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Wankaner
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Wankaner is a town and a municipality in Morbi district in the State of Gujarat. Until 2013, Wankaner was part of the Rajkot district.
Key Information
Etymology
[edit]The city was named after its location on the Machhu River, "Wankaner" translating to "riverbend" ("Wanka" - bend, "ner" - river) in Gujarati.[2]
Geography
[edit]Wankaner is located at 22°36′58″N 70°57′11″E / 22.61611°N 70.95306°E. It has an average elevation of 81 metres (265 feet) and is about 53 kilometres (33 mi) from Rajkot.[3]
History
[edit]Wankaner was legendarily founded by four friends, and two were saints i.e. Shahbava and Nagabava. Nagabava was the Rajyguru of state. Shahbava in an event cursed the state, that the place would fall due to either fire or water. The temple of Nagabava and dargah of Shahbava survive in the old city, and thousands of people go for worship each day to get blessings. Wankaner has many other Hindu and Muslim places of worship.[citation needed]
Wankaner State was an 11-gun salute state during the British Raj era, when it was governed by members of the senior branch of the Jhala rajput dynasty.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ "Census of India: Search Details". Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
- ^ Ahmed, Saad (27 August 2017). "The Palatial Wonderland: On the bend of the Machhu river in Wankaner, two palaces take you to a rich royal past". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 26 August 2017. Retrieved 27 August 2017.
- ^ "Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Wankaner". Archived from the original on 11 March 2007. Retrieved 3 July 2006.
- ^ "History of Jhalas". Archived from the original on 3 December 2019. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
Wankaner
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Introduction
Etymology
The name "Wankaner" derives from Gujarati linguistic roots, translating literally to "river bend," a designation that captures the town's position at a pronounced curve in the Machhu River. This etymological origin highlights the intimate relationship between the settlement and its surrounding geography, where the river's meander provided a natural vantage for early habitation and development.[1] No alternative derivations or mythological associations are documented for the name, reinforcing its straightforward reference to this defining topographical feature that has persisted through the town's history.[1]Geography
Wankaner is situated at coordinates 22°36′58″N 70°57′11″E, with an average elevation of 81 meters above sea level.[7] The town lies in Morbi district, Gujarat, approximately 50 kilometers northeast of Rajkot, positioned on the banks of the Machhu River.[8][9][10] The surrounding landscape consists of semi-arid terrain typical of the Saurashtra region, where proximity to the Gulf of Kutch contributes to variable weather patterns influenced by coastal winds and low rainfall.[11][12] As a municipality, Wankaner encompasses the urban area of the town, with boundaries delineating its administrative extent within the taluka.[13]History
Founding and Early Development
According to local legend, Wankaner was founded by four friends, two of whom were revered saints named Shahbava and Nagabava, who played pivotal roles in protecting the nascent settlement from invasions and calamities.[1] These saints are said to have safeguarded the town during its vulnerable early years, earning enduring veneration that led to the construction of dedicated religious sites in their honor.[1] The town emerged as a stronghold of the Jhala Rajput clan in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, with its formal establishment occurring in 1605 under Raj Saheb Sartanji, a grandson of Raj Chandrasinhji, the ruler of nearby Halvad.[14] Sartanji, the youngest son of Prithirajji, consolidated control by defeating local chieftains such as the Babrias and Maiyas, thereby founding the principality and constructing its initial capital.[4] This marked the transition of the area from scattered settlements to a structured Rajput domain, rooted in the clan's Suryavanshi lineage that had migrated to Saurashtra from northern India centuries earlier.[4] Early development centered around the strategic bend in the Machchhu River, which inspired the town's name—Wankaner, meaning "river bend"—and facilitated trade and defense.[1] Key structures from this period include the Shah Baba Dargah, commemorating the saint Shahbava, and the nearby Nagabava Temple, reflecting the blend of spiritual and communal life that shaped the settlement's growth through the 17th and into the 18th century.[1] Under successive Jhala rulers like Mansinhji (1632–1653) and Raisinhji (1653–1679), the town expanded as a regional outpost, emphasizing fortifications and religious institutions amid the clan's broader ambitions in Kathiawar.[14]Princely State Period
Wankaner emerged as a prominent princely state under the British Raj, recognized as an 11-gun salute state within the Jhala Rajput dynasty, with its formal establishment as a protected entity occurring in the early 19th century following earlier foundational efforts in the 17th century.[4] The state was founded in 1605 by Raj Sartanji, a member of the Jhala clan and son of Prithirajji of Halvad, who defeated local tribes including the Babrias and Maiyas to secure the territory and establish the capital at Wankaner.[15] This victory solidified Jhala control over the region in the historical Halar area of Kathiawar (present-day Saurashtra), transitioning the dynasty's influence from Halvad to this new seat of power.[4] Key rulers during the princely period exemplified the state's governance and expansion. Sartanji's reign (circa 1605–1632) laid the groundwork by forging alliances through marriages, such as with the Jam Saheb of Nawanagar and the Rao of Idar, which enhanced Wankaner's regional standing.[15] Later, Maharana Raj Shri Amarsinhji III Banesinhji acceded in 1881 at the age of two and ruled until 1954, overseeing a 73-year tenure marked by administrative reforms, agricultural modernization, the construction of Ranjit Vilas Palace as a symbol of royal patronage, and support for India's independence movement.[4] His education at Rajkumar College, Rajkot, and service in World War I with the Kathiawar Motor Ambulance Corps further highlighted his progressive leadership under British oversight.[4] Relations with British authorities were formalized through treaties that integrated Wankaner into the colonial framework. In 1807–1808, under the Walker Settlement negotiated by Colonel James Walker of the East India Company, the state ended longstanding Jhala feuds and became a British protectorate, agreeing to pay annual tributes in exchange for protection and non-interference in internal affairs.[4] These tributes, typical for salute states in the Gujarat States Agency, ensured Wankaner's stability amid regional rivalries, with the British mediating disputes involving neighboring powers like the Gaekwad of Baroda.[15] In the politics of Saurashtra, Wankaner played a supportive role as one of the larger Jhala states, contributing to collective efforts for regional cohesion under British paramountcy. The state's 1,080 square kilometers and over 100 villages positioned it as a key player in the Kathiawar Political Agency, where rulers like Amarsinhji advocated for representative institutions while maintaining loyalty to the Raj, fostering economic and infrastructural ties across the peninsula.[4]Integration and Modern Era
Following India's independence, the princely state of Wankaner merged into the newly formed United State of Saurashtra on 15 February 1948, comprising various former Kathiawar states.[16] This merger marked the end of monarchical rule and the beginning of administrative reorganization under the Indian government.[17] In 1956, Saurashtra was reorganized and merged into the larger Bombay State as part of India's linguistic state formation efforts.[16] With the bifurcation of Bombay State in 1960 to create Gujarat along linguistic lines, Wankaner became part of the new state, transitioning fully into the republican framework with elected local governance replacing princely authority.[16] Administratively, Wankaner remained within Rajkot district until 15 August 2013, when the Gujarat government carved out the new Morbi district to improve regional administration and development focus.[18] This change incorporated Wankaner taluka into Morbi, enhancing local infrastructure planning and service delivery in the area.[19] The 2000s witnessed significant industrial expansion in Wankaner, driven by Gujarat's broader economic liberalization, with the number of small-scale industrial units rising from 1,744 in 2005 to 1,774 by 2007, contributing to employment growth in sectors like engineering and manufacturing.[20] This period aligned with state-level incentives that spurred investment, positioning Wankaner as a key node in Saurashtra's industrial corridor.[20] In the 2020s, infrastructure enhancements continued, including a ₹5.74 crore sewerage project sanctioned in 2025 to upgrade urban networks and connect households, improving sanitation and water management.[21] Additionally, in 2025, Aditya Ultra Steel secured land for a 5,000 KWP solar power plant near Wankaner, promoting renewable energy adoption amid Gujarat's push for sustainable development.[22] These initiatives reflect ongoing efforts to modernize the town's connectivity and environmental resilience.Administration and Society
Civic Administration
Wankaner operates as a municipality under the administration of Morbi district in Gujarat, following its transfer from Rajkot district upon the creation of Morbi district on August 15, 2013.[18] The Wankaner Nagarpalika serves as the primary local governing body, responsible for managing urban planning, development control, and delivery of essential civic services, including water supply and sanitation, in line with the mandates for urban local bodies in Gujarat.[23] In the mid-term municipal elections conducted on February 16, 2025, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gained control of the 28-member council by winning 21 seats, including 11 uncontested, while the Indian National Congress secured 5 seats, the Bahujan Samaj Party 1 seat, and the Aam Aadmi Party 1 seat.[24] Wankaner falls within the Wankaner Assembly constituency of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly and is part of the Rajkot Lok Sabha constituency; as of 2025, the seat is held by Jitendra Kantilal Somani of the BJP, elected in 2022.[25]Demographics
As per the 2011 Census of India, Wankaner city had a total population of 43,881, comprising 22,594 males and 21,287 females, resulting in a sex ratio of 942 females per 1,000 males.[3] This figure marked a decadal growth of 9.2% from 40,191 in 2001, reflecting moderate urban expansion in the region.[26] The city's child population (ages 0-6 years) stood at 5,225, accounting for 11.91% of the total, with a child sex ratio of 877 females per 1,000 males.[3] Scheduled Castes (SC) constituted 7.48% of the population (3,284 individuals), while Scheduled Tribes (ST) made up 0.31% (136 individuals). Religiously, Hindus formed 76.82% of the population, Muslims 20.13%, and other religions the remainder.[3][26] Within the broader Wankaner tehsil, the 2011 census recorded a population of 219,065, with an urban component of 52,787 (24.1%) and a rural population of 166,278 (75.9%).[27] The tehsil's overall sex ratio was 961 females per 1,000 males, higher than the state average, with urban areas at 940 and rural at 967.[27] Literacy rates in the tehsil were 74.24% overall, with urban literacy at 82.1% and rural at 71.7%; for the city specifically, the literacy rate was 81.60%, with male literacy at 88.57% and female at 74.27%.[3][27] In the tehsil, Scheduled Castes constituted approximately 5.12% (11,201 individuals), and Scheduled Tribes 0.16% (350 individuals). The religious composition included Hindus at 66.61% (145,930), Muslims at 32.69% (71,606), Christians at 0.07% (147), and other groups the rest.[27][28] Population projections for 2025 estimate Wankaner city's residents at approximately 47,814, while the tehsil is projected to reach 264,818, indicating an annual growth rate of about 1.5-2% driven by natural increase and limited migration.[29][30] These estimates align with Gujarat's statewide trends, where urban areas like Wankaner continue to see steady demographic shifts. The official languages spoken are Gujarati and Hindi.[30]Economy and Infrastructure
Economy
Wankaner serves as a vital hub within Gujarat's ceramics and tiles industry, integral to the Morbi-Wankaner cluster, recognized as the world's second-largest ceramic production center after China's Guangdong province. The town excels in manufacturing glazed tiles, vitrified tiles, sanitaryware, and crockery, with a strong emphasis on export-oriented units catering to international markets in the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. As of 2025, the broader Morbi cluster, encompassing Wankaner, operates over 1,000 factories producing approximately 4 million square meters of tiles daily, underscoring its scale and efficiency.[31] Complementing the ceramics sector, Wankaner's economy includes diverse mineral-based industries such as cement manufacturing, marble polishing, and quartz processing, which leverage local raw material availability to support construction and export demands. Chemical production units and cotton ginning facilities further diversify the industrial base, processing agricultural outputs and contributing to regional supply chains.[32][20][33] Industrial expansion in Wankaner accelerated post-2000, fueled by investments exceeding ₹8,000 crore in the ceramics cluster alone, alongside technological upgrades that boosted production capacity and export values to ₹80 billion by 2017-18. This growth has providing employment to over 400,000 workers directly and indirectly across the Morbi-Wankaner area, including roles in factories, transportation, and raw material supply.[34][35] Despite this progress, the region grapples with water scarcity, a critical challenge for water-intensive operations in ceramics and chemicals, exacerbated by groundwater depletion and irregular monsoons. Manufacturing remains the cornerstone of Wankaner's economy, driving substantial contributions to Rajkot district's output, though recent 2025 assessments highlight vulnerabilities from factory closures—over 150 in the cluster—due to rising energy costs and competition.[36][37][38]Transport
Wankaner Junction (WKR), a key railway station on the Western Railway network in Gujarat, serves as a vital connectivity hub for the region. Classified as an NSG-5 junction station with four platforms, it handles approximately 68 halting trains, including express and passenger services.[39][40] The station facilitates direct connections to nearby cities like Rajkot (about 40 km away) via local trains, as well as longer routes to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and beyond through major services such as the Saurashtra Mail and Kutch Express.[41][42] This rail infrastructure supports both passenger and freight movement, integrating Wankaner into Gujarat's broader rail corridors. As of 2025, the Detailed Project Report for a Wankaner bypass on NH-27 is in progress to reduce congestion, and Gujarat's railway plan includes track doubling on the Jamnagar-Wankaner line by 2025.[43][44] Road transport in Wankaner is anchored by National Highway 27 (NH-27), which provides essential linkages to Morbi, Samakhiali, and other parts of Saurashtra, passing near or through the town and enabling efficient inter-city travel.[45] Local bus services, operated by the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC), connect Wankaner to Rajkot (frequent departures from the Wankaner Bus Station), Morbi, and surrounding areas, with routes covering short distances in under an hour.[46][47] The town's internal road network, comprising state highways and local roads, supports daily commuting and industrial logistics, such as the transport of ceramics and goods to nearby facilities.[48] Air travel access relies on Rajkot Airport (HSR), the closest facility at approximately 50 km from Wankaner, reachable in about one hour by road via NH-27 and state routes.[49] Wankaner lacks a major airport of its own, but regional infrastructure enhancements are underway, including the initiation of a Detailed Project Report for a Wankaner bypass on NH-27 to alleviate urban congestion and improve freight efficiency.[43] Additionally, Gujarat's railway master plan outlines doubling of tracks on lines like Jamnagar-Wankaner to boost capacity by 2025 and beyond.[44]Education and Culture
Education
Wankaner, a town in Gujarat's Morbi district, features a range of educational institutions catering to primary, secondary, and higher levels, with an emphasis on both academic and vocational training aligned with local industrial needs. The education system benefits from state government initiatives aimed at improving access and quality.[50] Primary and secondary education in Wankaner is provided through government and private schools, including CBSE-affiliated institutions that emphasize holistic development. For instance, D.A.V. Calderys Public School, established in 2020 on the Wankaner-Rajkot State Highway, offers classes from nursery to secondary levels with a focus on character building and extracurricular activities like sports and olympiads.[51][52] Other notable schools include Nirmala Convent English Medium School, a co-educational Catholic institution promoting comprehensive growth, and Shri Saraswati Shakti Primary School, a co-educational facility serving grades 1 to 7 in the local community.[53][54] Higher education options in and around Wankaner include undergraduate colleges and vocational institutes. Shree H. N. Doshi Arts and R. N. Doshi Commerce College, founded in 1971, provides degrees in arts and commerce streams, serving students from the region.[55] Shri M. P. Patel B.Ed. and Science College, established in 2005 and affiliated with Saurashtra University, offers programs in education and science, preparing graduates for teaching and technical roles.[56][57] For vocational skills, the Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Wankaner, operational since 1991, trains students in seven trades such as electrician, fitter, and welder, with 272 sanctioned seats to support the area's ceramics and manufacturing sectors.[58][59] Additionally, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in nearby Kothariya provides residential senior secondary education for talented rural students.[60] Literacy in Wankaner has shown steady improvement since the 2011 census, when the town's rate stood at 81.60%, with male literacy at 88.57% and female at 74.27%, surpassing the state average of 78.03%.[3] The tehsil-wide rate was 74.24%, reflecting rural-urban disparities but overall progress through targeted interventions.[30] As of 2025, enrollment rates benefit from government programs like Shala Praveshotsav, a June initiative promoting 100% school admission and girls' education, alongside industrial training drives under the National Skill Development Mission to meet economic demands in ceramics and engineering.[61][62] These efforts have boosted participation, particularly in vocational courses, tying education to Wankaner's industrial economy.[50]Cultural Heritage and Festivals
Wankaner's cultural heritage reflects a harmonious blend of religious traditions, shaped by its Rajput history and diverse influences. The town features significant Hindu sites, including the Nag Baba Temple dedicated to the saint Nagabava, who is revered for protecting the community from calamities. Complementing this are Muslim shrines such as the Shah Baba Dargah, honoring Shahbava for similar acts of safeguarding the town. These sites exemplify the integration of Hindu Rajput customs with Islamic elements, fostering a shared spiritual legacy among residents.[1] Linguistically, Gujarati serves as the primary language in Wankaner, with Hindi widely used in formal and commercial contexts. Local dialects, influenced by the Saurashtra region's Kathiyawadi variant, enrich daily conversations and cultural expressions. This multilingual environment underscores the town's communal fabric, aligning with its varied religious demographics. Festivals in Wankaner vibranty capture this heritage through annual celebrations that unite the community. Navratri is observed with exuberant Garba dances, where participants form circles to rhythmic folk music and claps, honoring the goddess Durga over nine nights. Diwali brings illuminations of lamps across homes and streets, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and ushering in the Gujarati New Year with feasts and fireworks. Unique to the area's syncretic traditions, Urs observances at dargahs like Shah Baba feature devotional gatherings, qawwali performances, and communal prayers commemorating Sufi saints, promoting interfaith harmony.[63][64]Tourism and Notable Sites
Tourist Attractions
Wankaner attracts visitors with its blend of royal heritage, ancient temples, and natural landscapes, reflecting the town's historical significance as a princely state in Saurashtra. Key sites showcase Indo-Saracenic architecture, spiritual shrines, and scenic reservoirs, drawing heritage enthusiasts, pilgrims, and nature lovers. The town's compact layout makes it easy to explore these attractions by road, with most within a short drive from the city center. The Ranjit Vilas Palace stands as the premier landmark, constructed between 1907 and 1914 by Maharana Raj Shri Sir Amarsinhji, who personally designed the structure.[65] Blending Mughal, Italian, and Victorian-Gothic styles, the palace features intricate marble latticework, ornate interiors, and expansive grounds spanning 225 acres, including manicured gardens and an artificial lake that enhance its aesthetic appeal. Today, it operates as the Royal Oasis heritage hotel, offering guests private tours of its vintage car collection, antique weaponry, and preserved royal chambers, providing a glimpse into early 20th-century princely life.[1] Spiritual sites form another draw, beginning with the Hazrat Shah Bava Dargah Sharif, a revered Sufi shrine dedicated to Shahbava, one of Wankaner's founding figures, where pilgrims from diverse faiths gather for prayers and rituals.[2] The Nag Baba Temple honors Nagabava, another legendary founder from over 500 years ago, noted for its distinctive architecture that combines local motifs with devotional iconography, attracting devotees seeking blessings for protection and prosperity.[2] The Sun Temple, an ancient structure amid scenic hills, exemplifies early solar worship traditions with its weathered stone carvings and elevated position offering panoramic views at sunset.[66] Nearby, the Nava Surajdeval temple complex venerates the sun deity with well-maintained marble shrines and serene courtyards, serving as a peaceful stop for travelers along the Rajkot-Ahmedabad highway.[67] The Jadeshwar Mahadev Temple, perched on Ratan Tekri hill overlooking Vadsar Lake, is a 500-year-old Shiva shrine housing a self-manifested lingam, renowned for its hilltop trek and tranquil ambiance that draws Shiva bhakts year-round.[68] The Machhu Dam, located a short distance from Wankaner on the Machhu River, provides a refreshing contrast with its vast reservoir used for irrigation and water supply, popular among locals and visitors for picnics amid lush greenery and birdwatching opportunities.[2] Though historically marked by the 1979 dam failure, the site has been rehabilitated and now emphasizes its engineering scale and surrounding natural beauty. Tourism in Wankaner has grown steadily as part of Gujarat's heritage circuit, supported by improved road connectivity via National Highway 27 and proximity to Rajkot Airport, about 50 km away. The post-monsoon period from October to March offers the best visiting conditions, with mild weather ideal for outdoor exploration and avoiding summer heat. While primarily focused on cultural sites, the area's reservoirs and rural landscapes hold untapped eco-tourism potential, aligning with broader state initiatives to promote sustainable nature-based travel in Saurashtra.[1][69]Notable People
Maharana Amarsinhji Banesinhji (1879–1954) served as the last ruling Maharana of Wankaner, ascending the throne on 12 June 1881 following the death of his father, Banesinhji Jaswantsinhji, and assuming full governing powers on 18 March 1899 after a period of regency.[70] As a progressive administrator, he introduced key reforms including the establishment of the first Farmers' Co-operative Bank in Saurashtra, advancements in agriculture, dairy farming, and textile industries, as well as village-level self-governance, employee pensions, and modernizations in public services and policing.[70] His contributions earned him significant honors from the British Crown, including the Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (KCIE) in 1911 and the Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India (KCSI) in 1936, along with an 11-gun salute and the style of "His Highness" in 1921.[70] Amarsinhji reigned until his death on 28 June 1954 at Ranjit Vilas Palace in Wankaner.[70] Digvijaysinh Pratapsinhji Jhala (1932–2021), a descendant of Wankaner's ruling Jhala dynasty and titular Maharana, was a prominent politician and environmentalist closely tied to the region's heritage.[71] Educated at Rajkumar College in Rajkot, St. Stephen's College in Delhi, and the University of Cambridge, he entered politics as an Independent MLA from Wankaner in 1962 and later with the Swatantra Party in 1967, followed by terms as a Congress MP from Surendranagar in 1979 and 1984.[71] Appointed India's inaugural Minister of Environment and Forests in Indira Gandhi's cabinet from 1982 to 1984, Jhala focused on conservation by establishing several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries and advocating for sustainable practices, such as persuading Indian Railways to replace wooden sleepers with reinforced cement concrete ones to curb deforestation.[71] He also served as Director of the India Tourism Development Corporation for nine years and as a founding member and long-term president of the Gujarat Heritage Hotels Association, while converting part of Wankaner's Moti Vadi into the Royal Oasis heritage hotel in the 1970s.[71] Jhala passed away on 3 April 2021 in Wankaner at age 88.[71] Among modern figures, Kesridevsinh Digvijaysinh Jhala (born 5 November 1982), son of Digvijaysinh Jhala, became the 16th titular Maharana of Wankaner upon his ascension on 4 March 2022, following a traditional five-day raj tilak ceremony that included rituals at Jadeshwar Mahadev Mandir and a public feast.[14][72] Educated at local schools in Wankaner and later in modern institutions, he has been active in regional politics as a Bharatiya Janata Party member, elected to the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat in July 2023.[73] Dhyani Jani (born 17 August 2013 in Wankaner) is a child actress known for her role in the 2022 Gujarati film Gandhi & Co..[74]References
- https://www.holidify.com/state/[gujarat](/page/Gujarat)/wankaner-sightseeing-1254724.html