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SAURASHTRA STATE WAS CONQUERED IN TO TWO STATES NAMELY GUJARAT AND MAHARASHTRA AFTER INDEPENDENCE.  SO BOTH GUJARAT AND MAHARASHTRA STATES IN PART OF OLDEN SAURASHTRA STATE. 

Saurashtra (Now renamed as Gujarat) figures in the Puranic Literature and the epics. The regions of north Gujarat are also known as Anarta after Sharyati's son. Anarta's son Revata rules Kushsthali, the present Dwarka, which was the capital of Anarta. The river Narmada is also known as Reva after a descendent of Revat of the same name. Mount Girnar is also known as Raivataka which is also derived from Regvat.

Lord Krishna, the hero of the Puranas, the author of GITA, the song celestial, and one of the most endearing, colourful and loving Gods of Hinduism, left Mathura along with his maternal grandfather Ugrasen and others of his Yadav followers and settled down in Saurashtra near its coast. Lord Krishna carried th banner of the Aryan culture over a large tract covering the whole of Gujarat and beyond. He fortified the ancient Kushsthali which later became famous as Dwarka meaning gateway. Lord Krishna's brother Baslaram got married to Revati the daughter of Kukudmi of the Revat dynasty. Varja, the son of Anirudha and grandson of Lord Krishna, was the only survivor of the internecine strife among the Yadavs, Arjun, the famous character of the Mahabharata, crowned Vajra as the ruler of Mathura and with that came to an end the Yadav dynasty's sway over Saurashtra.

Apart from Anart, parts of present Gujarat were also known by other names like Lata, Saurashtra, KUchchh, Aparanta etc. in the earlier days. These areas differered from time to time. This led to development of varied traits in these regions. Devoid of read political identity the different areas developed independent social and cultural identity. This lack of real political identity was more than compensated by the people themselves by acquiring an aggressive individuality.

The early historynof Gujuarat is full of imperial grandeur of Chandragupta Maurya who conquered a number of earlier States of Gujarat. Pushyamitra , a Vaishya, was appointed Governor of Saurashtra by the Mauryan regime. He ruled (322 B.C to 294 B.C) Giringer (present Junagadh) and built a dam on the Sudarshan lake. Emperor Ashok, the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya, not only ordered engraving of his famous edicts on the rock at Junagadh, but asked his Governor Tusherpha to take out canals from the lake where an earlier Maurayan Governor had built a dam.

Between the decline of the Mauryan power and Saurashtra coming under the sway of Samprati Mauryas of Ujjain, there was a Greek incursion into Gujarat led by Demetrious.

For nearly 400 years from the start of the first century, Saka rulers played prominent part in Gujarat's history. Wheather beaten rock at Junagadh gives a glimpse of the Ruler Rudradaman (100 A.D.) of the Saka satraps known as Kshatraps. Mahakshatrap Rudradaman I founded the Kardamaka dynasty which ruled from Anupa on the banks of the Narmada upto Aparanta region which bordered Punjab.

The Kshatrap dynasty was replaced by the Gupta reign with the conquest of Gujarat by Chandragupta Vikramaditya. Vikramaditya's successor Skandagupta has left an inscription (450 AD) on a rock at UJunagadh which gives details of the repairs of the embankment, damaged by floods, of Sudarshan lake by his Governor. Anarta and Saurashtra regions were both part of the Guipta empire. Towards the middle of the 5th Century A.D. the Gupta empire started to decline. Senapati Bhatarka, the Maitrak general of the Guptas, took advantage of the situation and in 470 AD he set up what came to be known as the Maitrak kingdom. he shifted his capital from Giringer to Valabhipur, near Bhavnagar, on Saurashtra's east coast. Maitrakas of Valabhi became very powerful and their writ prevailed over large parts of Gujarat and even over adjoining Malwa. Maitrakas set up a university which came to be known far and wide for its scholastic pursuits and was compared with the famous Nalanda university. it was during the rule of Dhruvasena Maitrak theat Chinese philospher-traveller Huan Tang visited in 640 AD.

Dadda, the founder of Pratihara dynasty, established the Gurjar rule at Nandipur (Nandol). Dadda III wrested Broach from the Maitraks whose citadel had started shaking. In fact, there were three powerful dynasties which were ruling different parts of Gujarat: the Gurjars had their sway over the north, the Chalukyas ruled the south and the Maitraks were saddled in Saurashtra. The vaccum created by the fall of the Maitrak dynasty was filled up by the Pratiharas from the north and Rashtrakutas from the south.

As vassals of the Valabhis, Chavadas held their sway over parts of north Gujarat. They assumed independent control after the fall of Valabhi. Vanraj,. the most prominent of the eight Chavada kings, founded a new capital at ASnhilpur Patan. he reconquered his father's lost territories and founded the Chavada dynasty which lasted a shade under a century.

Samantsinh, the last Chavada ruler, did not have an issued and he adopted MUlraj who overthrew him in 942 AD and set up what came to be known as the Solanki dynasty. Ambitious as he was, he started expanding his frontiers and established his complete and total hold over Saurashtra and Kachchh by defeating Grahripu of Junagadh (Saurashtra) and Lakho Fulani of Kachchh. M ulraj Solanki's reign marked the start of the most glorious period in the history of Gujarat during which Gujarati culture flowered as manifested in art, architecture, language and script. It is described as the golden period in Fujarat chequered history. Mulrag himself adopted the title lof Gurharesh ( King of Gurjardesh). The territoporieds under the sway of the Solanki dynasty same to be knon by different variations of teh wokd Gurjar like Gurjardesh, Gurjararastra, Gurjaratta and finally Gujarat.

Two mames stand our in the Solanbki dynasty. The fiest is that of Sidhrag Jayasinh who ruled for 47 years from 1094 A.D. and the second prominent Solanki King Kumarpala's reign lasted for 31 years from 1143 to 1174 AD Apart from Saurashtra and Kachchh, Sidhraj Jaysinh also conquered Malwa. One of the favourite legends with the Gujarat Bards is woven round the siege of Junagadh by Sidhraj Jaysinh. The fort was ultimately captured by hims along with Ranakdevi, the Queen of the ruler Rakhengar. However, in the true tradition of the Rajputs, Ranakdevi preferred to become a 'sati' rather than marry Sidharaj Jaysinh who was persuaded to allow Ranakdevi to commit 'Sati' by burning herself on a pyre at Wadhavan. A temple was built on the hallowed place where she became a 'Sati'. The temple still stands in Wadhavan, Saurashtra, as a mute testimony to the woman who preferred death to marriage with the person who had humbled her husband. The temple is called Ranakdevi's temple.

The guardian family deity of the Solankis was Somnath at Prabhas. Ironically, it was during the Solanki's rule that the scared shrine was sacked by Mahmud Ghazni who defiled and despoiled the fabulously rich shrine and put 50,000 Hindus to sword. The temple was destroyed with its Linga during the regime of Bhimdev I Bhimdev's successor Karandev defeated a Bhil chieftain and founded Karnavati. Karandev married Minaldevi by whom he begot Sidhraj who ushered in Gujarat's golden period. Sidhraj's successor Kumarpala encouraged Jainism. Bal Mulraj successfully repelled the incursions of Mahmud of Ghor who had the ambition of repeating the act performed by Mahmud Ghazni.

After the fall of Solanki rule, VAghelas who were in the service of the Solanki's established a rather shortlived (76 years) but powerful dynasty. The two rulers of this dynasty, Virdhaval and Vishaldev, were responsible for consolidating the stabilising the prosperity of Gujarat after the fall of the Solankis. While Vishaldev built the famous temples of Daboi and founded Vishalnagar, the credit for building magnificient temples at Abu, Girnar and Shetrunjay goes to two distinguished Dewans - Vastupal and Tejpar - of Virdhaval. Of the sack of the Somnath by Mahmud Ghazni, Kinlock Forbes, a British historian, had this to say "Mahmood of Ghuznee had hardly accomplished his disastrous homeward retreat, leaving behind him Unhilwara despoiled and Somnath a heap of ruins, when the sound of the hammer and the chisel was heard upon Arasoor and Aboo, and the stately fanes began to arise at Koobharea and Delwara, in which an elaboration almost incredible and a finish worthy nof the hand of a Cellini, seemed to express the founder's steadfast refusal to believe in mlechh invaders, or iconoclastic destroyers, as other than the horrid phntom of a disturbing dream."

Karandev of the Vaghela dynasty was the last Hindu ruler of Gujuarat. he was defeated and overthrown by the superior forces of Allauddin Khilji in 1297 With his defeat Gujarat not only became part of the Muslim empire but the RAjput hold over Gujarat lost for ever.

Muslim Period

Before they finally entrenched themselves in 1298, the Muslims had only an occasional contact with this part of India. This was either as sea-farers or traders. They were allowedx to establish two small settlements in Cambay and Broach. Abdulla, a missionary from Egypot, who came during Sidhraj Jaysinh's regime and was allowed to preach,. is credited with the formation of Bohra community among the Muslims. However, after the defeat of Karandev Vaghela at the hands of Allauddin Khilji, Muslim rule continued for nearly 400 years either under Delhi's viceroyalty or under Muslim Sultanates till the MUghal viceroy, Monimnkhan was defeated by the Marathas who captured Ahmedabad in 1758.

Zafar Shah, a vicerory of Delhi for Gujarat, was responsible for starting tyhe Sultanete in Gujarat. he fully exploited the then prevailing conditions in Delhi to his advantage. He shook off his loyalty to the emperor, declared independence and became the first Sultan. he assumed the title of MUzaffar Shah. His successor Ahmed Shah founded a new city, following a dream, on the banks of the River Sabarmati and named it Ahmedabad after his own name. Since then, this new city became the Capital of successive regimes. It grew into a flourishing city city and became next only to Delhi in importance.

Mahmud Shah succeeded Ahmed Shah, Mahmud became a powerful ruler and was successful in over powering and subduing most of the Rajput chieftains. As a conqueror Mahmud was ruthless, as an administrator efficient and as a builder a great one. Apart from subduing the RAjpuit chieftains, Mahmud also successfully checked the Portuguese menance with the help of a naval fleet raised by his slave named Malik Ayyaz. He set up his Naval base at Diu off the Sautrashtra coast.

Under Mahmud Shah Gujarat once again became prosperous and there was a great deal of progress and building activity. Patan, the ancient seat of Hindu learning, once again became a seat of learning in Islamic disciplines. The avilable infrastructure at Patan was exploited by Mahmud Shah. The decline of the Sultanate started with the assassination of Sikandar Shah. Because of this decline Gujarat became an easy prey to the great Mughal Emperor Akbar's armies. Bahadur Shah, the last Sultan, was defeated which marked the begining of the Mughal rule which lasted some 185 years.

Notwithstanding the fact that Gujarat became a part of the MUghal Empire its importance did not diminish as is apparent from the selection of the ablest princes as Gujarat's viceroys. Murad, Shah Jahan, Dara Shekov were all made the Viceroys of this West coast region. The formal MUslim rule in Guijarat ended in 1758 when Momin Khan surrendered to the Marathas.

The Marathas and the British

When the cracks had started developed in tghe edifice of teh Mughal empire in the mid 17th century, the Marathas were consolodating their power in the west, Chatrapati Shivaji, the great Maratha ruler, attacked Surat twice first in 1664 and again in 2672. These attaackes marked the entry of the Marathas in Gujarat. Hooever, before the Maratha in-roads into Gujarat, the Europeans had made their presence felt here with the Portugese leaeding them follwed by the Dutch and the English.

The Pesghwas had establish ed their soverrighty over Gujarat including Sauratstra and collected taxses and tributes throgh their representaaves. DAmaji Geakwad and Kadam Bande divided the Peshewa's territory between them with DAmaji establishing the sway of Geakwad over Gujarat and made Barodssa his CApital. The ensuing internecine war among the Marathas werte fully explotied by the Britishers interfering in the affairs of both Geaskwads and the Peshwas. The Britishers also wmbarked upon their policy of Subsidiary Alliance. With this policy they establoshed their paramountcy over one princely state after another. Anadrao Gaekwad joined the Alliance in 1802 anbd surredered Surat and adjoining territories to the English./ In the gasrb of helping the MArathas the Britishers only helped themselves and slowly and gradully the Marathas power came to an end in Gujkarat in 1819. Geakwad and other big and small rulers accepted the Briuthsh Paramonthcy.

Pre Independence

Pre Gujarat has played a key role in the freedom struggle specially after Mahatma Gandhi's taking over of the leadership of the fredom movement. Besides Mahatma Gandhi, Gujarat has been the home of such stalwarts like Dadabhai Naoraji, Pherozshah Mehta, Badruddin Tayabji, Vithalbhai Patel, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who took a leading part in India's struggle for freedom. A man of tremendous foresight and endowed with an earthy rustic sense, Sardar Vallabhbhai patel was the one person responsible for persuading the princely |States to merge with the Indian Union when the Britishers left India dividing the country into India and Pakistan. The house of Tatas, the pioneers in the industrial advancement in the country, and Swami Dayanand Saraswati, the great social and religious reformist, also belonged to Gujarat.

www.1upindia.com

There was a tribe named Gurjaras who came in Gujarat around the 5th century AD. The name Gujarat comes from these Gurjaras.This was the time when the Huns came marauding up north. A large number of Gurjaras settled up north, but a majority moved towards the western coast where they settled for a Gurjara Rashtra. These lands were ruled over by Hindu regents for several years. This was also the entry point for the Zoroastrians into India, who fled Persia to escape victimisation from Muslims who had by then, virtually overrun the middle east. Parsis were welcomed into the Indian community by the local Rajas, in turn they adoped Gujarati as their language.

       Gujarat had long been prized property, especially because of its coast. The Rajputs managed to ward off the Muslim invaders for a while, but their superior armies soon took over the entire region, and the Sultans of Gujarat ruled these lands from the 11th century right through to the 17th century, when they finally lost their lands to the Europeans. After Independence, British-ruled Gujarat and the several princely states were clubbed together to form the state of Bombay, subsequently split into Maharashtra and Gujarat.

        Gujarat is one of the most prosperous states in the country, with Gujaratis counting among the most financially secure communities. In India and abroad, Gujaratis with their indomitable spirit have emerged among the world's premier business communities.

INDIAVISIT.COM

Situated on the western coast of India, the name of the state is derived from Gujjaratta, which means the land of the Gujjars. It is believed that a tribe of Gujjars migrated to India around the 5th century AD. The real cultural history of these people, however, is believed to have begun much earlier. Many Indus Valley and Harappan centers have been discovered in the state like Lothal, Dholavira, Rangpur, Lakhabaval, Amri, and Rozdi and established the earliest known history of Gujarat to around 3000 BC to 2200 BC. At that point of time, Lothal was the main port of this civilization. With the advent of the Yadava tribe led by Lord Krishna, some 3,500 years ago, came the glorious days for Gujarat. It was followed by 100 years of Lord Krishna's rule.

It is believed that Ashoka, the Mauryan king extended his kingdom to Gujarat. The fall of the Maurya Empire led the small kingdoms to establish their power in this state from time to time. The state achieved a high level of prosperity during the time of Solankis from the 9th century. In the 12th century AD, Allauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi defeated the Waghela king of Gujarat and a long era of Muslim rule over Gujarat started. The Marathas ended the Muslim rule in the 18th century only to be handed over to the British in the early 19th century. Surat was the center of the first factory of the East India Company in India. After the First War of Independence in 1857 the region came under the British monarchy along with the rest of the country.

Gujarat was a part of the erstwhile Mumbai state till 1960, when the people of Gujarat decided to have their own state on the basis of their distinct language and culture. This led to formation of the two new states of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

AHEMADABAD.COM

Gujarat turns 42 - garvi history

Gujarat marks its 42-year of formation after independence today. Historians say that people settled there in the Stone Age and Gujarat's historic period is linked with the spread of the Harappan civilization, which flourished in the 3rd and 2nd century BC.

The known history of Gujarat goes back to the Mauryan dynasty and the rule of Emperor Asoka. During the reign of the Gupta dynasty Gujarat progressed remarkably in the economic and cultural fields.

Ahmed Shah, the first independent sultan of Gujarat, founded Ahmedabad in 1411. It was in the 16th century that the Marathas took over Gujarat from the Mughals. The British East India Company took charge of the administration of the state in 1818.

With Indian independence in 1947, all of Gujarat except the states of Kachchh and Saurashtra were included in Bombay, which was a state at that time. On May 1, 1960 Bombay was split into Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Gujarat derived its name from the Gurjara, who ruled the area during the 8th and 9th centuries AD. Our Garvi Gujarat is rich in culture and heritage. Gujaratis have shone in India and abrod also. Despite the 2001 quake people in Kutch and Bhuj, the worst affected areas, have tried to bring life back to normalcy.

Gujarat boasts of a coastline of around 1500-km and is one of the most highly industrialized states. Architectural perfection is seen at temples of Dwarka, Modhera, Girnar, Palitana and Somnath.

Great leaders like Gandhiji and Sardar Patel were born in Gujarat. Poets like Umashanker Joshi, Narmad, Sundaram and Ramesh Parekh also belong to the state.

Industrialists like Jamshedji Tata, Dhirubhai Ambani and Karsanbhai Patel also from Gujarat. Gujarat has seen eminent media personalities like Shaurabh Modi and Sanjeev Kumar. Renowned scientist Homi Bhabha also belonged to this place.

Recently there was news that a 7000 year old civilization was found at the creeks of Khambhat. Though it is yet to be confirmed, if proved true Gujarat will change the course of history

JAMNAGARONNET

The Jamnagar district, originally constituted as Halar district, is not only recent in its origin but also in its modern set up. But the region comprised therein is of great antiquity and dates back to ancient periods of Jamnagar. According to Pauranik literature, Lord Krishna established his kingdom at Dwarka, now in Jamnagar district, after his migration from Mathura and it is to this great Yadava race that the Jams of Nawanagar trace their descent.

The foundation of Nawanagar State is credited to Jam Raval. In AD 1540 after winning conquests Jam Raval founded the city of Nawanagar.

During the rule of His Highness Jam Ranjitsinhji, between 1920 - 1930, he developed the city according to western architecture and built Power House, Vibha Vilas Palace, Jam Bunglow (Bhavendra Vilas Palace), Pratap Vilas Palace, Mann Vilas, Amar Vilas, Arch Vilas, Badminton House, Filtzer House, Coach House, Irwin Hospital, Solarium, Vegetable Market, Grain Market, Nana-Ashapura's Temple, Sajuba Girls' High School, Wellington Crescent, Bedi Bunder, Rajput Boarding, Infantry Lines, Jam Raval's Statue, Jam Ranjit's Statue, Nursing School, Dayaram Library, Port Office, Central Bank, Summair Club, Railway Station, Parsi Agiyari, Anandabava Ashram, extention of Lal Bunglow, Ranjit Road, Central Bank Road, Rajendra Road, Khambhalia Gate Road, Jam Bunglow Road, Talav-ni-Pal Road, being the main ones.

After His Highness Jam Ranjitsinhji, His Highness Digvijaysinhji was bethroned (1933 - 1948) and he built Digvijay Woollen Mills, Aerodrome, Dhanvantri Mandir, Digvijay Plot, Gulabnagar, Valsura, Ranjit Swimming Pool.

The present district takes its name from the city and capital of Jamnagar so named after the rulers who styled themselves as Jams.

The Halar district which was constituted for the first time in the year 1949 after the merger of princely states into the state of Saurashtra, constituted of the former Indian states of Nawanagar and Dhrol, Dhrafa Thana and part of Jalia Dewani. After re-organization several territorial changes were effected in practically all the districts of Saurashtra. On June 19^th 1959, the boundaries of the district got enlarged by the inclusion of the adjoining Okhamandal, when Halar district was renamed Jamnagar. This district became part of the newly born State of Gujarat on the bifurcation of the composite State of Bombay on May 1^st 1960.In the year 1961 the district consisted of 720 villages and 15 towns.

TRADEWINGS.COM

Gujarat has a history which is 2000 years old. This region has seen the rise and fall of the Mauryans, the Guptas, the Pratiharas, the Chalukyas and the Marathas. Its coastal location has been subjected to many foreign invasions, like the Moghuls, Portugese and British. Prior to Independence Gujarat was a part of Erstwhile Bombay Presidency. The separate State of Gujarat was formed in 1968. Gujarat is also the homeland of Mahatma Gandhi. Currently it is the foremost among the Industrialized states in the country.
A brief history of Gujarat:

Somnath is about 5km from Veraval and had a checkered history. It is believed that the Somnath temple here was originally built by Somraj, the Moon God himself, out of gold, then rebuilt by Ravana in silver and then by Krishna in Wood, then by Bhimdev in stone. Ghazni Mohammed descended on Somnath in 1024 when the temple was so prosperous that it has 300 musicians, 500 dancing girls and 300 barbers to shave the heads of visiting pilgrims. There is a description to this effect by Al Biruni, an Arab traveller. After a two-day battle, Ghazni Mohammed carted off its fabulous wealth and also destroyed the temple, thus setting a precedent of Muslims destroying the temple and Hindus rebuilding it, for it was razed again in 1297, 1394 and finally in 1706 by Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor who was notorious for such acts. The temple which stands today was built in the traditional pattern on the original site by the sea, thanks to the efforts of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Sasan Gir

The sanctuary covers 1400 km. Apart from lions, there are also bears, hyenas, foxes, deer and antelope.

Somnath Temple

Somnath is one of the 12 jyotirlingas of lord Shiva. In the Shiva Purana and Nandi Upapurana, Shiva said, `I am omnipresent but specially in 12 forms and places, the jyotirlingas`. Somnath is one of these 12 holy places. Today, Somnath offers a holy pilgrimage, a beach holiday and a number of places of historic, religious or scenic importance.
The shore temple of Somnath is believed to have been built in 4 phases-in gold by Lord Soma, in silver by Ravana, in wood by lord Krishna and in stone by Bhimadeva. Tales of it's riches brought in a series of invasions, but each time the temple was raided, whether by Muhammad Ghazni who took back the silver doors and treasures or by Aurangzeb in a fanatical vein, it was restored by zealous Hindu worshippers to it's original glory.
The present incarnation of the temple was commissioned by Sardar Patel, the much loved Gujarati leader, in the 1950s. The temple has imposing architecture, a 50 meter high shikara tower, intricate carvings, silver doors, a pretty Nandi, the Shivalinga, a number of holy idols and images, and a splendid location facing the Arabian sea. Aarti is held at 7, 12 and 19 hours. The temple is open from 6-21.30 hrs.

Prabhas Patan Museum

The museum houses art treasures of various periods from Somnath. Holy waters of different rivers, 5 domes, inscriptions, pillars, 12th century toranas, 11th century stone apsaras and statues of lord Agni, lord Vishnu, Uma Maheshwara, Natraj Bhairava and Parwati.

Somnath Beach

Just behind the temple is the Somnath beach, with pleasant sands, great sea views, camel and pony rides, coconut stalls and snack places.

Ahilya Mandir

This creamy colour domed temple was commissioned by the famous queen, Ahliyabhai Holkar of Malwa. Nearby, along the coast, Shivalingas washed ashore by the sea have been re-installed.

Triveni Tirth

A river is holy in Hinduism, and the meeting place of 3 rivers-Hiran, Kapil and Saraswati-with the Arabian sea, is triply important. The Triveni tirth is an important place of pilgrimage, specially to immerse ashes and pray for dear departed. At the Triveni ghat is the chattri (umbrella) of lord Krishna, and important temples, including one dedicated to lord Laxminarayan.

Surya Mandir

The Sun temple of Prabhas Patan, probably dates from the time of the Solanki Rajput dynasty in Gujarat. Like the Sun temples of Modhera, Ghumli and Kera, it has a sabha mandap, sanctum sanctorum and intricate carvings. Next to the temple is the Pandav Gufa, a cave associated with the 5 Pandawas, with mosaics of lord Ganesh and other religious art.

Places around Somnath

Bakhla Tirth

A short distance from the Somnath temple is Bakhla Tirth, where Lord Krishna was hit by accident by an arrow of a Bhil tribal.

Veraval Beach

4 kms from Somnath, Veraval has a picturesque fishing harbour, where sea worthy shows are handcrafted by expert artisans without using any modern machinery, mechanical, electrical or electronic. The Veraval beach is a good place to relax, with benches and a jogging path. Near the beach is the old beach palace of the Nawab of Junagadh, now deserted. The town has intricate gateways, one facing Prabhas Patan, the other Junagadh.

INSURAT.COM

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USERSTOTALISE.CO.UK.COM

Gujarat is one of India's most industrialized states, in western India, covering an area of 196,024 sq km (75,685 sq mi). It has a fertile plain land in the south cut by several rivers, low hills in the west, and broad mudflats in the north that adjoin the Thar (Great Indian) Desert.

Gujarat has a colourful profile. The land is fertile, beautiful and prosperous on the coastline from Kutch in the west to Daman in south, the hill-line from Aravalli in east to the western hills with lush green forests, thick and thin rivers as well as the plains in the middle. The rivers and reservoirs, farms and fields, villages and towns, suburbs and cities, markets and industries, temples and complexes add to its physical prosperity and unfold the prosperity of its historic base. The nature and the tourist spots add new dimensions to the beauty of Gujarat. Number of historic monuments, religious places, industrial complexes and educational institutions glorify the cultural pride of Gujarat. It reminds us of great traditions of lord Krishna to Mahatma Gandhi. Many legends, tales and stories of bravery and generosity, efficiency and imagination, prosperity and charity, penance and sacrifice, knowledge and devotion are spread in the air and atmosphere of Gujarat. The hard-work and civilised approach of the people of Gujarat are evident at the coast of Dandi in South Gujarat where Gandhiji accomplished the salt-satyagraha, at Somnath on the coast of Saurashtra where the echoes of eternal tranquility is heard, history and religion appears to be the way of life at Pavagadh or Girnar, business booms at the markets of Ahmedabad and Surat, folk-life rules the streets of Jamnagar and Bhuj, water of life flows in Narmada and Mahi and greenery plays with the wind in forests of Dang and Gir. The journey through the width and breadth of Gujarat is not merely a physical tour of the land, it is a treat with its people. A treat, which gives an opportunity to know them in real sense, which would arouse feelings of pride.
This Paragraph Courtesy of GujaratMail.

Geography
The climate of Gujarat is varied. The northwestern part of the state is dry, with less than 500 mm (20 in) of rain a year. In the more temperate central part of the state, the annual rainfall is more than 700 mm (28 in). In the southern part of Gujarat, rainfall averages 2000 mm (79 in) a year. In the winter temperatures average between 12° and 27° C (between 54° and 81° F), although freezing levels have been recorded in the state. In the summer temperatures average between 25° and43° C (77° and 109° F) and have been known to reach as high as 48° C (118° F).

People
The population was 41,309,582 at the 1991 census, giving it an average density of 211 persons per sq km (546 per sq mi). More than 70 percent of the population is Hindu; there are also significant minorities of Muslims and Jains in Gujarat In 1991 more than 60 percent of the population was literate.

Education
Gujarat has two official languages: Gujarati, which is derived from Sanskrit, and Hindi. Several universities are located in Gujarat including Bhavnagar University (founded in 1978) in Bhavnagar, Gujarat University (1950) in Ahmedabad, Sardar Patel University (1955) in Kheda, and Saurashtra University (1967) in Rajkot.

Agriculture
The leading crops are rice, maize (corn), peanuts, cotton, and tobacco. Among livestock raised are buffalo and other cattle, sheep, and goats. Salt, manganese, limestone, and bauxite are mined. Petroleum production began in 1960, and an oil refinery is located at Vadodra.

Industries
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.

Political
The state capital is Gandhinagar. The state 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.

History
Signs of civilization in the region that is now Gujarat date back to the period from 3000 to 1500 BC. The region was part of the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century BC under King Asoka. In 1818 the British 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. The remainder of Bombay state became Maharashtra state.

Milestones

·  2500 BC. Harappans appeared from Northern India to settle down, and established over a hundred towns and cities.

·  100 to 500 BC. Yadavas, Krishna's clan, held power over much of Gujarat, with their capital at Dwarka.

·  200 BC. Political history began with the powerful Mauryan empire, established by Chandragupta with its capital at Junagadh, and reached its peak under Ashoka.

·  100 AD. Satraps, members of the Saka tribes, gained control over Saurashtra.

·  388 AD. Guptas, and then Maitrakas, established their their capital at Valabhi.

·  1100 AD. Saurashtra came under sway of the Solanki (Chauhan) dynasty.

·  1299 AD. Khalji conquested and the Muslim rule was established.

·  1307 AD. Muzaffar Shah's declaration of independence from Delhi marked the foundation of the Sultanate of Gujarat.

·  1500 AD. Moghul emperor Akbar conquested.

·  1531 AD. The Portuguese, already settled in Goa, captured Daman and Diu.

·  1613 AD. The British East India Company set up original Indian headquarters in Surat.

·  1818 AD. British sovereignty was established.

·  1960 AD. Bombay state was split and Gujarat state was created.

·  Today. Gujarat's textile industry is still the largest in India, with the trading of the business-minded community helping to mantain its wealth.

Indus Valley Civilization (2500-1700 BC), was the earliest known civilization of South Asia, corresponding to the Bronze Age cultures of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Crete. Harappa and Mohenjo Daro belonged to this civilization.

Before the Mauryan empire took hold in the fourth century BC, the Indus Valley was the largest, well-planned and sophisticated civilization in India. The cities Mohenjo Daro and Harappa were discovered in 1920s. This society spread from the present borders of Iran and Afghanistan to Kashmir, Delhi, and Gujarat, covering an area larger than the Egyptian and Syrian dominions put together. It lasted until the heavy floods swept away the towns and villages in Sind, Saurashtra, and South Gujarat.

Lothal, close to the Gulf of Cambay in South Gujarat, was a major port, and source of shells which the Harappans made into jewellery. The work of Indus Valley artisans shows a high degree of craft specialization. Characteristic artifacts include a distinctive black-on-red pottery, ceramic toys and figurines, etched carnelian beads, metal (bronze, silver, and gold) ornaments and tools, and stamp seals with an undeciphered script.

The Indus Valley civilization was first defined by the British archaeologist Sir John Marshall's diggings at Mohenjo-Daro and M. S. Vat's excavations at Harappa in 1920s.

Religion:
Hindu:
Vedic Dharma was popular and from the remains found from the Indus
valley Civilization, it is believed that worship of goddesses, Sun, Shiva,
was followed. The temple of Somnath, in western coast, is one of
the twelve jyotirllingas of Shiva. There is no definate record as of
the origin of the temple (which is believed to have been built during
Mahabharat times) but the earliest record is of the dates of 10th century.
In Norther Gujarat, there is an eleventh-century Sun-Temple, at Modhera.
Near Mehsana, the town of Siddhpur is known for Rudramala Temple, built in
12th century. Goddess-worship was followed in ancient times and popular amongst them are temples at Pavagarh, Kherhbrahma and Ambaji. The oldest temple of Dwarika has become a pilgrimage place to worship Krishna.
Jain: The Jainism is widely followed in Gujarat since years. The oldest temple is believed to be of Shankheshwar Parshwanath in North Gujarat. Taranga temples were built during the Solanki period and they are better preserved than the temples of Mount Abu, Girnar and Shatrunjay. Palitana, is India's principal Jain pilgrimage site, the temples dated 5th century.
Muslim: Through the sea-route which was open for trade, the people from Iran and Arabic countries started coming in Gujarat. The trade system was established and the Indo-Islamic culture got flourished. This is a marked feature of many Gujarati cities. The famous mosques are built during Mughul times. These include Sidi Sayyid's mosque, Jami Masjid, of Ahmedabad,, Alif Khan's mosque in Dholka, Jama Masjid of Bharuch,etc.
Buddha: About the same time as Jainism, Buddhism also got popular. There were Buddhist temples also and the remains of the same are found from all over Gujarat. Ashokan Buddhist edicts engraved on a rock are near Junagadh. These remains are of 3rd century BC.
Parsi: In 10th century, Iranian Jarthost followers came to Gujarat and got settled here first at Diu, and then at Sanjan, Udvada -in South of Gujarat. Sanjan and Udvada are today main pilgrimage places of Parsi followers.

Sports:
Desi Games:
These games are largely played in Gujaratis since years. A lot of them are family games, and played by group or groups. There are minor games and major games -played according to rules.
Amongst the minor games are - Jhula, Ball games, Long and High Jump, Saat-taali (catch someone), KhoKho , Langadi (played with one leg), Hutututu (Kabaddi), Santa-kukkadi (hide and seek), marbles, tops, kite-flying, Gilli-dada (ball and sticks), Ambali-pipli (played on trees), skipping, swimming, wrestling, gymnastics, trekking, playing cards, chess, Antakshari, Races, etc.
The major games are those, which have strictly observed rules. The popular ones played are Cricket, Table-Tennis, Tennis, Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, Carrom, Chess, Boxing, Hockey, Football, Billiards, Snookers,etc.
Mountaineering:
Basically soft-natured Gujaratis donot go further in for Olympic games. But it was remarkable when Guajartis joined in the Adventurous Mountaineering and succeeded in the sixties. In past 20 years, 20 more Himalayan peaks were successfully covered.

Major Cities
Cities having population over 100000

·  Ahmedabad

·  Jamnagar

·  Rajkot

·  Surendranagar

·  Bhavnagar

·  Junagadh

·  Porbandar

·  Gandhinagar

·  Nadiad

·  Anand

·  Vadodara

·  Broach

·  Surat

·  Navsari

·  Gandhidham

EHOLIDAYS.COM

INDIAPROFILE.COM

Fascinating Chabutras of Gujarat

The gentle and peace loving people of Gujarat are well known for their concern about the welfare of all life forms. Perhaps putting bird feeding tables—commonly known as chabutras—in their homes and gardens is a reflection of their benign attitude.

Some years ago when we came to live in Ahmedabad the chabutras was among the first things to arrest our attention. The type to be seen most commonly is the ek-dandia chabutras which is essentially a platform covered with a dome or hood and mounted on a 5-6 feet high pole. On the platform a dish of water and some food is put for the birds.

Gujarati chabutras can be of various shapes and sizes, as we learnt later, while discussing the folk art forms of Gujarat with Esther David—an eminent art critic, columnist and author of a book on Ahmedabad. Some can be as large as a room. Built from stone and bricks these are elevated platforms which provide refuge to a variety of birds, ranging from the small sized sparrows, mynas and pigeons to large ones such as peacocks.

Chabutra is a popular colloquial terms derived from the world ‘Kabutar’, for pigeon. Interestingly enough, in some illustrations on Gujarati arts and crafts done by artists during the British period chabutras have been referred to as ‘pigeon houses’, as Lalit Kumar, Curator of the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum of Indology in Ahmedabad informed us. The word chabutras itself may have been kabutra for some time before it finally became what it is today.

Although chabutras are commonly seen all over Gujarat, similar bird feeding tables are also to be seen in Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Indeed, the hood of the chabutras is believed to have been influenced by the ‘chatri’, so commonly seen in Rajasthani architectural design. According to Lalit Kumar, there has been a significant amount of fusion between the design forms of Rajasthan and Gujarat over the centuries and the chabutras is a manifestation of this rich ‘Maru Gujarat’ cultural tradition.

According to Kirti Patel, a well known artist who has also documented local art forms in considerable detail, the chabutras has a deep sociological and religious significance in Gujarat. Although the form of the chabutras incorporates the influences of Hindu, Muslim and Jain architectural designs, the practice of putting up these bird feeding tables is undoubtedly linked to the Jain faith which preaches non-violence and humanity. Like the ancient Egyptians, many communities in Gujarat also believe that after death a persons soul assumes the form of birds and animals. So by caring for birds by putting food and water and providing shelter in chabutras they are also caring for the souls of their departed ancestors.

To known more about chabutras we interviewed a variety of people and came across some interesting explanations. According to one view, originally chabutras were meant to be the destination of message carrying pigeons in the royal households. It is well known that long before the day when wireless and telephone existed, messages were carried by trained pigeons. In India too pigeons were widely used for carrying messages from one point to another. It is believed that, at least in Gujarat, chabutras or similar structures were the logical destination point of all birds, including the message bearing pigeons.

Even though chabutras may have been of some use for message carrying pigeons in earlier times, there is bound to be much more than this, as far as their significance and evolution is concerned. Yatin Pandya, an architect in Ahmedabad and the Director of Sangath—an organization working for the preservation of the cultural heritage, interpreted chabutras to us from the perspective of town planning and architecture. He opined that in earlier times chabutras were an important element of urban design and served to enhance the utilization of space judiciously and aesthetically in pols i.e. traditional urban settlements in Gujarat. Even now, old chabutras in villages and pols are located very prominently in the centre—the place where most community interactions and the celebration of festivals take place.

One can imagine that in the days when community life in the pols was much more vibrant than it is now, chabutras would have had great relevance. But now, as human population size is increasing more and more, people are living in box shaped housing colonies in the newer parts of the town. Naturally, everything which was in vogue traditionally is now also going out of favour including chabutras. During our rambles in the countryside and in the city of Ahmedabad we noticed chabutras everywhere—in villages, in housing colonies and in the midst of the busy bazaars of the city. Although many chabutras in the old parts of the city looked in bad shape—having being encroached upon or plastered with bill boards and loudspeakers—those in the new colonies appeared different. So the questions is then do chabutras have any relevance today?

Judging from the fact that they are to be seen all over Gujarat, the chabutras does seem to have some contemporary relevance. Many houses in the localities where the well-to-do people live, chabutras can be seen in gardens and terraces. Obtained from antique furniture shops or from the local Gurjari shop these chabutras are often gaily decorated with Rajasthani style designs and wood carvings. In a certain sense these are ‘brand’ chabutras—more of decorative items adorning the gardens and terraces in fashion conscious homes. However, in the rural areas—in village squares and in the lower and middle income group housing colonies of Ahmedabad—we get to see chabutras which appear more functional than ornamental. These are fabricated from steel, bricks and stone. The tall ones have a small ladder which can enable a man to climb up and put food and water for the birds.

About a year ago a local newspaper carried a photograph of a traditional chabutras in the Karanj area of Ahmedabad. The photograph had an interesting caption which said. “A dilapidated chabutras meant for feeding birds in Karanj has became the centre of a controversy. The corporation wants to remove its parts for repairs while the locals want it repaired on the spot”. Intrigued by this report we decided to visit Karanj and find out for ourselves what the controversy was all about. After taking to some locals we discovered that the area was rife with rumors that the corporation had planned to remove that chabutras and transfer it to an upcoming museum on the crafts and history of Gujarat, in Ahmedabad. But what had angered the locals was that all this was in the guise of taking the chabutras away for repairs. The attempt had been strongly resisted by the local residents who could not bear to see their beloved chabutras being taken away.

The above incident clearly indicates that people can offer resistance when it comes to removing such nondescript objects as the chabutras from their localities. But sadly, popular support alone may not be enough to save beautiful and traditional chabutras. The growth of population and the resulting congestion in the city is obliterating all traditional artifacts. During our walks we discovered many beautiful chabutras dying due to neglect and with strange and discordant structures having grown around them. Some had even become fused with modern buildings—a sad testimony to the horrific changes taking place in the urban environment, in total disregard to traditional relics. The chabutras were once symbolic of man’s concern for weak and helpless life forms but, in today context, many of the traditional chabutras in the city are victims of urban decadence. But still, in the midst of the hustle and hustle of congested city life or in the middle of villages, they stand tall and majestically silently in their stoic grace and elegance—beautiful to look at and a refuge for the little winged creatures.

WEBINDIA123.COM

HISTORY - GUJARAT

Gujarat forms an area that housed the regions of the Indus Valley civilization and Harappan sites. Around 50 Harappan sites are found in Gujarat. Lothal, Rangpur, Amri, Lakhabaval, Rozdi etc. are some of these sites. This makes it an important territory that reveals the history of India. The Dravidian tribes were said to be the original inhabitants of this region. Even before the Aryan occupation of Gujarat it is said to have had trade contracts with Sumer, the Persian Gulf in about 1000-750BC. Rock edicts in the Girnar hills indicate that Ashoka extended his domain into Gujarat. It was during the Mauryan rule that this region witnessed the influence of Buddhism. The Mauryans also promoted trade and helped in spread of its culture. In about 150BC the Bactarian Greeks under Meander is said to have instilled their rule. Till 40AD they are said to have had trade contracts with Rome. From  about AD130-390 the Scythians ruled it. After 300AD the Guptas established their reign which lasted till 460AD. The Vallabhi established their sway in between (500-700AD). After the death of Harshvardhana, the Gujjars controlled it till 746AD. The Solankis ruled over Gujarat till 1143. Gujarat attained its greatest territorial extend under the Solan ki dynasty, from the 9^th century. Muhammud of Ghazni attacked Somnath in Gujarat leading to the downfall of the Solankis. The conquest of Ala-ud-din Khilji king of Delhi in 1288 also influenced the conditions in Gujarat. The Sultans of Delhi had their sway over Gujarat from 1298-1392AD. Ahmad Shah I, the first independent Muslim ruler of Gujarat founded Ahmadabad in 1411. Then the Mughals ruled for about 2 centuries till the Marathas terminated their rule in the mid 18^th century. It was during the18^th century that Gujarat was divided among number of chiefs. From 1803-1827 the British set up their administration. The British East India companies first head quarters in India was at Surat. It was later moved to Bombay. Finally in May1,1960, the state of Gujarat was formed from the north and west portions of Bombay state, the remainder being renamed the state of Maharashtra. 

The Aryans were the first people to come from the north who either conquered or drove away the Bhils, the traditional rulers of Gujarat. Apart from these two distinct classes, a third class of people known as 'Kolis' are  equally important and occupy an intermediate social position between the Aryans and the Bhils. Aryans are now commonly recognised as Hindus. The immigration during the medieval period brought Islam and Zoroastrianism to Gujarat and initiated the growth of a multi-religious society.

 The peninsula of Kathiawar is named after the Kathis who came to Saurashtra at the close of the fourteenth century. Their origin is not fully known but it is possible that they were driven southwards by the Muslim invaders. 'Khachar' and 'Chotila' were the most important seats of the Kathis. Worshippers of the Sun, they were essentially nomadic and had developed, among other pastoral occupations, the art of horse-breeding. Successive waves of immigrants from other parts of India have led to a superimposition of different communities and cultures in Kathiawar. The powerful royal families, which conquered Saurashtra later on established their rule over there.

'Rabaris' are a community of cattle-breeders who have migrated from Sindh and Marwar and claim a Rajput ancestry. The Rabaris stand out prominently by their features and dress. They lead a nomadic life.

The Gujaratis, the people of Gujarat, are found all over the state. These people trace their lineage from the people originally known as Gurjars. They are believed to have come to India with the Huns and while passing through Punjab, settled in Gujarat. Gujaratis were highly influenced by the cultural waves from the mainland and accepted the monarchies that ruled over them. Various Hindu traditions like Shavism and Vaishnavism which sprang upon the mainland were imbibed by Gujarat which in turn developed its own galaxy of saints and devotees and its own art and culture. The successive waves of immigration were absorbed in the society that was fast evolving and today the word Gujarati does not seem to suggest any definite association with a particular stock, a tribe of immigrants or a specific group of people.

 The Kutchis, who were the natives of the peninsula of Kutch, have their own dialects. The Kutchis are both Hindus and Muslims and a large number of them have migrated from Sindh.

The Jadeja Rajputs, the Lohanas and even the Muslims many of whom are 'Maldharis', the cattle-breeders, have all come from Sindh consequent upon their defeat at the hands of some kings or as a result of some religious persecution.

Dress

Gujarati males generally wear dhoti, long or short coat and turban cap.  Nowadays, pants are becoming common instead of dhoti. The women wear sari and blouse. Parsi males wear pants, long coat and a headgear. The Parsi women's clothes are identical with those of the Hindu women with a slight difference marked by long sleeves of the blouse and a scarf on the head.

Ornaments

With the changing times, the ornaments of the women are also changing. They have become simpler and meager. They generally wear rings, ear-rings, bangles and slender chains. Bangles made of ivory and dyed in red, with a gold chip, are presented to the bride by her maternal uncle on the occasion of her marriage.

Language

The three important languages of Gujarat are Gujarati, Urdu and Sindhi. There are eleven variants or dialects of Gujarati. Kachchi as a mother tongue is important in Kutch.

Religion

The total population of the state consists of Hindus, Muslims and Jains. Zorastrians or Parsis can also be seen in Gujarat.

 The caste system is strictly followed by the Hindus of Gujarat. Besides the 'Brahmins' and the 'Banias' whose functions and  occupations are fairly well determined, the  community of 'Patidars' owning land is the strongest force in the economic and political life of the state. Patidars, also called Patels, are the best agriculturists of Gujarat. They are grouped into four categories namely Levas, Kadawas, Anjana and Uda. The Levas are most shrewd and are concentrated in central Gujarat. The Kadawas are most numerous in Mehsana district.

The fourth regional group which may have been a native of Gujarat is the community of aboriginals, locally known as 'Bhils', inhabit the hilly tracts of Gujarat that border the plains from Abu in the north to Dangs in the south. The Bhils may be regarded as a hybrid group in Gujarat, on the one hand absorbing Rajput blood and on the other representing a tribal sub-stratum. The Bhils regard themselves as belonging to the Kshatriya caste who had to take shelter in the hills of the Vindhyas and the Satpuras, along the lower Narmada, to save themselves from the wrath of the Brahmin hero, Parashuram. The Bhils of Gujarat thus do not possess any racial basis distinct from the other inhabitants of the region.

The tribals of Gujarat are found concentrated in the south-eastern part of Gujarat particularly in the district of Panchmahals, Surat, Baroda, and Broach. The main tribal groups are the Bhils, the Dublas, the Naika-Narkdas, the Gamits and the Dhankas.

Profession

 The infertile soil in the hilly areas of the tribal settlements has left no choice except that of subsistence farming to the tribal people. Rice, jowar, bajra, and groundnut are the main crops grown by them. The tribals engage themselves in wood-cutting with which they descend to the small towns for getting the daily necessaries of life. Many have been engaged in organised forest industry, some collect lac and toddy. Tied down to their ancestral and social traditions, living in a microcosm of their own where they are governed by their own social laws, the tribals of Gujarat have yet to develop an awareness of the fast-changing social and economic conditions of life in the outer world.

GUJARATPLUS.COM

A brief description on the history of Surat.

The first authentic reference to the region is found in the Ashoka inscriptions at Sopara near Bombay and Girnar in Saurashtra. The region encompassed between these edicts, and referred to as the Lata region must be the domain of the Mauryan Empire. The history of the period after the Mauryas is ambiguous. Satavahanas, who rose to power in the Deccan might have held sway for sometime but this must be shortlived, as evident from series of coins issued by Kshatrapas who were at the turn of the fourth century defeated by Chandragupta

The next definite phase of stability and expansion commences with the rule of Rashtrakutas (740-975 A.D.). The boundaries of Lata expanded upto Mahl River in the north and Daman in the south. Lata was called both Desa and also Mandala. It came into conflict with Anhilvad Patan, the Ruler of Gujarat, when Mulrai and his son Chamunda tried to wrest Lata from the hands of Barappa, the General in-charge of Lata. Fortunes of Lata continued to fluctuate between warring dynasties of the Solankis (Chalukyas) of the Anhilvad and the Deccan till 1299 A.D., when the Muslims finally conquered Gujarat.

During this early period Rander was the principal commercial centre south of Bharuch. It was a very ancient town where Arabs from Kufa come and settled in the early thirteenth century. They succeeded in overpowering the Jain population of the town and became its rulers. They were enterprising navigators and traded with Malacca, China, Tenasarm, Pegu and Sumatra and added to the prosperity of Rander till the frequent raids from Portuguese turned this fortune. While Rander was declining Surat grew in eminence. It is believed that one enterprising merchant named Gopi-even today a ward in the city is known by his name, viz, Gopipura- settled at Surat. He induced other merchants to settle at Surat and build large houses and public places. The Portuguese traveller, Barbosa writes very highly about Surat and its commercial importance. Precisely for this reason and the wealth generated thereby, that the city fell prey to marauding Portuguese, first in 1512 and then in 1530. Annoyed by this destruction, the Ahmedabad king gave orders to build a stronger castle at Surat, the task which took six years and services of Safi Agha, a Turk ennobled as Khudawand Khan, for completion. Farishta, the noted historian, praises this fortress, calling it strong and well constructed. After this fortification, there commenced a period of growth and prosperity which continued throughout the Mughal period upto Aurangzeb's accession, when the raids by Morathas unsettled the equilibrium.

87 Much before the Maratha raids, European powers were engaged in the battle for supremacy at sea. The growing Portuguese influence was checked by the English who first came in August 1608. The first English ship to arrive at the mouth of Topi was commanded by Captain Hawkins, however, the English had to wait for more than seven years before Sir Thomas Roe could present his credentials to the Mughol Emperor, Jehangir. If took great diplomatic skills on the part of Sir Thomas Roe, for obtaining important privileges in favour of the English. One reason for being able to extract such benefits was the decisive naval victory of the English over Portuguese off the coast of Surat. Thenafter till the end of the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707 A.D. the trade continued to flourish, barring Maratha raias in the year 1666 and 1670, which were led by Shivaji, causing heavy damage to the city's commerce. It is important to note that during both these raids the English and the Dutch were left untouched on account of their military might and political aloofness. After the death of Aurangzeb the authority of the Delhi court declined and the governors become more independent. There were internecine struggles for power and supremacy and political equation kept changing till the situation became ripe for the English to take control of the city. They had already assumed a political role and gained a firm footing in Bengal by their victory in the Battle of Plassey. Earlier they had defeated the naval power of the Marathhas under Tula II Angre leaving only the Siddis as the major hurdle to be overcome in their race for supremacy in the western coast.

In February 1759, the English troops under the command of Captain Maitland arrived near the mouth of the Tapi. After dislodging the Siddis from the French Garden which lay on the left bank of the river, a suitable place was located for erecting a battery. For four days a brisk fire was kept up from two twenty-four pounders. This caused breaching of the outer wall, however, the capture of the inner wall and the castle called for heavier shelling. On 4th March 1759, one hundred and fifty one years after the first Englishman had landed on the shores of Surat, the city fell to the attacking army of the English. A new chapter in the annals of the port-city and the country was to begin with the thud of the gun and the strokes of diplomatic maneuvers.

For another forty years the Nawabs owing allegiance to the Delhi court continued as the governors of Surat with the consent of the English. In 1800 A.D., due to the failures of the direct heirs of the Nawab to assume the undivided government, the English assumed the entire government of Rander and Surat. The nineteenth century witnessed considerable educational, cultural and economic development of the region. The roads and a bridge over Tapi was built. A railway line was laid down which considerably improved communication and trade and a few years later the great rise of rices due to the American war brought iarge sums of money to the district by the sale of cotton.

The wind of resistance to the British Empire blew in south Gujarat, with the turn of the century. The holding of the 23rd session of the Indian National Congress in Surat in 1 907 was an event of far reaching consequence because the session witnessed the tragic split between nationalists and moderates. Another very significant event in the history of the whole country was the Bardoli Satyagraho of 1928 against the hike in land revenue by the British. South Gujarat is also associated with the famous Dandimarch. Dandi, where Gandhiii broke the saltlaw, is 25 miles south-west, of Surat.

Garhatours.com

Junagadh, was the capital of the Junagadh state, under the muslim rulers of Babi Nawabs. In Gujarati " Junagadh " literally means ancient fort. The Junagadh town is located at the foothills of the sacred hill of Girnar and occupies a special place in the history of Gujarat. The history of Junagadh is chequered by the rules of the Mauryans, Kshatrapas, Guptas, Vallabhis, Chudasamas, Gujarat Sultans and Babi Nawabs. Junagadh, at different times in history, was under the influence of four major religions : Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Muslims. Both political powers and religious influences enriched the culture and created fantastic edifices leaving their mark on the architecture of Junagadh.

Ashoka's Rock Edicts
Fourteen Rock Edicts of the Emperor Ashoka can be seen inscribed on a great boulder. These ancient inscriptions date back to 250 BC and carry Brahmi script in Pali language. Late Sanskrit inscription were added around 150 AD by Rudrakama and in about 450 AD by Skandgupta. The inscriptions were reported in 1822 by Todd, but really came to light only in 1837 when Rev.Dr John Wilson copied them and in 1843 when the Royal Asiatic Society published them in the Bombay branch journal. The 16 principals preach virtues like matery of the senses, purity of thought, gratitude, devotion, self control, secular thinking and kindness, while opposing animal sacrifice and greed. They speak of repentance for death and destruction caused during the wars waged by Ashoka.
Visit Ashoka's Rock Edicts with us...

Girnar Hill
Rising up on the outskirts of Junagadh is Mt Girnar, whose 3660 foot high summit is crowned by some of the finest and religiously most important temples. The climb is a steep one and best undertaken in the very early hours of the morning. The main entrance to the hill is in front of the Uparkot. On the hill top there are Jain and Hindu temples standing in a quadrangular courtyard. The main temple, which is surrounded by pillared cloisters containing 70 cells is dedicated to the 22nd Jain Thirthankara (God) Neminath. Further up from Neminath Temple, the Amba Temple is where newly married Hindu prays for a happy marriage.
Visit the famous Girnar Hills of Gujarat, click here

Mohabat Maqbara
Maqbars - the older complex offers some remarkable 18th century architecture with vertical columns, delicate carved columns, arches, cornices & domes. The newer complex is a remarkable architectural work with four minarets & pirouetting spiral staircase, a facade rich in stone carvings, beautifull silver door & large size domes. A number of Haveli's are known for their jharokhas & wood carving - specimens of Gujarat doemstic architecture.
Click here to visit Mohabat Maqbara

Darbar Hall Museum
Darbar hall museum dating back to 1870 a.d. offers an insight into the period of Nawabi rule in Junagadh with silver plated thrones, fine carpets, huge chandeliers & a red silk carpet with diamonds like stars of a crimson sky & some carpets lavishly embroidered with gold thread, huge chandeliers, royal armoury, potraits & paintings.
Visit the Darbar Hall Museum

Uparkot Fort
Uparkot, an ancient citadel located on the higher level of the town, was a stronghold of Mauryans and Gupta Empire and is said to have survived 16 sieges in the last 1000 years due to its strategic location and difficult access. The entrance of Uparkot has a fine specimen of Hindu Toran, leading of flat land dotted with archeological sites. The major sites are Buddhist caves, Baba Pyara Caves (2nd century), Adi-Kadi Vav, Navghan Kuvo and Jami Masjid.

The Buddhist caves are fine examples of rock cut architecture with ornamented pillars, carved entrances, water cisterns, chaitya hall, monastic cells for meditation and chaitya windows. Adi-Kadi Vav and Navghan Kuvo were built by the Chudasama Rajputs and unique water structures among the numerous step wells of Gujarat. The Adi-Kadi Vav (15th century) has a long flight of 120 steps leading to water, while the Navghan Kuvo ( 1026 a.d) is hewn from the soft rock and is 52 meters deep, reached by a circular staircase winding around the shaft. Another intersting artefact from past is "Nilam" canon , brought to Diu from Egypt to fight against the Portuguese and it was manufactured by the order of Suleyman, the magnificent, King of Turkey.
Visit the ancient Uparkot Fort with us...

Junagadh Museum (Sakkarbagh Museum)
Located in Sakkarbagh, the museum displays wonderful prehistoric and protohistoric stone and bone implements, stone sculptures including a standing vishnu of late 9th century, bronzes, minatures, manuscripts , stone and copper inscriptions, silverware, glass, porcelain, woodcarving, textiles and folk art.

Thebharath.com

For  the last  4500  years, Gujarat  has been  a  hub of  human civilisation. From  the Harrapan  cities of  the Indus  valley  civilisation, one of  the  world's  first  urban  cultures(2500-1500 |BC),  the  Mauryan and Gupta empire(4th  century BC-5th century AD),  the medieval  period  of  Chalukyas, Afghan, Mughal  and Portuguese  invasions,  the rise of  the Maratha and  Rajput princely  states,  the British colonial  period  and  the  freedom  struggle  launched  by  Gandhi, Nehru  and Patel, Gujarat  has  seen  great events in  the history of India. Pre-historic  sites of  dinosaurs more  than  65  million  years old)  and early man  have  been  unearthed  in Gujarat. We  visit  the  dinosaur  sites around   Balasinore   and  some of  the  finest  wonders  of  architecture  and  town planning  in Gujarat.

The  ancient  city of  Lothal  is  the perfect place  to  get  an insight into  the  excellent  town planning,  Harrapan  urban  culture,  maritime  architecture,  bead,  terra  cotta   and  copper  workshops,  and    high  standard of planning  of  the Indus  valley civilisation  of  the  2400-1600 BC period.

The 11th  century Rani-ki-vav  in Patan is one of  the  finest  of  the  scores of  step wells  for  which Gujarat is famous, offering  a  glimpse of  the  intricate  stone  sculpture and  attention  to  architectural  detail characteristics of  the Solanki Rajput period.

Built in  the  11th  century, Modhera is  one of  the  finest  temples of it's  time in  all of  India,  with outstanding architecture,  sculpture  and planning.

The   geological  excavations, around  the Nawabi  town of Balasinore,    have unearthed   one of  the  three  largest   dinosaur  sites in the  world, including  clutches of  eggs  dating back  65 million  years.

Often  called  the Fatehpur Sikri of Gujarat, Champaner  has a medieval  citadel  with numerous exquisite  mosques,  minarets,  pavilions  and  fort palaces of  Sultan Muhammad Bhegada of  the 16th  century Gujarat  sultanate. Even older  are  the Chauhan Rajput  relics on  the  Pawagadh hill nearby.

Indus Valley Civilization(2500-1700 BC), was the earliest known civilization of South Asia, corresponding to the Bronze Age cultures of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Crete. Harappa and Mohenjo Daro belonged to this civilization.

Before the Mauryan empire took hold in the fourth century BC, the Indus Valley was the largest, well-planned and sophisticated civilization in India. The cities Mohenjo Daro and Harappa were discovered in 1920s. This society spread from the present borders of Iran and Afghanistan to Kashmir, Delhi, and Gujarat, covering an area larger than the Egyptian and Syrian dominions put together. It lasted until the heavy floods swept away the towns and villages in Sind, Saurashtra, and South Gujarat.

Lothal, close to the Gulf of Cambay in South Gujarat, was a major port, and source of shells which the Harappans made into jewellery. The work of Indus Valley artisans shows a high degree of craft specialization. Characteristic artifacts include a distinctive black-on-red pottery, ceramic toys and figurines, etched carnelian beads, metal (bronze, silver, and gold) ornaments and tools, and stamp seals with an undeciphered script.

The Indus Valley civilization was first defined by the British archaeologist Sir John Marshall's diggings at Mohenjo-Daro and M. S. Vat's excavations at Harappa in 1920s

2500 BC. Harappans appeared from Northern India to settle down, and established over a hundred towns and cities.

100 to 500 BC. Yadavas, Krishna's clan, held power over much of Gujarat, with their capital at Dwarka. 

200 BC. Political history began with the powerful Mauryan empire, established by Chandragupta with its capital at Junagadh, and reached its peak under Ashoka. 

100 AD. Satraps, members of the Saka tribes, gained control over Saurashtra.

388 AD. Guptas, and then Maitrakas, established their their capital at Valabhi.

1100 AD. Saurashtra came under sway of the Solanki (Chauhan) dynasty. 

1299 AD. Khalji conquest and the Muslim rule was established. 

1307 AD. Muzaffar Shah's declaration of independence from Delhi marked the foundation of the Sultanate of Gujarat. 

1500 AD. Moghul emperor Akbar conquested. 

1531 AD. The Portuguese, already settled in Goa, captured Daman and Diu. 

1613 AD. The British East India Company set up original Indian headquarters in Surat. 

1818 AD. British sovereignty was established. 

1960 AD. Bombay state was split and Gujarat state was created. Today. Gujarat's textile industry is still the largest in India, with the trading of the business-minded community helping to maintain its wealth.

Dadra & Nagar Haveli

The history of Dadra and Nagar Haveli is carved in wood and stone in the monuments from the past that dot the land. Ancient, dilapidated ruins of vast houses maintain an imposing silence. The intricate carvings on the door have mysteriously remained intact, perhaps to remind future generations of an ancient, and glorious, past.

The history of Dadra and Nagar Haveli before the medieval period remains obscure. In AD 1262, a Rajput invader defeated the local Koli chieftains of the area and became the ruler of Ramnagar, a small state that included Nagar Haveli in its territory. The region remained under Rajput rule until the mid-18th century, when the Marathas acquired Nagar Haveli.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli came under Portuguese rule in the late 18th century. The Marathas ceded Nagar Haveli in 1783 as compensation for a Portuguese vessel that their navy had destroyed. Two years later Dadra was acquired, becoming a kind of fief. After India achieved independence in 1947, Goan nationalists sought to break away from Portugal; and their first successes were the seizure of Dadra on the night of July 21, 1954, and their capture of Nagar Haveli two weeks later. A pro-Indian administration was formed in these enclaves, and on June 1, 1961, it requested accession to the Indian Union. The Indian government had already acknowledged their incorporation into the union from the day of liberation but made it official on Aug. 11, 1961.

Kamat.com

by Dr. Jyotsna Kamat
First Online: October 20, 2000
Last Updated: December 04,2001

The author had the privilege of studying under Prof. Saletore, a distinguished historian of India.

Excerpted from a lecture given at the Mythic Society. - Ed

Bhaskar Anand Saletore (pronounced saa-lae-tho-rae)  was born in 1902 and had his school and college education at Mangalore. He did his B.T. from Madras and M.A. from St. Xavier's college, Bombay. A brilliant student throughout he had double doctorate degrees, one from the London University in History (1931) and a second one from the German University of Giessen in Politics (1933). He knew several Indian languages, besides English and German. He had illustrious teachers like Rev. H. Heras and Dr. L.D. Barnett who need little introduction. His liking for details combined with painstaking research has found expression in a dozen of books and nearly hundred articles on different aspects of Indian history, from ancient Indian trade contacts to diplomatic relation from a textbook of civics to ancient Indian political thought, from Riverside trade to trans-oceanic contacts. The wide range of his historical knowledge is staggering. He died in 1963 when he was only 61, hardly after a year of his retirement leaving a number of incomplete works, vast notes and a valuable library of rare books. Here an attempt is made at the assessment of some of his works and research approach.

B.A. Saletore (1902-1963)

Students of Vijayanagar history are far too familiar with his two volumes of "Social and Political Life in the Vijayanagara Empire" which formed his doctoral thesis submitted to the University of London. Theories regarding the origin of Vijayanagar empire and Sangama dynasty have been hot favorite items of the scholars for nearly five decades now and it may continue for decades to come, whenever a new epigraph or manuscript comes to light in support of or against the Kannada origin. But what the scholars have done till now in this region is only to add and confirm whatever Saletore could propound in early 1930s with fewer sources at his disposal.

He was the first scholar to utilize epigraphical sources for the study of social history which he invariably tried to corroborate with the observations of the foreign travelers, an approach being followed by other young scholars. Though the work was completed in London it is a wonder that he has not left Kannada sources unexplored. Some of the Sanskrit manuscripts. he referred in India Office, London are yet to be studied in detail.

It is surprising that in many works on Vijayanagar history that followed, the pattern of study and division of chapters on social and economic conditions, as social legislations, institutions, corporate life etc., several scholars owe him a lot whether they acknowledge it or not. He was indeed a pioneer to throw light on various aspects of socio-economic polity of Karnataka whose scope has enriched with countless epigraphs and other sources in later years. Whatever has been written anew, only supplements Saletore.

The book is studied from five points of view a) Legendary, b) domestic, c) foreign relations of Alupa rulers, mainly, based on epigraphs, (d) folk and traditional sources, and finally (e) literary sources. He introduced Grama Paddhati, a work on Tuluva tradition for the first time. The book is a compendium on life and times in Tuluva depicting village organization, duties of local officials, system of land distribution, modes of punishment, judicial administration, and historicity of some families like Hollas, Mayyas, Ballalas and Karanths. The chapter on everyday life brings out many industries like ship-building, toddy-tapping, manufacture of cloth, hats and umbrellas, dress, and ornaments, amusements, means of communication, food etc., and life in the Budu or manorial house of Tuluva chieftains. A large number of epigraphs discovered in that region after Saletore wrote this book may not confirm what he tried to establish earlier. But tapping of sources like legends, mythology, folklore and tradition for the study of History was again a novel method.

Medieval Jainism with special reference to Vijayanagar Empire came out in 1938. It deals with early migration of Jainism to Karnataka in 297 BC and traces its history for twelve centuries. Jainism was a live force in Kannada polity and the contribution of Jain Gurus to prosody, grammar, science are mentioned. The patronage extended by the Ganga, Kadamba, Rashtrakoota, Chalukya and the Hoysala dynasties as also a number of princely families like the Chellaketana, Kongalvas, Chengalvas and the Shilaharas, Rattas and nobles like those of Nagara Khanda are dealt with.

Religion unrelated to political power does not leave permanent effect on society. Jain sages, the great exponents of ahimsa have encouraged great generals. This land teams with the Bhawyas, who were great devotees and preceptors who attained salvation through sallekhana. Generals like Chavundaraya, Shantinatha, Boppa, Punisha and others are depicted in the light of their conquests and benevolence.

The practical aspect of Jain teachers seemed to acquire allegiance of most important section of middle class, mainly the trading-community. The Vira Banajigas were traditional custodians of four gifts of learning, food, medicine and shelter, primary needs of humanity and the insistence of these gifts on the part of the people must have had the inevitable effects of drawing to the Jain fold the larger sections of the populace, Saletore thinks.

Jain centers of learning and worship are described and some are identified; among these, Poudanapura, is identified with Bodhan in Nizamabad district (in Andhra Pradesh). Poudanapura is a familiar name in Jain legends, literary works and epigraphs and must have been an important Jain center in the past. But having gone into non-Jain hands must have been later descried as an inaccessible place in later works.

Konkina pulo of Yuan Chang is again identified with Kopana or Koppal. Many Buddhist monasteries must have been there and discovery of Ashokan edicts in that place strengthens this view. He quotes 772 Basadis located by Shri N.S. Rajhpurohit in and around Koppal which according to Saletore, the Chinese pilgrim mistook for Buddhist monasteries. So Kopanapura might have been Konkinapulo through it may not sound convincing.

Saletore wrote these works and scores of others when he was in the Bombay Educational Service and was Professor of History and Politics in Pune and Ahmedabad. Later as Director of National Archives, he edited Fort William--India House Correspondence Volume IX.

Then as professor and Head of Dept. of History as also Director of Kannada Research institute at Dharwad (locate) he brought out two volumes, India's diplomatic relations with the west and India's with the east both dealing with diplomatic history based on Kautilya and Panchatantra.

The 2nd volume, viz., India's Diplomatic Relations with East published in 1960. This book deals mainly with missions to and from China from early centuries of Xian Era to the thirteenth century A.D.

The Bouddhas conquered by Kashmiri King Lalitaditya are identified by Saletore with Tibetans and not Chinese as interpreted by earlier scholars. Similarly the country of Chulien of interpreted by earlier schoars. Similarly the country of Chulien of Chokua-gua of the Chinese travellers is identified as Chola country by others has been placed by Saletore in Orissa as Jajapur or Jjanagara and he puts forth so many arguments to prove it. Similarly the date of introduction of Indian system of medicine or Ayurveda in Arab countries, mainly in the capital of Baghdad is placed in the first quarter of the ninth century A.D.

The chapter on Protocol, Indian and Chinese is as interesting as it is enlightening. He has made extensive used of Harsha Charita and other works. Regarding court etiquettes, reception of the envoy, greeting audience, exchanging of presents etc., were strictly followed. In both the countries, the system had evolved as a result of both training and age-long convention.

The book (brought out in 1960) finds mention in the introduction, that while going to the press the political relations between India and China had deteriorated. With great forethought he had not included the map which otherwise would have worked havoc. Chinese aggression followed soon after.

His last book Ancient Indian Political Thought and Institutions (came just before he died in 1963), is considered by some as his master piece. The book running into 700 pages contains a comparative study of the great Ancient political thinkers Many and Jammurabi and also Aristotle and Kautilya. He had great regard for Kautilya and believed that he more than anyone else, epitomized in himself the fundamental ideas that were agitating the minds of the ancients in the most formative period of their respective country's history.

I would now like to draw attention to two of Saletore's lesser known and smaller works but which have better relevance today than any of his other scholarly works. These happen to be lectures brought out in book form mainly Main Currents in the Ancient History of Gujarat and Karnataka's Trances-Oceanic Contacts. In the former he has tried to fill in the gaps in the history of Gujarat and Saurashtra and has analyzed historical factors for the rise and achievements of the two greatest sons of that region and of India, Mahatma Gandhi and Vallabhabhai Patel. Liberality, courtesy, tolerance, practicability and ahimsa are the typical traits of the people of Surashtra-Gujarat region which he interprets as historical heredity: Constant influx of foreign people made them tolerant. Ancient tradition of Jainism has taken deep root in this land since the days of Samprati, grandson of emperor Ashoka whose special efforts to spread its message bore fruit in later times. The commercial ventures of the community across the sea provided wider vista.

In the context of interpreting the word "foreigner" he states that we are prejudiced by the happenings of our own times. Thus to quote, "It does not take into consideration the great fact that repeatedly and for centuries our history has been molded by extraneous influences, that social purity is a myth, which has no place in the field of learning, and as for our culture, there is hardly any portion of it which can be considered as the exclusive gift of any particular section of the people.... Now more than ever we need that broad mindedness and spirit of tolerance which marked the thought and action of our forefathers, who absorbed as much as possible from all races."

Karnataka's trans-oceanic contacts is a unique study of characteristics of Kannadigas from epigrapical, numismatic, traditional and literary sources. Hereto unknown traits of Kannadigas, mainly magnanimity, tolerance, civic consciousness are brought out with examples. Rare and innate sense of civic duty and responsibility to preserve their heritage in the form of inscriptions is typical of the region for which Saletore gives various modes of imprecations mentioned at the end of the stone carvings which alerted people to take care of the inscriptions as civic responsibility.

He further analyzes three sinews of political expansion, energy, enterprise, and wealth which became part of Kannada heritage and resulted in an age-long contact of the region with more vigorous and ancient peoples. These included Babylonia, Assyria, Java and Indonesia. According to Saletore, following traits which form cultural life of Karnataka are borrowed from Babylonia: a) The cult of Mother Goddess; b) Symbols of boar, bull and elephant; c) Linga worship; d) Gandabherunda: the legend of double headed Eagle, and finally e) the legend: of a prince killing a lion-resulting in the symbol of Hoysalas. According to him legends lose a good deal of their exterior from but retain their kernel when transmitted from age to age and from land to land. He further derives the descendance of Hoysalas from Shatavahanas or Shalivahanas. With more and more evidence being discovered of India's ancient contacts with West Asia, since Saletore's observations, he may again shine as a pioneer of this theory.

A point or two could be mentioned about his method of research. He would always go to the sources, epigraphs or literary. Then he would quote the source in original pages after pages without a coma or diacritical mark missing. If one had no access to the original work the passages could be bodily lifted from Saletore's works; so accurate they would be up to a punctuation point.

Similarly painstaking and intense would be his study. The Vijayanagar volumes contain a bibliography of 55 pages, running to thousand and odd books and articles. The notes of his last book, "Ancient Indian Political Thought" comprising of ninety pages make enlightening and independent study of various sources.

Some of the identifications or agreements put forth by Saletore may not be fully convincing. But scholars may think twice in accepting the already established theories, after reading Saletore's volumes. Volumes of inscriptions have come to light after his death as also literary works. But as already observed most of these confirm whatever has been propounded by earlier. Some might be improvements and some aspects still remain untouched. I may end this paper on a personal note. I had the unique privilege of being his student in M.A. He was a wonderful orator, though not a teacher in the conventional way. His lectures would be full of anecdotes and scintillating humor though not necessarily confined to subject of study. He was in Germany when Hitler came to power and he used to tell how his teacher was the first to be jailed. Hitler's public meetings which he attended were dramatic and electrifying. Saletore laid great stress on the military and material strength to be developed by any country. He was very fond of Kautilya and stressed his views on a stronger nation building. He used to make passing references that India was not strong militarily and for weak nation, ideology of democracy may spell danger. Pat came Chinese aggression in 1962 and we could see how prophetic our professor was.

I thank the President of Mythic Society for providing this unique opportunity to speak about my Guru, which compelled me to go through his several volumes, which otherwise would have gone unread!

References

Emotionsindia.com

Chawra.com

The period of Chawda (Chawra) (Chavdas)

The end of "Pratihar" rule was the beginning for Chawda dynasty. Their capital "Ahilyapatak"(Ahilyavaad" was established under new name as "New Pattan" (presently Patan). Before that during "Maitrak" period, "Chaap" dynasty (another name of chawda) ruled over "Gurjardesh". Even in "Vadhvan"  "Diu" & "Dwarka" there were few rulers of same dynasty. They were also known as "Chapotkat" or "Chawda".

In addition to this there was Chawda rule in Saurashtra and Kachchh. Thus rulers of Chawda dynasty played an important role in the history of Gujarat, during "Maitrak" and post "Maitrak" era.

Gujarat attained its prosperity in political as well as cultural field in the long period from 942 A.D - 1300 A.D, during the reign of Solanki rule, who established their kingdom at "Ahilyavaad", the land of Chawda.

The description of Vanraj Chawda is found in the literature of Solanki dynasty. But no description of ancestors of Vanraj Chawda is found in any ancient literature. Although Jaishikhari, father of Vanraj has been described in Krishna Kavi's Hindi composition "Ratnamala" written during 17th - 18th century.

 It is quite difficult to determine the exact beginning of Chawda rule in "Panchasar".

- Translated by Mrs. Vaishali Nagoree

 Jaishikhari

Quite close to the present Randhanpur, was a town named "Panchasar"; ruled by Jaishikhari. Once Shankar Barot from Panchasar went in the court of King Bhuvad of Kalyani and sang verses of Jaishikhari's bravery and the prosperity of his kingdom. Listening to the prosperity of Gujarat, King Bhuvad became greedy. So under the leadership of his commander Mihir, he sent a big army to gain victory over Jaishikhari.

On learning the intention of Mihir, Jaishikhari sent his brother-in-law and his brave commander, Surpal to fight against him. Mihir couldn't withhold the strong opposition of Surpal. So he ran away. Annoyed with this King Bhuvad, along with a very big army attacked Panchasar. For 52 days he encircled the fort of Panchasar. Neither food nor any supplies or material could enter the fort. Everybody became frustrated as food supplies were almost over. There was no other alternative but to face the risk of war.

At this time the king asked Surpal to take his queen Rupsundari into the jungle and the leader of Bhil community vowed to take proper care of the queen. While in the fort Jaishikhari did "Kesariya"(to make one last and desperate effort in the battle, so called because men on such occasion take large doses of opium and sprinkle saffron water on their bodies.) The doors of the fort were opened and soldiers from the fort ran out shouting the slogan of "Har Har Mahadev" to attack the enemy. Though Jaishikhari fought very bravely, but in front of Bhuvad's big army, he died in the end. And Panchasar went in the hands of Bhuvad.

VanRaj Chawda

While on the other hand queen Rupsundari gave birth to a son and named him Vanraj. Loyal to their king, the bhil community gave utmost respect and took great care of their queen mother Rupsundari. One day, while passing through the jungle, Jain sadhu Shilgunsuri saw Vanraj sleeping in the cradle. On seeing the lines of conduct on the child's face, Jati uttered his future: "This child will become a great king in future and will be the savior of Jain religion".

When Vanraj grew up, his maternal uncle Surpal taught him the art of archery, sword and horse riding. After hearing the stories from his mother and uncle, and with the guidance of Surpal, Vanraj decided to take back his father's kingdom. Thus he became "Bharvatiyu", an avenger (one who withdraws himself outside the limits of the state with a view to harass and molest it by frequent raids and compel it to come to the terms with them). He started attacking regions under the reign of King Bhuvad, robbed them and started collecting wealth. And where possible he added brave men in his team to form an army. In that course they came across an "Ahil", who was well acquainted with all the jungle paths, valleys and caves. One day they were waiting silently for some prey, suddenly they saw a merchant coming towards them with an earthen jug filled with ghee. He had a bow an arrow in his other hand.

Vanraj Challenged him "Stay where you are, Vania (a caste in gujarati famous for trading). If you move you will die."

"I'm right here. But if you want to die come forward". After saying this Champo broke two out of 5 arrows from his arrow case and put one of his arrow on the bow.

Seeing this all three became surprised.

"Wait, we also know the art of archery. But why did you break your two arrows?" asked Surpal.

"Since you are three, three arrows are enough for Me." replied Champo

"Oh! Great, you look brave. What's your name?" asked Vanraj

"Champo" came the reply.

"Champo, let's stop this argument and hand over whatever you have. You alone cannot fight with three of us", said Anhil.

"Well so what you are three. Because of increase in no. Of dacoits in this foreign land, I'm not afraid of any fight", replied Champo.

"Foreign rule? So you mean there weren't any robbery or theft in previous rulers kingdom?" asked Surpal.

"Previous rule" trusting them Champo said "O, Brother gone are those days when after hearing aloud the challenge to fight from King Jaishikhari and Surpal dacoits used to loose their courage."

"Then listen, I'm Surpal standing in front of you and he is Vanraj - the only heir of King Jaishikhari. Would you like to join hands with us? Will you help us in attaining back Vanraj's kingdom?" Champo was astonished with this statement from Surpal.

"Oh! The crown of Panchasar" the weapons fell from his hands and he embraced Vanraj.

In this way Vanraj got a brave and rich companion/colleague. After that Vanraj and Surpal made proper plans, collected big army and obtained back the kingdom after defeating Bhuvad in the battle.

Vanraj made Patan his capital. In appreciation for his friend he named it "Anhilppur Patan". Moreover he also established another city by name "Champaner" to appreciate the help of another companion in the valley of Pavagadh, near Vadodara.

Pachasara, Parshvanath's Jain temple was built on the desire of Acharya Shilgunsurini, who uttered bright future for Vanraj and helped him. With the request from all the subjects, a statue of Vanraj was erected, which is seen even today.

Vanraj lived 110 years and ruled for 60 years.

YogRaj Chawda

After Vanraj, his son Yograj succeeded on the throne of Patan. Yograj was a real ascetic/devotee, belived in justice, religion and simplicity. But his sons were a total contradiction. They hold the conduct of robbery. The concept that Vanraj followed the path of theft and robbery to obtain back his father's kingdom played an important role in corrupting their mind. With their religious activities and good conduct Vanraj as well as Yogiraj had ignored it. But his son made all these efforts go in drain and were trying to prove this impression true.

Once at the port of Prabhas Patan few ships got entrapped. Having got this information, Yogiraj's son Shemraj became greedy: I'll have so much of wealth, if entire stuff comes in my hands. Shemraj went to Yogiraj and explained "We'll obtain 1000 horses, 150 elephants and countless wealth without paying any price. If you give permission, I'll go and rob those ships." Yogiraj said, "My son, we've to remove the basic impression of Chawda from people's mind. We are king. We should protect our subjects and not exploit them.

Shemraj left without listening to his father. He attacked the ships with his team and robbed horses, elephants and all the wealth. Yogiraj, a saint man couldn't tolerate this in his life. He sacrificed food and water and entered in the burning pyre and was burned to death. To penance the sinful action of his son, he sacrificed his own life

 End of Solanki era

Kumarpal Solanki died without an heir. His brother's son Ajaypal succeeded the throne. Ajaypal strongly hated Jain religion. Hence he started harassing Jain sadhus. This made him unpopular among his subjects and was murdered. After that Mulraj came to the throne. Since Mulraj was young, Paternal Uncle (kaka) Bhimdev ran the administration on behalf of the king

Bhimdev was very restless and innocent. With such a nature he spend so much of money that state's treasure was almost over. Moreover because of his innocence the administration became weak. All the "samant"(feudatory chief) under him became free and started acting according to their will.

Bhimdev was very brave. At that time Shahbuddin Ghori ruled Delhi. Once he attacked Gujarat and Bhimdev bravely defeated him and sent him back to Delhi.

After a while, his nephew Mulraj - the real king of Patan, died. Hence now Bhimdev became the king.

Mohammed Ghori didn't forget the defeat of Gujarat. He sends Qutubuddin, one of his disciples to attack Gujarat. During his life Bhimdev often fought with Muslims. He was brave but he didn't have the political insight. And because of that he couldn't live peacefully in his whole life.

Two years after the death of Bhimdev, Vishaldev, a son of one of his samanth, defeated his son Tribhuvanpal. And ruled the throne.

In this way Solanki era started by Mulraj with the death of Samanthsingh - the last ruler of Chawda dynasty, came to an end.

Ahamadabad.org

Sourashtra.com

Reference to Sourashtrians in the ancient epics and puranas of India are legion. The history of the early 56 countries tells us how Sourashtrians have made themselves a glorious community. The "Sourashtrians Raga" has a unique place among the "Mangala Ragas" of Carnatic Music. The names of Sourashtram and Somanathapuram find a distinct place in the history text books of schools, especially in the political maps of the regions of Ashoka, Kanishka, Gupta Harsha, Gajini Mohammed etc.   
    
                     If one looks into recent history, one finds nearly 46 towns in South India alone, where 4,50,000 people speak Sourashtram as their mother tongue. Madurai, Paramakudi, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Tiruchi and Salem are the most notable towns. The social customs and the dress patterns of this community vary from place to place. Generally speaking, these people adapt in Weaving cotton and Silk fabrics.     

                     Quite a large number of Sourashtrians have gone down in the history of Indian Independence owing to their patriotic fervour. One great instance is that of Rastrabandhu Sri L.K. Thulasiram who bravely defeated the British Government's ban of Bharatiar's Songs and sang them aloud in the the Assembly. These people are also remarkable for their religious fervour. The installation of the "Navagrahas" (Nine Planets) in the Meenakshi Amman Temple and the formation of the "Rajagopuram" (Supreme Tower) at the Koodal Azhagar Perumal Temple are the works of this community.     

                   At the time of Independence there were about 280 small "Samasthanams" and "Jamins" ruling themselves as independent regions. When our leaders conceived the idea of Indian Union, all these regions were placed together to form Sourashtram, which meant "the affluent state". ("Sou" means wealth or goodness). This is the present-day Gujarat State. Originally the Gujarathis and the Marathis belonged to the same state, but when linguistic bifurcation occurred in 1960, Gujarat and Maharashtra became separate states. The state of Gujarat, then known as Sourashtram and Kathiavar, is quite renowned for its world famous temple of Somanathar on the seashore. History makes it clear that from this ancestral home that the forefathers of Sourashtrians migrated to different parts of the country. Especially Tamil Nadu, probably, as Sir Athul Chatterji remarks, in Search of a region conductive to silk-fabric weaving. Since then, these people who have settled in Tamil Nadu for generations, never left  for the home of their origin.     

                  Their contact with Gujarat is barely a verbal one during betrothals, when the parents-in-law of  both families, represented by their eldest members, narrate the history of their origin through a question-answer system called  "Bahulwas". They would describe themselves as having started on a  pilgrimage from Sourashtra and migrated to Madhirapuri. Apart from this reference, there is hardly any contact between Gujarat and  Sourashtrians who have migrated from there. Neither marital nor trade relations prevail. At present, Sourashtrians live their lives in Tamil Nadu. The influence of Tamil on their language and lives have been increasing since they settled in that state. As they do not learn their mother-tongue at school, children of this community use only Tamil words to express their thoughts. The accomplishments and virtues of Sourashtrians have been glorified in ancient history, as the Motocross culverts bear evidence. They are adored not only as excellent silk-weaving artisans but also as magnificent warriors. They lived decent and dignified lives and established close contacts with royal families. They never compromise for self-respect, independence and truthfulness. Being keen on doing social good, they often invest their hard-earned money in temples and arrange their management through Sabhas (Communal Assemblies). In recent times, apart from their name as "Pattunoolkaarar" (Silk-weaving class), quite a large number of these people have earned a name for their immense aptitudes for learning and research. However, they are highly religious. They are not a daring and adventurous lot as of yore.           

                        Sourashtrians came under the influence of the Telugu-speaking Andhras also when they moved to Andhrapradesh. The language and culture of Sourashtrians underwent a great change as Sourashtrian women increasingly imbibed the traditions and cultural accomplishments of Andhras. Even to-day, one may see the impact of Andhra culture on many Sourashtrian families in Tamil Nadu. (In the later part of 13th Century, most of the Sourashtras were evacuated from Vijayanagar and they settled in Tamil Nadu). One of the distinct features of Sourashtra is their traditional recognition of family names. Whatever caste they may belong to, they are always known by their family names such as Kuttuva, Gujuluva, and Posanna. Following the South-Indian custom, they place their family names before their own. (Eg-Thoguluva Rajalakshmi).                    

           History tells us how Sourashtra provided a significant base for commercial interaction and religious integration. The ancient Greeks and Romans are said to have held strong trade relations with Sourashtrians who rolled in wealth and luxury. Yuvan T-Suang  the famous Chinese Pilgrim, marvels at their affluence as follows: "scores of export and import goods lie piled up in Vala Town; hundreds of millionaires can be seen reveling in the joy of prosperity. And all religions here go hand in hand in perfect harmony". The truth of  Yuan T Suang's observations is borne out by the fact that Sourashtram, which had been rooted in Saivism, gave room for Vaishnavam, another significant sect of Hindu religious tradition, to flourish.  Puranas say that Krishna, the Lord of the Vaishnavites moved  from Madhura to Sourashtra to rescue the Yadhavas from the atrocities of Jarasandhan, and the whole of his later life was spent in Sourashtram. The fusion of Saivism and Vaishnavam is exemplified by the episode in which the Lord Krishna worshipped Somanathar, the presiding deity of Sourashtram. 

            For centuries - South, especially TamilNadu and Andhra, enormously influenced Sourashtrians linguistically and culturally, but these people have successfully kept their own identity in both aspects. Their custom of putting family names before their maiden names has  already been mentioned. Several family groups of this Community owing to their orthodox bring up and their capacity for dispensing justice, have been held in high esteem as the "governing class". "Govindan" and "Nattamai", two instances of such governing  families, had and still have the habit of smearing the white holy ash on their foreheads and arms, which is a symbol of  Saivite orthodoxy. Saunin is another family group that was regarded with great respect by other members of the community. Yet another group traditionally respected was "Bhavthuls" (Singers of the Lord's praise), who  were steeped in devotion to God and showed the other folks the way to lead a good life.                                        
          

Apart from their distinctions in the society, family names were classified in accordance with the places they occupied (Gujili, Vontivillu, Sagalavan), the names of ancestors (Royallu, Ramana, Seshdasu, Regupathy), Professions (Setti, Javuli, Banalnu, Govla meaning merchants, textile-dealers, cracker-manufacturers and shepherds respectively), and also nicknames based on their (bad) habits: (Kulithbhathun - baked horsegram, Velepeisun filteredd rice-water, Dheimpanin-buttermilk, Dhovrakholan - aged fox, Buskaan-waste thread).

                  The origin is certain, and research has proved the current day Sourashtra spoken by us is a modern form of pre-Gujarati spoken thousands of years ago.. Their home language (Sourashtra language) is still a modern form of the old Saurashtri or Pre-Gujarati as it was over a thousand years ago, which was the language they brought with them through Maharashtra and Andhra Desa to Tamil nadu. This language preserves, naturally enough many archaic features in Gujarati and at the same time shows influence of the sister Aryan languages of Konkani and Marathi and of Dravidian Telugu besides of course Tamil which has now virtually become the second mother tongue of the Sourashtrians...."says Suneetkumar Chatterjee a famous linguist.

                  But the time period when they migrated from Saurashtra region to South is still uncertain.

Theory # 1 :
The first theory is that, during the times when the infamous Ghazani Mohammed invaded Norther India from Afghanistan, a few families might have migrated South to escape from the series of invasions.

Theory #2 :
      Another assumption is a few families that came with entourage of Shatrapathi Shivaji when he invaded South, might have stayed back to form their own community.

Theory # 3 :
This is the most popular and widely accepted theory by historians. During the Vijayanagaram Empire rule in Northern India, the Nayakars ruled the South as part of the empire with Madurai as their capital. During that period a few families from the Saurashtra region were called into Madurai to be the "Royal Weavers" for the Nayakars. This would explain very high concentration of Sourashtrians still today around the Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, the Nayakar's place. Since Sourashtrians are Silk Weavers by profession it would also disprove the theory that they came with Shivaji.

                  Later Sourashtrians settled in Madurai, spread around to Trichy, Salem, Kumbakonam and other surrounding areas as the population grew, but still managed to keep their unique language, and culture intact. Current day, Sourashtrians, refer themselves as Tamilians as their identities and still speak Sourashtra at home. An estimated half a million Sourashtrians are living now mostly in Tamilnadu and a few are spread around all over the world. These days Sourashtrians are working in different fields and living in countries like U.A.E., Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, UK, Japan, Australia and the United States of America. I'll be in India, visiting Madurai from 1st Aug until 19th Aug'99. Would you let me know your office address and telephone number where you are contactable. It'll be my pleasure to meet you around this time, if you happen to be in Madurai, as well.