Gujarat is situated in the west coast of India. The state is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west, Pakistan and Rajasthan in the north and north-east respectively, Madhya Pradesh in the south-east and Maharashtra in the south. The state covers an area of 196,024 sq km (75,685 sq mi).
The name Gujarat is said to have been derived from the Prakrit Gujjar Ratta or Gujjar Rashtra - the land of Gujjars - a tribe that entered India with the Huns in ancient time and wandering through Punjab and Rajasthan, settled in western India.
Gujarat had a great civilization even before the arrival of the Aryans. It had trade links with ancient civilizations of Sumer, Babylon, Assyria and Egypt. The Port of Lothal which has been excavated recently has been identified as an important centre of the 4500 years old Aryan civilization. Gujarat is renowned for its temples and monuments associated with momentous historical periods. The architectural and artistic virtuosity of the people of Gujarat is reflected in the many buildings both ancient and modern. As much a part of the state are its wildlife sanctuaries, its hill resorts, its natural grandeur and religious and pilgrim centers.
Gujarat has a single-chamber legislative assembly with 182 members. The state sends 37 members to the Indian national parliament: 11 to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) and 26 to the Lok Sabha (Lower House). Local government is based on 19 administrative districts.
Gujarat - Facts
Below is a table representing important facts about Gujarat
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History of Gujarat
Signs of civilization in the region that is now Gujarat dates back to the period from 3000 to 1500 BC. The region was part of the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century BC under King Ashoka. In 1818 the English East India Company took control of Gujarat, administering the state through local princely rulers. With the independence of India in 1947, Gujarat became part of the state of Bombay. In 1960 Bombay state was split up, and Gujarat was formed from the northern and western portions, which were predominantly Gujarati-speaking areas. Most of the remainder of Bombay state became Maharashtra state, with a small portion going to Karnataka state.
Society and culture
The diverse ethnic groups represented in the Gujarati class="content-link">population may be broadly categorized as Indic (i.e., northern-derived) or Dravidian (southern-derived). The former include the Nagar Brahman, Bhatia, Bhadela, Rabari, and Mina castes (the Parsis, originally from Persia, represent a much later northern influx); among the peoples of southern origin are the Bhangi, Koli, Dubla, Naikda, and Macchi-Kharwa tribes. The rest of the population, including the aboriginal Bhil tribe, exhibit mixed characteristics. Members of the Scheduled (formerly "untouchable") Castes and of the aboriginal tribes form nearly one-fifth of the state's population. There is one entirely tribal district of Dangs.Ahmadabad district has the highest proportion of Scheduled Castes. Gujarati and Hindi are the official languages of the state. About 70% of the population is Hindus ahead of minorities of Muslims and Jains. About one-third of the population is urban. The most urbanized part of the state is the Ahmadabad-Vadodara (Baroda) industrial belt.
The folklore and folk culture of Gujarat are traced to the mythology of Lord Krishna. Dance forms and festivals in honor of Krishna exist, Garba and Bhavai being two examples. Among the most durable and effective of the state's cultural institutions are the trade and craft guilds known as mahajans which often solves disputes, acted as channels of philanthropy, and encouraged the arts. Gujarat' s handicrafts are famous all over the world.
Economy and infrastructure
About two-thirds of the population is engaged in , the gross area cropped amounting to about half of the total land area. Wheat and millet are the staple food crops, with rice production being concentrated in the wetter areas. Sugarcane production is increasing, while cotton, tobacco, and oilseeds (especially peanuts [groundnuts]) are profitable cash crops. Gujarat produces about one-third of India's peanut crop and about one-third of the country's tobacco. Cash crops are characteristic of the state's agricultural economy.
One of India's most industrialized states, Gujarat maintains a variety of industries, the principal ones being general and electrical engineering and the manufacture of textiles, vegetable oils, chemicals, soda ash, and cement. New industries include the production of fertilizers and petrochemicals. Petroleum production began in 1960, and an oil refinery is located at Vadodara.
A thermal-power station is located at Dhuvaran. The state also receives power from the Tarapur nuclear facility in Maharashtra state. The long-delayed Sardar Sarovar dam on the Narmada River was projected to become the state's largest producer of hydroelectric power and to provide water for extensive irrigation Gujarat has a total railway length of 5268 kms and total road length of 72950 kms when survey last conducted for 31st march, 1999. Its National Highways constitute about 4.5 per cent of the total length of National Highways in India.
Coastal shipping routes link Gujarat's many ports. Kandla is a major international shipping terminal. There is air service both within the state and to major Indian cities outside Gujarat
Tourism of Gujarat
Dwarka and Somnath, Palitana, the picturesque mountain city of Jain temples on about 2000 feet high Shetrunjaya hills, Udwada, the oldest place of the Fire temple of Parsees in India, the 5000-year old archaeological finds at Lothal, the 11th century Sun temples at Modhera, bird sanctuary at nal Sarovar, architectural monuments of Indo-Saracenic style at Ahmedabad and the national shrine of Gandhiji at Sabarmati, are a few of the varied attractions
Hotels of Gujarat
Gujarat boasts of some of the best hotels in India. Ranging from the glossy marble ones to the traditional sandstones edifices the hotels in Gujarat are sure to make your trip a memorable one.
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Situated in the western coastal region of India Gujarat is one of the most historically significant states of the country. Popular as the land of the legends Gujarat is bordered by Pakistan and Rajasthan in the north east, Madhya Pradesh in the east and Maharashtra in the south. The history of Gujarat dates back to the Stone Age, the state also encompasses important sites like Lothal and Dholavari which were major parts of the Indus Valley civilization. Reputed for its rich handicrafts,artifacts, folklore and unmatched natural beauty Gujarat is also among the hottest tourist hubs of the nation.
Gujarat is characterized by extreme climatic conditions. The summers are generally scorching with the mercury shooting up to 41 °C. Winters in Gujarat is generally pleasant and dry with the average temperature ranging from 29 °C and 12 °C. Gujarat experiences scanty rainfall in the monsoons due to its geographic location.
The roots of Gujarat can be traced to ancient India. The state has managed to retain a rich culture and heritage despite all odds. The state has managed to preserve some of the oldest forms of ancient art and craft techniques that are reflected in its handicrafts, artifacts and antiques. The locals of Gujarat are extremely simple and believe in hard work. The true spirit of Gujarat is evident from its vibrant and colorful festivities that go on for days.
Considered as one of the fastest growing economies in the country Gujarat is home to numerous textile mills, important industries and major ports. The most important industries in the state are Gems & Jewelry. Chemicals, Apparel, Petrochemicals, Dairy, Cement & Ceramics, Textiles, Drugs & Pharmaceuticals and Engineering
Last Updated on 11 December 2012
