Surat
Surat History
Surat is the modern port city of today declare of a great historical and cultural heritage. The history of Surat takes us back to the epic age of Mahabharata and Ramayana. According to mythological beliefs, Lord Krishna stopped in the city while his journey from Mathura to Dwarka.
Surat is mentioned in the Sanskrit epic, the Mahabharata when Lord Krishna stopped there en route from Mathura to Dwarka. According to other later Sanskrit records, the area was ruled by the Western Chalukyas in 610 CE, and continued to be ruled by Hindu kings until it was captured by one of the generals of Quá¹buddÄ«n Aibak. The Parsis started to settle there in the 12th century, and added greatly to its prosperity. In the early centuries during the reign of Rishika Lekhadia, the port of Surat was used as the gateway to Mecca for pilgrims of the Hajj from India’s interior regions. Both the Makkai Pool and the Mughal Sarai guest house for hajjis (pilgrims) are indicators of this historical significance.
Local traditions state that the city was founded in the last years of the fifteenth century by a Brahman named Gopi, who called it Suryapur (City of the Sun). In 1512 and 1530 Surat was burned and ravaged by the Portuguese Empire who were trying to maintain influence in the area. In 1513, the Portuguese traveler, Duarte Barbosa, described Surat as an important seaport, frequented by many ships from Malabar and various parts of the world. By 1520, the name of the city was Surat.
The great explorer Hiuen Tsang referred the Surat City as Sowrata and described it as a business town on the shore of Arabian Sea near Gujarat. The Brahmin Pundits of the thirteenth century called the city as 'Suryapur'. 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 great Maratha warrior Shivaji attacked the city several times to usurp its wealth. In the beginning of the nineteenth century, the British gained overall control over the city. Since then, the city witnessed plenty of movements and agitations against the English atrocities. It has contributed a lot to the freedom movement of the country. Surat reorganized itself after the independence and soon emerged as one of the significant cities in India.
The great explorer Hiuen Tsang referred the Surat City as Sowrata and described it as a business town on the shore of Arabian Sea near Gujarat. The Brahmin Pundits of the thirteenth century called the city as 'Suryapur'. 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.
Life In Surat
People Life in Surat are known for their friendly behavior and cordial attitude. As one of the prime districts of Gujarat, Surat is a flourishing commercial place which houses a large number of industrial units. Brocades and silks of Surat that are given fine motifs and shapes by the craftsmen of the district are in great demand. Not only the people of India but people living in other foreign countries use the silks of Surat in large numbers.
Being a densely populated area, Surat comprises of a fair proportion of males and females. The ethnic population of Surat is a significant element of the geographical structure of the place. People belonging to various religions and faiths are known to inhabit Surat peacefully from a long time.
Gujarati people are in majority in Surat, whereas people of other languages are also found in large numbers in the district. Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christians and different other religious communities live in the land of Surat. During major festivals all the people of Surat celebrate the auspicious occasions with equal enthusiasm and mirth.
People living in the urban pockets of Surat are mainly engaged in business ventures, whereas those staying in the remote corners of Surat earn their livelihood through agricultural activities. Since the quality of soil and the rain patterns are quite suitable for cultivation hence the villagers of Surat prefer to involve in farming operations. The urban areas of Surat are blessed with many textiles units, spice factories and diamond-polishing centers all of which earn handsome revenue every year. This in turn encourages the people living in Surat cities to step into the field of business and commerce.
It can be said that People of Surat are quite popular for their business skill and humane demeanor.
Being a densely populated area, Surat comprises of a fair proportion of males and females. The ethnic population of Surat is a significant element of the geographical structure of the place. People belonging to various religions and faiths are known to inhabit Surat peacefully from a long time.
Gujarati people are in majority in Surat, whereas people of other languages are also found in large numbers in the district. Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christians and different other religious communities live in the land of Surat. During major festivals all the people of Surat celebrate the auspicious occasions with equal enthusiasm and mirth.
People living in the urban pockets of Surat are mainly engaged in business ventures, whereas those staying in the remote corners of Surat earn their livelihood through agricultural activities. Since the quality of soil and the rain patterns are quite suitable for cultivation hence the villagers of Surat prefer to involve in farming operations. The urban areas of Surat are blessed with many textiles units, spice factories and diamond-polishing centers all of which earn handsome revenue every year. This in turn encourages the people living in Surat cities to step into the field of business and commerce.
Surat Culture
Surat is an ancient City in the Indian state of Gujarat. 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. The climate of Surat is mild due to its nearness to the Arabian Sea. There is not much change in the winter and summer temperature, which ranges between 10°C to 38°C. Although one can visit Surat in any season, the best time to do so would be between October and March.
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. The Surti literature is very rich. The people in Surat have keen interest in music and dance. The People in Surat enhance the cheerfulness of any occasion or festival with their traditional songs and dances. They take much pride in their songs, dances and dramas that form an inseparable part of the Surat culture.
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.
The festival of “Chandi Padvo" is celebrated in Surat alone, and no where else in the country. This is the biggest full moon day of the Hindu calendar year and o this day the Surtis enjoy tasty snacks under the full moon in the open after offering it to the Gods. The people of Surat are full of warmth, hospitality and love for those who visit this town and have a very patient and tolerant nature to wards non-Surtis in general.
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. The Surti literature is very rich. The people in Surat have keen interest in music and dance. The People in Surat enhance the cheerfulness of any occasion or festival with their traditional songs and dances. They take much pride in their songs, dances and dramas that form an inseparable part of the Surat culture.
