Gondal, a quaint and culturally rich city in Gujarat, is quickly gaining attention among travelers seeking offbeat heritage destinations in India. Steeped in royal history, Gondal boasts breathtaking palaces, a renowned vintage car collection, and vibrant architectural marvels that reflect its regal legacy. Once a premier princely state under the Kathiawar Agency during British India’s Bombay Presidency, Gondal included four towns and over 175 villages, making it a significant power in the region.
The origins of Gondal trace back to 1634, when it was established by Thakore Shri Kumbhoji I Meramanji of the Jadeja dynasty. The city flourished under Jadeja rule, as successive monarchs invested in infrastructure, education, arts, and governance. Gondal’s contribution to Gujarat’s cultural and architectural fabric is still evident in its majestic Naulakha Palace, serene Riverside Palace, and the regal Orchard Palace, now heritage hotels.
References to Gondal can even be found in Ain-i-Akbari and Mirat-i-Ahmadi, where it is mentioned as a Vaghela-ruled region in the historic Sorath area. Today, Gondal is a hidden gem for heritage tourism, offering an immersive journey into Gujarat’s royal past with its palatial architecture, museum-quality vintage cars, and timeless traditions.
Who Are the Gondal Royals? Key Facts
Turning Heritage into Business Ideas – How the Gondal Family Monetised Their Heritage
Who Are the Gondal Royals? Key Facts
Here are the key facts about the Gondal Royal family and their legacy:
- Maharaja Bhagvatsinhji (1869-1944) was known for his progressive policies that included compulsory and free education for women, abolition of multiple taxes, building of roads, sanitation, and introducing electricity to his region.
- The family is actively involved in promoting education and has established multiple institutions such as Maharani Rajkunvarba for girls, Sangramsinh High School. They also contribute to the Rajkumar College in Rajkot and Ferguson College in Pune.
- The current head of the Royal House of Gondal is HH Maharajah Shir Himanshusinhji Jyotendrasinhji Sahib.
- The women of the Royal family were the first to abandon the purdah system and engage actively in social work.
- Gondal was modernized due to the initiation of Thakore Shri Sagramji and then by Bhagvat Sinhji.
Rishi Mundra
Turning Heritage into Business Ideas – How the Gondal Family Monetised Their Heritage
The Gondal family holds a captivating history and has multiple attractions that draw hundreds of thousands of tourists annually, with glorious stories to capture their imagination.
Naulakha Palace
Gondal is home to multiple palaces with exceptional architectural wonders. Among them is Naulakha Palace, built in the 18th century, with elaborate carvings and wonderful murals that depict the opulent lives of the royals, while highlighting their attention to detail. Also, the palace includes a vast courtyard and enchanting gardens that have attracted tourists over the years. The biggest attraction is its European and Rajput architectural styles with an impressive collection of royal memorabilia, artefacts, and vintage cars, ensuring that it is a treasure trove of history.
Huzoor Palace and Orchard Palace
The Huzoor Palace is the royal residence for the present head of the family, Dr. Ravindarshan Vyas. The Orchard Palace is an extension of the Huzoor Palace and was constructed for the Maharaja’s personal guests. It has now been changed into a 7-room heritage hotel complete with art deco furniture from the 30s and 40s, with multiple handicrafts and antique pieces. The Orchard Palace is open to the public, where travellers can stay in the coveted hotel surrounded by lime, chikoo, and mango trees. The beauty of the palace is further enhanced with peacocks roaming around freely.
Vintage Car Museum
Gondal is known for its assortment of classic cars, which are highly sought after by tourists. The townhouse has a private group of vehicles that belong to the family. There is a diverse collection of classic and vintage cars spanning from pre-1910 models to modern-day ones. The Royal Garages house this expansive collection that is known worldwide not only for its significance but also for its historical value. Some of the most notable vehicles are the 1935 Rolls-Royce Phantom II, but a piece-de-resistance is a single railway carriage that was once part of the Gondal Royal Railway.
The Riverside Palace
This beautiful palace is built along the Gondali River, which boasts stunning flowing waters and verdant environs. Created in the 19th century, with a mix of Indian and European styles, the palace has beautiful domes, elaborate carvings, and large courtyards. The Riverside Palace is a former royal house and has been turned into an 11-room heritage hotel.
The Royal Opera House
The Maharaja of Gondal, Shri Vikramsinhji, bought the Royal Opera House in 1952, and his son, Shri Jyotendrasinhji, commissioned its restoration in 2010. It was finally completed in October 2016. The building was restored to its original beauty with the addition of some modern elements. The Opera House is now a 574 seater with a 3-level auditorium with an orchestra pit and state-of-the-art technological upgrades. The Maharaja insisted on retaining its old world charm of royal boxes and regal chandeliers while adding modern touches such as air-conditioning, stagecraft, and lighting.
Conclusion
The history and legacy of Gondal is a blend of traditional heritage with modern developments. The palaces, temples, and cultural practices not only reflect the legacy of its rulers but also attract tourists interested in history, culture, and architecture. With its majestic palaces and impressive car collections, the heritage of the kings is now open for viewing by the public. Exploring the town of Gondal can not only give you a peek into the world of opulence as a part of our Indian heritage, but also captivate its tourists and leave them wanting more.
Kanimozhi Sivakumar
FAQs
What is Gondal famous for?
Gondal is renowned for its royal legacy, magnificent palaces, and impressive collection of vintage cars. It is one of the princely states of Gujarat, known for its architectural marvels like Naulakha Palace, Orchard Palace, and Riverside Palace, along with the Royal Vintage Car Museum.
Who were the rulers of Gondal?
Gondal was ruled by the Jadeja dynasty, founded in 1634 by Thakore Shri Kumbhoji I Meramanji. The most prominent ruler was Maharaja Bhagvatsinhji (1869–1944), known for his progressive governance and modernization of Gondal.
Can tourists stay in any of the royal palaces in Gondal?
Yes, both the Orchard Palace and Riverside Palace have been transformed into heritage hotels.
Is Gondal part of Gujarat’s princely state history?
Yes, Gondal was one of the eight major princely states under the Kathiawar Agency during British rule and played a key role in Gujarat’s royal and cultural history.
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