Historical background :


Available historical references suggest that Jamnagar in its Present location was  founded by Jam  Rawal in A.D. 1540 on the erstwhile ' Nagnah' port. Darbargadh presently the area in the inner city, seems to be the original town founded by Jam Rawal in 16th century. The foundation stone in one of the buildings here still bears the testimony and also the historic Darbargadh palace, which was built on the high plane over area between Nagmati and Rangmati rivers which, though, are now separated from this association perhaps because of changing currents. Some relics of erstwhile rulers are still preserve in "Tilda medi" a room on upper floors of Darbargadh where coronation ceremony of rulers were held as a tradition.


Darbargadh was built as fortified settlement and part of this fortification exists in western periphery.  The temple of Ashapura is stated to be of the original times, built by Jam Rawal. The temple now is opened up on the main street for public worship.


The oldest description of the city is available in a sanskrit poem 'Jam Vijay' of A.D. 1582-83 attributed to veninath. It is described as a town with lake. The lake which dates back to 16th century was restructured and renamed Ranmal lake in A.D. 1820 to 1852 by Jam Ranmal  II.


Nageshwar temple is built in A.D. 1614  after the battle of 'Bhuchar Mori' during the reign of Jam Sataji. These records of archaeological findings dating back to 9th and 10th century which prove the antiquity of this region. Nagnes-Nagnah port was also stated to be in use almost upto early 17th century as per the records available of the times of Jam Jasaji (A.D. 1608 to 1614)


The records also suggest the construction of or renovation of fortifications during various periods from 16th century. But the fragments which are seen suggest that the fortwal and gates date back from 18th century.  The structures of Bhujio kotho and Lakhoto in Ranmal Lake date back to A.D. 1839. These structures were built to provide for storage and security - especially Lakhoto, which also served as a recreational place in the lake.

Development Area profile :


The large part of western side, there are defence areas which cause deterrent effects on development because of the restrictions imposed by the defence authorities. In north, there is a sea coast and low lying areas which Limit the scope of further development. In view of this, the only directions available for providing future development are :

1.        along Rajkot road in east,
2.        along Lalpur road in south and
3.        along Khambhalia road in west.

The semi-circular bye pass has created three nodal points - One towards Naghedi, second at the proposed G.I.D.C. Industrial Estate, north of Dared and third at Hapa. These three  gateways to the urban area are of paramount importance because intense activities and pressure on land will be generated in these area in the overall context of availability of linkages with the city, water resources and environment.

Major economic activities :


Jamnagar has been known as brass city or mini japan because of its extensive brass part development. It is not exactly known when these industries started but it is understood that it must have started during 1944- 45 when the manufacture of brass butoon had stopped. This type of industry is employment oriented. The brass part industrial development has expanded rapidly.  The industry has about 5000 units which provides direct employment to about 40,000 persons.  There is still larger proportion of persons getting indirect benefits from these industries.


These brass part industries manufacture brass parts used in writing pen, television, train and aero plane. The other items manufactured here include screw, nut, auto valve, toys, surgical buckle, pant buckle , etc. The items manufactured here range from 1 mg. to 5 Kg. in weight.  There are many aluminum components manufactured in the city. The only six manufacturers of pencil sharpeners in the country are located in the city of Jamnagar.


80% of the production is sold in the national market and 20% of the production is exported.  The item like bicycle tube valve is manufactured only in the city of Jamnagar in the whole of Asian continent.  Some building hardware parts and battery terminal parts are exported to other countries. The machines used in these industries are also manufactured in Jamnagar. These machines are more economical and are of better quality than the inported machines used earlier.  They are now  being exported to countries like Bangladesh. 


Shri  Digvijay Woolen mill was established in the year 1948. It manufacturers woolen textiles, Rugs, Blankers etc.  This woolen mill is famous in India. Digvijay sinhji Salt and Works Pvt. Ltd manufactures salt and Gypsum which has market all over India. New Bharat Engineering Works is famous for the production of oil Engines and lathe machines.

About Jamnagar City