JAMNAGAR

town, southwestern Gujarat state, west-central India. Jamnagar is situated on the Kathiawar Peninsula, southeast of Bedi, its port on the Gulf of Kutch of the Arabian Sea. Founded in 1540, it was the capital of former Nawanagar state. Its historic temples and palaces contrast with modern factories, hospitals, and residential districts. Cement, pottery, textiles, and salt are the main industrial products, and the town is famous for its bandhani (tie-dyeing work), gold embroidery, and metalware. Jamnagar is served by highways, railways, and an airport. Jamnagar district, in western Kathiawar Peninsula, fronts the Gulf of Kutch (north) and the Arabian Sea (west). Formerly known as Halar district, it is composed mainly of the old princely states of Nawanagar and Dhol Devani. Most of the district is flat, although parts of the Barda Hills lie within its boundaries. Mangrove stands on the shores of the Gulf of Kutch provide firewood and pasture. The principal crops are grains, cotton, and potatoes. Handloomed cloth and silk are the chief manufactures, and fishing is important. Dwarka, with its famous Hindu temples, and Okha port were included in Jamnagar district in 1959. The highways and railroads serving the district centre upon Jamnagar town. Pop. (1981) town, 277,615; metropolitan area, 317,362; district, 1,393,076.