of Gondal, 1911 Gondal is mentioned in texts like the
Ain-i-Akbari (written in the reign of
Akbar) and
Mirat-i-Ahmadi as a
Vaghela state in Sorath (
Saurashtra). The
Gondal State in
Kathiawar Agency was founded in 1634 by Kumbhojī I from the
Jadeja dynasty, who received
Ardoi and other villages from his father Merāmanjī.
Sir Bhagwant Singhji, who reigned from 1888 until his death in 1944, was noted for tax reforms, compulsory education for women, and also for stopping the practice of
purdah (female seclusion) at a time when the royal households of India were known for this tradition. In 1901, Gondal city had a population of 19,592, and was a stop on the branch line between Rajkot and Jetalsar on the
Viramgam–Rajkot and
Rajkot–Somnath lines. The ancestors of
Muhammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan, belong to Paneli village in Gondal state.
Historical places The Naulakha Palace is the oldest extant palace in Gondal, dating back to the 17th century. It has
stone carvings with
jharokhas (enclosed balconies), a pillared courtyard, delicately carved arches, and a unique spiral staircase. The large chandelier-lit
durbar (court) contains stuffed
panthers, gilt wooden furniture, and antique mirrors. The Private Palace Museum has a display of silver caskets which were used to carry messages and gifts for Maharajah
Bhagvatsinhji during his
silver jubilee as ruler of Gondal. The Riverside Palace was built in 1875 by Maharajah Bhagwat Sinhji for his son, Yuvraj Bhojraji. It has groomed lawns and gardens, a living room furnished in typical
colonial style with chandelier, antique wooden furniture and sofas, and an "Indian room" decorated with
beadwork,
brassware and paintings. The palace has now become a heritage hotel. The Huzoor Palace is the current royal residence. One wing of this palace, called the Orchard palace, is open to the public. It was built as an annex of the Huzoor Palace in the late 19th century to host guests of the Maharajas. The property gets its name from the fruit
orchards, lawns and gardens that surround the palace. Orchard Palace was converted into a seven-room heritage hotel decorated with 1930s–1940s art deco furniture, antiques and handicrafts. The garden contains many types of birds, including a large population of peacocks. The Room of Miniatures is a sitting room with a collection of
miniature paintings, brass, and furniture. One of the highlights of the palace is the Rail Saloon of the royal family of Gondal which has been converted into a suite with a drawing room, dining room and bedroom. The royal garages have an extensive collection of
vintage and
classic cars.
Thakurs The rulers of Gondal were Thakurs of the
Jadeja dynasty who had the right to an 11-
gun salute. They bore the title 'Thakur Sahib' from 1866 onwards. ==Religious sites==