Gujarat

Gujarat
	Map showing the location of Gujarat
Capital	Gandhinagar
Largest city	Ahmedabad
Official languages	Gujarati
Area	196,024 km²
Population	60,439,692 (2011)
Established	1 May 1960
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Vehicle code	GJ
Website	Official site

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

References