Explore Surat
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A port city, Surat is one of the most important places in the state of Gujarat. A major industrial hub, it is a city with a high standard of living. The importance of the city grows with the fact that the flourishing diamond cutting and polishing industry in Surat is the best in the world. Read more to get an overall idea The history of Surat dates back to the time of Mahabharata. The city has its mention in the epic as well as in other ancient books. During the 13th century, it was also referred to as "Suryapur" by the Brahmin (Pundits). The prosperity of the modern Surat increased during the 16th century when European traders started coming in. The port of Surat became an extremely important and significant route for traders. The Portuguese and the British fought with each other to establish their dominance on the port. The great emperor Shivaji attacked the city several times, which eventually went into the hands of the British in 1613 and become the first English settlement in India. Surat also turned out as an important port and transit point for Mecca. Surat also took active participation in India's freedom movement and went through severe socio-political turmoil for many years before the Indian Independence.

Situated on the south bank of the Tapi River, about 14 km from the sea, Surat has always attracted traders and merchants from afar. Its finely carved mosques, Parsi agiaris, European tombs and colonial houses all testify to the eclectic mix of ethnic communities that continue to live in the city. Surat is first major city en route to Gujarat from Mumbai, and makes a good base to explore southern Gujarat. Surat was once renowed for its silk weaving and brocade. The city still thrives as a textile center, mainly for its polyster fabrics. As the Textile industries declined in Ahmedabad and Mumbai in the 1970s, Surat became one of Gujarat's fastest growing cities and gave rise to several small scale industries.