ashfaq_mohamedy
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History of Surat upto Independence:
In old Sanskrit scriptures, reference of "" is prominent. This area comprised of the entire South Gujarat belt. Western Chalukyas conquered Lata Pradesh in 610 AD and thereafter Hindu domain continued upto 12th century, when Kutb-ud-din, the general of Muhammad Shahb-ud-din Ghori penetrated upto Rander town.
Sir T. Herbert (1626) identified Surat with Muziris of Ptolemy and Ogilby. More lately, Surat has been supposed to be Hiouan Thsang's (625-640) "Sow-ra-ta", a trading city on the western shore near Gujarat. But according to Reinaud, this is not Surat on the river Tapi, but Sorath or Kathiawar and this view is now generally received by all.
About naming of the town reveals that the Tapi river at surat was used as one of the major ports for exports and also for Muslim pilgrimage (Haj) to Mecca. In Farsi/Persian languages, this was recognised as "Bunder-e-Khubsurat",meaning a beautiful port. The word "SURAT" seems to have derived from this popular phraseology.
Long before Surat came into prominence, Rander was the principal commercial centre, south of Broach. It was ancient town where Arabs and Kafa came and settled in 11th/12th century. They over powered Jain population and became rulers. Trading with Malacca, China, Sumatra, etc., spices, silk, musk and porcelain was the major business.
As prosperity of Rander declined in 16th century, on account of raids by Portuguese, Surat began to assume importance. The port of Surat enjoyed great prosperity in 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. With rise of Bombay, it ceased to be a port of importance.
Subsequent to Muhammad Sahab-ud-din Ghori, the next mention of Surat is in 1347 A.D., in connection with the rebellion of Gujarat during the reign of Muhammad Tughlak (1325 to 1351). In 1373 A.D., the emperor Firoz Tughlak(1351 to 1388) is said to have built a fort at Surat to protect the town against Bhils. During 15th century, Muzzafar Shah was governor of Suart.
In about 1496 to 1521, a rich Hindu trader called Gopi settled in Surat and he attracted other rich traders in the city. He built large houses, a garden and a small lake.(Gopipura, Ranichakla, etc.are named after him).Portuguese chronicles describe Mallik Gopi as Governor of Surat.
In 1512, shortly before Barbosu was in Gujarat, Surat is said to have been burnt by the Portuguese. Annoyed by the destruction of Surat, the Ahmedabad king gave order for building of a strong castle.(1546).
In 1559-60 A.D. Changiz Khan came upto Surat and Portuguese sent him back. In 1572 A.D. Surat fell into the hands of Mirza, then in the rebellion against the emperor Akbar. In January 1573, Akbar marched on to Surat and after a vigorous seige of about six weeks, the fort surrendered. At the time of this conquest, Surat district comprised of 993 towns or villages and yeilded annual tax revenue of Rs.0.4 million.
During Moghul regeime, Surat generally enjoyed peace and rose to the level of one of the first and prosperous cities of India. However, during 49 years of Aurangzeb's reign (1658 to 1707), Surat's prosperity was checked by :(i) Maratha raids, headed by Chatrapati Shivaji (1664 to 1685), (ii) by growing importance of Bombay (1677 to 1707) and (iii) 27 years of increasing disorders by local governors.
The first sign of opposition to Portuguese influence on Surat waters was in August, 1608 when an English ship arrived at river Tapi and commander Captain Hawkins brought message of His Majesty for emperor Jehangir, who later allowed English people to trade through this port.
Years 1608 to 1615 witnessed many battles between English and Portuguese sailors for control over Surat waters. In 1624, first trade with Holland was negotiated through Surat with export cargo of Indigo
During first half of 17th century (1608 to 1658), principal cargo of export from Surat was cloth, both silk and cotton. The cloth was used by all people from Cape of Good Hope to China.
French arrived in Surat for the first time in 1620 A.D. and started international trade with a modest beginning. After Portuguese, English and Dutch, they became the fourth European community to settle and commence trading relations with this historically prosperous city.
Outbreak of great plague affected social life of the city very badly from A.D.1684 to 1690.
Since centuries, Surat has been popular for gold based "Jari" (Yarn) business and weaving activities, in addition to providing an export outlet for agro based products from Magdalla port. It is known that Maharaja Shivaji who ruled western India in 17th century, attacked Surat about seven times for valuable booty.
Surat witnessed unprecedented floods in the years 1822,1835,1837,1843 and 1849. Some of the floods were even named as "Mahajagat" (Ultra universal) floods.
Surat witnessed major fire out breaks in 1822,1837,1842 and 1848. The fire of 1837 (20th April) was visible upto 30 miles and it destroyed about 9,373 houses with value approximating to Rs.4.6 million at that time.
In 1844, about 30,000 people participated in anti government agitation protesting against increase in salt levy by the Britishers.
Surat also participated in anti government agitations in 1860 and 1878 for protesting against ruthless tax laws.
Poet Narmadashanker established association of democracy loving citizens in 1851/52 and started weekly publication of "Gyan Sagar".In 1851, missionaries started publication called "Peherejgir"under guidance of famous Shee Mahipatram.
The municipality of Surat was established as long ago as 1852 and since then civic amenities like hospitals, public gardens,etc. have gradually been growing.
In the field of Textiles, first major steps was taken by Zafarali Mills which started operations in 1861. In 1873, first Gin press was commissioned by Shree Pestonji Bejanji and Shree Gokuldas Sheth.By 1891, Surat had one weaving mill, one spinning mill, four gin presses, one Iron factory and one paper mill.
The first news paper in Surat, "Surt-Mitra", was published on 13th September, 1853 ; its name was later changed to Gujarat - MIn old Sanskrit scriptures, reference of "Lata Pradesh" is prominent. This area comprised of the entire South Gujarat belt. Western Chalukyas conquered Lata Pradesh in 610 AD and thereafter Hindu domain continued upto 12th century, when Kutb-ud-din, the general of Muhammad Shahb-ud-din Ghori penetrated upto Rander town.itra.
In 1877 was constructed a bridge across the Tapi at a cost of Rs.8,13,000. It is known as Hope Bridge and it has facilitated communication with Broch and its neighbouring area in the north.
For the first time in India, a public body was incorporated for electricity business in 1883.(The Surat Electricity Co.Ltd.).
Shree Premchand Raichand started first bank in Surat in 1864,viz.'Bank of Surat'.In the next year, 'The Bnk of Gujarat' commenced operations in this historic city".
During middle and last half of 19th century, Kavi Narmad carried out various activities for upliftment of society.
The holding of the historic 23rd session of the Indian national congress in Surat in 1907 A.D. was an event of great importance. Branch of Home Rule League established by Sir Annie Besant was established in Surat in 1915.
Sir Ferdunji Sorabji Parekh donated Rs.46,000/- in 1915 (about Rs.2,500 million at today's price) to the Government of Surat for development of educational and cultural activities.
Sarvajanik Educatuion Society was established by Shree Chunilal Ghelabhai Shah and associates in 1914 . This institution manages many educational organisations even today.
Smt. Naniben Gajar and Smt.Bajigauri Munshi established Vanita Vishram in 1907 for woman rights and charities.
Colleges for Law, Commerce and Ayurveda were started in 1935, 1942 and 1946 respectively.
After Indian independence in 1947, Surat has witnessed socio-political roller coster rides.
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angel11
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HAJIRA
Another well known health resort is Hajira, south west of Surat on the creek of the Arabian sea. Hajira has two wells with water rich in iron and sulphur. The pleasant Hajira beach is fringed by feathery casurina trees. Hajira is situated 28 kms from Surat.
UNAI
Another important landmark which gives antiquity to Surat is Unai with its hot springs some 64 kms from Surat. They find reference in the puranic literature and are believed to have been created by Lord Ram, the hero of the epic Ramayan, by shooting an arrow in the ground.
UBHARAT
This is another fine, sandy beach with a backdrop of shady palm groves, situated about 42 kms from Surat.
TITHAL
Situated about 108 kms from Surat and 5 kms. from Valsad on the Mumbai - Baroda Western Railway route, Timal, is a beautiful sandy beach fringed with palm-sheltered cottages.
BARDOLI
Swaraj Ashram at Bardoli, about 34 kms from Surat has become a place of pilgrimage in India. Gandhiji had launched a farmer's satyagraha in 1921-22 under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
DANDI
Along the coastline of Gujarat and about 50 - 55 kms from Surat, lies Dandi where the story of salt was scripted with the famous Dandi March Satyagraha, in 1930, led by Mahatma Gandhi. The Salt Sayagraha proved to be the beginning of the end of the British Empire in India.
UKAI
A major multipurpose irrigation project of Gujarat is situated at Ukai, about 94 kms from Surat.
VANSADA NATIONAL PARK
The Vansada Nadonal Park, situated in valsad district is a home to leopards, tigers, panthers and wild boars. The best time to visit is between October and March.
SAPUTARA
Gujarat's best known hill resort, Saputara - literally, the Abode of Serpents, is situated atop the second highest plateau in the Sahyadri range and in the midst of thick forests. Saputara has all the necessary amenities like hotels, parks, swimming pools, boat club, theatres and a museum to ensure an enjoyable holiday. Saputara is 164 kms from Surat. |
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