All through its history, it has gone through tremendous turbulences that laid their strong impact on this place. From Mauryan Age to Chalukyas, Mughals, Gaekwads, and Marathas, Mehsana was always revered for its rich culture and grandeur. The city also has signs of pre historic era existent here.
Pre Historic Era of Mehsana
Among some prominent sites of archeological importance in Gujarat, Mehsana has a place called Loteshwar situated in this district. This place is called “Khari no timbo” in local language as it is situated on the left bank of River Khari on a sand dune. It is believed that this place was inhabited in 6th Millennium BC by the hunter community and later it was used as a place to keep domestic animals. During excavations at this site, it was revealed that Loteshwar has evidences of two periods viz, Period I of Monolithic culture while Period II related to Harappan culture. Many significant evidences were found here to prove existence of a distinct culture also over here.
Ancient History of Mehsana
In its ancient history, the region of Gujarat in which Mehsana is situated was invaded by several great dynasties that include Gupta, Maurya, and later Chavada Dynasty. Solanki Ruler Bhuvad attacked the Chavada king of this region in 696 AD and killed him to take over his kingdom. Later on, heir of Chavada dynasty once again ruled over this place and established a huge empire in this region. They regained their empire from Solanki rulers and became the indisputable kings of this region for many centuries to come.
Medieval History of Mehsana
Mehsana was established as a city during the reigns of Mehsaji Chavada, the son of Punjaji Chavada who was a brave commander of Alauddin Khilji. He built the historic and grand arc of the city called as Toran and also a temple of Goddess Toran was constructed by him during this era dating 1358 AD or Vikram Samvat 1414 Bhadrapad Suda 10 as per Hindu calendar.This temple of Goddess Toran stands tall as witness to the grand establishment of Mehsana and it has a perpetual lamp (Akhand Jyot) lighted since 649 years of Mehsana’s existence. During 1932, in the ancient poems of Jaisingh Brahmbhatt also, Mehsana was described as such.
Modern History of Mehsana
Later on, in the history of Gujarat, when Gaekwads laid the foundation of Vadodara, Patan was made the administrative capital of entire north Gujarat. Since Patan was situated far away, the city of Kadi was made headquarter for northern region. But in 1902, Gaekwads moved this headquarter to Mehsana and divided the northern region of their state into 8 provinces that included Patan, Vadnagar, Dahegam, kadi, Atavsuba, Vishngar, Vijapur, and Kheralu. In 1947 at the time of independence, it was merged with Bombay State.When Bombay was later divided into Gujarat and Maharashtra, Mehsana was included in Gujarat in 1960. In 1964, major part of this district was amalgamated into Gandhinagar district and in 2000; some portion of Mehsana went to Patan district as well.
Today, Mehsana is a separate district of this state and is steering fast on the path of industrialization and development.
