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Junagadh district
View on WikipediaJunagadh district is a district of the Indian state of Gujarat. Its administrative headquarters is the city of Junagadh.
Key Information
Geography
[edit]The district is located on the Kathiawar peninsula in western Gujarat. It is surrounded by Gir Somnath district (southeast), Rajkot district (north), Porbandar District (north-west), and Amreli district (east). To the south and west is the Arabian Sea.
Porbandar was earlier a part of this district, before the Porbandar district was carved out of Junagadh district.[citation needed]
Junagadh has a mountain range called Girnar which is a place of pilgrimage for Hinduism and Jainism.
Divisions
[edit]Talukas of Junagadh are Junagadh City, Bhesan subdistrict, Junagadh Rural, Keshod - in this taluka only one Ari-port on this entire Junagadh district, Malia, Manavadar, Mangrol, Mendarda, Vanthali, and Visavadar.[2]
Transportation
[edit]Junagadh is well connected by road and railway networks. It is about 100 km from Rajkot and 350 km from Ahmedabad. National highway 8D connects Junagadh to Rajkot via Jetpur.
Junagadh railway station is also well connected with Rajkot, Ahmedabad. It is in the city area. Junagadh also has an airport at Keshod which has limited connectivity with Mumbai.
The district has a long shoreline and has ports including Veraval, Mangrol, and Chorwad. However, it has limited use other than the fishery industry.
As of October 2011, the government of India had given its approval for a ropeway on Mount and in 2021 it was completed and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the past, helicopter service was available for Mount Girnar but it is now discontinued.
Demographics
[edit]| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 1901 | 415,521 | — |
| 1911 | 458,829 | +1.00% |
| 1921 | 491,969 | +0.70% |
| 1931 | 579,792 | +1.66% |
| 1941 | 729,508 | +2.32% |
| 1951 | 829,760 | +1.30% |
| 1961 | 1,051,074 | +2.39% |
| 1971 | 1,408,342 | +2.97% |
| 1981 | 1,813,780 | +2.56% |
| 1991 | 2,091,182 | +1.43% |
| 2001 | 2,448,173 | +1.59% |
| 2011 | 2,743,082 | +1.14% |
| source:[3] | ||
According to the 2011 census Junagadh district has a population of 2,743,082,[1] roughly equal to the nation of Jamaica[4] or the US state of Utah.[5] This gives it a ranking of 142nd in India (out of a total of 640).[1] The district has a population density of 310 inhabitants per square kilometre (800/sq mi).[1] Its population growth rate over the decade 2001–2011 was 12.01%.[1] Junagadh has a sex ratio of 952 females for every 1000 males.[1] It had a literacy rate of 67.7% in 2001 which increased to a literacy rate of 76.88% in 2011.[1]
The divided district has a population of 1,525,605, of which 573,403 (37.59%) lived in urban areas. Junagadh had a sex ratio of 945 females per 1000 males. Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are 151,971 (9.96%) and 37,810 (2.48%) of the population respectively.[1]
Hindus are 1,348,315 (88.38%) and Muslims 170,338 (11.17%) of the population respectively.[6]
Gujarati was the predominant language, spoken by 97.44% of the population.[7]
Politics
[edit]| District | No. | Constituency | Name | Party | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junagarh | 85 | Manavadar | Arvindbhai Ladani | Indian National Congress | Resigned on 6 March 2024 | |
| Bharatiya Janata Party | Elected on 4 June 2024 | |||||
| 86 | Junagadh | Sanjay Koradiya | Bharatiya Janata Party | |||
| 87 | Visavadar | Bhupendra Bhayani | Aam Aadmi Party | Resigned on 13 December 2023[8] | ||
| Gopal Italia | Elected on 23 June 2025 | |||||
| 88 | Keshod | Devabhai Malam | Bharatiya Janata Party | |||
| 89 | Mangrol | Bhagvanjibhai Karagatiya | ||||
Notable personalities
[edit]- Narsinh Mehta (1414?–1481?), poet-saint, born in Talaja, Bhavnagar
- Putlibai Gandhi, mother of Mahatma Gandhi
- Keshubhai Patel (1928–2020), politician who served as Chief Minister of Gujarat, born in Visavadar in Junagadh
- Dhirubhai Ambani (1932–2002), business magnate and entrepreneur, born at Chorwad, Junagadh
- Rajendra Shukla (1942–), poet, born at Bantwa, Junagadh
- Parveen Babi (1949–2005), Bollywood actress, born at Junagadh
- Nawab Muhammad Mahabat Khan
Flora and fauna
[edit]Junagadh contains the Gir Forest National Park, which is the only home to Asiatic lions. Mount Girnar is also declared a forest reserve for bamboo. Girnari Giddh, the long-billed vultures, are found only on Girnar, as the Girnar region alone accounts for about 25 per cent of the species and about 10 per cent of the total vulture population in the Gujarat state.
Education
[edit]Educational and research institutions in the district include:
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h "District Census Hand Book – Junagadh" (PDF). Census of India. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
- ^ "Bhesan". 2011 Census of India. Government of India. Archived from the original on 28 November 2017. Retrieved 1 December 2017.
- ^ Decadal Variation In Population Since 1901
- ^ US Directorate of Intelligence. "Country Comparison:Population". Archived from the original on June 13, 2007. Retrieved 2011-10-01.
Jamaica 2,868,380 July 2011 est
- ^ "2010 Resident Population Data". U. S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on 2011-01-01. Retrieved 2011-09-30.
Utah 2,763,885
- ^ a b "Population by Religion - Gujarat". censusindia.gov.in. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. 2011.
- ^ "Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Gujarat". censusindia.gov.in. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
- ^ "Gujarat AAP MLA Bhupendra Bhayani resigns, set to join BJP". The Hindu. 2023-12-13. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2023-12-14.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- Junagadh Collectorate official website Archived 2011-10-01 at the Wayback Machine
- Junagadh Jilla Panchayat official website
Geographic data related to Junagadh district at OpenStreetMap
Junagadh district
View on GrokipediaHistory
Ancient and classical periods
The region of present-day Junagadh district featured early human settlements, with Uparkot identified as one of the oldest inhabited areas, evidenced by archaeological remnants and traditional accounts linking it to fortifications from the 4th century BCE.[9] During the Mauryan Empire, Chandragupta Maurya (r. c. 321–297 BCE) extended control over Saurashtra, commissioning the Sudarshana Lake—an artificial reservoir at the foot of Girnar Hill for irrigation—under his minister Pushyagupta Vaishya.[10] [11] His grandson Ashoka (r. c. 268–232 BCE) repaired the lake's dam through his governor Tushaspa, as later corroborated by epigraphic records, and inscribed Major Rock Edicts (Edicts 1–14) on a Girnar boulder circa 257 BCE, confirming Mauryan administrative reach and promoting moral governance via Dhamma principles such as non-violence and tolerance. [12] Post-Mauryan fragmentation introduced Indo-Greek and Shaka (Western Satrap) influences in the region by the 2nd century BCE to 1st century CE, though direct local evidence remains sparse beyond broader Saurashtra coin finds and trade networks.[13] The Western Kshatrapa Rudradaman I (r. c. 130–150 CE) asserted dominance in the classical era, repairing the Sudarshana dam after flood damage circa 150 CE without forced labor, as detailed in his Junagadh rock inscription—the earliest extensive classical Sanskrit epigraph, carved in Brahmi script below Ashoka's edicts.[14] [12] This prasasti praises Rudradaman's military prowess, linguistic skills in multiple languages, and hydraulic restoration, underscoring the lake's role in sustaining agriculture amid environmental challenges like monsoonal variability.[15] Gupta imperial oversight briefly reasserted centralized authority in the 5th century CE, with Skandagupta (r. c. 455–467 CE) recording victories over Pushyamitras and administrative measures in a Girnar inscription on the same rock, dated regnal year 11 (c. 455 CE), highlighting ongoing regional stability and cultural patronage.[16] These layered inscriptions at Girnar collectively attest to Junagadh's strategic importance as a hydrological and political hub, bridging imperial expansions with local engineering adaptations, though archaeological surveys indicate limited monumental remains beyond the edicts due to later overbuilding and erosion.[13]Medieval dynasties and Islamic conquests
The Chudasama dynasty, a branch of Rajput rulers tracing origins to the Yadava clan, established dominion over the Sorath subregion of Saurashtra, with Junagadh (then Girinagar) as their primary seat, around 875 CE following the decline of prior local powers.[17] [18] This period marked sustained Hindu Rajput governance amid broader medieval shifts in western India, including interactions with the Chalukya (Solanki) kings of Gujarat, to whom the Chudasamas occasionally rendered nominal tribute while maintaining de facto independence in their hill-fortified territories around Girnar.[18] Key constructions under their rule, such as expansions to the Uparkot Fort and patronage of Jain and Hindu temples on Girnar, reflect cultural continuity and defensive adaptations against regional threats.[19] Despite the Delhi Sultanate's subjugation of the Vaghela kingdom and core Gujarat territories by Ulugh Khan in 1299–1300 CE, the Chudasamas preserved autonomy in Saurashtra's rugged terrain, evading full incorporation into the Tughluq or early Gujarat Sultanate administrations.[18] Accounts of a 1350 CE incursion by Muhammad bin Tughluq, aided by local Koli and Gohil chieftains, suggest temporary assertion of suzerainty, but epigraphic and regnal continuity evidence indicates no lasting overthrow, with Chudasama kings resuming control thereafter.[20] The dynasty's termination occurred in 1472 CE, when Gujarat Sultan Mahmud Begada (r. 1458–1511) launched a prolonged siege of Junagadh's fortifications, culminating in victory over the final ruler, Mandalika III (also known as Zayn al-Abidin or Graharipu).[21] [18] Mandalika III faced defeat, forcible conversion to Islam, and the annexation of his domain into the Gujarat Sultanate, ending indigenous Rajput rule and initiating direct Muslim governance, evidenced by subsequent conversions of sites like the Ranakdevi temple into mosques.[18] This conquest solidified Islamic overlordship in Saurashtra, though local resistance and geographic isolation had delayed it by nearly two centuries relative to Gujarat's mainland.[19]Nawabi rule and princely state formation
The Babi dynasty, of Pathan descent and originally Mughal appointees as governors in Gujarat, established Nawabi rule in Junagadh amid the 18th-century decline of Mughal central authority. Muhammad Sher Khan Babi, later titled Bahadur Khanji I, founded the independent Nawabi state around 1730 by asserting autonomy from the Mughal subahdar of Gujarat and designating Junagadh as the capital.[22] [23] His successors expanded territorial control, incorporating adjacent jagirs and maintaining semi-sovereign status through military prowess and alliances, with the dynasty ruling continuously until 1947.[22] Junagadh's transition to a formal princely state occurred in the early 19th century amid British expansion in western India. Following the defeat of the Marathas in the Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803–1805), Nawab Muhammad Hamid Khanji I signed a subsidiary alliance treaty with the British East India Company on 26 October 1807, ceding external affairs to British oversight in exchange for protection and recognition of internal sovereignty.[24] [25] This agreement integrated Junagadh into the British paramountcy system, granting it an 11-gun salute and classifying it among the larger Kathiawar states, while the Nawabs retained administrative autonomy over revenue, justice, and local governance.[26] Under British suzerainty, the Nawabs implemented reforms in land revenue and infrastructure, bolstered by subsidies and political agency oversight from British residents in Saurashtra. The state's stability derived from the Babi rulers' adherence to treaty obligations, avoiding direct intervention until the post-independence accession disputes of 1947.[27]1947 accession crisis and integration into India
The Nawab of Junagadh, Muhammad Mahabat Khanji III, signed an instrument of accession to the Dominion of Pakistan on 15 August 1947, shortly after the partition of British India, despite the state's overwhelming Hindu-majority population of approximately 80-90% and its lack of territorial contiguity with Pakistan except by sea.[28] [29] The decision, influenced by the Nawab's Dewan Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto, disregarded advice from India's Governor-General Lord Mountbatten and sparked immediate protests from the Hindu-dominated Praja Mandal, which organized civil disobedience and demanded integration with India.[30] Pakistan formally accepted the accession on 15 September 1947, prompting the Indian government to reject it on grounds of geographic isolation and demographic realities, leading to economic blockades that halted supplies and exacerbated local unrest.[28] [29] As tensions escalated, the Nawab fled to Pakistan on or around 25 October 1947 amid growing chaos, leaving administration to the Dewan, who soon resigned; a provisional government aligned with India was established by local leaders on 27 October.[31] Indian forces entered Junagadh on 9 November 1947 following the provisional government's request for assistance to restore order, effectively ending Pakistani claims without significant resistance.[32] A plebiscite held on 20 February 1948 confirmed the integration with India, with 190,870 votes cast for accession to India out of 201,457 registered voters, while only 91 votes favored Pakistan, reflecting the state's Hindu demographic preferences despite the Muslim ruler's initial choice.[33] [31] Post-plebiscite, Junagadh was merged into the United State of Saurashtra on 15 February 1948 as part of India's princely state integration efforts led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, abolishing the Nawab's rule and incorporating the district's talukas into the new administrative framework.[34] Saurashtra itself joined Bombay State on 1 November 1956 under the States Reorganisation Act, and following the linguistic reorganization of states in 1960, Junagadh district became part of the newly formed Gujarat state on 1 May 1960.[35] [36] Pakistan has periodically contested the plebiscite's legitimacy, viewing the integration as coercive, though the vote's lopsided outcome aligned with the principle that accession should reflect popular will in non-contiguous Muslim-majority ruled states with Hindu populations.[37]Geography
Physical features and location
Junagadh district spans 5,093 square kilometers in western Gujarat on the Saurashtra Peninsula, bordered by the Arabian Sea to the southwest and featuring extensive forest areas including portions of the Gir National Park. Its geographic coordinates range from latitude 20.47° N to 21.45° N and longitude 70.15° E to 70.55° E.[1][38] The terrain consists primarily of flat alluvial plains with deep to medium black coastal soils suitable for agriculture, rising to the prominent Girnar hill range near the district headquarters of Junagadh city. Girnar, an ancient hill formation, forms a compact massif with multiple peaks, the highest being Damodar Peak at approximately 1,117 meters, constituting the most significant elevated feature in the region.[39] Hydrologically, the district is drained by the Ozat River as its main waterway, supplemented by smaller rivers including the Madhuvanti, Noli, Meghal, and Hiran, which support irrigation and groundwater recharge in the coastal alluvial aquifers.[39]Climate and environmental conditions
Junagadh district experiences a tropical monsoon climate characterized by hot summers, a pronounced rainy season, and mild winters. The average annual temperature is approximately 25.7°C, with annual precipitation averaging 657 mm, primarily during the monsoon period.[40] Maximum temperatures reach around 38°C in May, the hottest month, while minimums drop to about 10°C during winter lows in January.[41] The district receives about 687 mm of annual rainfall on average, with southern Gujarat regions, including parts of Junagadh, influenced by sub-humid conditions.[42] Summers from March to June feature intense heat, often exceeding 40°C, followed by the monsoon from July to September, which brings heavy rains peaking at 228 mm in July and transforms the landscape into lush greenery.[43] Winters, spanning October to February, offer comfortable conditions with daytime highs around 29°C and cooler nights, making it the optimal period for outdoor activities.[44] The Gir National Park region within the district exhibits a subtropical steppe climate, supporting dry deciduous forests suited to wildlife like Asiatic lions.[45] Environmentally, Junagadh is renowned for its biodiversity, particularly in the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, which spans dry scrub and deciduous forests hosting unique flora and fauna, including endangered Asiatic lions, leopards, and over 300 bird species.[46] The district's forests have seen minimal tree cover loss, with only 1 hectare deforested from 2001 to 2024, reflecting effective conservation amid a broader Gujarat trend of stable or declining dense forest cover.[47] Coastal areas along the Arabian Sea support diverse plant species, enhancing ecological resilience.[48] However, over 43% of Junagadh city's area faces high to very high flood risk due to climate change impacts, underscoring vulnerabilities in urban and low-lying zones.[49] Conservation efforts by the Gujarat Forest Department focus on habitat protection and human-wildlife conflict mitigation to sustain this biodiversity hotspot.[50]Administrative Divisions
Talukas and revenue structure
Junagadh district is divided into 10 talukas for administrative purposes: Bhesan, Junagadh City, Junagadh Rural, Keshod, Malia Hatina, Manavadar, Mangrol, Mendarda, Vanthali, and Visavadar.[51] Each taluka is headed by a mamlatdar, who oversees revenue administration, land records maintenance, and related magisterial functions at the sub-district level.[51] The district's revenue structure operates under a hierarchical system managed by the District Collector, with 5 revenue sub-divisions (prants): Junagadh, Vanthali, Keshod, Mendarda, and Visavadar.[1] [52] Each sub-division is supervised by a prant officer (sub-divisional magistrate), who coordinates multiple talukas within their jurisdiction to ensure efficient revenue collection, dispute resolution, and implementation of land revenue policies.[52] At the grassroots level, revenue functions are executed through talathis (village accountants) in the district's approximately 1,000 villages, handling tasks such as property assessments, tax collection, and certification of land rights under the Gujarat Land Revenue Code. This structure supports primary revenue sources including land revenue, stamps, and registration fees, contributing to the district's fiscal operations amid its agrarian economy.[53]Urban and municipal areas
Junagadh district encompasses several urban centers governed by local bodies under Gujarat's urban development framework, including one municipal corporation and multiple municipalities that manage civic amenities, land use, and infrastructure for approximately 906,412 urban residents as per the 2011 census, representing about 33% of the district's total population.[54] These bodies operate alongside the Junagadh Area Development Authority, which coordinates broader urban planning and regional growth.[55] The Junagadh Municipal Corporation administers the district headquarters city of Junagadh, covering an area with a 2011 population of 319,462 and focusing on services such as water distribution, waste management, and road maintenance in a historically significant urban core at the base of Girnar hill.[56] Smaller municipalities handle local governance in trade-oriented towns like Keshod (population 68,264), a key agro-processing hub; Mangrol (population 58,875), a coastal port facilitating fishing and commerce; Manavadar (population 25,533), centered on textile and grain markets; and Chorwad (a smaller municipality with limited census town data, emphasizing tourism-linked development).[57] [55]| Municipality/Town | Population (2011 Census) | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|
| Junagadh | 319,462 | Administrative and educational center |
| Keshod | 68,264 | Agricultural trade and processing |
| Mangrol | 58,875 | Fishing port and coastal commerce |
| Manavadar | 25,533 | Inland market for textiles and grains |
Economy
Agricultural base and primary production
Junagadh district's economy is predominantly agrarian, with agriculture forming the backbone of primary production and employing the majority of the rural workforce. The district's fertile soils and semi-arid climate support a mix of cash and food crops, with groundnut, cotton, and sugarcane as the principal commodities. Groundnut, in particular, dominates cultivation, making Junagadh one of Gujarat's leading producers with an output of approximately 0.45 million tonnes annually, accounting for 11% of the state's total groundnut production.[58][59] Cash crops like cotton and groundnut drive export-oriented primary output, supplemented by oilseeds such as sesame, which responds to acreage incentives influenced by market prices and rainfall patterns. Food grains including wheat, bajra, and jowar are grown on smaller scales, often under rainfed or irrigated conditions, though productivity lags behind state averages for many crops due to variable monsoon dependence. Sugarcane benefits from localized irrigation infrastructure, contributing to sugar milling activities tied to primary production.[59][60][61] Horticultural production includes fruits from about 10,140 hectares yielding 52,150 metric tonnes annually, alongside vegetables from 10,382 hectares, though these remain underdeveloped relative to field crops. Dairy farming integrates closely with crop residues for fodder, enhancing overall primary sector value through livestock allied activities, particularly among pastoral communities like Maldharis and Bharwads. Irrigation covers a significant portion of arable land, supporting higher yields in groundnut and cotton via methods like drip and sprinkler systems, yet challenges persist in mechanization and soil fertility for sustained output.[53][62][63]Industrial development, tourism, and emerging sectors
The industrial sector in Junagadh district primarily comprises small and medium enterprises (SMEs) focused on agro-processing, mineral-based activities, and marine products, supported by Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) estates such as Junagadh-I (14.28 hectares developed), Junagadh-II, Sheel, and Veraval. As of March 2015, the district registered 1,010 MSME units, including 810 micro enterprises, 194 small enterprises, and 6 medium enterprises, with a cumulative investment of ₹49,904.66 lakh generating 14,280 jobs.[53] [64] [65] Key established industries include cement production utilizing local limestone reserves and edible oil extraction from groundnut crops, alongside ancillary units for agriculture implements like cultivators and harvesters. Fish processing and canning have gained traction due to marine resources, with potential for export-oriented operations in iodized salt and seafood preservation.[53] [65]Tourism constitutes a vital economic driver, drawing visitors to wildlife reserves and historical sites within the district. Gir National Park and Sanctuary, encompassing parts of Junagadh and renowned for Asiatic lion conservation, saw 1.33 lakh tourists in 2021-22, rebounding from COVID-19 disruptions with subsequent annual increases, including an 18.8% surge post-Prime Minister Modi's visit.[66] [67] Heritage attractions like Girnar Hill's Jain and Hindu temples, Uparkot Fort, and Mahabat Maqbara further bolster the sector, contributing significantly to local revenue through hotels and restaurants.[8] Infrastructure enhancements, including safari facilities at Devalia, have supported sustainable visitor growth amid environmental pressures from rising footfall.[68] Emerging sectors emphasize export potential and value addition in agro and marine domains, aligned with the district's 2020-21 Export Promotion Plan targeting sustainable, export-centric growth. Opportunities include mango pulp processing from the district's Kesar variety, onion dehydration, and expanded fish exports to markets like Singapore and China, leveraging fisheries cooperatives.[69] [53] SME expansion in demand-driven areas such as readymade garments and engineering components, facilitated by District Industries Centre incentives, signals diversification beyond traditional agriculture ties.[65]
Demographics
Population trends and census data
According to the 2011 Census of India, Junagadh district had a total population of 2,743,082, comprising 1,404,356 males and 1,338,726 females, resulting in a sex ratio of 953 females per 1,000 males.[70] [54] The population density was 310 persons per square kilometer across an area of approximately 8,849 square kilometers.[54] The decadal population growth rate for 2001–2011 was 12.05%, a decline from the 17.07% recorded between 1991 and 2001, indicating a decelerating trend lower than Gujarat's state average of 19.3% for the same period.[54] [8] This slowdown aligns with broader patterns of reduced fertility and net out-migration, estimated at around 4,200 persons annually in the district.[8] In 2013, the Gujarat government bifurcated parts of Junagadh district to form the new Gir Somnath district, primarily incorporating rural areas with the Gir National Park; post-reorganization, Junagadh's population was adjusted to 1,525,605.[8] [71] No subsequent full census has been conducted as of 2025, though provisional estimates and vital statistics suggest continued moderate growth driven by a natural increase rate of about 13.9 per 1,000 in 2013, below the state average.[8]| Census Year | Total Population | Decadal Growth Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 2,448,173 | 17.07 (from 1991) |
| 2011 | 2,743,082 | 12.05 |
