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Gujarat is The Land of the Legends. The State took it’s name from the Gujjars, who ruled the area during the 700’s and 800’s. Gujarat was divided into princely states before independence. In 1960, it gained a formal status of a state of India.

History

Modern-day Gujarat is derived from Gujjar (Gujjar Rāshtra), which means Gujjar nation. The origins of the Gujjars are uncertain. The Gujjar clan appeared in northern India about the time of the Huna invasions of northern India.

Gujarat has given birth to leaders like Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Morarji Desai, K.M. Munshi, Narhari Parikh, Mahadev Desai, Mohanlal Pandya, Bhulabhai Desai and Ravi Shankar Maharaj. Gujarat was also the site of some of the most popular revolts, including the Satyagrahas in Kheda, Bardoli, Borsad and the Salt Satyagraha.

After Indian independence and the partition of India in 1947, the new Indian government grouped the former princely states of Gujarat into three larger units; Saurashtra, which included the former princely states on the Kathiawad peninsula, Kutch, and Bombay state, which included the former British districts of Bombay Presidency together with most of Baroda state and the other former princely states of eastern Gujarat. In 1956, Bombay state was enlarged to include Kutch, Saurashtra, and parts of Hyderabad state and Madhya Pradesh in central India. The new state had a mostly Gujarati-speaking north and a Marathi-speaking south. Agitation by both Gujarati and Marathi nationalists for their own states led to the split of Bombay state on linguistic lines; on 1 May 1960, it became the new states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. The first capital of Gujarat was Ahmedabad; the capital was moved to Gandhinagar in 1970.

Heritage

Gujarat is blessed with several historical monuments and places of worship that tell the saga of forgone days. Gujarat is rich in archeological sites including World Heritage site of Champaner, Indus Civilization sites like Lothal and Dholavira, Ancient Buddhist sites, etc.

Lothal is one of the most prominent cities of the ancient Indus valley civilisation. It is situated near the village of Saragwala in the Dholka taluka of Ahmedabad district. Dating from 2400 BCE, Lothal is one of India’s most important archaeological sites. Lothal’s dock—the worlds earliest—connected the city to an ancient course of the Sabarmati River on the trade route between Harappan cities in Sindh and the peninsula of Saurashtra when the surrounding Kutch desert of today was a part of the Arabian Sea.

Dholavira is one of the largest and most prominent archaeological sites in India, belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization Dholavira was an ancient metropolitan city. It is located on the Khadir Island in the Kutch district.

Ahmadabad’s Heritage walk is the only daily departure Walking Tour in India. Gujarat’s Princely heritage has resulted in the State having more than 20 Heritage Hotels including converted forts and palaces.

Art, Culture & Lifestyle

Experience the aesthetic appeal with the Arts, Culture and Lifestyles in Gujarat. It earns the reputation of finer things in life as arts reflects medium of expression and communication, culture reflects the finer details of moral and traditional values and lifestyles is the very existence of Gujaratis.

In Gujarat, arts is an expression. The brilliant blend of Arts, culture and Lifestyle make spaces for peace and soulful well being. Gujarat stand unique with arts as a form of expression as it is a home to many world renowned artists and flourishing talents shaping up the art world. The state also has a fantastic pool of artists and a new breed of collectors and investors in the art talents.

In Gujarat, music is speech of angels. The music and dance blend the rich traditions with its folk music and dance. The Garba dance is the spiritual expression of Gujarat and the spirit of festivity of the traditional festival reaches worldwide. Gujarat is known to have produced its own folk instruments besides the vast contributions to classical and folk music. Also modern culture of pop thrive its existence with the youth catching faster on western and other music forms pertaining to other countries.

In Gujarat crafts is an exclusive talent. Handicrafts of Gujarat, differs in its proportions of its patterns to the element of wonderful exquisite artifacts in various forms.

In Gujarat, Traditions speak. Gujarat is a land of traditions. Festivity spirit continues all round the year as spirituality is in every breath of the Gujarati soul. Gujarat has fairs and festivals apart from many other rituals and traditions.

Places

Historical Places: GUJARAT, the land of rich Culture and Heritage! The mystic experience as it unfolds its magic in abundance. Historical Places that dates back to the time of Indus Valley Civilization and Mahabharata times to the existence of Vedas.

Gujarat also emerges the fusion of the old bygone era to the new rural architectural modernity of changing times. It has emerged a developing State with high quality Construction and Architecture as the new diverse styles creates blend of International styles with regional flavors. The most enriched destination in Architectural Tourism, Gujarat is a fast paced State in India to focus on ‘Heritage spots’ and revives the history with touch of modernity in it’s renovation schemes.

The subterranean architecture for water, such as step well at Adalaj, Ranki vav at Patan or Dada hari ni vav at Ahmedabad, are uniquely exclusive to Gujarat in terms of their typology, attitude to water and stylistic manifestations.

Major Cities & Places: Gujarat is a home to incredible diversity due to its geographic and strategic location. Its Gujarati pride and rich cultural heritage is reflected in the arts, music, literature, religious traditions, cuisine, fairs and festivals of every city and place.

Gandhinagar is the State Capital of Gujarat. Named after ‘Gandhi’, the father of the nation, it is situated 32 kms away from Ahmedabad and is proudly the best planned city in India. Ahmedabad, Surat, Baroda, Rajkot are some major cities of Gujarat which have been located to have the best of tradition, history, architecture, culture and philosophy of Gujarat in an atmosphere of luxury, beauty and comfort.

The humble natured, persevering and hard working Guajarati’s residing in its cities, towns and villages have expanded their economy and business ventures not only in Gujarat but all over India and the rest of the world.Gujarat is known world over for its Navratri celebration which sees people immersed in the spirit of dance for nine nights. The dance forms depend on the unique styles that have emerged in different cities. people have adopted this traditional dance and its varied forms by the name of ‘Garba’ and ‘Raas’.

Religious Places: Faith is the Only Lamp that dispels darkness and ignorance. keep the Faith!

Gujarat is high on Holy Tourism due to its inception of all-embracing religious faith ranging from caste to caste. The major religions followed are Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. Muslim Religion, Christianity, Parsi, Sindhi and other many more religions are followed with faith all across Gujarat.

Hill-top shrines like Ambaji, Palitana, Girnar and Pavagadh are similarly prominent in legend and historical – should be are historical. Palitana is a hilltop place of pilgrimage for Jains. 863 temples of all sizes crowd the hill which has to be paced on foot. Stone and marble spires with their rich detail of carving make for Palitana’s architectural splendor.

Hill Stations & Tourist Spots: Gujarat ‘Jewel of The West’ – Hill Stations and Tourist Spots. Gujarat has become Tourists’ Paradise and is emerging the most sort for destination.

Saputara is perched at an altitude of 1000 m, and is situated in the heart of Dangs district. Nearby Surat city,it is located on the second highest plateau of the Sahyadari range with cool bracing climate and a scenic view of the verdant valley.

Gujarat has extensive coastline and hence, many hills are located in Gujarat. Holiday Homes are planned by Gujarat Government to enjoy vacations in places like Tithal, Bulsar District, Ubhrat, Surat and Chorvad in Junagadh District. Pavagadh has a hill top and Tulsi Shyam which is known for hot springs, is in the heart of Gir Forest.

The major tourist destination, Udwada in Valsad district, is being developed as an International centre of peace and harmony.

Gujarat is a home to incredible diversity. Ahmedabad, the cultural and intellectual capital of Gujarat hold the country’s prime Tourist places. Gandhi Ashram, being the tourist destination from people visiting from all over the world, the city attracts major tourists.

Gujarati Cuisine

Gujarat is known for its traditional food the world wide over. The state provides immense variety in everything, be it tourism, shopping or food. The diversity you will find in the Gujarati cuisine is simply outstanding. So much of variation in just one state is an unusual phenomenon. The taste, preparation and type of food depend mainly on region, climate, location and lifestyle. So, one can say that Gujaratis strongly believe in ‘Variety is the spice of life’.

The Gujarati Thali is absolutely a treat for your taste buds. Apart from the taste, it is so attractive in appearance, that just a glimpse of it will bring water to your mouth. It contains all the four major components, namely Cereal, Pulses, Vegetables, Rice and supplements like pickle, chutney, papad, buttermilk and salad. There is ample use of ginger, garlic, green chilies and jaggery in various dishes. Sugar is also used at times. It is a completely delectable platter that cannot be resisted at any cost. However, the staple diet in Gujarat is Tuver Dal served with rice. There is an entire array of food items prepared in the state.

People of Gujarat

How would we describe the people of Gujarat who exhibit such adaptability and energy, such unbounded enthusiasm for material progress without sacrificing their traditional identity or essential simplicity? Wherever you find one, a Gujarati adheres to certain principles and practices and the traits which characterizes the community reveal a deep-rooted sense of belonging.

Contemporary Gujarat has a diverse population. The population consists of both the native Gujarat people and also migrants from other Indian states.

Gujarat boasts of a rich culture and heritage. The people of Gujarat are commonly referred as Gujaratis and the main language spoken by them is Gujarati. Gujarat is a flourishing state in all spheres and as a result, numerous people from different parts of India have settled here for various reasons like trade, education, etc. Though, with changing times the state has prospered and is on the path of development, its people are strongly bound by their ancient value system.

In Gujarat, women are given equal importance in the families. They are efficient and meticulous in their household work. Their usual attire is Sari, teamed with light gold jewelry and sindoor (vermillion). Being influenced by Gandhiji, Gujaratis do not prefer non vegetarian diet and alcohol. People also devote a considerable time towards religious practices. In concise terms, the people of Gujarat are lively and vivacious, who live in perfect harmony, while respecting each other’s religious sentiments and feelings.

In Gujarat, Lifestyles sustain.

Gujarat is ‘heaven on earth’. Ask anyone in the world and Gujarat is the most cherished place to visit in India. Gujarat is the Land of the Legends – where individuals have peace of mind, are spiritual and live in harmony. The people are enterprising oriented, cooperative, and supportive. They possess warm and friendly nature with qualities of humanity, Gujaratis are found to be most generous and loyal. It is said, Attitude and all is that ‘Makes a Big Difference’