History of The City of Surat - By: Suhaina Mazhar

Surat is one of several largest metropolitan areas of Gujarat in India. Another name of Surat stands out as Suryapur. The historical past of Surat commences from seventh century AD when the Western Chalukyas dominated over this specific spot. There was a reference regarding this particular metropolis in the great epic Mahabharata. It is said that while the lord Krishna went from Mathura to Dwaraka, he halted at the place. It was actually called as Lata zone and was ruled over by the Maurya Kings. Kshatrapas who were supreme powers for a short time frame was defeated by Chandragupta.

Qutbuddin Aibak captured this specific spot. The Parsi settlement started out here in 12th century. Commerce flourished here during this time adding to the riches. The Islamic people of medieval times utilized Surat as a gateway to Mecca to accomplish their Hajj pilgrimage. The historic constructions the Makkai Pul and the Mughal Sarai were developed for this specific purpose. The pilgrims used to stay at those places when they set out on their voyage.

Surat had not been a location of value until 13th century. In the southern area of Surat is situated Rander, the historic town where Arabs and Kafa settled for trade. The major businesses of the time were spices, silk, porcelain and musk. The raid of Portuguese people in the 16th century made Rander shed its value which resulted in the rise of Surat as one of the very important cities of India.

The name Suryapur which means the town of sun was given by a Brahman Gopi. The name Surat is additionally stated to have come from the Persian phrase, Bunder-e-Khubsurat that means an attractive harbour. According to Sir Monies Williams the ancient name of the city was Suraj and the Islamic kings have transformed this to Surat that means the chapter of Holy Koran.

Portuguese came to Surat in 17th century and held supremacy over the location until British came into the spot in August 1608. The city flourished during the time period of the Mughal rulers, Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. In the year 1615, British were fortunate to set up a factory at Surat after conquering the Portuguese in the Battle of Swally. In 1664, Chattrapathi Shivaji, the ruler of Marathas attacked Surat and brought on damage to both the Mughal and Portuguese business centers at the place.

At the time the Charles II of Britain wedded the Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza in the year 1662, Surat along with Bombay was given to Great britain as a portion of the dowry. East India Company next turned its attention towards Bombay and the magnificence of Surat little by little faded out. In the year 1759, all the powers of Surat went into the control of the English and in 1800 they exercised total control over the spot.

The tranquility of the city was uninterrupted for years and years. The Bawamia family had been the richest family in the city and they contributed considerably to the growth of this town. The fire and flood of the year 1837 brought on destruction to the structures. After the independence of India, that turned out to be one of the most important business centers. On first October 1966, municipality was transformed into Municipal Corporation. There were aggressive riots in Surat among Muslims and Hindus in the year 1992. In the year 1994, on account of heavy rains and resulting floods plague epidemic spread taking an enormous toll. During those times, Surat photos and Surat videos demonstrated the intensity of the condition. Things changed rapidly and Surat right now can be described as developed city having a GDP growth rate of over 11.5 percent.

About the Author

Suhaina Mazhar is a freelance author and blogger and has authored thousands of original articles. Click here to find out significant information regarding Surat and watch Surat photos and Surat videos.

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