Jamnagar

Jamnagar is a city in the state of Gujarat, India. It serves as the administrative headquarters of Jamnagar district and was the historic capital of the princely state of Nawanagar. Located on the northwestern coast of Gujarat, the city lies along the Gulf of Kutch and is one of the region’s major urban centers.

Jamnagar traces its founding to 1540, when Jam Rawal established the settlement that later became the capital of Nawanagar State. The state maintained a treaty relationship with the British during the colonial era and was part of the Kathiawar Agency. In 1948, Nawanagar joined the Indian union as part of the state reorganization.

Economic activity in Jamnagar is anchored by the Jamnagar Refinery complex, a large petroleum refining and petrochemical operation developed by Reliance Industries. It is among the world’s largest such complexes. The city also has traditional industries, including salt production, brassware crafts, and other small-scale manufacturing, along with coastal trade services.

Notable sites include the Lakhota Fort and Lakhota Palace, which now houses a museum, and several temples and historic mosques. The city is a cultural hub for Gujarati language and folk traditions, with markets and festivals reflecting regional heritage. Jamnagar serves as a gateway to the nearby towns and natural areas of Saurashtra.

Transportation links include an airport serving domestic routes, a railway station on the Western Railway zone, and road connections to major cities in Gujarat and beyond. The city acts as a commercial and administrative center for the surrounding region.