View source for Rajkot

{{More footnotes needed|date=July 2020}}
{{EngvarB|date=March 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Rajkot
| native_name        = <!-- Please do not add any Indic script in this infobox, per WP:INDICSCRIPT policy. -->
| native_name_lang   = guj
| settlement_type    = [[Metropolis]]
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
|border            = infobox
|perrow            = 1/2/2/2/2
|total_width       = 300
|caption_align = center
| image1=High street - 150 ft Ring road Rajkot.jpg
| caption1=Skyline of Rajkot 
| image2=Swaminarayan Temple Rajkot (Gujarat-India).JPG
| caption2=Swaminarayan Temple
| image3=Underbridge Circle Rajkot.jpg
| caption3=[[Bipin Rawat|CDS Bipin Rawat]] Underbridge
| image4=Rajkot from a kite 2.jpg
| caption4=Rajkot Aerial View
| image5=Mahatma Gandhi Museum, Rajkot.jpg
| caption5=[[Mahatma Gandhi Museum, Rajkot|Gandhi Museum]]
| image6=Front temple.jpg
| caption6=Shri Ramakrishna Ashram
| image7=Saurashtrauniversity.jpg
| caption7=[[Saurashtra University]]
| image8=Rajkot Center Bus Stand.jpg
| caption8=Rajkot Central Bus Port
| image9=Rajkot airport.jpg
| caption9=[[Rajkot International Airport]]
}}
| image_map          = 
| map_caption        = 
| blank_emblem_type  = Seal of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation
| blank_emblem_size  = 100px
| blank_emblem_alt   = 
| image_blank_emblem = RMC Emblem.png
| pushpin_map        = India Gujarat
| pushpin_label_position = right
| coordinates        = {{coord|22.3000|70.7833|region:IN-GJ|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{flag| India}}
| subdivision_type1  = State
| subdivision_name1  = {{flagicon image|Flag of Gujarat.svg}} [[Gujarat]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of regions of India|Region]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Saurashtra (region)|Saurashtra]]
| subdivision_type3  = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name3  = [[Rajkot district|Rajkot]]
| established_title  = Established
| established_date   = {{start date and age|1612}}
| governing_body     = [[Rajkot Municipal Corporation]]
| leader_title1      = Deputy Mayor
| leader_name1       = Narendrasinh Jadeja
| unit_pref          = Metric
| area_footnotes     = <ref name=zone1>{{cite web|publisher=Rajkot Municipal Corporation|title=Statistics|url=http://www.rmc.gov.in/statictic.php|access-date=19 December 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017231412/http://rmc.gov.in/statictic.php|archive-date=17 October 2007}}</ref>
| area_total_km2     = 170
| elevation_footnotes = 
| elevation_m        = 134.42
| population_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=539125|publisher=Census of India|title=Rajkot Municipal Corporation Demographics|access-date=5 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924121356/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=539125|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
| population_total   = 20,00,000
| population_as_of   = 2021
| population_rank    = [[List of most populous cities in India|28th]]
[[List of most populous cities in Gujarat|4th (in Gujarat state)]]
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_metro   = 2.45 million
| population_metro_footnotes = {{citation needed|date=November 2019}}
| population_blank1_title = Metro rank
| population_blank1  = [[List of million-plus urban agglomerations in India|35th]]
| population_demonym = Rajkotian
| timezone1          = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1        = +5:30
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code        = 3600XX
| area_code_type     = Telephone code
| area_code          = 0281
| registration_plate = GJ-03
| blank2_name_sec1   = Literacy
| blank2_info_sec1   = 87.80 (2016)%{{citation needed|date=November 2019}}
| blank7_name_sec1   = [[Urban planning]] agency
| blank7_info_sec1   = [[Rajkot Urban Development Authority|RUDA]]
| blank1_name_sec2   = [[Climate of India|Climate]]
| blank1_info_sec2   = [[Climatic regions of India|Semi-Arid]] {{small|([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]])}}
| website            = {{URL|www.rmc.gov.in}}
| leader_party       = [[BJP]]
| leader_title       = Mayor
| leader_name        = Naynaben Pedhdiya
| founder            = Vibhoji Ajoji Jadeja
| government_type    = [[Municipal Corporation]]
}}

'''Rajkot''' ({{IPA|hi|ˈraːdʒkoːʈ|lang|Rajkot.ogg}}) is the fourth-largest<ref>[[List of million-plus agglomerations in India|(Ahmedabad ranks 5th, Surat 8th, Vadodara 9th and Rajkot 34th)]]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/3455/8/08_chapter%204.pdf |title=Chapter 4 – Profile of Selected Cities of Gujarat |access-date=3 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022194829/http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/3455/8/08_chapter%204.pdf |archive-date=22 October 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> city in the [[Western India|western Indian]] state of [[Gujarat]], after [[Ahmedabad]], [[Surat]], and [[Vadodara]]. It is in the centre of the [[Saurashtra (region)|Saurashtra]] region of Gujarat. Rajkot is the 35th-largest metropolitan area in [[India]], with a population of more than 2&nbsp;million as of 2021.<ref>[http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=539125 Census of India] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924121356/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=539125 |date=24 September 2015 }} Retrieved 2015.</ref> Rajkot is the 6th cleanest<ref>[[Cleanest cities in India]]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://swachhindia.ndtv.com/swachh-survekshan-league-2020-indore-tops-the-chart-again-adjudged-cleanest-city-of-india-for-the-fourth-time-in-a-row-40680/|date=1 January 2020|title=Swachh Survekshan League 2020: Indore Tops The Chart, Again, Adjudged Cleanest City Of India For The Fourth Time In A Row |work=Rediff|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150809141810/http://www.rediff.com/business/report/pix-swachh-bharat-the-cleanest-cities-in-india/20141008.htm|archive-date=9 August 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> city of India, and it is the 22nd fastest-growing city in the world as of March  2021.<ref name="citymayors">[http://www.citymayors.com/statistics/urban_growth1.html "City Mayors World's fastest growing urban areas (1)"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125090345/http://citymayors.com/statistics/urban_growth1.html |date=25 November 2010 }}. Retrieved 31 December 2016</ref> It is located on the banks of the [[Aji River (Gujarat)|Aji]] and Nyari rivers. Rajkot was the capital of the [[Saurashtra State]] from 15 April 1948 to 31 October 1956, before its merger with [[Bombay State]] on 1 November 1956. Rajkot was reincorporated into Gujarat State on 1 May 1960.

==History==
{{Further|History of Rajkot}}{{See also|Rajkot State}}
The name "Rajkot" is derived from two words: "Raj", meaning "king" or "royalty", and "Kot", meaning "fort"—thus, Rajkot translates to "King's Fort".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Anjali Desai |url=http://archive.org/details/isbn_9780978951702_n0o4 |title=India Guide: Gujarat |date=2007-04-01 |publisher=India Guide Publications |others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-0-9789517-0-2}}</ref> The city was founded in 1612 by Thakur Sahib Vibhoji Ajoji Jadeja, a member of the [[Jadeja]] [[Rajput]] clan and grandson of Jam Sataji of [[Nawanagar State]] (present-day [[Jamnagar]]). Vibhoji received the territory as a jagir (land grant) and established Rajkot as the capital of his princely state.<ref>{{Cite book |last=John W  Watson |url=http://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.281422 |title=Gazetteer Of The Bombay Presidency Vol Viii Kathiawar |date=1889}}</ref> Over time, Rajkot developed into an important administrative and cultural center in the [[Saurashtra region]].

Under British rule, Rajkot served as the headquarters of the [[Kathiawar Agency]] and later as the capital of the [[Western India States Agency]] (WISA). The princely [[Rajkot State|Rajkot state]] acceded to the Indian Union in 1948, following India’s independence in 1947.<ref>{{Cite book |url=http://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.688 |title=The Imperial Gazetteer Of India - Vol.21 |date=1908 |publisher=Clarendon Press, Oxford}}</ref>

It has had a long history and had a significant influence in the [[Indian independence movement]]. Rajkot was home to many personalities like [[Mahatma Gandhi]]. Rajkot is in a transition period of growing cultural, industrial, and economical activities. Rajkot is the 26th largest city in India and the 22nd fastest-growing urban area in the world.<ref name="citymayors" />
[[File: Gandhi and Sheikh Mehtab.jpg|thumb|200px|Young Mahatma Gandhi (left) and his school friend Sheikh Mehtab (right) in Rajkot]]

Rajkot was the capital of Saurashtra state from 15 April 1948 to 31 October 1956 before merging in bilingual Bombay State on 1 November 1956. Rajkot was merged into Gujarat State from bilingual [[Mumbai|Bombay]] state on 1 May 1960. Thakur Saheb [[Pradyumansinhji Lakhajirajsinhji|Pradyumansinhji]] died in 1973. His son, [[Manoharsinhji Pradyumansinhji, 15th Thakore Saheb of Rajkot|Manoharsinhji Pradyumansinhji]], has carved out a political career at the provincial level, succeeded him. He served as a Member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly for several years and as the state Minister for Health and Finance. Monoharsinhji's son, Mandattasinh Jadeja has embarked on a business career.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Talukdar|first=Moinak Mitra & Tapash|title=The royal business class|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/starting-up/the-royal-business-class/articleshow/3473290.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2021-05-21}}</ref>

On 26 January 2001, the 7.7{{M|w}} [[2001 Gujarat earthquake|Gujarat earthquake]] shook [[Western India]] with a maximum [[Mercalli intensity scale|Mercalli intensity]] of X (''Extreme''), leaving 13,805–20,023 dead and about 166,800 injured. This earthquake mainly affected the Kutch region of western Gujarat.

==Geography==
[[File: Rajkot - Aji River Overview.jpg|thumb|left|An aerial image of the [[Aji River (Gujarat)|Aji River]] that flows through the city of Rajkot]]
Rajkot is located at {{coord|22.3|N|70.78|E|}}.<ref>[https://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/09/Rajkot.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc – Rajkot] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080212233806/http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/9/Rajkot.html |date=12 February 2008 }}. Retrieved 2007</ref> It has an average elevation of 128 metres (420&nbsp;ft). The city is located on the bank of [[Aji River, Gujarat|Aji River]] and Nyari River which remains dry except the monsoon months of July to September. The city is spread in the area of 170.00&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>.<ref>[http://www.mapsofindia.com/rajkot/geography/index.html Rajkot Geography] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071116170520/http://www.mapsofindia.com/rajkot/geography/index.html |date=16 November 2007 }}. Retrieved 3 January 2008</ref>

Rajkot is situated in the region called Saurashtra in the Gujarat state of India. The significance of Rajkot's location is that it is one of the prime industrial centres of Gujarat. Rajkot has a central location in the area called the [[Kathiawar peninsula]]. The city is located within the Rajkot district in Gujarat. Rajkot city is the administrative headquarters of the district of Rajkot. The district is surrounded by [[Botad District|Botad]] in the east, and [[Surendranagar District|Surendranagar]] in the north, [[Junagadh District|Junagadh]] and [[Amreli District|Amreli]] in the south, [[Morbi District|Morbi]] in the northwest and [[Jamnagar district|Jamnagar]] in the west and [[Porbandar district|Porbandar]] in the southwest.

===Climate===
Rajkot has a [[semi-arid climate#Hot semi-arid climates|hot semi-arid climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''BSh''), with hot, dry summers from mid-March to mid-June and the wet [[monsoon]] season from mid-June to October, when the city receives {{convert|670|mm|in|0|disp=or}} of rain on average. However, this rainfall varies greatly from year to year<ref>Dewar, Robert E. and Wallis, James R; ‘Geographical patterning of interannual rainfall variability in the tropics and near tropics: An L-moments approach’; in ''[[Journal of Climate]]'', 12; pp. 3457</ref> – for instance less than {{convert|160|mm|in|1|disp=or}} fell in 1911 and 1939 but more than {{convert|1300|mm|in|0|disp=or}} in 1878 and over {{convert|1450|mm|in|0|disp=or}} in the incomplete year of 1959.<ref>See Kane, R.P.; ‘Extreme of the ENSO Phenomenon and Indian Summer
Monsoon Rainfall’; International Journal of Climatology, vol. 18 (1998), pp. 775-791</ref> The months from November to February are mild, the average temperature being around {{convert|20|°C|disp=or}}, with low humidity.

One of the most important weather phenomena that is associated with the city of Rajkot is the cyclone. The cyclones generally occur in the Arabian Sea during the months after the rainy season. The region experiences a lot of rainfall and high-speed winds during the time of the year after the monsoon season as well as the months of May and June. However, June experiences lesser amount of rainfall and winds than the post-monsoon time. Thunderstorms are another important part of the Rajkot weather in the months of June and July.  During summer time, the temperature ranges between {{convert|24|and|42|°C|°F|1}}. In the months of winter, Rajkot temperature varies between {{convert|10|and|22|°C|°F|1}} but on a whole winters are pleasant.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rajkot, India |url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weatherall.php3?s=73724&refer=&units=metric |website=Weatherbase |access-date=3 September 2024}}</ref>
[[File:Cloudyweather.jpg|thumb|left|Rajkot's skyline in cloudy weather]]
{{weather box|width = auto
| location = [[Rajkot Airport]] (1991–2020, extremes 1952–present)
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
| Jan record high C = 36.4
| Feb record high C = 40.0
| Mar record high C = 43.9
| Apr record high C = 44.8
| May record high C = 47.9
| Jun record high C = 45.8
| Jul record high C = 40.6
| Aug record high C = 38.8
| Sep record high C = 42.8
| Oct record high C = 41.9
| Nov record high C = 39.8
| Dec record high C = 37.6
|year record high C = 47.9
| Jan high C = 28.6
| Feb high C = 31.4
| Mar high C = 36.0
| Apr high C = 39.6
| May high C = 41.0
| Jun high C = 38.1
| Jul high C = 33.0
| Aug high C = 31.7
| Sep high C = 33.4
| Oct high C = 36.0
| Nov high C = 33.6
| Dec high C = 30.3
|year high C = 34.4
|Jan mean C = 20.6
|Feb mean C = 23.4
|Mar mean C = 27.7
|Apr mean C = 31.2
|May mean C = 33.2
|Jun mean C = 31.9
|Jul mean C = 28.9
|Aug mean C = 28.0
|Sep mean C = 28.6
|Oct mean C = 29.3
|Nov mean C = 26.0
|Dec mean C = 22.3
| Jan low C = 12.7
| Feb low C = 15.3
| Mar low C = 19.5
| Apr low C = 23.0
| May low C = 25.7
| Jun low C = 26.6
| Jul low C = 25.4
| Aug low C = 24.5
| Sep low C = 23.9
| Oct low C = 22.6
| Nov low C = 18.6
| Dec low C = 14.3
|year low C = 21.1
| Jan record low C = -0.6
| Feb record low C = 1.1
| Mar record low C = 6.1
| Apr record low C = 10.0
| May record low C = 16.1
| Jun record low C = 20.0
| Jul record low C = 19.4
| Aug record low C = 20.1
| Sep record low C = 16.7
| Oct record low C = 12.2
| Nov record low C = 7.2
| Dec record low C = 2.8
|year record low C = -0.6
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 0.7
| Feb rain mm = 0.1
| Mar rain mm = 0.1
| Apr rain mm = 1.3
| May rain mm = 3.8
| Jun rain mm = 130.0
| Jul rain mm = 293.3
| Aug rain mm = 195.2
| Sep rain mm = 125.1
| Oct rain mm = 23.7
| Nov rain mm = 2.7
| Dec rain mm = 0.2
|year rain mm = 776.3
| Jan rain days = 0.1
| Feb rain days = 0.0
| Mar rain days = 0.0
| Apr rain days = 0.3
| May rain days = 0.3
| Jun rain days = 4.6
| Jul rain days = 10.3
| Aug rain days = 8.5
| Sep rain days = 5.4
| Oct rain days = 1.3
| Nov rain days = 0.2
| Dec rain days = 0.0
|year rain days = 31.0
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| Jan humidity = 29
| Feb humidity = 25
| Mar humidity = 19
| Apr humidity = 19
| May humidity = 28
| Jun humidity = 50
| Jul humidity = 71
| Aug humidity = 71
| Sep humidity = 60
| Oct humidity = 35
| Nov humidity = 30
| Dec humidity = 30
|year humidity = 39
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref name=IMDnormals>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| archive-date = 5 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| title = Station: Rajkot (A) Climatological Table 1981–2010
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = December 2016
| pages = 651–652
| access-date = 28 December 2020}}</ref><ref name=IMDextremes>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| archive-date = 5 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| title = Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = December 2016
| page = M60
| access-date = 28 December 2020}}</ref><ref name= IMD >
{{cite web
|url=http://www.imd.gov.in/section/climate/extreme/rajkot2.htm
| title = Rajkot Climatological Table Period: 1981–2010
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| access-date = 10 April 2015
| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414111548/http://www.imd.gov.in/section/climate/extreme/rajkot2.htm
| archive-date = 14 April 2015
| url-status = live
| df = dmy-all
}}
</ref><ref name=IMDcityextremes2>
{{cite web
| url = https://www.imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230101061732/https://www.imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf
| archive-date = 1 January 2023
| title = Climatological Tables 1991-2020
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| access-date = 1 January 2023
| page = 21}}</ref>
|source 2 = Tokyo Climate Center (mean temperatures 1991–2020)<ref name=TCC1>
{{cite web
| url = https://ds.data.jma.go.jp/gmd/tcc/tcc/products/climate/normal/parts/NrmMonth_e.php?stn=42737
| title = Normals Data: Rajkot - India Latitude: 22.30°N Longitude: 70.78°E Height: 134 (m)
| publisher = Japan Meteorological Agency
| access-date = 1 December 2022}}</ref>
}}Rajkot has been ranked 14th best “National Clean Air City” (under Category 1 >10L Population cities) in India according to 'Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2024 Results' <ref>{{Cite web |date=7 September 2024 |title=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024 |url=https://prana.cpcb.gov.in/ncapServices/robust/fetchFilesFromDrive/Swachh_Vayu_Survekshan_2024_Result.pdf |website=Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2024}}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{Historical population
| source = <ref name="censusindia3">{{Cite web |url=http://citypopulation.de/world/Agglomerations.html |title=Census of World|access-date=23 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913144137/http://citypopulation.de/world/Agglomerations.html|archive-date=13 September 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="censusindia1">{{Cite web |url=http://www.populstat.info/Asia/indiat.htm |title=Historical Census of India|access-date=23 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217053707/http://www.populstat.info/Asia/indiat.htm |archive-date=17 February 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="censusindia2">{{Cite web |url=http://citypopulation.de/India-Gujarat.html |title= Census of Rajkot |access-date= 23 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323170222/http://citypopulation.de/India-Gujarat.html |archive-date=23 March 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| 1891 | 29200
| 1941 | 66400
| 1951 | 132100
| 1961 | 193500
| 1968 | 270800
| 1971 | 302000
| 1981 | 444200
| 1991 | 654500
| 2001 | 1003015
| 2011 | 1390640
| 2013 | 1560000
|align=center}}
As of the [[2011 Census of India]], Rajkot recorded a total population of 1,390,640. Rajkot city has an average literacy rate of 82.20%, higher than the national average.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} The population is 52.43% male and 47.47% female. Most of the population is Hindu with a Muslim and Jain minority.

{{bar box
|title=Religions in Rajkot M Corp. (2011)<ref name="religion"/>
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism]]|darkorange|89.90}}
{{bar percent|[[Gujarati Muslims|Islam]]|green|7.68}}
{{bar percent|[[Jainism in Gujarat|Jainism]]|pink|1.90}}
{{bar percent|Other or not stated|black|0.20}}
|caption=Distribution of religions
}}

[[Hinduism]] was the main religion, practiced by 89.90% of the population. [[Gujarati Muslims|Islam]] was the second-largest religion (7.68%). [[Jainism in Gujarat|Jains]] were 1.90%.<ref name="religion">{{Cite web |date=2011 |title=Population by Religion - Gujarat |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11373/download/14486/DDW24C-01%20MDDS.XLS |website=censusindia.gov.in |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>

{{Pie chart
|caption = Languages of Rajkot M Corp. (2011)<ref name="language"/>
|label1 = [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] |value1 = 94.60 |color1 = skyblue
|label2 = [[Hindi]] |value2 = 2.71 |color2 = orange
|label3 = Others |value3 = 2.69 |color3 = grey
}}

At the time of the 2011 census, 94.60% of the population spoke [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] and 2.71% [[Hindi]] as their first language.<ref name="language">{{Cite web |date=2011 |title=Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue (Town level): Gujarat |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10250/download/13362/DDW-C16-TOWN-STMT-MDDS-2400.XLSX |website=[[Census of India]] |publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>

==Culture==
The people in Rajkot are predominantly vegetarians. The women of Rajkot are fond of jewellery. Large chains, pendants and other heavy gold jewellery are a common sight during marriages, festivals and functions. The attire changes with the season and festivals.

Rajkot is multicultural. One can find many languages, like Gujarati, Hindi, Urdu, English, Sindhi, Bengali, Tamil, Malayalam and Marathi.  However, only Gujarati, Hindi, Urdu, and English are well understood. Rajkot is the part of [[Kathiawar|Kathiyawad]]. Because of this, people of Rajkot are also known as Kathiyawadi.

Rajkot is frequently referred to as ''Rangilu Rajkot'' (રંગીલુ રાજકોટ), meaning "Colourful Rajkot". Rajkot is also called as "Chitranagri" (City of Paintings).<ref>{{Cite web|agency=TNN|date=Mar 5, 2017|title=Artists paint 17,000 square feet of flyover wall |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/artists-paint-17000-sq-ft-of-flyover-wall/articleshow/57470703.cms|access-date=2021-07-05|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

===Landmarks===
[[File:Swaminarayan Temple Rajkot (Gujarat-India).JPG|thumb|upright=0.68|right|Swaminarayan temple]]
[[File:Jam Tower - Rajkot - Gujarat-DSC 0001.jpg|thumb|upright=0.68|right|Jam Tower]]
Rajkot has many historical landmarks. The Jubilee Garden is a large, open park in the centre of the city featuring many monuments from colonial times. Located prominently in the centre of the garden is the Connaught Hall. Other notable points of interest near the garden include the historic [[Alfred High School (Rajkot)|Mohandas Gandhi High School]] (Now Mahatma Gandhi Museum), [[Kaba Gandhi No Delo]] (Mohandas Gandhi's childhood residence), Rashtriya Shala, [[Watson Museum]], Rotary Dolls Museum, Lang Library, Rotary Midtown Library and [[Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium]].

The Rotary Dolls Museum has a collection of more than 1,400 dolls from all over the world.<ref>[http://www.rotary3060dolls.org/rdmprofile.asp Rotary Dolls Museum, Rajkot] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007144255/http://www.rotary3060dolls.org/rdmprofile.asp |date=7 October 2008 }}, 21 May 2008</ref> This museum is being managed by Rotary Club of Rajkot Midtown along with Rajkot Nagrik Sahakari Bank. The Museum has earned a place in Limca Book of Records for its unique collection of dolls.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Doll-museum-makes-a-record/articleshow/1994195.cms|title=Doll museum makes a record |date=3 May 2007|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=29 November 2019}}</ref>

The Trimandir, a non-sectarian temple founded by [[Dada Bhagwan]], is located at a short distance from the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.trimandir.org/main-temple/trimandir-architecture/#.WJm_47l-hzY|title=Trimandir Architecture|access-date=7 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208033659/https://www.trimandir.org/main-temple/trimandir-architecture/#.WJm_47l-hzY|archive-date=8 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Awards ===
Best LAW and Order city – 2013,<ref>[http://www.newsbullet.in/india/34-more/40068-list-of-winners-at-abp-news-best-city-awards List of winners at ABP News Best City Awards] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309190402/http://www.newsbullet.in/india/34-more/40068-list-of-winners-at-abp-news-best-city-awards |date=9 March 2013 }}. Newsbullet.in (6 March 2013). Retrieved 28 July 2013.</ref>
Best Housing & Transport City- 2015,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.narendramodi.in/india%E2%80%99s-best-cities-awards-gujarat-bags-five-awards-5122 |title=India's best cities Awards: Gujarat bags five awards |date=February 23, 2013 |website=narendramodi.in}}</ref>
Safe City Award for Rajkot Eye-Way Project 2018,<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.rmc.gov.in/rmcwebsite/awards.aspx|title=RMC :: Rajkot Municipal Corporation|website=rmc.gov.in}}</ref>
Best city for Women Safety- 2013,<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=http://www.searchthereal.com/rajkot-wins-abp-news-award-2013/|title=Rajkot Wins ABP News Award – 2013. &#124; Search The Real|date=29 March 2013 }}</ref>
Best City Cleanliness and Sanitation- 2013,<ref name="auto"/>
National Winner of WWF's One Planet City Challenge 2018,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwfindia.org/about_wwf/reducing_footprint/cce/?17681/Smart-City-of-Rajkot-declared-the-National-Winner-of-WWFs-One-Planet-City-Challenge-2018|title=Smart City of Rajkot declared the National Winner of WWF's One Planet City Challenge 2018 &#124; WWF India|website=wwfindia.org}}</ref>
National Award For Implementation of Food Safety Act-2016<ref name="auto1"/>

=== Performing arts ===
Rajkot is a major regional centre for the arts, with many venues for the performing arts in the city. [[Hemu Gadhavi]] Natyagraha.<ref>[http://sargamclub.org/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=37&Itemid=55 Sargam Club – Hemu Gadhvi Natyagraha] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727235124/http://sargamclub.org/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=37&Itemid=55 |date=27 July 2011 }}. Retrieved 13 January 2008</ref>

=== Music ===
Rajkot has its own native music genre, called Dayro,<ref>[http://www.sanedo.com/2010/09/17/dayro-form-of-gujarati-folk-narrative-song/ Gujarati Dayro] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606113218/http://www.sanedo.com/2010/09/17/dayro-form-of-gujarati-folk-narrative-song/ |date=6 June 2011 }}. Retrieved 13 January 2008</ref> which is used to convey folk stories and sayings.

===Sports===
[[File:SCA Stadium.jpg|thumb|upright=2|right|[[Niranjan Shah Stadium]] set to host an [[Indian Premier League|IPL]] match]]
[[Cricket]] is the most popular sport in the city. One-day internationals, domestic tournaments such as the [[Ranji Trophy]], the [[Duleep Trophy]] and many inter-school and collegiate tournaments are played at the [[Madhavrao Sindhia Cricket Ground]].
The newly constructed 2nd International Cricket Stadium situated in Rajkot, [[Niranjan Shah Stadium]], formerly known as Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium and Khandheri Cricket Stadium, is a cricket stadium in Khandheri, about 15 kilometers outside Rajkot. The Stadium has a capacity of 28,000 spectators. In this cricket stadium, Day/Night matches can now also be played. It hosts the [[India national cricket team|Indian national cricket team]] and [[Saurashtra cricket team]] matches. The stadium hosted its 1st International Cricket Match played on 11 January 2013 between India and England. Till date this venue has hosted multiple international Tests, ODIs and T20Is. This stadium also hosted several [[Indian Premier League|IPL]] matches during 2016-17, when [[Gujarat Lions]] opted for Rajkot as their home base. The stadium will part of a larger sports complex that will include venues for other sports such as badminton, basketball, and volleyball. Rajkot has produced cricketers such as [[Karsan Ghavri]] and [[Cheteshwar Pujara]] who have been members of the [[India national cricket team|Indian national cricket team]]. Rajkot has many other cricket grounds around the city, including the Railway Cricket Ground and the [[Rajkumar College, Rajkot|Rajkumar College South Ground]]. Apart from cricket, other sports such as hockey, football, volleyball, badminton, tennis, table-tennis, chess, swimming, and squash are rapidly growing popular in the city.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Sports Activities in Rajkot, Cricket in Rajkot, Rajkot Stadiums|url=https://www.rajkotonline.in/city-guide/sports-in-rajkot|access-date=2021-05-23|website=www.rajkotonline.in}}</ref> There has been a significant increase in recent years in the number of private sports clubs, gymkhanas, and gymnasiums. Kathiawar Gymkhana, Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium, Swami Vivekananda Indoor Stadium and swimming pools of [[Rajkot Municipal Corporation]] are major sports clubs in the city. Recently, the Gujarat Hockey Team (Under 14) was assembled with all 16 players coming from Rajkot. A new modernized cricket ground is even under construction at the outskirts. Rajkot Municipal Corporation also owns a 9-hole golf course at Ishwaria. It is maintained by Green Meadows Golf Club.<ref>[http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/All-of-U14-Gujarat-Hockey-Team-made-up-of-Rajkot-players/265310/ Gujarat Hockey Team U14] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090209044757/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/All-of-U14-Gujarat-Hockey-Team-made-up-of-Rajkot-players/265310/ |date=9 February 2009 }}. Retrieved 28 January 2008</ref>

===Festivals===
[[Garba (dance)|Garba]] is popular among both, men and women and is performed during the festival of Navratri. The dance starts before midnight and continues until dawn. Mata Ambe, who rides a lion, has a special reverential status with any highly religious Gujarati. The 'Janmastami Mela' is organised for five days at the Race Course grounds to celebrate [[Krishna Janmashtami|Janmastami]]. [[Diwali]] is one of the most important festival and is usually a week long holiday. Rajkot Municipal Corporation arranges the annual Fireworks Show for the citizens of Rajkot during the Diwali festival.
[[Holi]] is also celebrated with frolic and is widely enjoyed by most of the city folk. People also celebrate [[Makar Sankranti]] (Uttarayan) on 14 January by flying kites from their terraces.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-10 |title=Karuna Abhiyan: Rajkot collector flags off 9 ambulances for birds injured by hitting kite strings |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/rajkot/karuna-abhiyan-rajkot-collector-flags-9-ambulances-birds-injured-kite-strings-8373863/ |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

==Economy==
[[File:Crystal_Mall_Rajkot_Road_View.jpg|thumb|Crystal Mall]]
The city contributes to the economy of the state with heavy and small scale industries under the patronage of [[Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation]] (GIDC) and [[Gujarat State Financial Corporation]] (GSFC).

===Real estate===
Real estate has been a key contributor to Rajkot's development in terms of economic and infrastructure development. Since early 2014, several high-rises have been built in Rajkot.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
File:High street - 150 ft Ring road Rajkot.jpg|High Street
File:Kings Plaza - Rajkot.jpg|Kings Plaza
File:Atlantis .jpg|The Atlantis
</gallery>

===Industry===
Products made in Rajkot include jewellery, silk embroidery and watch parts. Industrial products include [[Bearing (mechanical)|bearings]], diesel engines, kitchen knives and other cutting appliances, watch parts (cases and bracelets), automotive parts, forging industry, casting industry, machine tools, share market and software development.{{citation needed|date=February 2014}} The city is also home to several [[Numerical control|CNC]] machine and auto parts manufacturers.

There are about 500 [[foundry]] units in Rajkot. The cluster came up mainly to cater to the casting requirements of the local diesel engine industry. The geographical spread of the cluster includes Aji Vasahat, Gondal Road, Bhavanagar Road areas, Shapar, Veraval and Metoda. The majority of foundry units in Rajkot produce grey iron castings for the domestic market. About 2% of the foundry units export castings such as electric motor castings and automobile castings.

Rajkot also houses Western Region Pipelines Headquarter of [[Indian Oil Corporation]] Limited (IOCL) near Gauridad village. Also natural gas industries like GSPL and GSPC are also present. A petroleum depot of IOCL is also present.

In the near future, the government of Gujarat will allocate large land areas for the development of Special Economic Zone<ref>[http://www.reaindia.com/special.php REA SEZ] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222211106/http://www.reaindia.com/special.php |date=22 December 2007 }}. Retrieved 13 January 2008</ref> which will be split into three areas and will include industries such as software and automobiles. As per recent market reviews, Rajkot is becoming Asia's biggest automobile zone.

== Infrastructure ==

=== Rajkot Greenfield Smart City ===
The city of Rajkot involves development of a Green Field Area covering approximately 930 acres of land with an estimated project cost of Rs 2100 cr. Design planned by INI design studio, the project is envisaged to have world class, Smart physical infrastructure with utilities that are environment friendly, sustainable, functionally smart and technology driven.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rajkot Smart City Masterplan Under Smart Cities Mission, Govt. of India – INI Design Studio |url=https://www.inidesignstudio.com/portfolio/rajkot-smart-city-masterplan-under-smart-cities-mission-govt-of-india/ |access-date=2023-02-12 |language=en-US}}</ref>  The Rajkot Smart City Plan achieved a perfect score of 81 out of 81 points and was awarded the highest ''Platinum'' rating by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), making it the first green-rated Platinum-level [[Smart city|Smart City]] in India.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-07-19 |title=Rajkot first to get IGBC certification |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/rajkot-first-to-get-igbc-certification/articleshow/77043130.cms |access-date=2025-08-05 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>  

The Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) has secured the third rank in the Indian Smart Cities Awards Content (ISAC) 2022 for its project of rejuvenating Atal Sarovar in area specific development component of Smart City initiative.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-27 |title=Rajkot secures 3rd rank in rainwater harvesting |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/rainwater-harvesting-smart-cities-awards-rmc-8911140/ |access-date=2025-08-05 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Rajkot’s smart city plan involves a new water management system.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atal Smart City in Rajkot Sets New Standard for Urban Development |url=https://www.constructionworld.in/urban-infrastructure/smart-cities-projects/atal-smart-city-in-rajkot-sets-new-standard-for-urban-development/66624 |access-date=2025-08-05 |website=www.constructionworld.in |language=en}}</ref>

==Law and government==
Rajkot is governed by many government bodies, including Jilla Seva Sadan (Rajkot District Collector Offices), Rajkot Municipal Corporation, [[Rajkot Urban Development Authority]].
{{s-start}}
{{succession box
| title = City Mayor
| years = Sep 2023–present
| before = Pradip Dav
| after = Naynaben Pedhadiya
}}
{{succession box
| title = City Municipal Commissioner
| years = April 2023–present
| before = Anand Patel
| after = Tushar D. Sumera
}}
{{succession box
| title = City Police Commissioner
| years = May 2022–present
| before = IPS Raju Bhargava
| after = Brajesh Kumar Jha
}}
{{s-end}}
The city civic body has started a 24x7 call centre, the first of its kind in Gujarat and the second in the country to take care of all complaints relating to civic management. Citizens can now get all their complaints registered with the Rajkot Municipal Corporation by dialling a single number with an assurance that the problem would be addressed within 72 hours.<ref>[http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/State-gets-its-first-civic-call-centre-facility/266160/ Civic Call centre] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113201126/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/State-gets-its-first-civic-call-centre-facility/266160/ |date=13 January 2012 }}. Retrieved 28 January 2008</ref>

The Rajkot City Police are responsible for law enforcement and public safety in Rajkot, India. They are a subdivision of the state police force of Gujarat and are headed by a commissioner. The Rajkot police force is responsible for the protection and safety of Rajkot citizens.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cprajkot.gujarat.gov.in/cprajkot/default.aspx|title=Rajkot City Police – Details|website=cprajkot.gujarat.gov.in|access-date=22 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322091032/https://www.cprajkot.gujarat.gov.in/cprajkot/default.aspx|archive-date=22 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Transport==
Rajkot is well connected to major Indian cities by air, rail and road.

===Roads and highways===
[[File:Road network near Rajkot Gujarat India 2015.jpg|thumb|Road network near Rajkot]]
The [[Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation]] (GSRTC) runs regular buses to and from Rajkot to other [[cities of Gujarat]] and several cities of neighbouring states. More than 81000 people travel daily with GSRTC.{{citation needed|date=January 2014}} Rajkot is very well connected with the [[Gujarat State Highways]] and the [[National highways of India]]. Rajkot is allocated the vehicle registration code GJ-03 by RTO. There are a number of private bus operators connecting the city with other cities of Gujarat and various other states of India.

===Rail and internal transport===
[[File:Rajkot railway station IMG 20200125 190055 01.jpg|thumb|left|[[Rajkot Junction railway station]]]]
Rajkot has two railway stations. [[Rajkot Junction railway station]] (station code: RJT) is the more widely used railway station for passenger trains, and has services to all the major cities of India. Its elevation is 128 m above sea level. The other, smaller, railway station is [[Bhaktinagar railway station]] (station code: BKNG), served only by trains from Somnath, Veraval, Junagadh and Porbandar.

Rajkot Municipal Corporation has restored city bus services with Public Private Partnership in 2007. RMC and a private company is providing around 80 [[Compressed natural gas|CNG]] buses under 15 to 20 routes in city and suburbs.

'''Rajkot BRTS'''
[[Rajkot Bus Rapid Transit System|Rajkot BRTS]] was launched on 1 October 2012.<ref>[[Rajkot BRTS]]</ref> This [[Bus rapid transit]] System (BRTS) currently has a 10.5-km long Blue corridor with 19 stations and a fleet of multiple electric AC buses are serving this route. The corridor is located in the west part of the city through the 150&nbsp;Ft Ring road connecting Madhapar chokdi on the Jamnagar road to Gondal chokdi on the Gondal road. [[File:Rajkot BRTS Bus and the Corridor.JPG|thumbnail|[[Rajkot Bus Rapid Transit System|Rajkot BRTS Bus]] and the Corridor]]
The fully completed project in future will have two more corridors – Green and Red from Arvind Maniyar Nagar to Saurashtra University and Greenland Chowk to Saurashtra University respectively involving 157 buses in three colours.
Rajkot thus becomes the second city in Gujarat to have BRTS after Ahmedabad. After the operational success of BRT system in Ahmedabad and Rajkot, Surat too inaugurated it's BRTS in 2013.

'''Rajkot Metro'''

[[Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Limited|GMRC]], a joint venture company between the [[Government of India]] and [[Government of Gujarat]] has submitted a detailed project report (DPR) for the Rajkot Metro to the Union Government. Rajkot Metro will be 38 km long and will have two lines, predominantly elevated with some underground stations. The total estimated cost of this project is Rs 10,000 crore. Similar DPR is also submitted for the Vadodara Metro.<ref>{{Cite web | title=DPRs for Rajkot, Vadodara metro rail sent for Centre's approval | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/dprs-for-rajkot-vadodara-metro-rail-sent-for-centres-approval/articleshow/120705082.cms | access-date=2025-07-30 | website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com}}</ref> Currently GMRC operates the [[Ahmedabad Metro]] and will inaugurate [[Surat Metro]] in 2027.

===Air===
[[File:Rajkot airport apron.jpg|thumb|left|An aircraft and refuelling truck on the apron at Rajkot Airport]]
[[File:Rajkot airport.jpg|thumb|[[Rajkot International Airport]]]]
[[Rajkot International Airport]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airportsindia.org.in/allAirports/rajkot.jsp|title=Airports Authority of India|access-date=27 July 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510102701/http://www.airportsindia.org.in/allAirports/rajkot.jsp|archive-date=10 May 2015}}</ref> {{airport codes|HSR|VAHS}} is located at Hirasar, along [[National Highway 47 (India)|National Highway 47]] (NH-8B) connecting [[Ahmedabad]] and Rajkot, about {{cvt|36|km}} from the city.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sen|first=Anindita|title=Gujarat gets first Greenfield Airport! PM Modi inaugurates international airport near Rajkot|url=
https://www.financialexpress.com/business/airlines-aviation-gujarat-gets-first-greenfield-airport-pm-modi-inaugurates-international-airport-near-rajkot-3189281/|work=The Financial Express|date=27 July 2023|access-date=27 July 2023|language=en}}</ref> There are daily flights to [[Mumbai]], [[Delhi]], [[Bengaluru]], [[Goa]], [[Hyderabad]], [[Pune]] and [[Surat]] served by [[IndiGo]], [[Air India]] and [[Ventura AirConnect]].

The older [[Rajkot Airport]] {{airport codes|RAJ|VARK}} remains open for general aviation, including charter flights. All commercial operations were shifted to the [[Rajkot International Airport]] on 10 September 2023.<ref name="TIE">{{cite news|title=Rajkot Airport shut: Commercial ops shift to new international airport today|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/rajkot-international-airport-narendra-modi-rajkot-airport-commercial-operations-8932601/|work=The Indian Express|date=10 September 2023|access-date=10 September 2023|language=en}}</ref>

==Media and communications==
State-owned [[All India Radio]] has a local station and has a FM channel 102.4 [[Vividh Bharati]] in Rajkot which transmits various programs of mass interest.
Rajkot also has various private local news media and digital websites.<ref>[https://satyamanthan.in/ Satyamanthan Gujarati Newspaper સત્યમંથન અખબાર]</ref> Private FM stations like 98.3 [[Radio Mirchi]], 93.5 [[Red FM (India)|Red FM]], 92.7 [[Big FM (Indian radio station)|Big FM]] and 94.3 MY FM also serve the people of Rajkot with excellent entertainment and events.

==Education==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
File:School of Engineering RKU.jpeg|RK University
File:PDMCC Campus front.jpg|[[PDM College of Commerce]]
File:Christ_College_Building.jpg|Christ College
</gallery>

Rajkot is famous for providing education to Mahatma Gandhi, at the [[Alfred High School, Rajkot|Alfred High School]]. A number of schools in the city are run by Rajkot Municipal Corporation. They include 20 schools and learning centres,<ref>[http://www.rmc.gov.in/rti/School%20Board_RTI_2007.pdf RMC School Board RTI] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080229133950/http://www.rmc.gov.in/rti/School%20Board_RTI_2007.pdf |date=29 February 2008 }}. Retrieved 13 January 2008</ref> which consist of 3 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, 4 junior high schools, 4 senior high schools, 1 education centre, and 1 special school.<ref>[http://www.rmc.gov.in/rti/highschool/1.pdf RMC Highschools] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080229133951/http://www.rmc.gov.in/rti/highschool/1.pdf |date=29 February 2008 }}. Retrieved 13 January 2008</ref> Rajkot is home to [[Rajkumar College, Rajkot]], also known as RKC. RKC is the oldest of the Chiefs' schools of India similar to [[Mayo College]] at [[Ajmer]] and [[Daly College]] at [[Indore]].

Rajkot also has the Union Government HRD Ministry run [[Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya]]. It was started at the Juni Khadki school premise of Sir Lakhajiraj High School and later moved to its own building on the Jamnagar Road. It is a [[Central Board of Secondary Education|CBSE]] Board affiliated, residential school for girls and boys, providing education to those selected at the Class VI level all India entrance test.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://navodaya.gov.in|title=NVS|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726233721/http://www.navodaya.nic.in/|archive-date=26 July 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.jnvmudgal.gov.in/Application/ApplnEng.pdf |title=Application form for Navodaya |access-date=12 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721160001/http://www.jnvmudgal.gov.in/Application/ApplnEng.pdf |archive-date=21 July 2011 |url-status=live  }}</ref>

The city is home to [[Saurashtra University]], several colleges, and other institutions of higher education, both public and private. Rajkot has three private universities, [[RK University]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rku.ac.in|title=RK University – First step to success|access-date=27 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150805043317/http://rku.ac.in/|archive-date=5 August 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Atmiya University]] and Marwadi University.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.marwadiuniversity.ac.in/|title=MU{{!}} Believing in 360-degree education. {{!}} Best College in Rajkot {{!}} No-1 Rank in Gujarat|website=www.marwadiuniversity.ac.in|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316204252/https://www.marwadiuniversity.ac.in/|archive-date=16 March 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The city has 12 engineering colleges. It has a Performing Arts College (Vocal, Classical dance, Tabla vadan etc.) opposite [[Hemu Gadhavi|Hemu Gadhvi Natya Gruh]]. The Saurashtra University is the city's public university. It is spread across approximately {{convert|410|acre|km2}} of green land with 28 post-graduation departments.<ref>[http://www.saurashtrauniversity.edu/about_uni.htm About Saurashtra University] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080103031959/http://www.saurashtrauniversity.edu/about_uni.htm |date=3 January 2008 }}. Retrieved 13 January 2008</ref>

[[Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Medical College]] is government medical college in Rajkot. It was established in 1995 and offers MBBS, MD and MS courses. [[AIIMS Rajkot]], an [[All India Institutes of Medical Sciences|AIIMS]] institute has started its medical college with its inaugural batch of MBBS Students in December 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-21|title=Academic session of first batch of AIIMS Rajkot starts|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/education/guj-academic-session-of-first-batch-of-aiims-rajkot-starts/story-Vr1nq4RJJWe8qq3aATFeiP.html|access-date=2021-01-02|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-31|title=PM Modi lays foundation stone of AIIMS Rajkot, says India emerged as nerve centre of global health|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-modi-lays-foundation-stone-of-aiims-rajkot/story-6jXlTkRJsHxDENAm0kPYmL.html|access-date=2021-01-02|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>

== Healthcare ==
Rajkot’s healthcare is served by both government and private providers. Along with modern allopathic care, many residents also rely on Ayurveda and Homeopathy. Major public hospitals like Civil Hospital (PDU) and AIIMS provide affordable treatment, while private multi-specialty hospitals offer advanced medical facilities.

Civil Hospital, Rajkot (also known as Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Civil Hospital) is the largest government hospital in the city. It is located on Jamnagar Road at Hospital Chowk and provides affordable treatment to a large section of the population. The hospital is affiliated with Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Government Medical College, Rajkot, which was established in 1995 and admits around 150 MBBS students annually.<ref>{{cite web |title=Civil Hospital Rajkot |url=https://rajkot.nic.in/public-utility/civil-hospital-rajkot/ |website=Rajkot District Administration |publisher=Government of Gujarat |access-date=21 August 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Medical College, Rajkot |url=http://www.pdumcrajkot.org/ |website=Official Website}}</ref>

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Rajkot is a government medical institution and part of the AIIMS network in India. It offers tertiary healthcare, medical education, and research facilities in multiple specialties including medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and more.<ref>{{cite web |title=AIIMS Rajkot |url=https://aiimsrajkot.edu.in/ |website=AIIMS Rajkot}}</ref>

Sterling Hospital, Rajkot is a private multi-specialty hospital with 208 beds and one of the region’s largest critical-care infrastructures. It is part of Sterling Hospitals chain and NABH-accredited.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sterling Hospitals in Rajkot recognized as premier multi-speciality hospital |url=https://www.sterlinghospitals.com/rajkot/ |website=Sterling Hospitals Rajkot}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Sterling Hospitals |url=https://www.justdial.com/Rajkot/Sterling-Hospital/ |website=www.justdial.com}}</ref>

Wockhardt Hospital, Rajkot is a private multi-specialty hospital founded in 2006, offering services in cardiology, orthopedics, neurology, gastroenterology, urology, and more. It operates under the Wockhardt Hospitals chain and holds NABH/NABL accreditation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wockhardt Hospitals Rajkot |url=https://www.wockhardthospitals.com/rajkot/ |website=Wockhardt Hospitals}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Wockhardt Hospital Rajkot overview |url=https://medigence.com/hospital/nm-virani-wockhardt |website=Medigence}}</ref>

Synergy Superspeciality Hospital, Rajkot is a private multi-specialty hospital with NABH accreditation, offering services in cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, oncology, gastroenterology, critical care, and more.<ref>{{cite web |title=Synergy Superspeciality Hospital |url=https://www.synergyhospital.co.in/ |website=Synergy Hospital Rajkot}}</ref>

== See also ==
*[[List of cities in India]]
*[[List of million-plus cities in India]]
*[[List of most populous cities in India]]
*[[List of most populous metropolitan areas in India]]
*[[List of twin towns and sister cities in India]]
*[[Status of Indian cities]]
*[[Largest Indian Cities by GDP]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite book
|last = Sadashiv
|first = Anant
|title=A History of important ancient towns & cities in Gujarat & Kathiawad
|id = ASIN B0008B2NGA
 }}
* {{cite book
|last = Singhji
|first = Virbhadra
|title=The Rajputs of Saurashtra
|isbn = 81-7154-546-7
 |year = 1994
|publisher = Popular Prakashan
}}
* {{cite book
|last = Curzon
|first = George Nathaniel
|title=Speeches
|url=https://archive.org/details/speeches01curzgoog
 |publisher = Calcutta, Office of the Superintendent of Govt. Print., India
|year = 1900
}}
* {{cite book
|last = Thornton
|first = Edward
|title=A Gazetteer of The Territories under the government of The East-India Company, and of the Native states on the continent of India.
|year = 1993
|publisher = Low Price Publications
|isbn = 81-85557-52-7
 }}
* {{cite book
|last = Briggs
|first = Henry George
|title=The Cities of Gujaráshtra: : Their Topography and History Illustrated, in
|url=https://archive.org/details/1849TheCitiesOfGujarashtraTheirTopographyAndHistoryIllustrated123CleanD
 |year = 1849
}}
* {{cite book
|last = Baird
|first = Robert
|title=The Christian Retrospect and Register: A Summary of the Scientific, Moral
|url=https://archive.org/details/christianretros00bairgoog
 |publisher = New York, M. W. Dodd
|year = 1851
}}
* {{cite book
|last = Chesson
|first = James
|title=Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society, from May 1844 to February 1846.
 }}

==External links==
{{Sister project links|Rajkot}}
* [http://www.rmc.gov.in Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC)]
* [http://www.rajkotuda.com/ Rajkot Urban Development Authority (RUDA)]

* {{Wikivoyage inline}}

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{{Rajkot Urban/Suburban Areas}}
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{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Rajkot]]
[[Category:Metropolitan cities in India]]
[[Category:Former capital cities in India]]