History

Navsari is having enriched history and developed between the north Surat district, in east Dang district, and in west Arabian sea,Purna river.Purna river passes through various villages of Navsari .The river,s length is 36 km. Navsari district is Gujarat’s ancient and historical city. As it is at sea level, in summer also weather is good. Navsari is an important station of broad gauge railway line between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Through Ahmedabad, Mumbai National Highway No.8, Navsari is connected to big cities of Gujarat and is related to Parivaahan Nigam. (Transportation bus service), Before freedom Navsari was the main city of old Vadodra State. From 1st May 1949 Navsari has been included in Surat district and in 1964 in month of June, Surat district was reformed and district was included in Valsad district presently since 2nd October 1997 Navsari District has come into existence. According to old writing it can be seen that Navsari was famous in 7th century. In 671 AD known as “Samana Navsarika” this region was ruled by Chalukya dynasty(Vavshaj_ Laat Branch). In this lineage “Avnijanasha Pulkeshi king” was ruling to win over “Navsarika” Pulkeshi Raja(king) had defeated Arabian Army and driven them. This Chalukyan rule is known to have continued till 740 AD. During this time on hill “Dubla Koli” and “Rajput” population for spread not densely.
At that time Shila Dritniya Guru Naavdrdha is known to have stayed in present Naag talavdi area. Due to this area, it became famous as “Naag Mandal” and gradually with passage of time this district present name “Navsari” came. In 825 AD on the hermitage path, great establisher Sayeed Neerudin Uferu, Sayeed Sadat stayed in Navsari’s Lincikui area. His miracles being known in surrounding villages he was known as “Aulitya” known as great person. Due to this, Navsari’s fame had increased, such writing is available. As a sign of “Auliyas” fame today also in lincikui area Rojo, Masjid and other than Haj Mary Homes are seen. As mentioned above “Navsari” Became famous as “Naag Mandal” Before “Navsari” name was finalized different name like Naagvardhan, Naagshahi, Naagsharala, Navsareh, Nagmandal and Paarsipuri writing is available. It has also been known that Navsari was known as “Paarsipuri” Parsi’s had first stepped in present Navsari, at time weather over their was good(Sari) Due to this they derived Navsari as Navo-sari.
Special from it is known that in 18th centuries 2nd decade by establishing rule of Marathas from Songadh to Navsari old Thame was developed. In 1898 AD in Navsari Jail, New police station, Sayajbag, Townhall, Library, Varihomes, Hospitals, vegetable and fish market, Administrative officers and historical buildings have come into existence.
In the east of city tower Mudhu-mitma Pashwarnath’s Derasar is situated which shown that in ninth century Navsari might be main (big) centre of Jain religion. In Patva Shari with population of Sanat and Jain in one temple there is a beautiful idol of “Bhrahmaji” In Navsari in initial period it is known to have colonized on various hills. Due to increase in population colonization might have been done in low-lying areas it is believed so. In the row of various hills Banavad, Kamush Maholla, Musalman Maholla, Patvasheri, Dungdvad, Kutar’s Khidki, Mota Mohalla, Damada Maholla, Vahorvaad, are there while Dhaturvad, Desaivaad, Saanga Vaad, Kaanga Vaad, Bajarvaad, Golvaad, etc are situated in low-lying area. Navsari’s Tarta market is inhabited by Parsis. In the middle of Parsi population (Aatash Behram) was established and as a result of increased population in present Veraval area Parsi facility is seen.
In ancient times Navsari was known for it’s trade and industry. Before AD, amongst Greek, Navsari is mentioned as a famous port of western cost of India. Navsari’s weaving work was praised and “Baasta” means “Jug” become famous foreign traders visited Navsari to know about weaving Navsari also become famous for “Jardoshi” work (Jari embroidery). In Navsari, Sheth Jamshedji Jijabai’s name holds an important place.
In north of Navsari on banks of river Amarshanti tower is there. Among it the tallest tower was built in 1877-78 AD by Nasarvaanji Ratanji Tata for remembrance of his mother Kevalbai.Creator of Industrial Revolution and leader of Industrialists, Sheth Jaweshdji Nasarvanji Tata was born in this city. The house in which he was born that is maintained in its real condition today also in Dasturvadi area. Dadabahi Navaroji who had demand “Swaraj” (Self-rule) for the first time head born here. This birth home is present today also in Dasturvaad.
Jamshedji Jijabai and Maharashtra famous drama specialist Bal Ganesh Gandkari were born in Navsari. In city’s southern area “Dudhia” lake is there, is “Ram Tatari” in its west there is Ashapuri Maata’s temple among gardens there is “Jubilee” garden and “Mafatlaal” park During Dandi Satyagrah (in 1930 AD) honorable, Mahatma Gandhiji had stayed over night. The road from which he had passed over here is known as “Mahatma Gandhi Road”