The history of Modasa dates back thousands of years. It is believed that region around Modasa has been populated since the days of Indus valley civilization. Many architectural items, coins, religious artifacts, brick etc. are found at excavation sites around Modasa. These findings are evidence of the prominent role Modasa played during various periods of Indian history. Modasa has been place of significance in the times of Mauryas, Shatvahns, Kshtraps Guptas, Maritrakas, Rastrakutas etc. Copper plates with inscription from the reigns of King bhoja were found in Kokapur, Modasa. Modasa is also referred in the Harsola copper plate as one of the town granted by king Siyaka. It was an important frontier fortified post during
Gujarat Sultanate (1415) under Sultan
Ahmed Shah I. During Mughal times it served as a resting place for travellers to Mecca via Surat port. At the close of the sixteenth century it was the chief place in a tract of 162 villages, yielding a yearly revenue of £80,000 (Rs. 8,00,000). Under the
Mughals, Shahab-ud-din, the 3rd Viceroy (1577-1583), repaired the fort at Modasa, and stationing a party of cavalry there completely settled the country. During the eighteenth century Modasa greatly declined, and when (1818) it came under British management, the town was most backward. Quickly recovering, it had in 1825 a numerous and respectable body of traders with an estimated capital of £90,000 (Rs. 9,00,000). There was a British passenger ship named after Modasa. The SS Modasa was one of a class of six near-sister ships owned by
British-India Steam Navigation Co. Built by
Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson. ==Geography==