History of Morbi

Morbi is a City of Rajkot District, 64 Km from Rajkot. Government ST is the main mean of transport.

Untill 1947 Morbi was a princely state. Raja Mayurdvaj was the king of Morbi. Morbi devastated in 1979 with flood. Most of historical monuments were ruined in this flood. But now Morbi is once again immerging as Hub for tiles & clock manufacuring.

You can reach Morbi within 2 hrs. from Rajkot. There are two busstands in Morbi New Busstand & Old Busstand.

There is Hotel Manali Just Opposite to New Busstand.You can easily find a room here. Hotel rooms are easily available between Rs.200-1000.

Mani Mandir is a temple situated in the courtyard of Wellingdon Secretariat. The images of Laxmi Narayan, Mahakali, Ramchandraji, Radha- Krishna and Shiva are worshiped in this temple. Mani Mandir is made out of Jaipur stone with excellent workmanship and exquisitely carved elements-arches, brackets, jalis,chhatris and shikhara. Wellingdon Secretariat is an excellent example of the application of principles of Rajput architecture by master craftsmen, at the turn of the century.

The prosperous city Morbi has much of the built heritage and town planning is attributed to the efficient administration of Sir Waghji, who came to the throne in 1879 and ruled till 1948. Sir Waghji acted as the Ruler, Manager, Patron and Policemen of the state with great authority, always keeping the citizens' interests in mind. Sir Waghji, like other contemporary rulers of Saurashtra, built roads, Railway Network of 70 miles connecting Wadhvan and Morbi and two small ports of Navlakhi and Vavania for exporting the state's production of Salt and Cloth. The railway station of Morbi is a beautiful example of Railway architecture, combining Indian and European architectural elements. In 1979, the city was badly affected due to flooding caused by morvi dam burst. But one can see the spirit of people of Morbi as today it is one of the most growing industrial cities of the state.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS

NEAR BY CITIES

Rajkot: 67 kms.
Ahmedabad: 247 kms.

Darbargadh:
Darbargadh, on the bank of Machchhu, is an original residence of Morbi rulers. It can be reached by crossing an imposing gate and arcade façade. Now it is the only heritage hotel at Morbi. 

Mani Mandir:
Mani Mandir is a temple situated in the courtyard of Wellington Secretariat. The images of Laxmi Narayan, Mahakali, Ramchandraji, Radha-Krishna and Shiva are enshrined in this temple. Mani Mandir is made out of Jaipur stone with excellent workmanship and exquisitely carved elements- arches, brackets, 'jalis', 'chhatris' and 'shikhara'.

Suspension Bridge:
The Suspension Bridge, an engineering marvel built at the turn of the century, reflects the progressive and scientific nature of the rulers of Morbi. This was built to give a unique identity to Morbi using the latest technology available in those days, in Europe. It is 1.25 m wide and spans 233 m on the Machchhu River connecting Darbargadh Palace and Lakhdhirji Engineering College. 

Green Chowk:
Green Chowk is a town square approached by a series of three gates. European town planning principles inspired the creation of these gates as landmarks in the town. The Nehru Gate is made out of stone using elements of Rajput architecture with central clock tower, while another one uses elements of western architecture and is capped by a three-storeyed cast iron frame structure with a dome. 

Art Deco Palace:
It is a marvelous example of influence of last phase of art deco movement of Europe. It is poetry in granite, a low two-storey in banded horizontal fenestration, curves and bays, which resemble the London underground stations of Charles Holden. The palace has six drawing rooms, six dining rooms, and fourteen bedrooms. The decorated subterranean bedroom, with many erotic murals and a bathroom made from seashells are also noteworthy. 

Lakhdhirji Engineering College:
Lakhdhirji Engineering College is housed in Nazarbag Palace, a former residence of Morbi rulers. 
The other places worth visiting at Morbi are V. C. High School, main railway station and Nazarbag railway station. 

Dhrangadhra:
75 kms away, Dhrangdhra is known for its royal palaces. 

Wadhvan: 
The main attraction of this place is the royal palaces, the bazaar and the step wells. It is at a distance of 107 kms.

Halvad: (48 kms) Halvad is famous for its Ek-Dandia Mahal-Zalawad Darshan, wooden palace and the cenotaphs.

Rajkot: (67 kms) famous for its princely architecture, there ear many places worth seeing in Rajkot. Some of them are Watson Museum, RajkumarCollege, Ramkrishna Mission and Kaba Gandhi no Delo. 

The most important buildings at Morbi are:


Darbargadh, Mani Mandir, Wellingdon Secretariat, Suspension Bridge, Art Deco Palace and Lakhdhirji Engineering College. Darbargadh, on the bank of Machchu, are an original residence of Morbi rulers. It can be reached by crossing an imposing gate arcaded facade, now it is the only heritage hotel at Morbi.

Mani Mandir is a temple situated in the courtyard of Wellingdon Secretariat. The images of Laxmi Narayan, Mahakali, Ramchandraji, Radha- Krishna and Shiva are worshiped in this temple. Mani Mandir is made out of Jaipur stone with excellent workmanship and exquisitely carved elements-arches, brackets, jalis, chhatris and shikhara. Wellingdon Secretariat is an excellent example of the application of principles of Rajput architecture by master craftsmen, at the turn of the century.

The Suspension Bridge, an engineering marvel built at the turn of the century, reflects the progressive and scientific nature of the rulers of Morbi. This was built to give a unique identity to Morbi using the latest technology available in those days in Europe. It is 1.25 metres wide and spans 233 metres on the Machchhu River connecting Darbargadh Palace and Lakhdhirji EngineeringCollege. Recently this bridge has been renovated and opened up for tourists.

Green Chowk is a town square approached by series of three gates. European town planning principles inspired the creation of these gates as landmarks in the town.

The Nehru Gate is made out of stone using elements of Rajput architecture with central clock tower, while another one uses elements of western architecture and is capped by a three-storey cast iron frame structure with a dome.

Art Deco Palace (1931–1944) is a marvellous example of influence of last phase of art deco movement of Europe. It is poetry in granite, a low two storey in banded horizontal fenestration, curves and bays, which resembles the London underground stations of Charles Holden. The palace has six drawing rooms, six dining rooms, and fourteen bedrooms. The decorated subterranean bedroom, with many erotic murals and a bathroom made from seashells are also noteworthy.

Lakhdhirji Engineering College is housed in Nazarbag Palace, a former residence of Morbi rulers.

The other places worth visiting at Morbi are: V C High School, main Railway Station and Nazarbag Railway Station.

New Palace | Art Deco Palace

Art Deco Palace (1931–1944) is a marvellous example of influence of last phase of art deco movement of Europe. It is poetry in granite, a low two storey in banded horizontal fenestration, curves and bays, which resembles the London underground stations of Charles Holden. The palace has six drawing rooms, six dining rooms, and fourteen bedrooms. The decorated subterranean bedroom, with many erotic murals and a bathroom made from seashells are also noteworthy.

Morbi Floods (1979)

In 1979, western India witnessed devastating floods. Thousands lost their lives and property worth crores were lost in towns and villages across Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. But the worst-hit area in the 1979 floods was, undoubtedly, the Morvi-Malia belt near Rajkot in Gujarat.

About 1,200 people died in the Morvi region alone after the frenzied Machhu river overflowed into the town and its surrounding areas in the last week of August. A visit to the site revealed sights of mass destruction. According to relief workers, bloated bodies and animal carcasses floated through the streets, and survivors were seen hanging onto trees and rooftops. There were also some heart-wrenching scenes. Relief workers found the body of a young girl clutching the rakhi on the wrist of her brother. Father and son were found frozen to death on their easy chairs. But the most unfortunate incident occurred in a temple situated in the Vajepur area of Morvi. As soon as worshippers realised that water levels were rising, they got hold of a ladder and started scampering up the temple. However, the ladder broke mid-way, people waiting to climb to safety were soon washed away by the swirling waters.

Relief operation was hampered for days on end as foot-long layer of slush covered the entire town. With no mode of transport and electricity, work of collecting bodies was painfully slow. In fact, on the first day of the relief operation, only 30 bodies were lifted.

To help survivors get over the tragedy to help rebuild the township, the Times of India set up a relief fund. Started with an initial contribution from the Times Group,the fund's collection was used for constructing a primary school building in a village in Morvi. In another village, where women and children had to walk for three to four km for drinking water, TOIRF provided them with drinking water supply in thier own village.

Julto Pul | Hanging Bridge | Suspension Bridge

The Suspension Bridge, an engineering marvel built at the turn of the century, reflects the progressive and scientific nature of the rulers of Morbi. This was built to give a unique identity to Morbi using the latest technology available in those days, in Europe. It is 1.25 m wide and spans 233 m on the Machchhu River connecting Darbargadh Palace and Lakhdhirji Engineering College.

Hanging Bridge of Morbi (Suspension Bridge) is a very famous tourist place.

Rajkot, January 4 The historic Julto Pul (hanging bridge) of Morbi will be thrown open to the public, in the last week of January, after a gap of nearly three decades. The repair and renovation work on this engineering marvel, inspired by the famous Hanging Bridge of London, is on the verge of completion.

Spanning the Machuchu River, it is one of the few hanging structures in India. It was constructed of special teak wood, iron and wires imported from England by the erstwhile ruler of Morbi, Thakore Vaghe, some 180 years back.

Due to its unique design and cultural value, the bridge has almost become synonymous with the industrial town of Morbi in Rajkot district.

The bridge connecting Barbargadh Palace to Nazarbaug was in operation till 1979 when a devastating cyclone struck this town. Since then, several repairs have taken place, but due to its deteriorating condition, the Rajkot district administration closed the bridge to save this famous Saurashtra landmark from complete collapse.

The Rajkot collectorate's call for the public-private participation for the renovation of Julto Pul received a favourable response from the Morbi-based Ajanta Group, who are among the country's leading wall-clock and tile manufacturers.

"The Julto Pul is being renovated at a cost of Rs 1 crore. The entire expense has been borne by the Ajanta Group. This time, superior quality material has been used to give the bridge at-least 10 years’ relief from wear and tear," said Rajkot District Collector Pradeep Sharma.

Sharma said over 90 per cent of the repair work has been completed and the Julto Pul is likely to be reopened for the public from January 27. The district administration is, however, yet to decide whether to declare it as a tourist site, or to open it for regular traffic. "It is yet to be decided whether it should be reopened just as a tourist site or also allow commuters on the bridge," said Sharma

The Julto Pul was constructed over a span of four years starting 1883. The bridge is 756-feet long and 4.6-feet wide. The main wooden lane has now been replaced with aluminium composite sheet, which is not only durable, but more lightweight compared to teak. The wooden support beams have also been replaced with weatherproof aluminium channels. To give it a complete weatherproof effect, the sheets and channels are being coated with high temperature aluminium paint.

Lakhdhirji Engineering College

Lakhdhirji Engineering College is housed in Nazarbag Palace, a former residence of Morbi rulers. The other placesworth visiting at Morbi.

The engineering college which hosts over 3000 engineering students is also a major source of income influx in morbi. Lukhdirji Engineering college (L.E. College) is one of the oldest colleges in Gujarat.

Morbi Technical Institute was commenced in 1931.  The late Honorable his highness Lukhdhirji donated his palace with 40 acres of land, in 1951 on the bank of river Machhu, aptly named after Lukhdhirji. Thus MTI  could be upgraded to its present state as Lukhdhirji Engineering College.

nitially the L. E. College was established to offer conventional degree courses in disciplines like Civil, Mechanical  and Electrical Engineering. Gradually the diversified disciplines like Industrial, Production, Power Electronics and Information  Technology were introduced at the degree level and the ceramic at the diploma level besides conventional diploma courses stated in the table given below. The college is approved by AICTE and affiliated to Saurashtra University, Rajkot, (Gujarat)  which accredited four star university  by NAAC

Located on National Highway No. 8 on Bamanbor (Chotila) - Kandla route. Morbi is well connected from almost all parts of Gujarat through State Transport service. It is 70 Km. away from Rajkot district place. Morbi is around 190 Km. away from Ahmedabad. ST and Private buses are available at regular intervals to reach Morbi from Rajkot and Ahmedabad. On Railway line Morbi is 27 Km away from Wankaner Junction of Ahmedabad - Rajkot Route. From Wankaner to Morbi DEMU rail service is available at regular interval and at arrival of major trains at junction, up to Nazar Baug railway station which is 1 Km. away from the Institute. Morbi is also on the way to Rajkot - Bhuj railway line. More Information...

Darbargadh

Darbargadh, on the bank of Machchhu, is an original residence of Morbi rulers. It can be reached by crossing an imposing gate and arcade façade. Now it is the only heritage hotel at Morbi.

Mani Mandir | Wagh Mahel

Mani Mandir is a stunning piece of temple architecture, situated in the courtyard of Wellingdon Secretariat, in Morbi, Gujarat. Built in 1935, this magnificent structure took shape in Jaipur stone, adorned with exquisitely carved elements-arches, brackets, jalis, chhatris and shikhara. The temple enshrines the images of Lakshmi Narayan, Goddess Kali, Lord Ram, Radha- Krishna and Lord Shiva.

Mani Mandir stands as a testimony to the excellent workmanship and dexterity of its master craftsmen and architects, who had conceived and materialized the structure at the turn of 20th century.

Morbi’s Mani Mandir, an excellent piece of temple architecture and a palace belonging to the erstwhile princely state of Morbi in Saurashtra is going to be renovated and converted into a first of its kind museum showcasing the socio-cultural heritage of the Saurashtra region.

Built by Thakor Saheb Sir Waghji to immortalize his love for a girl named Mani, the building is a symbol of love that stands testimony to excellent workmanship .

After Independence, it was transformed into a government building.In the 2001 earthquake, the palace was damaged to a great extent.The state government, on February 4, handed over the place to the Rajmata and Rajkumari on a 20-year lease at a token rate of Re 1 per year.

The erstwhile royal family has now accepted responsibility of the project to renovate and transform the building into a museum, right from funding to execution.The royal family has set aside funds amounting to a whopping Rs 20 crore for renovating the building and developing a museum which will act as a platform to promote cultural and social heritage of Gujarat with special focus on Saurashtra. The highlight of the museum post-renovation will be tableaux by over 700 erstwhile princely states that made up Kathiawar before Independence. The cultural diversity in attire, food, dances, arts and the like will find place in them.

Mani Mandir is a structure adorned with exquisitely carved arches, brackets, jalis, chhatris and shikhara. At the centre of the temple complex, overlooking the river Machhu is the temple of Radha Krishna. A rectangular double-storied complex with over 130 rooms surrounds the temple. Waghji had completed the structure at a cost of Rs 30 lakh in 1922 and died the same year.

The 25-metre high structure survived the massive flood that hit Morbi town in 1979 when the Machhu Dam broke, but not the earthquake. After the quake, the entire taluka administration, including the courts that the building housed, was moved to a new location.

Green Chowk

Green Chowk is a town square approached by series of three gates. European town planning principles inspired the creation of these gates as landmarks in the town.

Nehru Gate | Nagar Darwaza

 

Nehru Gate is located at Morbi, Earlier its name was Nagar Darwaza in which 'Nagar' means 'city' and 'Darwaza' means 'door.' Later the name was changed to 'Nehru Gate' to pay courtesy to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The exotic gate comes with a central clock tower, which still works. The gate is made out of stone and represents Rajput architecture.

The Nehru Gate is made out of stone using elements of Rajput architecture with central clock tower, while another one uses elements of western architecture and is capped by a three-storyed cast iron frame structure with a dome.

 

School and High School
OM Vindhyavasini Institute of Management	230317	B/H Solar Clock,Morbi-Rajkot Highway,Sanala, Morbi-363641,(Gujarat),India Web:http://www.omvvim.ac.in
Mashum(Masoom) Vidhyalaya	9825682014
Om Santi Vidhyalaya	222344
Navyug Vidhyalaya	222216 / 224486 / 293193	B/H.Baa Ni Vadi, Morbi-Rajkot Highway, Morbi-363641,(Gujarat),India
National Academic	232123 / 227947	Nr. Mahesh Hotel ,Sanala Road, Morbi-363641,(Gujarat),India
Om Santi English High School - GSEB	645866 / 227979	Opp.Sarda Baugh,Sanala Road, Morbi-363641,(Gujarat),India
Tapovan Vidhyalaya	222550
S. V. Patel High School	220850
V. C. Tech. High School	231639
Doshi M. S. High School	220051
H. A. Mehta Saraswati Vidhyalaya	223100
Matru Mandir Praimory School	232207
Rashtriya Praimory School	220200
Jyoti Vidhayalaya	222560
Rasikbhai Sheth Boys High School	220200
M. P. Sheth Girls High School	220750
Nilkanth Vidhyalaya	223993
Nirmal Vidhyalaya	233922
Gyanyagya Vidhyalaya	227640
Sharda Vidhyalaya	220560
New Era Public School	220297
Navjivan Vidhyalaya	220297 / 320731	Ravapar-Ghunda road,Nr. Ravapar Gam, Morbi-363641,(Gujarat),India
Nalanda Vidhyalaya	285221 / 285122	Nr.Ajanta Quartz, Morbi-Rajkot Highway, Morbi-363641,(Gujarat),India
Radhekrushna Vidhayalaya	9925975519 / 231996	Ambavadi Park, B/H Guj.Housing Board, Morbi-363641,(Gujarat),India
Gitanjali Vidhyalaya	229009
S. P. K. Vidhyalaya	233850
Vasudev Saraswati Vidhyalaya	225481
Ajanta Vidhyalaya	227088
Pioneer Vidhyalaya	9626972306
Bharti Vidhyalaya	242612 / 222612
Randal Vidhyalaya	242265
Mirul Praimory School	9825358978
Rishikesh Vidhyalaya	240781
Rajshree Vidhyalaya	9879009308
Santiniketan Vidhyalaya	241975
Gyanjyot Vidhyalaya	241520
Nalini Vidhyalaya	251444
Sahyog Praimory School	9925852576
Satyam Vidhyalaya	250077
Saint Mary School	231750	Navlakhi Road, P.B.No.90, Morbi-363641,(Gujarat),India

Important Number
Emergency	108
Ambulanse	230228 / 230203
Fire Bridget	230050 / 229222
Police (Emergency)	100
Nagar Palika	230050 / 220551 / 230238
Civil/SahakariHospital	230203 / 230238
Bloodbank	230558
Court (Civil Judge)	240599 / 230900
District Panchayat	230930
Central Excise	231432
Railway Station Reserve	230533
S. T. Enquiry	230701
Depo Manager	230709
G. E. B. (PGVCL) Complain	240651
Post Office	220842 / 231434
GSPC - Gas Complain	9925237535