Surat history

Surat, one of the most ancient and strategically significant cities in Western India, boasts a rich history closely intertwined with trade and the rise and fall of great empires. Its transformation from a local settlement into a key international port reflects the dynamic development of the entire region over the centuries.

Foundation and Early Mentions

• According to local legends, the city was founded in the late 15th century by a Brahmin named Gopi, who named it Suryapur, meaning "City of the Sun".
• By 1520, the city had firmly established its modern name — Surat.
• The first European references date back to the early 16th century. In 1513, the Portuguese traveller Duarte Barbosa described Surat as a prosperous and important seaport.
• In mythology, the city is also mentioned in the epic "Mahabharata" as a place where Lord Krishna stayed.

Key Factors of Development

• Geography: Its location on the banks of the Tapti River, near its confluence with the Arabian Sea, provided the city with ideal conditions to develop as a port hub.
• Trade: Surat rose to prominence after the neighbouring port of Cambay began to silt up in the late 15th century, taking over its functions as Western India's main trading hub. During the 16th and 17th centuries, it became the primary port of the Mughal Empire.
• Political Power: The city attracted the attention of global powers. In 1613, the British East India Company established its first trading factory in India here. Following them, the Dutch and French opened their representations. Control over the city shifted at various times between the Portuguese, the Mughals, the Marathas, and eventually, the British.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

• Surat was renowned as a major centre of the textile industry, famous for its production of cotton, silk, and brocade, as well as embroidery with gold and silver threads.
• The city was a cosmopolitan centre where merchants from all over the world met, including those from Arabia, Persia, and Europe.
• From the 8th century, Parsis began settling in Surat, contributing to the city's cultural diversity.
• Beyond its commercial significance, the port served as a vital departure point for pilgrims performing the Hajj to Mecca.

Key Dates in the History of Surat

The history of Surat is a kaleidoscope of events reflecting its transformation from a small settlement into one of India's most important commercial and industrial centres. The city has witnessed the rise of empires, the arrival of European traders, and the sweeping changes of the modern era.

• Late 15th Century — According to legend, the Brahmin Gopi founds the settlement of Suryapur ("City of the Sun"), which would later become known as Surat.
• 1512–1530 — The Portuguese, seeking to establish control over trade routes, raid and loot the city twice.
• 1540 — To protect against attacks, a fortress is built in the city, which later becomes one of its historical symbols.
• 1612–1613 — The British East India Company, following a naval victory over the Portuguese, establishes its first trading factory in India in Surat, turning the city into its main stronghold.
• 1664 — The forces of the Maratha ruler Shivaji loot the wealthy port city for the first time, dealing a blow to its prosperity and Mughal influence.
• 1687 — The British East India Company moves its headquarters from Surat to Bombay (modern-day Mumbai), marking the beginning of the gradual decline of the city's trading importance.
• 1800 — The city comes fully under British control following the weakening of the Mughal Empire and the Marathas.
• 1994 — An outbreak of pneumonic plague occurs in Surat, leading to a serious sanitary crisis and a mass exodus of the population, but also acting as a catalyst for massive modernization of urban infrastructure.
• 2006 — Devastating floods, caused by the Tapti River overflowing and water release from the Ukai Dam, submerge a large part of the city and cause immense economic damage.

The history of Surat is a chronicle of impressive transformations. From a key port during the Mughal era, it has evolved into a global centre of industry and innovation, demonstrating a remarkable ability for revival and growth over the centuries.

• 16th–17th Centuries: The "Golden Age" of Trade. During the era of the Mughal Empire, Surat became the primary seaport of India, through which lively trade was conducted with the Ottoman Empire, Persia, and Europe. The city was not only an economic hub but also a crucial point for pilgrims departing for Mecca.
• Early 17th Century: Centre of European Influence. In 1613, the British East India Company established its first trading factory in India in Surat. The Dutch and French followed suit, turning the city into an arena of competition between European powers for trade supremacy.
• Late 17th Century: Gradual Decline of the Port. After the British East India Company moved its headquarters to Bombay (modern-day Mumbai) in 1687, Surat's significance as a major trading hub began to wane.
• 19th–20th Centuries: The Textile Capital. Despite losing its status as a primary port, the city did not lose its economic importance. It solidified its role as one of the largest centres of the textile industry, specializing in the production of cotton, silk, and the famous brocade embroidered with gold and silver threads (Zari).
• Second Half of the 20th Century: Birth of the "Diamond City". Surat experienced a new economic rebirth, becoming a global centre for diamond cutting and polishing. Today, approximately 90% of the world's diamonds are processed here, bringing the city worldwide fame.
• Late 20th Century: Urban Transformation. Following the plague outbreak in 1994, massive reforms in sanitation and urban management were implemented. As a result, Surat transformed into one of the cleanest and most dynamically developing metropolises in India.
• Early 21st Century: Innovation and Infrastructure Boom. The city is actively investing in infrastructure development, including the DREAM City project and the construction of the Surat Diamond Bourse — the largest office building in the world. Surat is also set to become a key node on India's first high-speed rail corridor.

Surat's architectural landscape is a multilayered canvas bearing the marks of the Mughal era, European colonial powers, and rapid modern industrialization. The city's urban development reflects its evolution from a medieval trading port into one of India's most dynamic metropolises.

Pre-colonial and Mughal Architecture

Surat's early architecture was primarily functional, dictated by its status as a major port in need of protection. A key monument of this era is Surat Castle, built in the 1540s to defend against Portuguese raids. This structure demonstrates typical features of defensive Indo-Islamic architecture of that time. The influence of the Mughal Empire, under whose rule the city flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries, can also be traced in the layout of the old quarters and the architecture of several mosques and tombs, characterized by elements borrowed from Persian and Central Asian architecture.

Colonial Era: A Blend of European Styles

With the arrival of European trading companies — the Portuguese, Dutch, and British — new features appeared in the city's architecture. The cityscape was enriched by factory buildings, warehouses, churches, and residential houses in European styles. The most striking evidence of this period is found in the ancient European cemeteries:

• The English Cemetery — known for its imposing mausoleums and tombs in Indo-Saracenic and classical styles.
• The Dutch Cemetery — distinguished by massive tombstones reflecting the wealth and influence of Dutch merchants.

These sites serve as important historical monuments, demonstrating the fusion of European architectural traditions with local motifs.

Modern Surat: Functionality and Growth

The modern phase of Surat's urban development began after the tragic events of the 1990s, when the city underwent massive reconstruction to become one of the fastest-growing in Asia. The architecture of this period is governed by principles of functionality and sustainability, reflecting the city's economic power. Iconic structures include:

• Surat Diamond Bourse — Opened in 2023, it is the largest office building in the world. Its architecture, designed by the Indian firm Morphogenesis, represents an example of modern eco-friendly design aimed at minimizing energy consumption.
• Cable-Stayed Bridge — Has become one of the new symbols of the city, embodying its engineering and infrastructural achievements.

As part of the national "Smart City" mission, active modernization of the urban environment continues: flyovers, modern residential complexes, and public spaces are being built, shaping Surat's image as a dynamic and technologically advanced hub.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Surat

Throughout its rich history, Surat has been the birthplace and centre of activity for many prominent individuals who have made significant contributions to politics, culture, the arts, and the economy, not only of the city but of India as a whole.

• Malik Gopi (15th-16th Centuries) — A wealthy Brahmin merchant and governor of Surat under the Gujarat Sultanate. It is believed that he laid the foundations for the city's prosperity in the late medieval period, developed it as a major trading hub, and built the famous Gopi Talav lake. According to one version, he proposed naming the city Suryapur ("City of the Sun"), but the Sultan changed the name to Surat.
• Veer Narmad (1833–1886) — A poet, writer, essayist, and reformer born in Surat. He is considered the founder of modern Gujarati literature. His contribution to language and culture is immense, and his poem "Jai Jai Garavi Gujarat" became the official state anthem of Gujarat.
• Morarji Desai (1896–1995) — A prominent figure in the Indian independence movement and the fourth Prime Minister of the country. Although born in a village near Surat, his political career was closely tied to the city: he was repeatedly elected to the Lok Sabha (the lower house of parliament) from the Surat constituency.
• Sanjeev Kumar (1938–1985) — One of the most versatile and respected actors in Indian cinema. Born Harihar Jethalal Jariwala, he was born in Surat before his family moved to Mumbai. Over his career, he received numerous awards, including two National Film Awards for Best Actor, leaving an indelible mark on Bollywood history.
• Savji Dholakia (born 1962) — Founder and chairman of Hari Krishna Exports, one of the world's largest diamond manufacturers and exporters. He is a prominent representative of Surat's modern diamond industry and is known nationwide for his generosity towards employees, gifting them cars and apartments as bonuses. In 2022, he was awarded one of India's highest civilian honours, the Padma Shri.
• Hardik Pandya (born 1993) — A famous Indian cricketer playing for the national team. Born in Surat, he is considered one of the best all-rounders in modern cricket. His journey from humble beginnings in Gujarat to global sporting fame inspires many young people.