Modasa

History

The history of Modasa dates back thousands of years. It is believed that region around Modasa has been populated since the days of Indus valley civilization. Many architectural items, coins, religious artifacts, brick etc. are found at excavation sites around Modasa. These findings are evidence of the prominent role Modasa played during various periods of Indian history. Modasa has been place of significance in the times of Mauryas, Shatvahns, Kshtraps Guptas, Maritrakas, Rastrakutas etc. It is believed that Modasa is refereed as Maulayashah tirth in Skand puran. Also a more-than-2000-year-old stone has been found that refers to place as Mandasan. It is also claimed that in past Modasa was called Modhak vas or Mohadakvas. Though it is not clear where this name came from.

Modasa has been referred to in many religious stories from past. Temples of many diverse faith and religion are found throughout the town. Among Hindus, Jains and Shiva worshipers dominated town for many years. Pusti marg was introduced only about 300 years ago. Those interested in studying details on temples in Modasa may refer to Modasa in Print.

In medieval times Modasa used to be the rest point for travellers going to Surat port for Mecca from northern Indian places like Delhi, etc.

The architectural sites around Modasa indicate that once there was a kote (wall) around the town. Also there are indications that the kote has been destroyed many times. Though details are limited it is believed that town was sacked in past by armies from Muslims subas of Gujarat as well as Marathas.

It was an important frontier fortified post during Gujarat Sultanate (1415) under Sultan Ahmed Shah I. At the close of the sixteenth century it was the chief place in a tract of 162 villages, yielding a yearly revenue of £80,000 (Rs. 8,00,000). Under the Mughals, Shahab-ud-din, the 3rd Viceroy (1577-1583), repaired the fort at Modasa, and stationing a party of cavalry there completely settled the country. During the eighteenth century Modasa greatly declined, and when (1818) it came under British management, the town was most backward. Quickly recovering, it had in 1825 a numerous and respectable body of traders with an estimated capital of £90,000 (Rs. 9,00,000).

During British rule though most of the area around Modasa was under state of Idar, Modasa was under direct control of British government in India. This might have brought some stability in the late 19th century. During the days of independent struggle, led by Mahatma Gandhi, Modasa participated very actively. Starting from 1930’s Modasa was a vibrant place for the non-violent styagrah movement.

There was a British passenger ship named after Modasa. The "S.S Modasa" was one of a class of six near-sister ships owned by British-India Steam Navigation Co. Built by Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson.

Modasa RTO code is GJ-31 instead of GJ-33

Geography

Modasa is located at 23.47°N 73.3°E / 23.47; 73.3. It has an average elevation of 197 metres (646 feet). Most of the water for Modasa comes from the Mazum river, on which, about 5 kilometers from Modasa, a dam is situated.

About Modasa College Campus

After independence the leader of Modasa decided to take the opportunity to provide higher education to the needy of this area and establish a public charitable trust which is registered the Act. The purpose of this trust is to establish and run an institution for higher education catering to the needs of this area and bring them into the mainstream. The trust is aptly named after a well known revolutionary, freedom fighter, social worker and educationist "Shri Mathuradas Laljidas Gandhi". The M. L. Gandhi Higher Education Society started Arts and Science College first with the donation of generous donors like Sir Purushottamdas Thakordas and Shir Somalal kasturdas Shah and the partners of Shir krishan Oil Mill. So, the college was named after them. Thus the first college was called Shir S.K.Shah & Shri Krishan O.M.Arts College and Sir P.T.Science College in 1960. In a short time this college started throbbing with vitality under the academic leadership of its first principal Dr.Dhirubhai Thakar, who, after his retirement is busy making an encyclopedia in Gujarat named Gujarati Vishwakosh, a most prestigious work. The first president of this education society was the late shri Raichanddas Katudas Shah.

1. Sir P T Science College
2. Shri S K Shah And O.m arts college
3. Shri H S Shah College Of Commerce
4. B D Shah College Of Education
5. Shri N S Patel law College
6. Shri B M Shah College Of Pharmacy
7. Shrimati M L G Bhalavat Pharmacy P G Centre
8. P T C college
9. Shrimati K A Modi M S W College
10. Shri B H Gandhi BBA College
11. Matrushri L J Gandhi BCA College
12. Dr. N J Shah PGDCA College
13. Shri K H Patel M.ed Institute
14. Shri J B Shah English Medium School{Primary To Higher Secondary}
15. Shri M J Mehta IGNOU Study Centre
16. BAOU Study Centre
17. A R Sura Museum
18. PCSS Career Development Academy

Other institutes include Makhdum Education society, Chanakya Vishwavidyala, New leap, Karimi Education society, etc. which run different schools from primary education to higher education

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Modasa had a population of 90,000. Males constitute 51% of the male population and females 49%. Modasa has an average literacy rate of 74%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 81%, with female literacy at 67%. In Modasa, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Notable residents