Friday, June 17, 2011

Gujarat

Gujarat is a state, bordering Rajasthan to the north, Maharashtra to the south, Madhya Pradesh to the east and the Arabian Sea and Pakistan to the west. It is located in western India. Its capital is Gandhinagar, a planned city.

The state encompasses major sites of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization: Lothal, Gola Dhoro and Dholavira. Gujarat is also known as Pratichya and Varuna.

Gujarat was ruled by the Gupta Empire, the Rashtrakuta Empire, the Pala Empire, the Gurjara-Pratihara, the Maitrakas and then the Solankis. Then Muhamad of Gazani, the first Muslim conqueror in India, invaded Somnath and put an end to the Solanki Empire.

Portugal was the first European power to arrive in Gujarat. Then the British India Company established a factory in Surat in 1614. It was their first base in India.

The state has a coastline of 1,600 km.

Gujarat has four national parks and 21 sanctuaries. It is home to Asiatic Lions in Gir Forest National Park.

Narmada, one of the major rivers of Peninsular India, is the biggest river in Gujarat, followed by Tapi and Sabarmati. Sardar Sarovar Project is built on Narmada River.

Gujarat is the main producer of Tobbaco, Cotton and Groundnut in India. The state is the largest producer of Milk in India.

The state symbol of Gujarat is Lion (Animal), Glagota (Flower), Garba (Dance), Gujarati (Language), Kabbadi (Sport), Mango (fruit) and Jai Jai Garavi Gujarat (Song).

Gujarat was created a state in 1960. Surat is the commercial capital of Gujarat.

Gujarat is well connected by rail, road, waterway and air. There are 10 airports in the state. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport operates several scheduled international as well as domestic flights from here.

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