Vansada

Vansada is one of the two former princely states of south Gujarat - Vansada and Dharampur. Vansada town is surrounded by dense bamboo forests and probably derives its name from 'Vans', meaning bamboo in Gujarati.

Vansada is in Valsad district of Gujarat. It is located at 20°48' N and 73°24'E.

History
The history of the Vansada State dates back to at least 750 years and the rulers of Vansada are the descendants of Chalukya (Solanki) Rajput clan. Vansada was the capital of the princely State of Vansada, until the independence of India in 1947 AD. Maharaval Virsinhji founded the present day fortified town of Vansada in 1781 AD, in picturesque location, at the southern foothills of the Sahyadri range. Before founding the city, as per Hindu religious traditions, King Raval Virsinhji built three temples -Vireshwar Mahadev, Vireshwari Mata and Virabhadra Hanuman - to sanctify the site chosen for constructing a new town.

Maharaja Pratapsinhji became the king of Vansada in 1885 AD. Soon after his accession, he introduced tax reforms, a banking system and provided generous public charity during the terrible famine of 1890 AD. His able administration over the years resulted in surplus wealth in the State treasury. He was visionary ruler and under his patronage, several architectural and urban design projects were constructed in Vansada, for the benefit of the public. The Clock Tower, Town hall, Anglo-Vernacular School Library and Ratankunwarba Hospital have been built during his regime, which changed the skyline of Vansada town forever.

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