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The Bhal region is an area of Gujarat, India. It is spread across the political boundaries of the districts of Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad, and Anand.[1] The Bhal region is situated on the deltas of the Sabarmati, Bhogawo, Bhadar, Lilka and other rivers that flow east and southeast off the Kathiawar peninsula into the Gulf of Cambay. The word Bhaal (Gujarati: ભાલ) (Hindi: भाल) seems to have been derived from the Sanskrit word भाल which means forehead. Such a name is given to this region probably because it is mostly as flat as a forehead with almost entire region's soil without any stones, pebbles or gravel.
Bhal region
ભાલ, भाल | |
|---|---|
 A field full of Bhalia wheat (A wheat sub-species) in Bhaal region of Gujarat State | |
 | |
| Country | India |
| State | Gujarat |
| Named for | Derived from Sanskrit word भाल meaning forehead |
Bhalia Wheat is a major farm cultivation in the region.
Flowing through Bhal region
edit- Bhada (Bhaadar)
- Gautami
- Ghelo
The Ghelo River starts near Babra in Amreli district and meets the Gulf of Cambay in the Bhal Region.
- Kalubhar
The Kalubhar River starts near Babra in Amreli District and meets the Gulf of Cambay in the Bhal Region. The Rangholi River is a major tributary.
- Lilka
- Limdi no Bhogavo
- Meshvo
- Ootavali
- Sabarmati
The Sabarmati River is at the northeastern end of the Bhal. The Vatrak River and the Bhogawo Rivers are major tributaries of the Sabarmati.
- Surendranagar no Bhogavo
Wildlife and birds
edit- Velavadar Blackbuck National Park
- Pipli Wetland
- Saltpans & wetlands between Naari & Bawaliyali villages
Archaeological and historical sites
editGamph was a small state of India, ruled by chudasama Rajputs.[2] There are 52 Estates of Chudasama Rajputs in the Dhandhuka area which all are the Bhayads of former Gamph state. These Rajputs are descended from the old Rah Dynasty of Junagadh.[citation needed]
Navaghana (late 11th century king), The King of Junagadh have 5 sons, Whom elder son Bhimji given the Jagir of Bhadli. Second son Satrasalji given the jagir of Sarva, later known as Sarvaiya rajputs on the name of village Sarva. Third and fourth son Devghanji and Savghanji given Osham Chorasi. Fifth son Raa Khengar succeeded him, his descendant Raa Bhupatsinhji of Junagadh was called as "Raizada" Mahommed Begda, Sultan of Ahemdabad so they are later known as Raizada Rajputs. Bhimjis descendants continued the main branch of chudasama. Later they moved to Bhal region. Raisalji established new capital Gorasu in 1572. His Grandson Amarsinhji abandoned Gorasu and established Gamph in 1633, it remained Capital of Chudasama Rajputs. In 1947, Vikramsinhji Manharsinhji Chudasama, The Thakore Saheb of Gamph merged his State into India.
Pilgrimage sites
edit- Gorasu - Chudasama Rajput's Sahayak Devi Khodiyar Mataji Temple
- Bhadiyad - Chudasama Rajputs Kuldevi Bhavani Mataji Temple
- Arnej - Bootbhawani Mataji temple
- Kauka - Bootbhawani mataji temple+ Bapasitaram temple
- Bawaliyali - Radha-Krishna temple
- Dholka - Kalikund tirth Jain Temple
- Ganpatipura - Swayambhu Ganpati Idol & temple + Swaminarayan Mandir
- Nani Boru - Lord Shiva Temple built by Prashnora Nagar Brahmin community
- Bhadiyad - Pir Mehmudshah Bukhari Dargah sarifh and mosque
- Varna-lord hanumanji temple
- Gorad [Gohil Mitali State Bhayat] Rajput's Shahayak Devi Ma Kodiyar Temple
- Swaminarayan Temple "Dholera- Madanmohanji Maharaj","Budhej" and "Gorad"
- Akru-Madhavanand Aashram
Fairs
edit- Urash Mubarak of Bhadiyad pir
Notable Rulers
editChudasama Rajput was notable rulers of Bhal, they came here from Junagadh. The Chudasama Rajputs moved their capital to Gamph. Gamph was a small princely state with 52 Estates, who are former Bhayads of the ruler of Gamph State.
Virbhadrasinhji Vikramsinhji Chudasama.
16th ruler of Gamph State and head of Chudasama Rajputs.
New projects coming in Bhal region
edit- Dholera International Airport
- Ahmedabad - Dholera - Bhavnagar six-lane expressway
- Gandhinagar - Ahmedabad - Dholera metro rail
See also
edit- Gandhinagar — Capital of Gujarat
- Vibrant Gujarat
Notes and references
edit- ^ "History of Anand District". Anand District Panchayat, Gujarat Government. 2014. Archived from the original on 10 February 2015.
- ^ Vadivelu, A. (1915). The Ruling Chiefs, Nobles & Zamindars of India. G.C. Loganadham. p. 467.