Gujarat

Gujarat is a state along the western coast of India, known for its long coastline of about 2,340 km, the longest in the country. It is the fifth-largest state by area and the ninth-most populous, with a population of 60.4 million as of 2011. The capital city is Gandhinagar, while Ahmedabad is the largest city.

The state is home to many important ancient sites from the Indus Valley Civilisation, including Lothal, believed to be one of the world's first seaports. Gujarat's coastal cities have historically served as key trading centers. Today, Gujarat is one of India's most industrialised states, with a strong economy and low unemployment. It also has the highest exports among all Indian states, contributing around one-third of the country's total exports. The Gir National Park in Gujarat is famous for being the only home to wild Asiatic lions in the world.

Etymology

The name Gujarat comes from an old word in a language called Sanskrit. It started as Gurjar-Rashtra, which means "the country of the Gujjars". Long ago, people wrote the state's name as Gurjar Mandal and Gurjar-Desh, also meaning "land of the Gujjars". Around the 9th or 10th century, the name changed to Gujarat.

Many people think the name comes from a group called the Gujjars, who ruled in Gujarat during the 8th and 9th centuries. Parts of what we now call Rajasthan and Gujarat were known as Gurjarat or Gurjarabhumi for many years before a later time called the Mughal period.

History

Main article: History of Gujarat

Ancient history

Gujarat was an important part of the Indus Valley Civilisation, which covered parts of modern-day northern India and Pakistan. It had ancient cities like Lothal, Dholavira and Gola Dhoro. Lothal was India’s first port. Dholavira is one of the largest archaeological sites from this civilisation. In total, about fifty settlements from the Indus Valley have been found in Gujarat.

The people of Gujarat were involved in trade with places like Egypt, Bahrain and Sumer in the Persian Gulf between 1000 and 750 BCE. Many different rulers controlled Gujarat over time, including the Mauryan dynasty, Satavahana dynasty, Gupta Empire, and the Gurjara-Pratihara Empire.

Medieval history

In the early 8th century, leaders from Arabia tried to expand their control into Gujarat but were pushed back. Later, people called Zoroastrians came to Gujarat from Greater Iran to escape unfair treatment.

The Chaulukya dynasty ruled Gujarat from 960 to 1243. Their capital, Anhilwara or Patan, was a big city with around 100,000 people. After 1243, control passed to their vassals, the Vaghela chiefs. In 1297, Gujarat was taken over by rulers from Delhi.

Fragments of printed cotton from Gujarat have been discovered in Egypt, showing the region’s long history of trade.

Muslim rule

After leaders from Ghor tried to take over Gujarat in 1197, control finally passed to rulers from Delhi in 1297. Later, a local leader named Zafar Khan Muzaffar declared independence, founding the Gujarat Sultanate. The city of Ahmedabad became the capital. Gujarat stayed independent until 1572 when it was taken over by the Mughal emperor Akbar.

The port of Surat became very important during Mughal times, known for trading silk and diamonds. It was compared to rich trading cities like Venice and Beijing.

Maratha Empire

As the Mughal Empire weakened in the mid-1600s, the Maratha leaders grew stronger. Chatrapati Shivaji attacked Surat twice, in 1664 and 1672. Later, leaders like Damaji Rao Gaekwad took control of parts of Gujarat, making Vadodara their capital.

European colonialism (1614–1947)

In the 1600s, the Dutch, French, English, and Portuguese set up bases along Gujarat’s coast. The British East India Company opened a trading post in Surat in 1614. Later, after receiving Bombay from Portugal, the British focused more on that port.

Gujarat was mostly controlled by the British, except for Baroda State, which dealt directly with the top leader of India. Many areas were ruled by local leaders under British oversight.

Post-independence (1947–present)

After India gained independence in 1947, Gujarat was part of a larger state called Bombay State. In 1960, Bombay State was split into two new states based on language: Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Gujarat grew to become an important industrial area, especially in Surat, where industries like diamond cutting and petrochemicals developed. Sadly, there were also difficult times, like the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, which caused great loss of life and damage.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Gujarat

See also: Climate of Gujarat and List of rivers of Gujarat

Gujarat is a state in western India that touches the Arabian Sea. It shares borders with Pakistan to the northwest, Rajasthan to the northeast, Madhya Pradesh to the east, and Maharashtra along with the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu to the south. The state has a long coastline of about 1,600 km, which is the longest in India. Gujarat's capital is Gandhinagar, a planned city.

The largest river in Gujarat is the Narmada, followed by the Tapi. The Sabarmati river has the longest path through the state. The Sardar Sarovar Dam is built on the Narmada River. Gujarat also has many hills and mountains, with Girnar being the tallest peak.

Rann of Kutch

Main article: Rann of Kutch

The Rann of Kutch is a large desert area in Gujarat that becomes a marshland during certain seasons. It is known for its beautiful colors and the Rann Utsav Festival, where people enjoy activities like camel rides and watching birds.

Flora and fauna

Main articles: Fauna of Gujarat and List of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of Gujarat, India

Gujarat has many forests and wildlife. It is the only place in India where Asiatic lions live naturally, found mainly in Gir Forest National Park. The state also has many bird sanctuaries, like Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, where greater flamingos can be seen. Other animals such as Indian leopards and striped hyenas also live in Gujarat.

Demographics

Population

In 2011, Gujarat had a population of about 60.4 million people. There were slightly more males than females. The number of people per square kilometre was lower than in many other parts of India.

Social groups

Most people in Gujarat speak the Gujarati language, but cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat have people from many different backgrounds and languages. There are also communities of Marwaris, Luso-Indians, Gurjars, Anglo-Indians, Jews, and Parsis. After India was divided in 1947, many Sindhi people moved to Gujarat. The Koli people make up a large part of the state's population.

Language

Gujarati is the main language spoken in Gujarat, and it is spoken by most of the population. Other languages spoken there include Hindi, Sindhi, Marathi, Bhili, and Urdu. In schools, children usually learn Gujarati as their first language, another language as their second, and Hindi as their third.

Religion

Religion in Gujarat (2011)

1. Hinduism (88.6%)
2. Islam (9.67%)
3. Jainism (0.96%)
4. Christianity (0.52%)
5. Sikhism (0.10%)
6. Buddhism (0.05%)
7. Others (0.03%)
8. Not stated (0.10%)

Most people in Gujarat follow Hinduism, but there are also many followers of Islam, Jainism, Christianity, Sikhism, and Buddhism. Gujarat is home to a large number of Jains, especially in cities.

Fiscal health index

Gujarat ranked fifth in the Fiscal Health Index for 2025, with a score of 50.5.

Governance and administration

See also: Chief Ministers of Gujarat and Gujarat Council of Ministers

Gujarat is led by a Legislative Assembly with 182 members who are chosen by voters. The leader of the majority party becomes the Chief Minister, and together with the Gujarat Council of Ministers, they manage the state's day-to-day activities. A governor, chosen by the President of India, serves as the state's official head.

Gujarat has 34 districts, including Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara. The state is organized into smaller areas such as subdivisions, talukas, and villages to help manage local affairs. There are also city and town councils that handle urban and rural areas.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Gujarat

Gujarat is one of the most industrial states in India, with the highest industrial output and exports. It leads in many industries such as chemicals, dairy products, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. The state also has a strong agricultural sector, producing cotton, peanuts, dates, and milk.

Gujarat has a long coastline and many ports that handle a large amount of cargo. It is rich in minerals and is a major producer of drugs and pharmaceuticals. The state is also known for its dairy industry, with Amul being a well-known brand. Gujarat has made progress in infrastructure, with good road connectivity and electricity access in most villages.

Gujarat's major cities include Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Jamnagar and Bhavnagar. Ahmedabad is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. The state is rich in minerals like calcite and gypsum. Jamnagar is known for manufacturing brass parts. Gujarat produces most of India's soda ash and a large portion of the country's salt. It is one of India's most prosperous states.

The total geographical area of Gujarat is 19,602,400 hectares, of which crops take up 10,630,700 hectares.^{[verification needed]} Gujarat is the main producer of tobacco, cotton, and peanuts in India. Other major food crops produced are rice, wheat, jowar, bajra, maize, tur, and gram. The state has an agricultural economy; the total crop area amounts to more than one-half of the total land area.

Animal husbandry and dairying have played vital roles in the rural economy of Gujarat. Dairy farming, primarily concerned with milk production, functions on a co-operative basis and has more than a million members. Gujarat is the largest producer of milk in India. The Amul milk co-operative federation is well known all over India, and it is Asia's biggest dairy.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Gujarat

Gujarat has a rich culture with a long history. The city of Patan was famous for its ancient Jain books and learning. Gujarati writing goes back to the year 1000 CE, with many well-known writers like Hemchandracharya and Narsinh Mehta.

Gujarati food is mostly vegetarian, with dishes like rotli and dal. Gujarati movies began in 1932 with the film Narsinh Mehta, and the industry has grown since then.

The state is known for its music, including folk styles like Sugam Sangeet, and for festivals such as Navratri with the lively Garba dance. People also celebrate Makar Sankranti with kite flying and special foods like Undhiyu.

Because of its location near the sea, Gujarat has a history of trading and travel, spreading its culture to many parts of the world.

Literature

The history of Gujarati literature may be traced back to 1000 CE. Well-known laureates of Gujarati literature include Hemchandracharya, Narsinh Mehta, Mirabai, Akho, Premanand Bhatt, Shamal Bhatt, Dayaram, Dalpatram, Narmad, Govardhanram Tripathi, Mahatma Gandhi, K. M. Munshi, Umashankar Joshi, Suresh Joshi, Swaminarayan, Pannalal Patel and Rajendra Shah.

Kavi Kant, Zaverchand Meghani and Kalapi are famous Gujarati poets.^{[citation needed]}

Gujarat Vidhya Sabha, Gujarat Sahitya Sabha, and Gujarati Sahitya Parishad are Ahmedabad based literary institutions promoting the spread of Gujarati literature. Saraswatichandra is a landmark novel by Govardhanram Tripathi. Writers like Aanand Shankar Dhruv, Ashvini Bhatt, Balwantray Thakore, Bhaven Kachhi, Bhagwatikumar Sharma, Chandrakant Bakshi, Gunvant Shah, Harindra Dave, Harkisan Mehta, Jay Vasavada, Jyotindra Dave, Kanti Bhatt, Kavi Nanalal, Khabardar, Sundaram, Makarand Dave, Ramesh Parekh, Suresh Dalal, Tarak Mehta, Vinod Bhatt, Dhruv Bhatt and Varsha Adalja have influenced Gujarati thinkers.^{[citation needed]}

A notable contribution to Gujarati literature came from the Swaminarayan paramhanso, like Brahmanand Swami, Premanand, with prose like Vachanamrut and poetry in the form of bhajans.

Shrimad Rajchandra Vachnamrut and Shri Atma Siddhi Shastra, written in 19th century by Jain philosopher and poet Shrimad Rajchandra (Mahatma Gandhi's guru) are very well known.

Gujarati theatre owes a lot to Bhavai. Bhavai is a folk musical performance of stage plays. Ketan Mehta and Sanjay Leela Bhansali explored artistic use of bhavai in films such as Bhavni Bhavai, Oh Darling! Yeh Hai India and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. Dayro (gathering) involves singing and conversation reflecting on human nature.^{[citation needed]}

Mumbai theatre veteran, Alyque Padamsee, best known in the English-speaking world for playing Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Sir Richard Attenborough's Gandhi, was from a traditional Gujarati-Kutchi family from Kathiawar.

Cuisine

Gujarati food is primarily vegetarian. The typical Gujarati thali consists of rotli or bhakhari or thepala or rotlo_, dal or kadhi, khichdi, Bhat and shak. Athanu (Indian pickle) and chhundo are used as condiments. The four major regions of Gujarat all bring their own styles to Gujarati food. Many Gujarati dishes are distinctively sweet, salty, and spicy at the same time. In the Saurashtra region & Kutch region chhash (buttermilk) is believed to be a must-have in their daily food.^{[citation needed]}

Cinema

The Gujarati film industry dates back to 1932, when the first Gujarati film, Narsinh Mehta, was released. After flourishing through the 1960s to 1980s, the industry saw a decline. The industry is revived in recent times. The film industry has produced more than one thousand films since its inception. The Government of Gujarat announced a 100% entertainment tax exemption for Gujarati films in 2005 and a policy of incentives in 2016.

Music

Main article: Music of Gujarat

Gujarati folk music, known as Sugam Sangeet, is a hereditary profession of the Barot community. Gadhvi and Charan communities have contributed heavily in modern times. The omnipresent instruments in Gujarati folk music include wind instruments, such as turi, bungal, and pava, string instruments, such as the ravan hattho, ektaro, and jantar and percussion instruments, such as the manjira and zanz pot drum.

Festivals

[Garba](/wiki/Garba_\(dance\)) during Navaratri in [Ahmedabad](/wiki/Ahmedabad)


Navratri Garba at [Ambaji Mata Temple](/wiki/Ambaji_Mata_Temple)


Tourists playing [Dandiya Raas](/wiki/Dandiya_Raas)


[International Kite Festival](/wiki/International_Kite_Festival_in_Gujarat_–_Uttarayan), Ahmedabad

The folk traditions of Gujarat include bhavai and raas-garba. Bhavai is a folk theatre; it is partly entertainment and partly ritual, and is dedicated to Amba. The raas-garba is a folk dance done as a celebration of Navratri by Gujarati people. The folk costume of this dance is chaniya choli for women and kedia for men. Different styles and steps of garba include dodhiyu, simple five, simple seven, popatiyu, trikoniya (hand movement which forms an imagery triangle), lehree, tran taali, butterfly, hudo, two claps and many more. Sheri garba is one of the oldest form of garba where all the women wear red patola sari and sing along while dancing. It is a very graceful form of garba.

Makar Sankranti is a festival where people of Gujarat fly kites. In Gujarat, from December through to Makar Sankranti, people start enjoying kite flying. Undhiyu, a special dish made of various vegetables, is a must-have of Gujarati people on Makar Sankranti. Surat is especially well known for the strong string which is made by applying glass powder on the row thread to provide it a cutting edge.

Apart from Navratri and Makar Sankranti (Uttarayana), Diwali, Holi, Janmashtami, Raksha Bandhan, Dusshera, Rama Navami, Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, Eid, Tazia, Paryushan, Bhavnath fair, and others are also celebrated.

Diffusion of culture

Due to close proximity to the Arabian Sea, Gujarat has developed a mercantile ethos which maintained a cultural tradition of seafaring, long-distance trade, and overseas contacts with the outside world since ancient times, and the diffusion of culture through Gujarati diaspora was a logical outcome of such a tradition. During the pre-modern period, various European sources have observed that these merchants formed diaspora communities outside of Gujarat, and in many parts of the world, such as the Persian Gulf, Middle East, Horn of Africa, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Philippines. long before the internal rise of the Maratha dynasty, and the British Raj colonial occupation.

Early 1st-century Western historians such as Strabo and Dio Cassius are testament to Gujarati people's role in the spread of Buddhism in the Mediterranean, when it was recorded that the sramana monk Zarmanochegas (Ζαρμανοχηγὰς) of Barygaza met Nicholas of Damascus in Antioch while Augustus ruled the Roman Empire, and shortly thereafter proceeded to Athens where died by setting himself on fire to demonstrate his faith. A tomb to the sramana, was still visible in the time of Plutarch, which bore the mention "ΖΑΡΜΑΝΟΧΗΓΑΣ ΙΝΔΟΣ ΑΠΟ ΒΑΡΓΟΣΗΣ" ("The sramana master from Barygaza in India").

The progenitor of the Sinhala language is believed to have been Prince Vijaya, son of King Simhabahu, who ruled Simhapura (modern-day Sihor near Bhavnagar). Prince Vijaya was banished by his father for his lawlessness and set forth with a band of adventurers. This tradition was followed by other Gujaratis. For example, in the Ajanta frescoes, a Gujarati prince is shown entering Sri Lanka.

Many Indians migrated to Indonesia and the Philippines, most of them Gujaratis. King Aji Saka, who is said to have come to Java in Indonesia in year 1 of the Saka calendar, is believed by some to have been a king of Gujarat. The first Indian settlements in the Philippines and Java Island of Indonesia are believed to have been established with the coming of Prince Dhruvavijaya of Gujarat, with 5000 traders. Some stories propose a Brahmin named Tritresta was the first to bring Gujarati migrants with him to Java, so some scholars equate him with Aji Saka. A Gujarati ship has been depicted in a sculpture at Borobudur, Java.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Gujarat

Gujarat has many natural wonders, such as the Great Rann of Kutch and the hills of Saputara. It is the only place in the world where pure Asiatic lions live. During old times, Hindu artists and Islamic builders worked together, creating a special style called Indo-Saracenic. Many buildings in Gujarat show this style. Gujarat is also where famous leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel were born. These leaders helped India gain its independence. Today, Amitabh Bachchan helps promote tourism in Gujarat.

Museums and memorials

Gujarat has many interesting museums. The main museum is in Vadodara and is called the Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery. There, you can also visit the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. Other important places include the Kirti Mandir, Porbandar, where Mahatma Gandhi was born, and the Sabarmati Ashram, where he lived. In Rajkot, you can see photographs of Gandhi’s life at the Kaba Gandhi No Delo. The Calico Museum of Textiles in Ahmedabad is famous for its fabrics. The Statue of Unity, a very tall statue of Sardar Patel, draws many visitors every day.

Religious sites

Gujarat is home to many important religious places. Somnath is one of the twelve special temples called Jyotirlingas. The Dwarkadhish Temple and other temples honor Krishna. For followers of Jainism, Shatrunjaya Mahatirth in Palitana is a very holy place with over 900 temples. Other religious spots include Ambaji and Girnar Mahatirth.

Fairs

Gujarat holds many colorful fairs. The Bhavanth Mahadev Fair happens during Maha Shivaratri at Girnar fort. The Kutch Festival celebrates the culture of the Kutch region. The Ambaji Fair takes place in August or September and draws visitors from around the world. The Tarnetar Fair, held in September or October, is where people from tribal communities often find partners for marriage. Gujarat has many other fairs like Dang Durbar and Shamlaji Fair.

Statue of [Mahatma Gandhi](/wiki/Mahatma_Gandhi) in [Sabarmati Ashram](/wiki/Sabarmati_Ashram), [Ahmedabad](/wiki/Ahmedabad)

Shrimad Rajchandra Spiritual Centre, [Valsad](/wiki/Valsad)

[Somnath Temple](/wiki/Somnath_Temple), [Veraval](/wiki/Veraval)

[Dwarkadhish Temple](/wiki/Dwarkadhish_Temple), [Dwarka](/wiki/Dwarka)

[Radha Damodar Temple, Junagadh](/wiki/Radha_Damodar_Temple,_Junagadh)

Kirti Toran, [Vadnagar](/wiki/Vadnagar)

[Akshardham](/wiki/Akshardham_\(Gandhinagar\)), [Gandhinagar](/wiki/Gandhinagar)

[Jama Mosque, Champaner](/wiki/Jama_Mosque,_Champaner)

Lakhota Museum, [Jamnagar](/wiki/Jamnagar)

[Sun Temple, Modhera](/wiki/Sun_Temple,_Modhera)

[Laxmi Vilas Palace](/wiki/Laxmi_Vilas_Palace,_Vadodara), [Vadodara](/wiki/Vadodara)

[Vijay Vilas Palace](/wiki/Vijay_Vilas_Palace), [Mandvi](/wiki/Mandvi), Kutch

[Mahabat Maqbara](/wiki/Mahabat_Maqbara), [Junagadh](/wiki/Junagadh)

[Vasai Jain Temple](/wiki/Vasai_Jain_Temple), Kutch

[Ranjit Vilas Palace](/wiki/Ranjit_Vilas_Palace_\(Wankaner\)), [Wankaner](/wiki/Wankaner)

[Mandvi](/wiki/Mandvi) Beach, Kutch

Transport

Air

There are four international airports in Gujarat: Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, and Vadodara. There are also eight domestic airports, two private airports, and three military bases. Three more airports are being built. The airports are run by different groups, such as the government or private companies.

Rail

Gujarat is part of the Western Railway Zone. Ahmedabad Junction Railway Station is the biggest and most important station in Gujarat. Vadodara Junction Railway Station is the busiest in Gujarat and the fifth busiest in India. Other busy stations include Surat, Rajkot, and Sabarmati Junction. India plans to build a fast train line between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. A metro system in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar has some tracks open for use.

Sea

Gujarat has the longest coastline in India. Mundra Port is the biggest port in the country. Kandla Port is also very busy. Other important ports include the Port of Navlakhi, Port of Magdalla, Port Pipavav, Bedi Port, the Port of Porbandar, and the Port of Veraval. There is also a ferry service between Dahej and Ghogha.

Road

The Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) runs most of the bus services in Gujarat and to nearby states. It has different types of bus services, including those for cities, between cities, and for carrying goods. There are also city buses in places like Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara. Auto rickshaws are a common way to travel. The government is also trying to get people to ride bicycles to help the environment.

Main article: List of airports in Gujarat

Main pages: Railway stations in Gujarat and Indian Railways

Further information: Pune – Mumbai – Ahmedabad High-Speed Passenger Corridor

Main articles: List of National Highways in Gujarat and List of state highways in Gujarat

Further information: List of ports and harbours of Gujarat

Education and research

Main article: Education in Gujarat

See also: List of institutions of higher education in Gujarat

Gujarat has many schools and universities. The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board runs schools for the government, but many private schools follow rules from the Central Board of Secondary Education or the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations. The state has 30 universities.

One important university is Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in Vadodara. It teaches many subjects like arts, science, engineering, and medicine. Other well-known universities include Gujarat National Law University in Gandhinagar, IIT Gandhinagar, and many more in cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara.

Research in Gujarat is strong too. The Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad works on space and satellite projects. Gujarat Science City tries to make science fun for students with cool exhibits and shows. There are also special schools for business and management, like the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad.

Notable people

See also: List of people from Gujarat

Gujarat has been home to many famous individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields.

Some notable people from Gujarat include:

• Mahatma Gandhi, a leader in the movement for India's independence from British rule
• Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister
• Jamsetji Tata, a pioneer industrialist and founder of the Tata Group
• Vikram Sarabhai, known as the father of India's space program
• Narendra Modi, the current Prime Minister of India

Other well-known figures from Gujarat include business leaders, actors, singers, and sports personalities who have achieved success in their respective areas.

Sister states

Gujarat has friendly relationships with several places around the world. These include New Jersey and Delaware in the United States, California, Hyōgo Prefecture in Japan, Guangdong in China, and Astrakhan Oblast in Russia. These partnerships help share ideas and support each other in many ways.