History of Jamnagar

History of Jamnagar

              Jamnagar is a municipal city in the state of Gujarat, India. The city also serves as the head quarter of Jamnagar district. According to mythology Lord Sri Krishna, the eight incarnation of the Lord Vishnu, founded his capital at Dwaraka in Jamnagar district. Dwarkadhish Temple situated in Dwarka is believed to be built by Vajarnabh, great grandson of Lord Sri Krishna. Jams of Nawanagar (the earlier name of Jamnagar) are believed to be the descendents of Yadavas. Jams established their kingdom at Nawanagar. The kingdom was known as Halar and it was Jam Raval who had founded the city of Jamnagar (then Nawanagar) in 1540 as the capital fortress of their kingdom. The place where the main city was set up by Jam Raval forms the inner part of present city of Jamnagar. This part of city is known as Darbargadh and it houses Darabargadh palace and other historic buildings belonging to the period 16^th century. Ashapur Temple situated there is also said to be built by Jam Raval.

           Jamnagar was ruled by several descendents of Jams Dynasty. Jamnagar continued to grow even after the arrival of British in India. Under the British control Jams continued to rule the city until 1947 when India got freedom from colonial rule. It was in 1949 the Jamnagar district was formed. In 1956 it became the part of Bombay presidency until 1^st May 1960 when the presidency was divided in two states namely Maharashtra and Gujarat. Jamnagar remained with Gujarat state and has now grown into an important city of the state.