Gujarat, the westernmost state of India, is home to the Gujarati speaking people. The state comprises major sites of the Indus Valley Civilisation, like Lothal and Dholavira. Visit Gujarat and you will discover centuries of history. Gujarat is unparalleled in its geological and topographical landscape. From volcanic rock formations to fossil fields of indigenous dinosaurs; from the art of the neolithic cave painter to the stone masterpieces of a series of civilised architecture, Gujarat has it all.
m History
Historical evidences reveal that the region, what is known today as Gujarat, was once ruled by the Mauryan dynasty. In the 4th and 5th centuries, Gujarat was a part of the Gupta empire. Then came the Mitrakas, Gujara- Pratiharas, Solankis and Vaghelas. In about
1297, Alaud-din Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi, defeated Karnadeva Vaghela and the region came under Muslims. Again from the end of the 16th century to the mid-18th century, Gujarat was under Mughal rule. Mid-18th century saw the rise of the Marathas. In 1818, Gujarat came under the British East India Company. Finally in May 1,1960, the state of Gujarat was formed from the north and western regions of Bombay state.
Geography The state has three distinct geographical regions-an industrial mainland, a peninsula known as Saurashtra, and Kutch, which is partly desert and partly marsh. The state has the longest coastline of about 1600 km that has attracted seafarers through the ages, tempted by trade opportunities. The state shares an international border with Pakistan. Major rivers: Narmada, Tapti, Mahi,
Sabarmati, Banas, Bhadar are the most important rivers. Other rivers are Heran, Orsang, Karad, Saidak, Mohar and Vatrak. Climate: The climate varies from humid in the coastal areas, to scorching heat in places like Kutch. Extreme heat during summers and extreme winter cold are common in Gujarat. The state’s climate can be divided into a winter season from November to February, a summer from March to May and a monsoon season from June to September.
Flora and Fauna: Gujarat’s forest cover comprises dry deciduous forests, wetlands, grasslands and marine ecosystems. The state is the natural habitat of some rare species. The Gir forest is famed for the Asiatic lion. Other wildlife found across the state are the great Indian bustard, the world’s only fourhorned antelope, black buck, dugong and the boralia.
Fairs and festivals: The major festivals of the state are the International Kite Festival of Ahmedabad, Somnath Festival, Navratri, Tarnetra Festival and Janmastami.
Tourism Spots Hill Stations: Saputara, Girnar, Dataar, Wilson.
Museums: Calico Textile Museum, Kanch Museum, Vadodra Museum and picture Gallery, Ethnology Museum, Madansinhji Museum.
Pilgrim Centres: Dwarka, Modhera, Gandhi Nagar (Akshardam), Shatrunjay Hill (Palitana Temple), Hatheesing Temple, Somnath Temple, Sasan Gir, Modhera Sun Temple. Wildlife/Bird Sanctuaries: Marine National Park and Sanctuary, Gir National Park and Sanctuary, Velavadar National Park, Bansda National Park.