Dharampur

Dharampur is situated on the banks of the Swargavahini River and is surrounded by the Sahyadri mountain range on east, west and south sides. Due to its location, the town enjoys a very pleasant climate, all throughout the year.

Dharampur, situated in South Gujarat, was capital of the former princely State of Dharampur. Originally, it was known as Ramnagar. The present day Dharampur dates back to 1764 AD and was founded by King Dharamdevji. It is located at 20. 32'N and 73. 13'E, in the Valsad district.

History
Dharampur was ruled by the descendants of the Sisodia Rajputs of Chittod. After the fall of Delhi Sultanate in south Gujarat, the State of Dharampur flourished and gained a very significant and powerful position by controlling at least seven strategic forts in the region. The Dharampur State was surrounded by the Muslim states of Khandesh, Ahmednagar and Gujarat Sultans, but because of its strategic importance, was never attacked by the Muslims. Even the Parsis found political patronage under the Dharampur kings. The Dharampur kings had cordial relations with Portuguese traders from the south Gujarat ports and used to receive tax revenue from them.

The city of Dharampur had two major phases of development. The first was in the late 18th century, when the Rana undertook the construction of Raj Mahal, public buildings, step wells and temples. The second phase was in the late 19th century, when as a part of the queen Victoria Golden Jubilee celebrations the Anglo Vernacular school, jail and hospitals were constructed.

King Mahadevji (1891-1921 AD) studied at Rajkumar College and introduced many reforms. Under his patronage, Mohan Vilas Palace, Pramod Bhavan, State Guest House and several temples were constructed. Roads, water tanks and bridges were built to improve the infrastructure of the state.

King Vijaydevji, on his accession to kingdom in 1921, constructed a museum and dedicated it to Lady Wilson. Vijaydevji undertook extensive traveling to collect rare and genuine art objects for display in museum. He was also fond of hunting and constructed a hunting lodge at Audha and residences at Wilson Hills as summer retreats.

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