The coastal own of Jamnagar known as Nawanagar or the new city, earlier and was one of the most beautiful and important princely states of Saurashtra region. Later it was renamed after the rulers and founders of the city, as Jamnagar, the city of the Jams.
The region is known as Kathiawad and Jamnagar was aptly considered the Jewel of Kathiawad. Founded in 1540 A.D. by Jam Raval, a Jadeja Rajput leader, Jamnagar has become an important air and naval base because of its location. The city was built around the small Ranmal Lake, in the centre of which is a small palace, reached by a causeway. Jamnagar is a charming blend of the old and the new with its ancient monuments and broad streets, imposing facades, and squares which make it one of the most beautiful cities in the Saurashtra peninsula.
It is the home town of the world famous cricketers Ranjit Singh and Duleep Singh. The large number of ancient temples in and around Jamnagar has given it a name as Chothi Kashi. The town is also famous for its exquisite handicraft items such as silk and gold embroidery, silver ware and bandhani or tie-and-dye fabrics.
Jamnagar has a long history of pearl fishing and tie-dyeing which still is a thriving business.
