Junagadh is a place laced with historical monuments and legends, with varied tales to be heard from every sphere.
Junagadh is a perfect place of amalgamations of almost every type of culture, from Muslim to Hindu to even Persian, legends churning up from all dynasties. The Mughals also find place in its history. The contemporary lifestyle of dwellers and tourers stand in fine contrast of the old world edifices - a kind of bizarre Venice meets Lucknow.
The district headquarters of Junagadh district, Junagadh city is situated on the foothills of Girnar hills. The place is located in the southwest of Ahmedabad, at a distance of 327 km. The name `Junagadh` in Gujrati stands for `old fort`. Historical statistics speak of Junagadh, once serving as the capital of Mauryan and Gupta dynasties and the Chudasama Rajputs during the medieval period.
Geographical location: Geographically, the town is located between 21.52° North latitude and 70.47° East longitude, at an elevation of 107 metres (351 feet) above sea level. The climatic conditions of Junagadh fluctuate heavily according to the sultry summers and chilly winters. The approximate summer temperatures vary from 23°C to 44°C. The winter temperatures range from 10°C to 36°C. The town can be visited round the year.
History
History of Junagadh is diverse and varied, with the impressions of rules of the Mauryans, Kashatrapas, Guptas, Vallabhas, Chaudasamas, Gujarat Sultans and Babi Nawab. During the earlier eras, Junagadh was under the authority of four primary religions, principally - Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Muslims. Both political moguls and religious powers had enhanced the culture and gave shape to incredible edifices, leaving their mark on the architecture of Junagadh. The Babi ruler of Junagadh, Nawab Mahobat Khan II (1851-82 A.D.) had ornamented Junagadh and also had presided over the construction of several buildings and urban design proposes like Aina Mahal, Circle Chowk with clock tower and Dewan Chowk. Some of the other buildings of the Nawabi period comprise the Bahauddin College, Manoranjan Guest House, Mahobat Madresa (Narsi Vidya Mandir) and the maqbaras (mausoleums) of the royalty. All the architectural structures are exceedingly ornamental and reminds one of the last phase of architecture of Lucknow.