Veraval, also known as Somnath, is a coastal city and the administrative headquarters of Gir Somnath district in the state of Gujarat, India. It is located on the Arabian Sea coast of the southern Kathiawar (Saurashtra) Peninsula.
Etymology
The name Veraval is generally traced to the Prakrit word velā or vela, derived from the Sanskrit term velākula or velakul (वेलाकुल), meaning a coastal settlement, shore, or landing place. Historically, the town has also been referred to as Somnathpura and Somnath Bandar. In March 2021, the Veraval Municipality passed a resolution to officially rename the city from Veraval to Somnath, pending approval from the Home Ministry of India.
Geography
Veraval is situated at 20°54′N 70°22′E, with an average elevation of 0 metres (0 ft). The terrain is predominantly flat and low-lying, characteristic of the western coastal plains of Gujarat. The city experiences a tropical savanna climate (Köppen Aw), bordering on a hot semi-arid climate (BSh), with hot summers, a southwest monsoon season (June–September), and mild winters.
Demographics
According to the 2011 India census, Veraval had a population of 153,696. Males constituted 51% of the population and females 49%. The average literacy rate was 62% (71% male, 53% female). By religious composition, 68.33% of the population were Hindus, 30.71% Muslims, and 0.96% other or not stated. Gujarati and Hindi are the most common languages spoken.
History
The region has been inhabited since ancient times, with archaeological evidence linking the broader Saurashtra peninsula to the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2600–1900 BCE). Classical Greco-Roman sources such as the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea (1st century CE) describe active maritime trade along the western coast of India.
During the early medieval period, Veraval's growth was closely tied to the Somnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. The temple became a major religious and economic center, attracting pilgrims from across the Indian subcontinent.
The region gained prominence following the raid on the Somnath Temple by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1025 CE. In subsequent centuries, Saurashtra came under the Delhi Sultanate, the Gujarat Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, and later the Maratha Empire. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Veraval formed part of the princely state of Junagadh under British paramountcy. At the time of the Partition of India in 1947, Junagadh State acceded to Pakistan, but following a plebiscite in February 1948, the majority voted in favor of accession to India.
Economy
Veraval is one of India's major fishing ports and a prominent center for seafood processing and export. The fishing industry is dominated by the Kharwa and Patni Jamat communities. The city also hosts Grasim Industries Limited (Indian Rayon unit), one of India's largest rayon manufacturing companies, along with various chemical, thread, and cement companies.
Culture
Veraval's culture reflects its long maritime history, coastal geography, and religious diversity. The Somnath Temple plays a central role in shaping the city's cultural identity. The city is also associated with Bhalka Tirtha, traditionally believed to be where Lord Krishna was struck by an arrow at the end of his earthly life. The Triveni Sangam, a sacred confluence near the Somnath Temple, and the Chandrabhaga Shakti Peeth (Mahakali Temple) are other significant religious sites.
Major festivals include Navratri, Diwali, Janmashtami, and Makar Sankranti among Hindus, and Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha among Muslims.
Transport
Veraval has two railway stations: Veraval Junction and Somnath Terminus. Daily trains connect it to major cities in Gujarat such as Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, and Vadodara, as well as long-distance services to Mumbai, Bhopal, Indore, and other Indian cities. The nearest airports are at Diu, Keshod, and Rajkot.
Notable People
- Khusrau Khan – 16th Sultan of Delhi
- Pushpaben Mehta – Indian social worker
- Poonja Gokuldas Meghji – businessman and grandfather of Muhammad Ali Jinnah
- Pankaj Advani – Bollywood film director and producer
