Junagadh

Junagadh is a city and the administrative headquarters of Junagadh district in the state of Gujarat, India. It is situated on the Kathiawar peninsula at the foothills of the Girnar range, near the Gulf of Khambhat. The city is a historic center with ancient fortifications and religious sites and serves as a gateway to the Gir National Park and the Girnar hills.

Historically, the area has been inhabited since ancient times and includes the Uparkot Fort, a hilltop fortress with remnants of Buddhist caves and later fortifications. Junagadh was the seat of princely governance for the local Nawabs until 1947. Following India’s independence, the Nawab announced accession to Pakistan, leading to a political crisis. After a plebiscite in early 1948, Junagadh district joined India and became part of Bombay state, later reassigned to Gujarat in 1960.

Prominent landmarks include the Mahabat Maqbara, a 19th‑century mausoleum with Moorish and Gothic influences; the Uparkot Fort; and the Girnar hills, which host temples and Jain tirths. The district is also known for the Gir National Park at Sasan Gir, the last natural habitat of the Asiatic lion. Gujarati is the predominant language, with Hindi and English used in administration and education. The economy centers on administration, agriculture in surrounding areas, and growing tourism linked to Girnar and Gir.