History

Jam Shaheb with Yuvraj Jamnagar, historically called Nawanagar or the new city, was one of the most important princely states of saurashtra. The Jamnagar district, originally constituted as Halar district, is not only recent in its origin but also in its modern set up. But the region comprised therein is of great antiquity and dates back to ancient periods of Jamnagar. According to Pauranik literature, Lord Krishna established his kingdom at Dwarka, now in Jamnagar district, after his migration from Mathura and it is to this great Yadava race that the Jams of Nawanagar trace their descent. The founder of the princely state of Jamnagar was the Jam Rawal, who descended on the northern coast of Kathiawar in 1535 A.D. Jam Rawal's father Jam Lakhaji ruled in Terabanu in Kutch. According to bardic chronicles, Jam Lakhaji had two cousins Tamachi Deda and Hamirji Jadeja, they envied his reputation for valor. Their envy was heightened by the fame of Jam Lakhaji at the siege of Pawagadh. So largely did he contribute to its capture by Bahadurshah, the Emperor of Gujarat, that he was bestowed 12 villages by him. As Jam Lakaji was going to take possession of his new fief, he was treacherously killed by his cousins Tamachi Deda and Hamirji Jadeja. Jam Lakhajis son Jam Rawal escaped and on growing up, took vengeance of his father's murder in the same manner by killing Hamirji Jadeja.Poststamp Nawanagar old jamnagar Hamirjis two sons Khengarji and Sahibji fled to Delhi and after twelve months of waiting to meet the moghul Emperor Humayun, they got the chance to join the crowd going along with the Emperor for lion hunting. During the lion hunt, they got the chance to kill the lion just when it was going to attack the Emperor. As a reward, an army of 1,00,000 was sent with them to regain back their kingdom. When Jam Rawal heard of the two princes coming back to the Kutch with the imperial army, he started getting ready for the battle. On one night, Goddess Ashapura came in his dream and told him that as he had broken the oath taken on her name about not killing Hamirji, even though, he was the person responsible for the death of his father. She should have punished him, but as he had at all other times honored her. So he should no longer dwell in Kutch but cross the sea and take Kathiawar as a dwelling place. Upon awakening he called his counselors and discussed the dream, they agreed that he must leave Kutch and found for himself a Kingdom across the Gulf. So Jam Rawal along with his soldiers and many traders marched out. On the way he killed and conquered the territory of King Tamachi the other conspirator in the killing of his father, and he also conquered the town of Dhrol and its dependencies and gave them to his brother Hardholji, who was later killed in battle during that period, and the State of Dhrol was given to his eldest son, Jasoji. Thus Jam Rawal made himself master of a great territory and the need for a capital arose.Palace Jamnagar, Nawanagar The story goes like this, that once on a hunting trip on the land of present day Jamnagar, a hare was found to be brave enough to turn on the hunting dogs and putting them to flight. Deeply impressed by this, Jam Rawal thought that if this land can breed such hares, if his capital was built on this land, the men born here would be superior than other men. He counsulted his astrologers and wise men, and the day chosen for laying the foundation stone was the 7th day of the bright half of the month of srawan, VS 1956. (August 1540 AD) on the banks of two rivers Rangmati and Nagmati and named it Nawanagar meaning new town. Nawanagar eventually came to be known as Jamnagar meaning the town of the Jams. A famous statement for people of JAMNAGAR is "java dhyo ne" means "let go".

Nawanagar (Jamnagar) is located in the western area of India (Gujrat) now well known as jamnagar. The state had a pearl fishery and much of its wealth came from this. Nawanagar is most famous for its famous son and ruler Jam Saheb Ranjitsinghi, who is still regarded as being one of the all time greats of cricket. Ranjitsinghi in England in 1892. He played for England and Sussex for five years during which time he showed good form and earned a call up to the England team. In 1906 he succeeded his father as Jam Saheb of Nawanagar. Ranjitsinghi died in 1933.

 

About Jamnagar

General Information

Excursions

Jamnagar

Khambhalia Gate

firefox Jamnagar, or the city of Jams was built by the Jadeja Rajputs, as their capital in 1540 and the city was among one of the important princely states of saurashtra. This city was built around the small Ranmal Lake and in the centre of the Lake is a small palace.

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Ranmal Lake

Ranmal (Lakhota) lake In the centre of old Jamnagar, on an island, are located two magnificient old structures, the Lakhota Fort, in middle of the Lake and Bhujia Kotha just near by to the Lake. Lakhota Fort is Jamnagar's Museum and its terraces display a fine collection of sculpture that spans from a period of the 9th Century to the 18th Century. The Bhujia Kotha is Jamnagar's arsenal. One of its most interesting sights is an old well, the water of which can be drawn by blowing into a small hole in the floor.

Foundation

Three foundation stone were laid; one can see one of them in “Dilawar” cycle shop near Wellington Circle (Darbar Garh). Second one can be seen in Mr. P. H. Sheth’s home near Ram Hotel (Darbar Garh). Third foundation stone’s location is not known. Although Jam Rawal named this city as Nawanagar, even till 1800 AD City’s business man referred this city as its old name or “Nagni” hence it can be concluded that there was a flourishing city when Jam Rawal took over crown of Jamnagar. Jamnagar city is oldest city in Saurashtra, it was aptly named “Jamnagar” from “Nawanagar” from rulers of the city.