of the Native states on the continent of India.". ISBN 8185557527.
- Briggs, Henry George. "The Cities of Gujaráshtra: : Their Topography and History Illustrated, in".
- Baird, Robert. "The Christian Retrospect and Register: A Summary of the Scientific, Moral".
- Chesson, James. "Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society, from May 1844 to February 1846.".
- Councillor Culdipp Singh Bhatt's Visit - 1996
- Leicester City Council - Civic Visit to Rajkot - January 2001
[edit] External links
| Find more about Rajkot on Wikipedia's sister projects: | |
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Images and media |
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Learning resources |
- Rajkot's premier reference portal provide indepth city information
- Official website of Rajkot Municipal Corporation, Local government
- Rajkot Disaster Management Authority
- Rajkot Urban Development Authority
- Rajkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry
- Rajkot Engineering Association
- GIDC(Metoda), Rajkot
- GIDC (Lodhika) Industrial Association, Rajkot
- Official website of Saurashtra University
- Wildlife of Saurashtra
- Sargam Club
| Urban, Suburban & District Towns of Rajkot |
|---|
| Urban Bedinaka · Soni Bazaar · Ramnathpara · Palace Road · Gundavadi · Bhaktinagar Circle · Mehulnagar · Dharmendra Road · Lakhajiraj Road · Dhebar Road · Trikon Baug · Dr. Yagnik Road · Racecourse Ring Road · Kisanpara · Amin Marg · Kalavad Road · University Road · 150 feet Ring Road · Navamava · Motamava · Raiya · Mavdi · |
| Suburban Amargadha · Anandpar · Bedi · Dhamalpar · Gauridad · Ghanteswar · Gunda · Hadmatia · Kalipat · Kankot · Kheradi · Khokhadadad · Kothariya · Kuvadava · Lapasari · Madhapar · Mahika · Maliasan · Manharpur · Munjka · Nakrawadi · Parapipalia · Rajgadha · Ratanpar · Ronki · Sokhada · Targhadia · Thebachada · Thorala · Vadali · Vajdi Gadha · VajdiVirada · Vavdi · Vejagam · |
| District Towns Bhayavadar · Dhoraji · Gondal · Jam kandorna · Jasdan · Jetpur · Lodhika · Morbi · Paddhari · Sardhar · Tankara · Upleta · Wankaner · |
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