The city of Nadiad is said to have been settled by rope dancers, hence the historical name of "Natapadra" (outskirts of/for natas) or "Natpur" (city for natas). It is also referred to as 'Nandgam'. The city has nine routes, and on each route there is a step well. The city is also well known for the number 9: there are 9 villages or towns located to all the 9 roads that exit from Nadiad; 9 step wells around the city; and 9 lakes in the city. Nadiad was also known as 'Shakshar Bhumi' - The land of educated.
Nadiad is home to many famous poets and authors such as Jhaverchand Meghani, Ambalal Purani, and Mahadevbhai Desai. The city was formerly ruled by Muslims, and later on by the Gayakwad of Baroda. Malhar Rao Gayakwad built the first Hindu temple called Narayan Dev Mandir located in the center of the city.
Vikram Samvat 1213, about 1156AD, the first Patidar named Jesti Patel, the forefather of Patidars of Kakarkhad, Alhadvago, Ratanji Hirji and Lakhawad. Kheta Patel who came to Nadiad in Samvat 1516. History of the Patidars is the witness of how some of the Patidars becomes Desai. A place in Nadiad has been known as "Desaivago" (Where Desais live in). The Patidar of Samdi Chakla are from Lakhawad pati. The resident of Manordas ni Khadki are the heirs of Kakarkhad. The Patidars of Desaivago were the descendants of Kheta Patel. Vaghjibhai Samaldas Desai constructed a pond named Kheta Talav in 1798. In 1800, he was honored by Gaekwad and given the title "Desai". Haridas Viharidas Desai and Bechardas Viharidas Desai were the Diwans of Junagadh. They lived at Nadiad ni haveli which has 249 rooms and was constructed in 1783. They are distinguished as Bhao Shaeb (respected brother in Maharastra). Dharamsinh Desai was a member of the Indian Parliament and a well-known industrialist. He established many heavy and light industries and was a major contributor to the Dharamsinh Desai University in Nadiad. Dr. Narendra Dharmsinh Desai followed in his father's
