Nadiad 


The city of Nadiad is said to be settled by NAT(rope dancers). It is also referred to as Nandgam. The city has nine routes, and on each route there is a pond. Hence, the city is now widely known as Nadiad.

The city was formerly ruled by Muslims, and later on by the Gaykwad of Baroda. Malhar Rao Gaykwad built the 1st Hindu temple called Narayan Dev Mandir, located in the center of the city.

The Patidars were the main residents of Nadiad. They are separated into 4 groups, Desai Vago Samaldas Desai, Kakarkhad, Lakhawad, and Samadi Chakla. The Patidars of Desai Vago were the descendants of Kheta Patel. Vaghaji Bhai Samaldas Desai constructed a pond named kheta Talav in 1798. In 1800, he was honored by Gaykwad and given the title "Desai". Some of the Desai family members had a chance to be educated because of the opportunities provided to them by the Britishers. The Sons of Haridas and Biharidas Desai were the advisors to the rulers of Kachha and Saurasta. They are distinguished as Bhao Shaeb ( respected brother in Maharastra). Dharmsingh Desai was a member of the Parliament and a well-known industrialist. He established some industries and the Technical College in Nadiad. Dr. Narendra Dharmsingh Desai followed in his father*s footsteps and established an electronic industry as well as the Dharmsingh Agricultural and Industrial Research Foundation.

The eminent Desai from the Bapuji Desai Khadki were Tulsidas, his son Vithalbhai, grandsons Dr. Virendra and Maganbhai Prabhudas Desai. Tulsidas Desai was the first Barrister in the Kheda District. Vithalbhai was the Subordinate Civil Judge. Dr. Virendra Desai established the Muljibhai Urological Hospital and the Research Institute of Kidney Diseases, for which Jayrambhai Muljibhai Patel( Chairman of Rohit Paper and Pulp Millis) of Kakarkhad donated generously. Maganbhai Prabhudas was the Vice Chancellor of Gujarat University. C. C. Desai and his brother, Manubhai Desai, form Sojitrani Kjadki were I.C.S. C.C. Desai was the co-student of Subhash Chandra Bose and also the administrative officer during the British regime and Independent India. He was elected as M.P. from Banas Kantha. Manubhai Desai was the Judge of the Supreme Court of India. Govindbhai Desai from Bhavandias Khadki was the Deputy. Prime Minister in Baroda State.

The eminent Patidars from Kakarkhad were two brothers, Jayantibhai and Manubhai. I.V. Patel and the two brothers donated generously to the Nadiad Education Society to build the Commerce and Arts Colleges, receptively. Babubhai Jashbhai Patel was elected as M.L.A. at the age of 26 and was the Chief Minster of Gujarat State from the period 1977-1980.

Ratilal Kushaldas Patel of Lakhawad was the first Patel to be the President of the Board of Control of Cricket (CCI) in India and was also a member of the MCC in England. Being warriors as well as politically active, the Patidars of Samadi Chakla, contributed greatly to the independence Movement and for the Movement of Maha Gujarat. The warriors blocked the military train, destroyed the railroad tracks, and saved the city of Ahmedabad by opposing in rolet Act of the British Government.

The Patidars were apprehended and prosecuted in court. The case was named the "Patta Case". Maganbhai was dubbed as "Raja" by the people of Nadiad for his leading role when all were acquitted in the "Patta Case".

A famous Gurbo called Mujro, was written and sung at the famous Ambaji Temple. The Gurbo describes the Patta Case and si still sung during Navarthri Festival by Maravdi*s of Nadiad.

Chotta Bhai*s only son, Shaheed Arvind, was the first warrior to sacrifice his life in the Maha Gujarat Movement. Today, Patel Madan is still considered to be the political activities of Ahmedbad Gujarat State. Ramanbhai G. Patel , of Samadi Chakla was the first principle of the College of Physical Education in Rajpipla, Gujarat. C.J. Patel of the Por, well known tobacco Merchant, donated to the Nadiad Education Society to build the J&J Science College of Nadiad. Goverdhanram Madhav Rao Tripathi of Nadiad, was an author of the great Gujarti novel, Saravathichandra. Santram Mandir was constructed one hundred and fifty years ago. This temple contributed to the social, educational, and religious need of the people of Nadiad and other villages of the Kheda district. Vithal Kanya Vidyalay, in memory of Veer Vitalbhai, educated women to become social and political leaders. Hindu Anath Ashram (Orphanage) of Nadiad is renowned for its services to the orphans.

Besides patidar other communities such as Bhrahmins, Banjas, Braot, Muslims also contributed in the development of Nadiad.