Destination India: Rajkot, Gujarat

Thursday, February 07, 2008

Rajkot, Gujarat

rajkot_temples
Originally uploaded by thomask.

Rajkot was founded by the Jadeja Clan in 1612. It became the capital of Saurashtra State after independence. When the Indian States were reorganized on linguistic basis, Rajkot was merged into newly formed Gujarat State. Mahatma Gandhi spent his early years in Rajkot while his father was a Diwan to one of the Nawabs of Saurashtra.

The city of Rajkot hosts several small scale manufacturing units. It is well known for forging and casting industry as well as some auto parts. Rajkot is famous for Bandhani Sarees, mirror work and silk embroidery.

About Me

India has always fascinated me for different reasons. The vastness of its culture, the diversity of people’s opinions and the limitations of its vision. Despite our diversity, we need to have a collective vision. India is not a country of four metropolis or a couple of high-tech cities. This nation of a billion people has 29 states and 6 union territories. We have 35 state and territorial capitals. How much do we know about each of these important cities?

Professionally I am a graphic designer from Bombay, India. In 1987, I co-authored a book on Corporate India, but my desire to throw a wider net and pick up much more information remains intact. I want my people from every city and every state to write and photograph details and information that would be interesting to the viewers around the world. We have so much to talk about and so much to share - this medium and this technology can help fulfill our collective dreams.