It was founded in 1885 by Takhtsinhji, the Maharaja of Bhavnagar State in memory of his Diwan (minister) Samaldas Paramananddas Mehta.

[1][2][3] The college was affiliated to University of Bombay and the classes were opened in January 1885[2] in Majiraj Girls High School building.

[4] The foundation stone of the building opposite Peel Garden was laid on 25 November 1884 by James Furgusson, Governor of Bombay.

[4] In 1932, Krishnakumarsinhji, Maharaja of Bhavnagar, built a new building for the college on Vaghawadi Road.

[4] On 1 November 1955, Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, laid the foundation of the present building of the college.