History of Junagadh

Literally translated, **Junagadh** means **"Old Fort"**. An alternate etymology gives the name as coming from **"Yonagadh"**, literally "City of the Yona (Greeks)," referring to the ancient inhabitants of the city under the Indo-Greek Kingdom. It is also known as **"Sorath"**, the name of the earlier Princely state of Junagadh. After a brief struggle between Modern India and Pakistan, Junagadh voted to join the Dominion of India in a plebiscite held on the 20th of February 1948. It was a part of Saurashtra state and later Bombay state. Located in the state of Gujarat in Western India, it is known for some of the most renowned forts and palaces for their delicate beauty and intricately carved structures. These caves are also known as **Khangar Mahal**. They were carved into the rock during the reign of Emperor Ashoka and are considered the earliest monastic settlement in the area. These caves are along the edge of the ancient Sudarshan Lake and just outside **Uparkot Fort**, Northerly. Dotted with grand palaces, forts and cave temples, Junagadh offers visitors a chance to see its rich history that can be seen in its beautiful monuments. A gateway to the Somnath Temple and the Gir National Park, **Junagadh** reels one in with its heritage charm. It's noted for its Buddhist caves and temples.

The main language group is Gujarati. Others are Hindi, Kutchi and Sindhi. A small community of African origin, known as "**Siddis**", resides in and around the Gir Sanctuary, but some of them have moved to the city. There are around 8816 Siddi in the state and 65% of them reside in Junagadh.

The Indian Congress Party leaders were enraged when Pakistan accepted Junagadh's request for accession and went against Jinnah's Two-nation theory. The disturbed situation in Junagadh led to a complete breakdown of the economy and consequently, the Nawab fled to Karachi. Junagadh had a Hindu majority population ruled by a Muslim ruler. There was no plebiscite held after signing the Instrument of Accession. Thus Modern India did not accept the accession saying that the will of people were not considered by the Nawab. Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel merged Junagadh into the so-called Indian Dominion by military force when its ruler announced it's joining with the Pakistani Dominion. He was in Pakistan when Patel annexed it. An Indian plebiscite was conducted in February, 20th, 1948, which went almost unanimously in favour of accession to Republic of India. Junagadh became a part of the Indian state of Saurashtra until November 1, 1956, when Saurashtra became part of Bombay state. Junagadh, a place in Gujarat, was a princely state during British rule. On 1947 Independence, its King decided to accede to Pakistan. But the problem was that the territory was entirely encircled by Indian territory. Hence it was annexed by India.

**Mohammad Khan Bahadur Khanji I** declared independence from the Mughal governor of Gujarat Subah, and founded the state of Junagarh in 1730.

History says that ancient names of **Junagadh** were Karankubj, Manipur, Revant, Chandraketupur, Narendrapur, **Girinagar** and also known as Puratanpur. After 1820 AD British Govt. gave the name Junagadh which is registered by the State and is popular in the public. However rural people even today say refer it as Junagadh.

### Pakistan's claim

Pakistan brought the case of **Junagadh** to the United Nations on  the 17th of January in 1948. The UN Security Council commanded its commission on Kashmir to examine the conflict over Junagadh. The Kashmir conflict eclipsed the matter of Junagadh at the United Nations Security Council, where Junagadh's case is still unresolved. Pakistan's official maps show Junagadh, Manavadar and Sir Creek as Pakistani territory. In 2020, Pakistan's government has maintained and revived its territorial claim on Junagadh, along with Manavadar and Sir Creek in Gujarat, on its official political map.