Gujarat

Gujarat is a state along the western coast of India. It has a very long coastline, about 2,340 km, which is the longest in the country. Gujarat is the fifth-largest state by area and the ninth-most populous. The capital city is Gandhinagar, and the largest city is Ahmedabad.

The state has many important ancient sites from the Indus Valley Civilisation, including Lothal. This area is thought to be one of the world's first seaports. Gujarat's coastal cities have always been important for trade. Today, Gujarat is one of India's most industrialised states. It has a strong economy and many jobs. Gujarat also sends out more things to other countries than any other Indian state. The Gir National Park in Gujarat is special because it is 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 traded 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 control Gujarat but were pushed back. Later, people called Zoroastrians came to Gujarat from Greater Iran to find safety.

The Chaulukya dynasty ruled Gujarat from 960 to 1243. Their capital, Anhilwara or Patan, was a big city with many 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 by the Arabian Sea. It touches 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. Gujarat has a very long coastline, the longest in India. Its capital is Gandhinagar, a planned city.

The biggest river in Gujarat is the Narmada, followed by the Tapi. The Sabarmati river flows through much of the state. The Sardar Sarovar Dam is built on the Narmada River. Gujarat also has hills and mountains, with Girnar being the highest peak.

Rann of Kutch

Main article: Rann of Kutch

The Rann of Kutch is a big desert area in Gujarat. It sometimes becomes a marshland. It is famous for its colorful looks and the Rann Utsav Festival. People can enjoy camel rides and watch birds there.

Flora and fauna

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

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

Demographics

Population

In 2011, Gujarat had about 60.4 million people. There were a few more boys than girls. There were fewer people living in each square kilometre 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 places 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 are a big part of the state's population.

Language

Gujarati is the main language spoken in Gujarat, and most people speak it. Other languages spoken there include Hindi, Sindhi, Marathi, Bhili, and Urdu. In schools, children usually learn Gujarati first, another language second, and Hindi 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 has 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 chosen by voters. The leader of the majority party becomes the Chief Minister. Together with the Gujarat Council of Ministers, they manage the state's daily work. 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 divided into smaller areas such as subdivisions, talukas, and villages to help manage local affairs. There are also city and town councils that take care of urban and rural areas.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Gujarat

Gujarat is one of India’s busiest states for factories and trade. It makes a lot of important things like medicines, clothes, and food products. The state also grows a lot of crops such as cotton and peanuts.

Gujarat has a long coast with many ports that help move goods. It has valuable minerals and is a big maker of medicines. The state is famous for its dairy products, with Amul being a well-known brand. Gujarat has improved its roads and electricity, helping villages stay connected.

Big cities in Gujarat include Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Jamnagar and Bhavnagar. Ahmedabad is growing very fast. The state has useful minerals like calcite and gypsum. Jamnagar is known for making brass items. Gujarat makes most of India’s soda ash and a lot of the country’s salt. It is one of India’s richest states.

Gujarat’s land area is 19,602,400 hectares, and much of it is used for farming. The state grows a lot of tobacco, cotton, and peanuts. Other important crops are rice, wheat, and maize.

Farming animals and dairy farming are very important in Gujarat’s villages. The state is India’s biggest maker of milk. The Amul dairy group is famous across India and is the largest dairy in Asia.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Gujarat

Gujarat has a rich culture with a long history. The city of Patan was famous for its ancient 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 goes back to 1000 CE. Well-known writers 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.

Gujarat Vidhya Sabha, Gujarat Sahitya Sabha, and Gujarati Sahitya Parishad are Ahmedabad based groups that help spread Gujarati literature. Saraswatichandra is a famous 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.

A notable contribution to Gujarati literature came from the Swaminarayan tradition, 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 the 19th century by Jain philosopher and poet Shrimad Rajchandra (Mahatma Gandhi's teacher) are very well known.

Gujarati theatre owes a lot to Bhavai. Bhavai is a folk musical performance of plays. Ketan Mehta and Sanjay Leela Bhansali used bhavai in films such as Bhavni Bhavai, Oh Darling! Yeh Hai India and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. Dayro involves singing and talking about human nature.

Mumbai theatre veteran, Alyque Padamsee, best known for playing Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Gandhi, was from a traditional Gujarati family from Kathiawar.

Cuisine

Gujarati food is mostly vegetarian. The typical Gujarati thali has 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 regions of Gujarat each have their own styles of food. Many Gujarati dishes are sweet, salty, and spicy all at once. In the Saurashtra region and Kutch region, chhash (buttermilk) is a daily food.

Cinema

The Gujarati film industry began in 1932, with the first film, Narsinh Mehta. After growing in the 1960s to 1980s, the industry declined. It is growing again now. The industry has made more than one thousand films since it began. The Government of Gujarat offered full tax exemption for Gujarati films in 2005 and incentives in 2016.

Music

Main article: Music of Gujarat

Gujarati folk music, known as Sugam Sangeet, is a tradition of the Barot community. Gadhvi and Charan communities have also helped it grow. Common instruments include wind instruments like turi, bungal, and pava, string instruments like the ravan hattho, ektaro, and jantar and percussion instruments like 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

Gujarat's folk traditions include bhavai and raas-garba. Bhavai is a folk theatre partly for fun and partly for ritual, dedicated to Amba. The raas-garba is a folk dance done to celebrate Navratri. The folk costume for this dance is chaniya choli for women and kedia for men. Different styles of garba include dodhiyu, simple five, simple seven, popatiyu, trikoniya, lehree, tran taali, butterfly, hudo, and two claps. Sheri garba is an old form where women wear red patola saris and sing while dancing.

Makar Sankranti is a festival where people fly kites. In Gujarat, from December to Makar Sankranti, people enjoy kite flying. Undhiyu, a special dish of vegetables, is a must on Makar Sankranti. Surat is famous for its strong kite strings made with glass powder.

Along with Navratri and Makar Sankranti, Diwali, Holi, Janmashtami, Raksha Bandhan, Dusshera, Rama Navami, Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, Eid, Tazia, Paryushan, Bhavnath fair, and others are also celebrated.

Diffusion of culture

Gujarat's closeness to the Arabian Sea helped it develop trade and travel, spreading its culture worldwide. Gujarati people formed communities far from home, such as in the Persian Gulf, Middle East, Horn of Africa, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Philippines.

Early Western writers recorded Gujarati people's role in spreading Buddhism. Many Gujaratis moved to Indonesia and the Philippines. Stories tell of Gujarati traders coming to Java and the Philippines long ago.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Gujarat

Gujarat has many beautiful natural places, like the Great Rann of Kutch and the hills of Saputara. It is the only place in the world where pure Asiatic lions live. Long ago, Hindu artists and Islamic builders worked together to create a special style called Indo-Saracenic. Many buildings in Gujarat show this style. Gujarat is also the birthplace of famous leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. These leaders helped India become free. Today, Amitabh Bachchan helps bring more visitors to Gujarat.

Museums and memorials

Gujarat has many interesting museums. The biggest 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 photos 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, attracts many visitors each day.

Religious sites

Gujarat has many important places for religion. 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

Gujarat has four international airports: 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 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 government schools, and 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 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 also strong. The Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad works on space and satellite projects. Gujarat Science City makes science fun for students with 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 important contributions in different 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 areas.

Sister states

Gujarat has friendly relationships with several places around the world. These include New Jersey, 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.