History of Surat, Gujarat

History of Surat, Gujarat

On detailed study regarding history of Surat it is revealed that explicit references regarding Surat are found since the beginning of 15th century. Land area of Surat district passed thought historical experiences since centuries. Many dynasties ruled over the region. Hundreds of copper-plates found revealed that tradition of prent/religion was already established Surat become important attraction to habitat for exporters of the world.

Two names viz. Surat and Suryapur are found since historical mention of Surat city. The word Suryapur is firstly found in metal inscription of Jain idols. Mention of Surat is found since middle part of fifteenth century. Moreover, word Surat is often founds in Jain literature and Persian history. During farmer help of fifteenth century, word Surat was prevailing for this town part.

Muslim historians mote when was Surat inhabited that Qutubuddin Aibak visited Surat in 1194 A.D and Mohmmad Tuklak in 1347 A.D. Sultan Ferog Tuklak constructed a small fort for the protection of Surat. Zafarkhan, the governor of Gujarat appointed his son Mastikhan as governor of Rander and surat in 1391 A.D. Original Surat was continued to the areas of Dariya Mahel, Shah pore, Nanavat, Sodagarwad etc. However, a rich person named Malik Gopi inhabited Gopipura, constructed gopi talav and extended its areas. He constructed Ramitabla in memory of his wife. Then after he was appointed as governor of Surat. However, he was prey to anger of the Sultan and he was killed.

1613 A.D. Then came the Dutch, French and the Armenians. Their burial-grounds are near Kotargam gate. A building and large Mughalsarai (a caravansary for muslins) were constructed for the facilities of muslins going of the muslins going to and coming form macca is 1644, which is now used as main office of Surat Municipal Corporation. Its surrounding areas are know as Mugalisara.

There were multi-millicrraires namely Viaji Vora, Krishan Arjun Trivedi, Atmaram Bhukhen and others during Mughal period in Surat. Surat port was used to go to maeca. Many ships from various countries came here for treading. It was said that flogs of Choryasi port waved here. There was a mint opposite kuraja, where golden and silver coin were printed. Estate of surat was gifted by Aurangzeb to has sister Jahan Ara in his times. The area where she lived is today know as Begamusadi and Begampura.

There was recession in prosperity of Surat during Maratha period, which was higher in Mughal times. There was no formal power of Marathas on Surat. But shivaji plundered it twice in 1644 and 1678 to collect ‘cloth’. When Englishmen found Surat unsecured, they shifted their head quarters at Mumbai form Surat. Then after Mumbai was developed, many merchants from Surat inhabited at mumbai.

After establishment of British rule, many physical facilities and reform were introduced in Surat and modern institute was established. Endues library was established in 1850 and Surat city Municipality in 1852 A.D. Surat was connected by rail way in 1864. Hope bridge was counteracted in 1877. With passage of times, roads, electricity, water-works, ports and telegraphs, schools and colleges were constructed. During the course, there was a terrible loss by huge fire and flood to Surat. Many houses were destructed in central part of Surat by huge fire in 1837.

Surat registered its great contribution in Independence movement. Six representations from Surat participated in first session of congress in 1855. Historical session of Congress was organized in the area near Diwalibage near Athwa gate at Surat. At that time all the leaders of the country came to Surat. Gandhiji and sardar vallabhabhai often visited Surat many a time. Patidar Ashram and Dayalji Ashrams were pivotal centers of Surat independence movement.

Companies of social reforms in Gujarat was initiated from Surat, in which Durgaram Maketaj, and Narmadaykankar gave important contribution. Surat has given great litterateurs like Nandshankar, Narmada Sharkar, Navalrem, Mahipation Nikanth, Ramanbhai Nilkanth, Jyotindce Dave, C.C. Mehta. Surat has greatly contributed in areas like education, arts, music industry, trading and religion. Art, silk and brocaded artiles, diamond industries have developed. International compenies have started projects in Hajira area. Looking to the existing development of surat, it is felt that Surat is on the way to propose it to become golden idol.