Jamnagar () is a city and the headquarters of Jamnagar district in the Indian state of Gujarat. The city lies just to the south of the Gulf of Kutch, some west of the state capital, Gandhinagar. The city was the capital of Nawanagar princely state during British Raj.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of India signed an agreement to establish the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar. This global knowledge centre for traditional medicine, supported by an investment of US$250 million from the Government of India, aims to harness the potential of traditional medicine from across the world through modern science and technology to improve the health of people and the planet.
India's largest private company, Reliance Industries is developing the world's largest zoo at a location of 28 km from Jamnagar city.
Jamnagar Municipal Corporation is planning to develop the riverfront on Rangmati – Nagmati river at an approximate cost of around Rs. 500 crores.
Jamnagar is famous for its traditional Bandhani (tie-dye) textiles, intricate silver and brass jewelry, unique handicrafts like agate paperweights, and specific snacks like Dryfruit Kachori and Ghughra, reflecting Gujarat's rich culture and craftsmanship, alongside its status as a major industrial hub for oil refining (Reliance Industries ).
History
thumb|left|Maharaja Jamsaheb Shri of Nawanagar
Nawanagar was founded by Jam Rawal in 1540 as the capital of the eponymous princely state. Jamnagar, historically known as Nawanagar (the new town), was one of the most important and the largest princely states of the Jadejas in the Saurashtra region. It was a thirteen-gun salute state.
According to historical records, Bahadur Shah, Sultan of Gujarat bestowed upon Jam Lakhaji twelve villages in recognition of his role in the siege of Pawagadh. Shortly after he took possession of the villages, Jam Lakhaji was killed by his cousins, Tamachi Deda and Jam Hamir Jadeja. His son, Jam Rawal, murdered his father's killers and became ruler of Kutch. The State of Kutch was semi-independent from the Gujarat Sultanate.
Hamirji's sons, Khengarji and Sahibji, served the Sultan of Gujarat. During a hunt, the brothers saved the Sultan from being killed by a lion. As a reward for their valour, the Sultan sent an army with them to regain their kingdom. Jam Rawal prepared for battle after hearing that the two princes were returning to Kutch with the imperial army.
Goddess Ashapuraji, the supreme deity of the Jadeja Clan of Rajputs, appeared to Jam Rawal in a dream. She told him that although he had broken an oath taken in her name not to kill Hamirji, she had refrained from punishing him because he had previously honoured her. She said that Jam Rawal was no longer to dwell in Kutch.
As Jam Rawal and his entourage marched out of Kutch, they attacked and killed Tamachi Deda, the main conspirator in the murder of Jam Lakhaji. Jam Rawal also conquered the town of Amran and its dependencies, bestowing the rule of Dhrol province on his younger brother Hardholji. Hardholji died in battle at Mithoi near Khambhalia, passing the throne to his eldest son Jasoji. Jam Rawal conquered parts of Saurashtra and formed his kingdom with 999 villages named Halar.
While on a hunting trip in present-day Jamnagar, Jam Rawal's hunting dogs were scared by a hare brave enough to turn on them. Jam Rawal thought that if this land could breed such hares, the men born here would be superior to other men. As a result, he made this place his capital.
thumb|left|Flag of the Princely State of [[Nawanagar State|Nawanagar]]
On the seventh day of the bright half of the month of Shrawan, V.S.1956 (August 1540) on the banks of the Rangmati and Nagmati rivers, Jam Rawal laid the foundation of his new capital and named it Nawanagar (new town). After a few centuries, its name changed to Jamnagar or the Town of the JAMs.
During the 18th century, Nawanagar was ruled by the Jadeja Rajputs, who were known for their bravery and military prowess. They fought many battles with the neighbouring states and played a significant role in defending the region against foreign invasions.
In 1807, Nawanagar became a princely state under the British Raj. The first ruler of the state was Maharaja Ranjit Singhji, who was known for his progressive policies and efforts to modernize the state. He built many schools, hospitals, and other public facilities, and introduced a number of reforms to improve the lives of his subjects.
Jamsaib was instrumental in creating the city's modern infrastructure during his reign in the 1920s. Jam Saheb Shri Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji expanded the city's development in the 1940s when it was part of the Princely state of Nawanagar.
Geography
Major communities include the Jadeja, Khavas Rajput, Charan (Gadhvi), Satvaras (Dalvadis), Ahirs Sagars, Patels, Bhanushalis, Rajputs, Mers, Jains, Lohanas, Brahmins, Bhoi (Bhoiraj), and Vaghers (Muslim and Hindu)
thumb|Mangroves jungle along canal near Pirotan Island
There are two important ports close to Jamnagar. Rozi Port is on the shore of the Gulf of Kutch; Bedi Port is two nautical miles () inland on the Rangamati River. Bedi Port is an all-weather intermediate seaport that exports various commodities, including bauxite, soya meal extracts, and ground nut extracts. The port's imports include coal, fertilizer, and other items.
The coral reef island of Pirotan is one of the 42 islands which compose the Marine National Park. Pirotan lies in the Arabian Sea, 12 nautical miles off the coast, and stretches up to .
Khijadia Bird Sanctuary, located northeast of Jamnagar, was established 6 November 1982. It features a seasonal freshwater shallow lake, inter-tidal mudflats, creeks, saltpans, saline land, and mangrove scrub. The place is a known breeding ground of the Great Crested Grebe, the Little Grebe, Purple Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt, and Pheasant-tailed Jacana. Raptors, including Harriers, Eagles, Hawks, and Falcons also live here. The sanctuary also shelters migratory birds such as Swallows, Martins, Wagtails, and Waterfowl.
Jamnagar has huge reserves of bauxite, with its mines contributing 95% of the total production in the state.
Climate
Jamnagar has a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen: BSh). There are three defined seasons. The hot season lasts from March to May and is extremely hot and humid. Next is the wet season with extremely erratic monsoonal rainfall that averages around . However, rainfall has varied from less than in 1911 and 1939 to over in 2010. Tropical cyclones sometimes affect the region during this period. The cool season is from October to February when it remains hot during the day but has negligible rainfall, low humidity, and cool nights.
The highest recorded temperature in Jamnagar was on 5 May 1990, while the lowest recorded temperature was on 5 February 1984.