Gujarat

Gujarat is a state in western India, bordered by Rajasthan to the northeast, Maharashtra to the south, and Pakistan to the northwest. It has a 1,600 km coastline along the Arabian Sea, the longest among Indian states. It was formed on 1 May 1960 after bifurcation from the former Bombay State.

History

• Ancient sites like Lothal and Dholavira connect Gujarat to the Indus Valley Civilization.
• It was ruled by empires such as the Mauryas, Guptas, and later the Delhi Sultanate.
• Gujarat played a vital role in the Indian freedom struggle as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi.

Major Cities

• Ahmedabad – Largest city and commercial hub
• Gandhinagar – State capital
• Surat – Famous for textile and diamond industries
• Vadodara – Cultural capital
• Rajkot, Bhavnagar, and Jamnagar – Major industrial centers

Economy

• Gujarat is one of India’s most industrialized and business-friendly states.
• Key sectors: petrochemicals, textiles, chemicals, diamonds, automobiles
• Leading ports: Mundra Port and Kandla Port
• Known for the Gujarat model of development

Culture and Festivals

• Folk arts: Garba, Dandiya Raas, Bhavai
• Popular festivals: Navratri, Uttarayan, Diwali, Janmashtami
• Cuisine: Dhokla, Thepla, Khandvi, Fafda

Tourism

• Gir National Park – Only home of the Asiatic lion
• Statue of Unity – World's tallest statue, honoring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
• Attractions: Somnath Temple, Dwarka, Rann of Kutch, Saputara hill station

Education

• Home to top institutions: IIM Ahmedabad, Nirma University, Gujarat University, Gujarat Technological University

See Also

• Mahatma Gandhi
• Gujarat Riots 2002
• Economy of Gujarat
• Tourism in Gujarat
• Languages of Gujarat