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Chhaya, India

Overview

Chhaya is a town in the Porbandar district of the Indian state of Gujarat. Located on the Saurashtra peninsula along the Arabian Sea coast, it lies adjacent to the city of Porbandar and forms part of the larger Porbandar urban area. Historically a separate settlement, Chhaya has long been associated with the administrative and cultural sphere of Porbandar.

Key facts

Type Town
State Gujarat
District Porbandar
Region Saurashtra
Country India
Language Gujarati

Geography

Chhaya is situated on the southern coast of the Saurashtra peninsula, immediately to the east of Porbandar town. The terrain is generally flat, characteristic of the coastal plains of Gujarat, and the local climate is semi-arid with hot summers, a monsoon season influenced by the Arabian Sea, and mild winters. The town's proximity to Porbandar means that the two settlements share much of their economic and transport infrastructure.

History

Before the integration of the princely states into the Indian Union in 1947–48, the region surrounding Chhaya formed part of the princely state of Porbandar, which was ruled by the Jethwa Rajput dynasty. After independence, Porbandar acceded to India and was incorporated into the state of Saurashtra, later merged into Bombay State in 1956 and into the newly formed state of Gujarat in 1960. Porbandar district, of which Chhaya is a part, was constituted in 1997 when it was carved out of Junagadh district.

Administration

Chhaya falls under the administrative jurisdiction of Porbandar district. Civic functions in the area are linked with the urban administration of Porbandar, and the town comes within the parliamentary constituency of Porbandar.

Economy

The local economy is closely tied to that of Porbandar, which is known for fisheries, cement and chemical industries, and trade through its port. Agriculture in the surrounding rural belt includes groundnut, bajra, and other crops typical of the Saurashtra region.

Transport

Chhaya is connected by road to Porbandar and other towns of Saurashtra. Porbandar Airport and Porbandar Railway Station, both nearby, provide air and rail connectivity to other parts of Gujarat and India.

References