Surat is a city located on the western part of India in the state of Gujarat. It is one of the most dynamic city of India with one of the fastest growth rate due to immigration from various part of Gujarat and other states of India.
Surat is one of the cleanest city of India and is also known by several other names like “THE SILK CITY”, “THE DIAMOND CITY”, “THE GREEN CITY”, etc. It has the most vibrant present and an equally varied heritage of the past. It is the city where the British first land in India. The Dutch and the Portuguese also established there business centers in Surat, the remnants of which are still preserved in the modern day Surat. In past this was a glorious port with ships of more than 84 countries anchored in its harbour at any time.
Still today, Surat continues the same tradition as people from all around the country flock in for business and jobs. Surat has practically zero percent unemployment rate and jobs are easier to get here due to very fast development of various industries in and around Surat City.
Best places to visit in and around the Surat
There are several historical monuments in and around Surat. The major attractions are Dandi, Dumas, Hajira, Tithal and Ubhrat.
Dandi, is a place which is historical very important. Dandi is the place where Mahatma Gandhi started Dandi March in 1930. Dumas, a beach located 16 km away from Surat city. Hajira, is one more beautiful beach which is 28 km away from the city. Ubhrat is a one more beautiful beach 42 km away from the city.
History ::
The city of Surat has glorious history that dates back to 300 BC. The origin of the city can be traced to the old Hindu town of Suryapur during 1500 – 1520 A.D., which was later colonised by the Brigus or the King from Sauvira on the banks of River Tapi. In 1759, The British rulers took its control from the Mughals till the beginning of the 20th century. The city is located on the River Tapi and has about 6 km long coastal belt along the Arabian Sea. Due to these reasons, the city emerged as an important trade centre and enjoyed prosperity through sea trade in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Surat became the most important trade link between India and many other countries and was at the height of prosperity till the rise of Bombay port in the 17th and 18th centuries. Surat was also a flourishing centre for ship building activities. The whole coast of Tapi from Athwalines to Dumas was specially meant for ship builders who were usually Rassis. After the rise of the port at Bombay, Surat faced a severe blow and its ship building industry also declined. During the post-independence period, Surat has experienced considerable growth in industrial activities (especially textiles) along with trading activities. Concentration of these activities combined with residential developments has resulted in considerable expansion of the city limits.
Surat of today has earned the reputation of an important industrial hub and commercial center of the country. A glimpse on the history of Surat will prove that the city has always been a great trading center.
Surat reached the highest point of prosperity during the sixteenth century. The Surat Port was considered important by the European traders. The British and the Portuguese waged battles against each other to gain supreme control over the trading route. The French and the Dutch also arrived in the city with merchandising objectives. The place is also known as India’s western gateway because of its strategic position. People of many races from various places have come to Surat from the ancient times, because of which, the city has witnessed a blend of many traditions and cultures.
Surat is also known to be the world’s largest diamond manufacturing centre, home to over 5,000 diamond manufacturing units including most advanced, large-scale diamond cutting factories in the world. The Surat SEZ boasts of over 100 listed companies and is fast emerging as a leading jewellery production hub.
The art and culture of Surat is much diversified and the people here are generally of soft nature. The pleasure loving people of Surat have a very stylish and spirited outlook. The language that is mostly spoken in the Surat City is Surti Gujrati language.Many people refer to the unique culture of Surat as the “Surti Culture”. Surti culture though distinct in its flavor still retains the main essence of the Indian culture. Most residents here are Hindus, though other minority communities like Muslims and Christians are also its residents. Most of the major Hindu festivals are celebrated here but especially the festivals of Navaratri and Diwali along with Makar Sankranti are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Diamond City” : Surat is well known for its Diamond business.
“Silk City” : Surat is also known as “Textile city”