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History Of Mahuva City
Historical references of present Mahuva town have three dimensions.
As per Indian mythology Mahuva was known as "Dhanrmanya" in Satyug, "Styamandir" in Dwaparyug, "Ved Bhuvan" in Treatayug and "Mahorak" in Kalyug. It is believed that Mahuva name might have been drawn from Mahorak1. During 15th century Mahuva wan known as Madhumati in the regime of Maitrak2. On the seashore between Katpar and Nikol is an ancient temple of Bhavani Mata which is believed to have been the place from where Krishna had absconded Rukmani. However there are no strong evidences about the history of Mahuva from 1440 to 1772.
The physical evidences found in Mahuva include inscription in the Lakshmi - Narayan temple dated A.D.1444 mentioning Mahuva as Madhumavati. An old mosque at Mahuva on the north side of the town contains inscription. Arabic language stating that it was built by Malik Asar-ul-Malik bin Malik Jauhor in San 826. From 1772 to 1816 Mahuva shows evidences of Mughal, Kharedia, Khasia, Khachar and Kathi rulers. Mahuva was conquered from Kharedia by the Khasias and they were expelled by Thakor of Bhavnagar. Mahuva was a port of some trade under both Gujarat Sultnat and the Mogul Emperors3. Since then, the town remained under Bhavnagar's possession. Bhavnaar was one of the most progressive states of Gujarat and after independence it was the first to give responsible government and had joined India union4.
In the year of 1948, Mahuva became Municipal town. It had sound economic base mainly due to presence of port and a proficient Mahajan community in various businesses. Many young visionaries worked for the town during the period of 1948 to 1960's, in the fields of education, health, recreation and physical planning. The city also gave birth to eminent political figures that worked towards transforming their vision to realty. The period of 60's and 70's was the most glorious period of the city for it's social, economic, environment and governance point of view after the formation of municipality. From 1980's onwards, problems of water scarcity, salinity and lack of efficient management of resources creped in the city. Building of Khuntvada Dam in 1971 prevented the waters of Malan River. While reduced functional utility of the port due to new road networks and rise in physical inaccessibility of larger ships reduced the port related activities. At this time city's economic base started to shift towards small and large scale industries with the establishment of Industrial estate in mid 70's.
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