Wadhwan

Wadhwan is a city and a municipality in Surendranagar district in the Indian state of Gujarat.DemographicsIndia census, Wadhwan city had a population of 61,739. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Wadhwan city has an average literacy rate of 71%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 78%, and female literacy is 63%. In Wadhwan city, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. From 1489 to 1947, the recurring Prime Ministers (Diwan) of Wadhwan State were always from the Rawal family whose descendants live there till date.GeographyIt is located on the bank of the dry Bhogavo River.HistoryWadhwan or Vadhwan city is a part of the Surendranagar district of Gujarat located about 111 km from the town of Ahmedabad, some 3 km distant from Surendranagar city. The town is situated on the banks of the Bhogavo River. Vadhwan is a known location for its old world royal charm and serene space with a life and culture of its own.Vadhwan rulers belonged to the Jhala Rajput clans and had good administrative and culturally inclined society. To provide sufficient protection to their clan and the people, the town of Vadhwan was fortified and gates were erected at most places to provide safety. Some of these gates and the fortified walls are still found in the city, although city has grown beyond these walls. Vadhwan was the centre of the princely state by the same name, which in earlier days was known as Vardhamanpuri, the name being derived from the great Jain Thirthankaras, Bhagwan Vardhaman. The prime ministers of this princely state belonged to the Rawal family who were given the title of Dewan Bahadur. Under their rule, a number of important structures were constructed, mostly during the era of 18th and 19th century. Vadhwan is considered as an important centre for Jains and is renowned as one of the fortified towns of Gujarat. Formerly known as Vardhamanpuri, the town is believed to have footprints of Lord Mahavir. The Raj Mahal and Hawa Mahal were constructed here by the erstwhile rulers of the region.