Himatnagar was founded in by Ahmad shah of Gujarat Sultanate and named it Ahmednagar after himself. He founded the town to keep Raos of Idar State in check.
In 1658, Aurangzeb became emperor and reintroduced jizya. Through his ferman of 1665 he prohibited Jains and Hindus from closing their shops on 'Pachusan' (paryushan), last day of the month and eleventh day; ordered that arrangements be made to ensure that Kolis of Himmatnagar do not disturb Muslims when they recite their Friday prayers.[3]
When the Marwar dynasty took Idar in 1728, Ahmednagar soon fell into their hands. After the death of Maharaja Shivsing, in 1792, his brother Sangramsing took Ahmednagar and the country around; and, in spite of the efforts of his nephew Gambhirsing, became an independent chief. Sangramsing was succeeded by his son Karansing. The later died in 1835, and Erskine, the British Agent, who was in the neighbourhood with a force, moved to Ahmednagar to prevent the queens from becoming satis. The sons of the deceased Maharaja begged Erskine not to interfere with their customs. Finding him resolved to prevent the sati practice, while pretending to negotiate, they secretly summoned the Bhils and other turbulent tribes, and in the night, opening a way through the fort wall to the river bed, the queens burnt themselves with their deceased husband. The sons of the deceased Maharaja fled, but subsequently gave themselves up, and, after entering into an engagement with the British Government, Takhtsing was allowed to succeed his father as Maharaja of Ahmednagar. Some years later he was chosen to fill the vacant throne of Jodhpur State. He tried to keep Ahmednagar and its dependencies, but, after a long discussion, it was, in 1848, ruled that Ahmednagar should revert to Idar State.
Among various old businesses with relevance to history of Himatnagar, Himat Vijay Printing Press (established in 1931) was named after King Himat Singh and was owned and operated by Late Shri Chhotalal Narsinhdas Shah (and his family still runs it) and he was longest servicing President of Himantagar Panchyant before it became municipality. The main road through City across to Municipal office has been named as C N Shah Road and parallel road has been named after famous Dr Nalinkant Gandhi, as Dr Nalinkant Gandhi Road. Municipal Town Hall has also been named as "Dr Nalinkant Gandhi Town Hall".
After the independence of India in 1947, Idar State was merged with Union of India. From 1947 to 1956, it was a part of Bombay State as Idar district. Himatnagar was the largest city and the administrative headquarters of the Dungarpur district, Rajasthan from 1956 to 1960. Since 1961, Himatnagar is the administrative headquarter and part of Sabarkantha district of Gujarat.
Places of interest
Government library of himmatnagar, founded in 1942 at Tower roadDaulat Vilas PalaceHanuman Temple located at Tower Chowk, Diwali, 2016Old Temple of Harsiddhi Mata
The white sandstone and cement walls of the original fort, though much ruined in parts still surround the heart of town. The gateways, especially the Prantij or Ahmedabad gate, are specimens of Muslim architecture. The bastions are hollow the inside occupied by pillared rooms in two stories which take up so much space that the walls of the bastions are composed of single layers of stone. In the town, a small stone building, with richly carved bow windows, was once the residence of the Maharajas of Ahmednagar. There are also some interesting Jain temples.[4]
Further on is a well, known as the Kazi ni Vavdi, with inscriptions on the side walls, one in Arabic and the other in Devnagri, bearing respectively the dates 1417 (820 Hijri year) and 1522 (Samvat 1578). The second inscription shows that the well was built in 1522 by Shamsher-ul-Mulk, who is stated by tradition to have been a son of Sultan Ahmed Shah. Further, the citadel or inner fort, known like that in Ahmedabad as the Bhadra, contains some very fine though ruinous buildings, the principal lacing that traditionally known as the Mulla or Mohina Rani's palace. Tho windows of these buildings are very fine, of stone carved with the delicacy of lace. There are several wells hewn out of the solid rock, and, though dry, in good preservation. In 1858, the principal building in the Bhadra was occupied as a mess-house by a small force sent to keep order in the Mahi Kantha during the troubled times of the Mutinies. It has since become a ruin. Outside, at some distance from the Bhadra and opening immediately on the Hathmati river, is the Idar gate, is close to it is a small mosque in perfect preservation, its windows worthy of notice, being each ornamented outside with a carved stone canopy while the frame is filled with carved stone work representing trees with foliage, through the interstices of which, a tempered light streams into the building. This mosque is said to have been built by Nasar-ul-Mulk, the eldest son of Sultan Ahmed Shah I.[4]
East of this mosque is the Navlakha Kund. It is an oblong hollow or pit about 100 feet broad and 500 feet long. At the foot of the flight of steps, which form one of the sides of the pit, is a stone basin, filled with water from a perennial spring and with stone cloisters round three of its sides. At the back of the west cloister is a ladies gallery hidden from sight by carved open stone screens. On the south side is a building with a stone canopy intended for the king or chief man of the place, who during the heat of the day came with his ladies to enjoy this cool retreat. The cloister on the north has disappeared, but the others, in fair preservation, are fine specimens of architecture. Tradition ascribes the work to Taj-ul-Mulk, another of the sons of Sultan Ahmed. Close to this place are the remains of buildings said to have been stables or cavalry lines. At one side of these, large arched doorways, now built up, led to an outwork facing the north, and immediately over the river, which was evidently at one time covered with a pillared roof. This was probably a place of resort, being cool, except at noon-day, and commanding a fine view of the Idar hills. Not far from the stables, a gateway opens on the road to the river, On the other side of the road three domed and pillared cupolas, chhatris mark the spots where the remains of the Maharajas of Ahmedabad were cremated.[4]
Maharaja Himmat Singh Fort, located on the banks of river Hathmati and Daulat Vilas Palace in Mahavirnagar area are two remaining palaces.
There are several religious places including Dargah of Hazrat Hasan Shaheed, Dargah of Hazrat Chand Shaheed, Vaktapur Hanuman Temple, Jain Temple like shri 1008 Chandraprabhu Digambar Jain Temple (one of the ancient Temple in city), shri 1008 Shantinath Digambar Jain Temple, Sai Temple, Jalaram Temple, Panchdev Temple, Mahakali Temple, Prannathji Temple, Harshidhmata Temple, Swaminaryan Temple, Ganpathi Temple, Gayatri Temple, Bholeswar Temple, several Jain Temples and Juma Mosque and several others. Swaminarayan temple is constructed on the national highway enriched with architectural values.
An amusement park is located on by pass link from Motiputa cross road to Vijapur highway.
Culture
Nalinkant Gandhi town hall near post-officeStar City Multiplex located at MotipuraHimmatnagar bus station
Himatnagar is known for its unique tasting Daal-Baati and Panipuri. Basic meal served in Himatnagar is Gujarati thali, that includes dal, rice or bhat, rotli and shaak (cooked vegetables and curry) with accompaniments of pickles and roasted papads. Beverages, such as buttermilk and sweet dishes include laddoo, doodhpak and vedhmi. Most restaurants serve a wide array of Indian and International food. Traditionally vegetarian food is consumed by Jain and Hindu communities because of religious beliefs. Therefore, most restaurants serve only vegetarian food.
Municipal corporation serves two town halls, Sahkar Hall situated at railway crossing in Mahavirnagar and Nalinkant Gandhi town hall situated near Post Office.
Connectivity
Kavi shree Umashankar Joshi Over bridge named after Gujarati poet Umashankar Joshi
Himatnagar is a central site for the ceramic industry of the state, and is home to several manufacturing units such as Asian Granito India, Adison Granito Ltd, Oracle Granito, Kethos Tiles, Exxaro Tiles, Sonata Tiles and Century Tiles. The town has also been home to major companies in the weighing scale industries since 1960.
Motipura, Mehtapura, Mahavirnagar, Pologround, chandnagar, Bagicha vistar are major areas.Mahavirnagar and Pologround are posh areas.
Demographics
As of 2011[update] India census,[1] Himatnagar had a population of 1,81,137. Himatnagar has an average literacy rate of 87.15%, higher than the state average of 78.03%: male literacy is 91.89%, and female literacy is 82.09%. In Himatnagar, 11.60% of the population is under 6 years of age.
There are many primary and Higher Secondary schools such as Grow More Group of Institutions, New English Higher Secondary School, Jain Acharya Anandghansuri Vidyalaya, Madresa High School, Rumi English School, S J Padhiar High School and Himmat High school, Himmat Highschool No. 2, My Own Highschool, Glorious High school, Faith English School, Modern Higher Secondary School, Darool Madina International School, St. Xavier's School, Darool Ulum Hasaniya, Mount Carmel School and Vidhyanagari. Himatnagar also has a Kendriya Vidyalaya. A hostel Himmat Bording, known as Himmat Chhatralay, have been run by Himmatnagar Kelavani Mandal near civil hospital. [citation needed]
This page provides a historical timeline of Ahmedabad, the sixth largest city in India.
Sabarkantha district is one of the 33 districts of Gujarat state of India, located in the northeastern part of the state. The administrative headquarters of the district are located in Himatnagar.
Idar is a town in Sabarkantha district, Gujarat, India. It is known for the manufacture of handmade wooden toys, tiles, its temples and various beautiful architectural monuments on its hills, and its historical background. Idar is at the southern end of the Aravalli Range. The new prince of Idar is shrinivash Vanzara kingofshrinivash
Radhanpur is a city and a municipality in Patan district in the Indian state of Gujarat.
Ahmedabad is the largest city in the state of Gujarat. It is located in western India on the banks of the River Sabarmati. The city served as political as well as economical capital of the region since its establishment. The earliest settlement can be recorded around the 12th century under Chaulukya dynasty rule. The present city was founded on 26 February 1411 and announced as the capital on 4 March 1411 by Ahmed Shah I of Gujarat Sultanate as a new capital. Under the rule of sultanate (1411–1511) the city prospered followed by decline (1511–1572) when the capital was transferred to Champaner. For next 135 years (1572–1707), the city renewed greatness under the early rulers of Mughal Empire. The city suffered due to political instability (1707–1817) under late Mughal rulers followed by joint rule between Maratha and Mughal. The city further suffered following joint Maratha rule. The city again progressed when politically stabilized when British East India Company established the rule in the city (1818–1857). The city further renewed growth when it gain political freedom by establishment of municipality and opening of railway under British crown rule (1857–1947). Following arrival of Mahatma Gandhi in 1915, the city became centre stage of Indian independence movement. Many activists like Sardar Patel served the municipality of the city before taking part in the movement. After independence, the city was a part of Bombay state. When Gujarat was carved out in 1960, it again became the capital of the state until establishment of Gandhinagar in 1965. Ahmedabad is also the cultural and economical centre of Gujarat and the seventh largest city of India.
Khedbrahma is a town and a taluka headquarter in Khedbrahma Taluka of Sabarkantha district, Gujarat, India. It is situated on the banks of Harnav river. The town is connected with mythological history and has been pilgrim site for centuries. The 11th century Brahma, Ambika and Pankhnath Mahadev temples are the oldest monuments of the town. The town has an old stepwell, the Brahma Vav. It was under Parmaras, Chaulukyas and Pariharas before it came under Idar State in 13th century.
Shams-ud-Din Muzaffar Shah II or Muzafar II, born Khalil Khan, was a Sultan of the Muzaffarid dynasty, who reigned over the Gujarat Sultanate from 1511 to 1526. He was the eldest son of Sultan Mahmud Begada.
Idar State, also known as Edar, was a princely state located in present-day Gujarat state of India. During the British era, it was a part of the Mahi Kantha Agency, within the Gujarat Division of Bombay Presidency.
Ahmad Shah I, born Ahmad Khan, was a ruler of the Muzaffarid dynasty, who reigned over the Gujarat Sultanate from 1411 until his death in 1442. He was the grandson of Sultan Muzaffar Shah, founder of the dynasty.
Bhiloda is a taluka headquarters situated in Aravalli District in the state of Gujarat, India. It is situated on the banks of the Hathmati River among the Aravalli Hills.
Kothara is a village and a Jain pilgrimage center located in Abdasa Taluka of Kutch district of Gujarat, India.
Maharaja Himmat Singh was the last ruler of the princely state of Idar State. He was Maharaja of Idar from 1931 to 1948.
Idar is a town in Sabarkantha district located in northern Gujarat, India. Recorded in epic history, this town was ruled by the Bhil tribe and descendants of Maitraka of Vallabhi, with its history traced back to the 7th century. The region was ruled by Rajput clans. Initially, Parihar Rajput refounded Idar and ruled until its chief died in the Second Battle of Tarain in 1192. It was then ruled by a Koli chieftain named Hathi Sora, who was succeeded by his son Samalio. The Rathod clan's prince, Sonangji, defeated the former ruler and assumed control, establishing the Rao dynasty that would govern the region for numerous generations. After numerous changes of fortune and many struggles with the Muslim rulers of Gujarat, the Rao rulers left Idar. In 1728, they were succeeded by the Rathod dynasty from Marwar. They ruled Idar State for generations and became part of the Mahi Kantha agency under British rulers. Following the independence of India in 1947, Idar became part of the Union of India and later the Republic of India.
Poshina (Ratanpur) is a town in Poshina Taluka in Sabarkantha district of Gujarat state, India. It is located in the northernmost side of Sabarkantha district, 70 km from Idar.
Vadali is a town in Vadali Taluka of Sabarkantha district of Gujarat, India.
Tervada is a village in Kankrej Taluka of Banaskantha district in Gujarat, India.
The Shantinath Jain temple is located in Kothara village of Kutch district, Gujarat, India. The temple is dedicated to the 16th Tirthankara Shantinatha and is an important place of pilgrimage for the followers of Jainism.
Muzaffar Shah I, born Zafar Khan, was the founder of the Muzaffarid dynasty in Medieval India, reigning over the Gujarat Sultanate from 1391 to 1403 and again from 1404 to 1411.
Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud Shah III was a sultan of the Muzaffarid dynasty who reigned over the Gujarat Sultanate, a late medieval kingdom in India from 1537 to 1554. He had to battle frequently with his nobles who were interested in independence, especially Darya Khán and Imád-ul-Mulk. He was killed by one of his servants.
The Mughal Empire's province Gujarat was managed by the viceroys appointed by the emperors. The emperor Farrukhsiyar was deposed by influential Sayad brothers in 1719. He was succeeded by the short reigns of Rafi ud-Darajat and Shah Jahan II. Finally Muhammad Shah was raised to the throne by them. To make peace with powerful vassal, he appointed Ajítsingh of Márwár as a viceroy. The Maratha incursions continued and Píláji Gáikwár established himself at Songad near southern border of Gujarat. Ajit Singh had appointed Anopsingh Bhandari as his deputy. For helping to depose the influential Sayad brothers, Haidar Kúli Khán was appointed the next viceroy. People discontent with Anopsingh rejoiced his appointment but he tried to make himself free so he was recalled. Nizám-ul-Mulk took over who had to face the Maratha incursion again. The Marathas taking advantage of weakening Mughal Empire started extracting tribute from Gujarat regularly. The next viceroy Sarbuland Khan came in conflict with the Marathas whose generals were first defeated at Kapadvanj and again at Aras. The infighting in Marathas later stalled their advances. The imperial troops was sent by the emperor to help. Finally the Marathas were defeated at Sojitra and Kapadvanj and pushed back from their inroads in Gujarat. In subsequent years, the Marathas attacked Vadnagar and later captured Baroda, Dabhoi and Champaner. The growing power of Marathas in the southern Gujarat can not be contained.
References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Himatnagar.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
India 
