Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Gujarat shopping experience:

1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Gujarat offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Gujarat at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.

2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about

3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Gujarat? Wrong! If the Gujarat is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.

4. Questions - Got a question about Gujarat then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....

5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Gujarat? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Gujarat and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.

6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Gujarat wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.

7. Feedback - happy with your Gujarat then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.

8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Gujarat site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site

9. Contact - got a question about Gujarat, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.

10. Payment - ready to pay for your Gujarat, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.

{{Infobox Indian Jurisdiction||type = state|state_name = Gujarat|native_name = Gujarat|other_name = ગુજરાત|capital = Gandhinagar|latd = 23.2167| longd = 72.6833|largest_city = Ahmedabad|legislature_type = Unicameral|legislature_strength = 182|leader_title_1 = [Governors of Gujarat|leader_name_1 = Naval Kishore Sharma|leader_title_2 = Chief Ministers of Gujarat|leader_name_2 = Narendra Modi|established_date = 1960-05-01|website = www.gujaratindia.com-->

Gujarat ( , [IPA: ) is a States and territories of India in the Republic of India. With 19.8% of the country's total industrial output, it is the most industrialized state in India. Gujarat borders Pakistan, and the states of Rajasthan to the north-east, Madhya Pradesh to the east, Maharashtra and the Union territory of Diu, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli to the south. The international border with Pakistan is to the north-west. The Arabian Sea makes up the state's western coast. Its capital, Gandhinagar is a planned city and is located near Ahmedabad, commercial center of Gujarat.

History Migration and Hindu Kingdoms The name of the state is derived from Gujarāta (Gurjar Rāshtra), which means Gujjars nation. Gurjars were an old clan that was present even during the Mahabharata period, according to another theory, they are one of the Central Asian tribes that migrated to India beginning from around the first century BC. Gujarat's coastal cities, chiefly Bharuch, served as ports and trading centres for the Maurya and Gupta Empire empires. After the collapse of the Gupta empire in the sixth century, Gujarat flourished as an independent Hindu kingdom. The Maitraka dynasty, descended from a Gupta general, ruled from the sixth to the eighth centuries from their capital at Vallabhi, although they were ruled briefly by Harsha during the seventh century. In 775 the first Parsi (Zoroastrian) refugees arrived in Gujarat from Iran. The Arab rulers of Sind sacked Vallabhi in 770, bringing the Maitraka dynasty to an end. A branch of the Pratihara clan ruled Gujarat after the eighth century. From the ninth century until the invasion by the Muslim rulers of Delhi in the late thirteenth century, it was ruled by the Solanki dynasty.

1297 AD – 1850 AD In 1297 to 1298 Ala ud din Khilji, Sultanate of Delhi, destroyed Anhilwara and incorporated Gujarat into the Delhi Sultanate. After Timur's sacking of Delhi at the end of the fourteenth century weakened the Sultanate, Gujarat's Muslim governor Zafar Khan Muzaffar asserted his independence, and his son, Sultan Ahmed Shah of Gujarat (ruled 1411 to 1442), restructured Ahmedabad as the capital that was early established by Karndev Solanki of Solanki clan and named "Karnavati" after his name. Cambay eclipsed Bharuch as Gujarat's most important trade port. The Sultanate of Gujarat remained independent until 1576, when the Mughal emperor Akbar conquered it and annexed it to the Mughal Empire. It remained a province of the Mughal empire until the Marathas conquered eastern and central Gujarat in the eighteenth century; Western Gujarat (Kathiawar and Kutch) were divided among numerous local rulers.

1614 AD - 1947 AD Portugal was the first European power to arrive in Gujarat, acquiring several enclaves along the Gujarati coast, including Daman and Diu as well as Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The British East India Company established a Factor (agent) in Surat in 1614, which formed their first base in India, but it was eclipsed by Mumbai after the British acquired it from Portugal in 1668. The Company wrested control of much of Gujarat from the Marathas during the Second Anglo-Maratha War. Many local rulers, notably the Maratha Gaekwads of Baroda (Vadodara), made a separate peace with the British, and acknowledged British sovereignty in return for retaining local self-rule. Gujarat was placed under the political authority of the Bombay Presidency, with the exception of Baroda state, which had a direct relationship with the Governor-General of India. From 1818 to 1947, most of present-day Gujarat, including Kathiawar, Kutch, and northern and eastern Gujarat were divided into dozens of princely states, but several districts in central and southern Gujarat, namely Ahmedabad, Broach (Bharuch), Kaira, Panch Mahals, and Surat, were ruled directly by British officials.

Indian independence movement Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Morarji Desai, K.M. Munshi, Narhari Parikh, Mahadev Desai, Mohanlal Pandya, Bhulabhai Desai and Ravi Shankar Vyas all hailed from Gujarat. In addition, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Pakistan's first Governor-General, father was from an area which later became Gujarat. Gujarat was also the site of some of the most popular revolts, including the Satyagrahas in Kheda, Bardoli, Borsad and the Salt Satyagraha.

See also: Freedom fighters of India#Leaders from Gujarat and Maharashtra

Post independence After Independence of India and the partition of India in 1947, the new Indian government grouped the former princely states of Gujarat into three larger units; Saurashtra (region), which included the former princely states on the Kathiawar 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 Marathi nationalists for their own state 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.

2001 Gujarat earthquake Gujarat was hit by a devastating earthquake on January 26, 2001 at 8:46, which claimed 10,000 lives, injured another 30,000 people and severely affected the lives of forty million people in the region.

2002 Gujarat Violence Gujarat was rocked by Hindu vs. Muslim rioting in 2002, causing over 1,000 deaths and widespread damage throughout the state. Fundamentalist Muslims as well as the governing right-wing BJP party was criticized for increasing tensions between the two communities, and for not preventing this wave of attacks.http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1923641.stm

Geography

Gujarat is the westernmost state of India. It is bounded by the Arabian Sea to the west and southwest, and Pakistan to the north. The state of Rajasthan is to the northeast, Madhya Pradesh to the east, and Maharashtra and the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli to the south and southeast of Gujarat.

Climate and natural features The relief is low in the most parts of the state and involves diverse climate conditions.The winters are mild, pleasant, and dry with average daytime temperatures around 83 °F(29 °C) and nights around 53 °F(12 °C) with 100 percent sunny days and clear nights. The summers are extremely hot and dry with day temperatures around 105 °F(41 °C) and at night no lower than 85 °F(29 °C) with sunshine. The time just before the monsoon the temperature are similar to above but now there is high humidity which makes the air feel hotter. Relief comes when the monsoon season starts around in mid June. The day temperatures are lower to around 95 °F(35 °C) but humidity is very high and nights are around 80 °F(27 °C). Most of the rainfall occurs in this season. There is sometimes too much rain which cause severe floods. Sun is a rare sight during the monsoon season. Though mostly dry, it is desertic in the north-west, and wet in the southern districts due to heavy monsoon season.

Demographics



Its official and primary language is Gujarati language. About 89.1% of the population of Gujarat are Hindu. http://www.censusindia.net/religiondata/ 2001 Indian Census Data Muslims account for 9.1%, Jain 1.0% and Sikh 0.1% of the population. http://www.censusindia.net/religiondata/ 2001 Indian Census Data Most of the Gujarati Hindu are strict vegetarians. Amongst Hindus the deity of Krishna is famously worshipped in His form of Shrinathji throughout Gujarat. Gujarat is the birthplace of Gandhi. Gujarat is also the birthplace of the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism.

It should be noted that 91% of the Hindus speak Gujarati while the rest speak Hindi, Marathi and other languages. Almost 88% of the Muslims speak Gujarati while the rest speak Urdu. Almost all of the Jains speak Gujarati. Parsi Zoroastrians also speak Gujarati as their native language.

Besides Gujarati the Kutchi dialect is widely spoken in the Kutch District.

People Gujarat is home to number of groups that settled from outside including Huns, Sakas, Muslims (Turks, Persians, Arabs, Pashtuns). Gujarat is divided mostly along Hindu caste lines. The largest Hindu caste is Koli which makes up 20% of the population. The second largest Hindu caste is Patidar or Kanbi which makes up roughly 15% of the population. Other major Hindu caste groups are Brahmin, Vaishnava, Suthar,Luhar,Kadiya,Kumbhar,Adivasi, Rajput, Vaniya, Anavil, Harijan, Lohana, and number of other small sub-castes. The two largest Hindu caste, Koli and Kanbi, are distributed throughout Gujarat while other are found only in certain areas of Gujarat. e.g. Anavil are mainly found in South Gujarat while Lohanas are found in Saurashtra region.

The Meghwals are masters of weaving cotton and wool as also embroidery and appliqué work.

The Ahirs came with Lord Krishna from Gokul in Uttar Pradesh. Most of the communities of Ahirs began with selling ghee and milk and are now spread all over the state.

The Rabaris are a nomadic tribe always wandering with their herds. The origin of this tribe has been traced back to Sind and Afghanistan though many aspects of this tribe still remain a puzzle for anthropologists. They have been classified into three distinct groups, namely Vagadia, Dhabaria, and Kachhi. Women of this tribe engage themselves in making elaborate embroidery pieces while the men spend their time tending to their camels and sheep.

Moreover Gujarat being a heavily industrialized state of India, attracts lots of outsiders from various parts of India.

Economy Macro-economic trend This is a chart of trend of gross state domestic product of Gujarat at market prices estimated by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation with figures in millions of Indian Rupees.{| class="wikitable"|-! Year || Gross state domestic product|-| 1980 || 270|-| 1985 || 139,880|-| 1990 || 279,960|-| 1995 || 718,860|-| 2000 || 700|}

Gujarat is one of the most prosperous states of the country, having a per-capita Gross domestic product 20 times India's average. If it was a nation it would have been 67th richest nation above many European and Asian economies like Ukraine. Gujarat controls some of the largest businesses in India. According to the data published by Punjab and Maharashtra, at Rs. 15,800. Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy Major Agricultural produce of the state include cotton, peanuts, Date (fruit), sugar cane, milk & milk products. Industrial products include cement, and gasoline.

Gujarat holds many records in India for economic development:



The worlds largest ship breaking yard is in Gujarat near Bhavnagar at Alang.Reliance Petroleum Limited, one of the group companies of Reliance Industries Limited founded by Dhirubhai Ambani operates the oil refinery at Jamnagar which is the world's largest grass roots refineries. Reliance Industries Limited - see section headed '1999-2000'The company has also planned another SEZ(special economic zone), in Jamnagarhttp://www.domain-b.com/industry/general/20061102_Narendra_Modi.htmlhttp://realestate.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-1381781,prtpage-1.cms.

Gujarat ranks States of India by installed power capacity in gas-based thermal electricity generation with national market share of over 8% and second nationwide in nuclear electricity generation with national market share of over 1%.

Over 20% of the S&P CNX 500 conglomerates have corporate offices in Gujarat.

Industrial growth and advantage

Amul Anand,Gujarat is the birthplace of the Amul milk co-operative federation. Started by Tribhovandas Patel and ably led for many years after him by Verghese Kurien this movement has served as a model for other co-operative movements throughout India.

Government and politics

On 1960-05-01, Gujarat was created out of the 17 northern districts of former State of Bombay. These districts were further subdivided later on. There are 25 administrative districts in the state (as of 2006).

Gujarat is governed by a Legislative Assembly of 182 members. Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) are elected on the basis of adult suffrage from one of 182 constituencies, of which 13 are reserved for Scheduled Castes and Tribess and 26 for scheduled tribes. The term of office for a member of the Legislative Assembly is five years. The Legislative Assembly elects a speaker, who presides over the meetings of the legislature. A governor is appointed by the President of India, and is Assembly, and to address the House after every general election and the commencement of each year's first session of the Legislative Assembly. The leader of the majority party or coalition in the legislature (Chief Minister) or his or her designee acts as the Leader of the Legislative Assembly. The administration of the state is led by the Chief Minister.

After gaining independence in 1947, the Indian National Congress party (INC) ruled the Bombay state (which included present-day Gujarat and Maharashtra). Congress continued to govern Gujarat after the state's creation in 1960. During and after India's State of Emergency in India of 1975-1977, public support for the Congress Party eroded, but it continued to hold government until 1995. In the 1995 Assembly Polls, the Congress lost to the BJP and Keshubhai Patel came to power. His Government lasted only 2 years. The fall of that government was provoked by a split in the BJP led by Shankersinh Vagheland has won most of the subsequent polls. In 2001, following the loss of 2 assembly seats in by-elections, Keshubhai Patel resigned and yielded power to Narendra Modi. The BJP retained a majority in the 2002 election, and Narendra Modi has since served as Chief Minister of the state. On 1st June, 2007, Narendra Modi became the longest serving Chief Minister of Gujarathttp://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=87512http://in.news.yahoo.com/070606/43/6gpdc.html.

Revenues of government This is a chart of trend of own tax revenues (excluding the shares from Union tax pool) of the Government of Gujarat assessed by the Finance Commissions from time to time with figures in millions of Indian Rupees.{| class="wikitable"|-! Year || Own tax revenues|-| 2000 || 104,818|-| 2005 || 138,964|}

This is a chart of trend of own non-tax revenues (excluding the shares from Union tax pool) of the Government of Gujarat assessed by the Finance Commissions from time to time with figures in millions of Indian Rupees.{| class="wikitable"|-|}

Education Gujarat has 13 university and 4 agricultural universities.

Universities

Engineering institutes L.D. College of Engineering, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Technology (SVIT)-Vasad, Dharmsinh Desai Institute of Technology (DDIT) Nirma Institute of Technology, Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology, Charotar Institute Of Technology (Changa), Sarvajanik College of Engineering and Technology,Surat,M.S university, Vadodara, Birla Vishwakarma Mahavidyalaya, Vallabh Vidyanagar are among the premier engineering institutes of west India. Gujarat also has a Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat in Surat.

The Institute for Plasma Research is an autonomous Physics research institute located in the capital city Gandhinagar and is involved in the research of various aspects of plasma science including basic plasma physics, research on magnetically confined hot plasmas and plasma technologies for industrial applications. The Ahmedabad Textile and Industries’ Research Association is also located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Other institutes Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute has been established under Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Govt. of India at Bhavnagar. It was inaugurated by Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the First Prime Minister of India on 10 April, 1954, with a view to carry out research on marine salt, and salt from inland lakes and sub-soil brine. It is working on reverse osmosis, electro membrane process, salt and marine chemicals, analytical science, marine biotechnology, and other related fields.

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, one of the internationally reputed management research institute is located in Gujarat's commercial capital Ahmadabad. Indian Institute of Management Ahmadabad is one of the best management institutes in the world. Charutar Vidya Mandal's Commerce and Management College, SEMCOM, Vallabhvidyanagar, District of Anand.is the upcoming institute and is an ISO:9000: 2001 certified college.

Gujarat Science City Gujarat Science City , is a government initiative to draw more students towards education in science, which hosts India's first IMAX 3D theatre, an energy park, a hall of science, an amphitheatre, and dancing musical fountains among others.

Ahmedabad also has Asia's premier Communications Management Institute, Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA).MICA's Mission: To develop innovative professionals in the practice, development and management of communications to serve the needs of the industry and society through education, research and advocacy.

Started in 1991, Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA) is an autonomous non-profit management education institution. MICA has set a precedent as the first residential academic institution in the country and perhaps in the Asia-Pacific region wholly dedicated to meeting the needs of the integrated marketing communications industry. MICA complements the role that management education plays in modernizing and professionalizing communications-driven businesses.

Today, it is the alma mater of professionals who are serving in the marketing, marketing research, advertising and media sectors, and emerging communications-driven businesses such as broadcasting, retail and design communication, and public relations and event and entertainment management.

The MICA Brand assures the delivery of current, reliable and cost-effective communications management skills.

The single, most important aspect that makes MICA stand apart from the other management schools in the country is the strength and design of its curriculum. The courses are structured and taught with the intention of creating communications management specialists who are able to understand the multiple requirements of business, specifically of those organizations that are communications-driven in realizing their business strategy and effectiveness.

MICA is contemporary. Freshness of spirit is characteristic of this institution.

MICA believes in facilitating learning and sharing ideas and experience rather than merely teaching, and encourages experimentation and innovation.

While encouraging each individual to develop his/her potential, MICA also helps students understand and imbibe the value of teamwork.

www.mica-india.net

Tourism Gujarat has a wealth of tourist spots. It has several temples, sunny beaches, the rann of kachchh, historic sites, beautiful cities, national parks, and sanctuaries.

Temples and religious sites was built in Ahmedabad by the instructions of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.





















National parks and sanctuaries Gujarat has 4 National parks and 21 sanctuaries which include: Nal Sarovar, Anjal, Balaram-Ambaji, Barda, Jambughoda, Jessore, Kachchh Desert, Khavda, Narayan Sarovar, Paniya, Purna, Rampura, Ratanmahal, and Surpaneshwar.

Gujarat is the only home of asiatic lion. Outside Africa, Gujarat is the only natural habitat of lions. Gir National Park in south-west part of the state covers only the part of lion's habitat. Besides lions, the other big cat can be found in the state are Panthers. Panthers are spread across large plains of Saurashtra and mountains of South Gujarat.

Historic sites



While the city of Ahmedabad is a large and fast-growing modern metropolis, it was also the home of the Indian Independence Movement, with the Sabarmati Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi a standing legacy. Other major tourist sites include Palitana, Diu, Kutch, Jamnagar, Junagadh, and Rajkot[http://www.rajkotcityguide.com in the region of Saurashtra; and [Champaner and Pavagarh in the Panchmahal district.

See also

References

External links Gujarati Authors

Gujarati Portal

Official website

Weather of Gujarat

History of Gujarat

Further information Transportation in Gujarat

Progress of Gujarat

Issues concerning Gujarat

Surat - Fast Growing City in Gujarat

{{Infobox Indian Jurisdiction||type = state|state_name = Gujarat|native_name = Gujarat|other_name = ગુજરાત|capital = Gandhinagar|latd = 23.2167| longd = 72.6833|largest_city = Ahmedabad|legislature_type = Unicameral|legislature_strength = 182|leader_title_1 = [Governors of Gujarat|leader_name_1 = Naval Kishore Sharma|leader_title_2 = Chief Ministers of Gujarat|leader_name_2 = Narendra Modi|established_date = 1960-05-01|website = www.gujaratindia.com-->

Gujarat ( , [IPA: ) is a States and territories of India in the Republic of India. With 19.8% of the country's total industrial output, it is the most industrialized state in India. Gujarat borders Pakistan, and the states of Rajasthan to the north-east, Madhya Pradesh to the east, Maharashtra and the Union territory of Diu, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli to the south. The international border with Pakistan is to the north-west. The Arabian Sea makes up the state's western coast. Its capital, Gandhinagar is a planned city and is located near Ahmedabad, commercial center of Gujarat.

History Migration and Hindu Kingdoms The name of the state is derived from Gujarāta (Gurjar Rāshtra), which means Gujjars nation. Gurjars were an old clan that was present even during the Mahabharata period, according to another theory, they are one of the Central Asian tribes that migrated to India beginning from around the first century BC. Gujarat's coastal cities, chiefly Bharuch, served as ports and trading centres for the Maurya and Gupta Empire empires. After the collapse of the Gupta empire in the sixth century, Gujarat flourished as an independent Hindu kingdom. The Maitraka dynasty, descended from a Gupta general, ruled from the sixth to the eighth centuries from their capital at Vallabhi, although they were ruled briefly by Harsha during the seventh century. In 775 the first Parsi (Zoroastrian) refugees arrived in Gujarat from Iran. The Arab rulers of Sind sacked Vallabhi in 770, bringing the Maitraka dynasty to an end. A branch of the Pratihara clan ruled Gujarat after the eighth century. From the ninth century until the invasion by the Muslim rulers of Delhi in the late thirteenth century, it was ruled by the Solanki dynasty.

1297 AD – 1850 AD In 1297 to 1298 Ala ud din Khilji, Sultanate of Delhi, destroyed Anhilwara and incorporated Gujarat into the Delhi Sultanate. After Timur's sacking of Delhi at the end of the fourteenth century weakened the Sultanate, Gujarat's Muslim governor Zafar Khan Muzaffar asserted his independence, and his son, Sultan Ahmed Shah of Gujarat (ruled 1411 to 1442), restructured Ahmedabad as the capital that was early established by Karndev Solanki of Solanki clan and named "Karnavati" after his name. Cambay eclipsed Bharuch as Gujarat's most important trade port. The Sultanate of Gujarat remained independent until 1576, when the Mughal emperor Akbar conquered it and annexed it to the Mughal Empire. It remained a province of the Mughal empire until the Marathas conquered eastern and central Gujarat in the eighteenth century; Western Gujarat (Kathiawar and Kutch) were divided among numerous local rulers.

1614 AD - 1947 AD Portugal was the first European power to arrive in Gujarat, acquiring several enclaves along the Gujarati coast, including Daman and Diu as well as Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The British East India Company established a Factor (agent) in Surat in 1614, which formed their first base in India, but it was eclipsed by Mumbai after the British acquired it from Portugal in 1668. The Company wrested control of much of Gujarat from the Marathas during the Second Anglo-Maratha War. Many local rulers, notably the Maratha Gaekwads of Baroda (Vadodara), made a separate peace with the British, and acknowledged British sovereignty in return for retaining local self-rule. Gujarat was placed under the political authority of the Bombay Presidency, with the exception of Baroda state, which had a direct relationship with the Governor-General of India. From 1818 to 1947, most of present-day Gujarat, including Kathiawar, Kutch, and northern and eastern Gujarat were divided into dozens of princely states, but several districts in central and southern Gujarat, namely Ahmedabad, Broach (Bharuch), Kaira, Panch Mahals, and Surat, were ruled directly by British officials.

Indian independence movement Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Morarji Desai, K.M. Munshi, Narhari Parikh, Mahadev Desai, Mohanlal Pandya, Bhulabhai Desai and Ravi Shankar Vyas all hailed from Gujarat. In addition, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Pakistan's first Governor-General, father was from an area which later became Gujarat. Gujarat was also the site of some of the most popular revolts, including the Satyagrahas in Kheda, Bardoli, Borsad and the Salt Satyagraha.

See also: Freedom fighters of India#Leaders from Gujarat and Maharashtra

Post independence After Independence of India and the partition of India in 1947, the new Indian government grouped the former princely states of Gujarat into three larger units; Saurashtra (region), which included the former princely states on the Kathiawar 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 Marathi nationalists for their own state 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.

2001 Gujarat earthquake Gujarat was hit by a devastating earthquake on January 26, 2001 at 8:46, which claimed 10,000 lives, injured another 30,000 people and severely affected the lives of forty million people in the region.

2002 Gujarat Violence Gujarat was rocked by Hindu vs. Muslim rioting in 2002, causing over 1,000 deaths and widespread damage throughout the state. Fundamentalist Muslims as well as the governing right-wing BJP party was criticized for increasing tensions between the two communities, and for not preventing this wave of attacks.http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1923641.stm

Geography

Gujarat is the westernmost state of India. It is bounded by the Arabian Sea to the west and southwest, and Pakistan to the north. The state of Rajasthan is to the northeast, Madhya Pradesh to the east, and Maharashtra and the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli to the south and southeast of Gujarat.

Climate and natural features The relief is low in the most parts of the state and involves diverse climate conditions.The winters are mild, pleasant, and dry with average daytime temperatures around 83 °F(29 °C) and nights around 53 °F(12 °C) with 100 percent sunny days and clear nights. The summers are extremely hot and dry with day temperatures around 105 °F(41 °C) and at night no lower than 85 °F(29 °C) with sunshine. The time just before the monsoon the temperature are similar to above but now there is high humidity which makes the air feel hotter. Relief comes when the monsoon season starts around in mid June. The day temperatures are lower to around 95 °F(35 °C) but humidity is very high and nights are around 80 °F(27 °C). Most of the rainfall occurs in this season. There is sometimes too much rain which cause severe floods. Sun is a rare sight during the monsoon season. Though mostly dry, it is desertic in the north-west, and wet in the southern districts due to heavy monsoon season.

Demographics



Its official and primary language is Gujarati language. About 89.1% of the population of Gujarat are Hindu. http://www.censusindia.net/religiondata/ 2001 Indian Census Data Muslims account for 9.1%, Jain 1.0% and Sikh 0.1% of the population. http://www.censusindia.net/religiondata/ 2001 Indian Census Data Most of the Gujarati Hindu are strict vegetarians. Amongst Hindus the deity of Krishna is famously worshipped in His form of Shrinathji throughout Gujarat. Gujarat is the birthplace of Gandhi. Gujarat is also the birthplace of the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism.

It should be noted that 91% of the Hindus speak Gujarati while the rest speak Hindi, Marathi and other languages. Almost 88% of the Muslims speak Gujarati while the rest speak Urdu. Almost all of the Jains speak Gujarati. Parsi Zoroastrians also speak Gujarati as their native language.

Besides Gujarati the Kutchi dialect is widely spoken in the Kutch District.

People Gujarat is home to number of groups that settled from outside including Huns, Sakas, Muslims (Turks, Persians, Arabs, Pashtuns). Gujarat is divided mostly along Hindu caste lines. The largest Hindu caste is Koli which makes up 20% of the population. The second largest Hindu caste is Patidar or Kanbi which makes up roughly 15% of the population. Other major Hindu caste groups are Brahmin, Vaishnava, Suthar,Luhar,Kadiya,Kumbhar,Adivasi, Rajput, Vaniya, Anavil, Harijan, Lohana, and number of other small sub-castes. The two largest Hindu caste, Koli and Kanbi, are distributed throughout Gujarat while other are found only in certain areas of Gujarat. e.g. Anavil are mainly found in South Gujarat while Lohanas are found in Saurashtra region.

The Meghwals are masters of weaving cotton and wool as also embroidery and appliqué work.

The Ahirs came with Lord Krishna from Gokul in Uttar Pradesh. Most of the communities of Ahirs began with selling ghee and milk and are now spread all over the state.

The Rabaris are a nomadic tribe always wandering with their herds. The origin of this tribe has been traced back to Sind and Afghanistan though many aspects of this tribe still remain a puzzle for anthropologists. They have been classified into three distinct groups, namely Vagadia, Dhabaria, and Kachhi. Women of this tribe engage themselves in making elaborate embroidery pieces while the men spend their time tending to their camels and sheep.

Moreover Gujarat being a heavily industrialized state of India, attracts lots of outsiders from various parts of India.

Economy Macro-economic trend This is a chart of trend of gross state domestic product of Gujarat at market prices estimated by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation with figures in millions of Indian Rupees.{| class="wikitable"|-! Year || Gross state domestic product|-| 1980 || 270|-| 1985 || 139,880|-| 1990 || 279,960|-| 1995 || 718,860|-| 2000 || 700|}

Gujarat is one of the most prosperous states of the country, having a per-capita Gross domestic product 20 times India's average. If it was a nation it would have been 67th richest nation above many European and Asian economies like Ukraine. Gujarat controls some of the largest businesses in India. According to the data published by Punjab and Maharashtra, at Rs. 15,800. Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy Major Agricultural produce of the state include cotton, peanuts, Date (fruit), sugar cane, milk & milk products. Industrial products include cement, and gasoline.

Gujarat holds many records in India for economic development:



The worlds largest ship breaking yard is in Gujarat near Bhavnagar at Alang.Reliance Petroleum Limited, one of the group companies of Reliance Industries Limited founded by Dhirubhai Ambani operates the oil refinery at Jamnagar which is the world's largest grass roots refineries. Reliance Industries Limited - see section headed '1999-2000'The company has also planned another SEZ(special economic zone), in Jamnagarhttp://www.domain-b.com/industry/general/20061102_Narendra_Modi.htmlhttp://realestate.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-1381781,prtpage-1.cms.

Gujarat ranks States of India by installed power capacity in gas-based thermal electricity generation with national market share of over 8% and second nationwide in nuclear electricity generation with national market share of over 1%.

Over 20% of the S&P CNX 500 conglomerates have corporate offices in Gujarat.

Industrial growth and advantage

Amul Anand,Gujarat is the birthplace of the Amul milk co-operative federation. Started by Tribhovandas Patel and ably led for many years after him by Verghese Kurien this movement has served as a model for other co-operative movements throughout India.

Government and politics

On 1960-05-01, Gujarat was created out of the 17 northern districts of former State of Bombay. These districts were further subdivided later on. There are 25 administrative districts in the state (as of 2006).

Gujarat is governed by a Legislative Assembly of 182 members. Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) are elected on the basis of adult suffrage from one of 182 constituencies, of which 13 are reserved for Scheduled Castes and Tribess and 26 for scheduled tribes. The term of office for a member of the Legislative Assembly is five years. The Legislative Assembly elects a speaker, who presides over the meetings of the legislature. A governor is appointed by the President of India, and is Assembly, and to address the House after every general election and the commencement of each year's first session of the Legislative Assembly. The leader of the majority party or coalition in the legislature (Chief Minister) or his or her designee acts as the Leader of the Legislative Assembly. The administration of the state is led by the Chief Minister.

After gaining independence in 1947, the Indian National Congress party (INC) ruled the Bombay state (which included present-day Gujarat and Maharashtra). Congress continued to govern Gujarat after the state's creation in 1960. During and after India's State of Emergency in India of 1975-1977, public support for the Congress Party eroded, but it continued to hold government until 1995. In the 1995 Assembly Polls, the Congress lost to the BJP and Keshubhai Patel came to power. His Government lasted only 2 years. The fall of that government was provoked by a split in the BJP led by Shankersinh Vagheland has won most of the subsequent polls. In 2001, following the loss of 2 assembly seats in by-elections, Keshubhai Patel resigned and yielded power to Narendra Modi. The BJP retained a majority in the 2002 election, and Narendra Modi has since served as Chief Minister of the state. On 1st June, 2007, Narendra Modi became the longest serving Chief Minister of Gujarathttp://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=87512http://in.news.yahoo.com/070606/43/6gpdc.html.

Revenues of government This is a chart of trend of own tax revenues (excluding the shares from Union tax pool) of the Government of Gujarat assessed by the Finance Commissions from time to time with figures in millions of Indian Rupees.{| class="wikitable"|-! Year || Own tax revenues|-| 2000 || 104,818|-| 2005 || 138,964|}

This is a chart of trend of own non-tax revenues (excluding the shares from Union tax pool) of the Government of Gujarat assessed by the Finance Commissions from time to time with figures in millions of Indian Rupees.{| class="wikitable"|-|}

Education Gujarat has 13 university and 4 agricultural universities.

Universities

Engineering institutes L.D. College of Engineering, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Technology (SVIT)-Vasad, Dharmsinh Desai Institute of Technology (DDIT) Nirma Institute of Technology, Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology, Charotar Institute Of Technology (Changa), Sarvajanik College of Engineering and Technology,Surat,M.S university, Vadodara, Birla Vishwakarma Mahavidyalaya, Vallabh Vidyanagar are among the premier engineering institutes of west India. Gujarat also has a Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat in Surat.

The Institute for Plasma Research is an autonomous Physics research institute located in the capital city Gandhinagar and is involved in the research of various aspects of plasma science including basic plasma physics, research on magnetically confined hot plasmas and plasma technologies for industrial applications. The Ahmedabad Textile and Industries’ Research Association is also located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Other institutes Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute has been established under Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Govt. of India at Bhavnagar. It was inaugurated by Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the First Prime Minister of India on 10 April, 1954, with a view to carry out research on marine salt, and salt from inland lakes and sub-soil brine. It is working on reverse osmosis, electro membrane process, salt and marine chemicals, analytical science, marine biotechnology, and other related fields.

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, one of the internationally reputed management research institute is located in Gujarat's commercial capital Ahmadabad. Indian Institute of Management Ahmadabad is one of the best management institutes in the world. Charutar Vidya Mandal's Commerce and Management College, SEMCOM, Vallabhvidyanagar, District of Anand.is the upcoming institute and is an ISO:9000: 2001 certified college.

Gujarat Science City Gujarat Science City , is a government initiative to draw more students towards education in science, which hosts India's first IMAX 3D theatre, an energy park, a hall of science, an amphitheatre, and dancing musical fountains among others.

Ahmedabad also has Asia's premier Communications Management Institute, Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA).MICA's Mission: To develop innovative professionals in the practice, development and management of communications to serve the needs of the industry and society through education, research and advocacy.

Started in 1991, Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA) is an autonomous non-profit management education institution. MICA has set a precedent as the first residential academic institution in the country and perhaps in the Asia-Pacific region wholly dedicated to meeting the needs of the integrated marketing communications industry. MICA complements the role that management education plays in modernizing and professionalizing communications-driven businesses.

Today, it is the alma mater of professionals who are serving in the marketing, marketing research, advertising and media sectors, and emerging communications-driven businesses such as broadcasting, retail and design communication, and public relations and event and entertainment management.

The MICA Brand assures the delivery of current, reliable and cost-effective communications management skills.

The single, most important aspect that makes MICA stand apart from the other management schools in the country is the strength and design of its curriculum. The courses are structured and taught with the intention of creating communications management specialists who are able to understand the multiple requirements of business, specifically of those organizations that are communications-driven in realizing their business strategy and effectiveness.

MICA is contemporary. Freshness of spirit is characteristic of this institution.

MICA believes in facilitating learning and sharing ideas and experience rather than merely teaching, and encourages experimentation and innovation.

While encouraging each individual to develop his/her potential, MICA also helps students understand and imbibe the value of teamwork.

www.mica-india.net

Tourism Gujarat has a wealth of tourist spots. It has several temples, sunny beaches, the rann of kachchh, historic sites, beautiful cities, national parks, and sanctuaries.

Temples and religious sites was built in Ahmedabad by the instructions of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.





















National parks and sanctuaries Gujarat has 4 National parks and 21 sanctuaries which include: Nal Sarovar, Anjal, Balaram-Ambaji, Barda, Jambughoda, Jessore, Kachchh Desert, Khavda, Narayan Sarovar, Paniya, Purna, Rampura, Ratanmahal, and Surpaneshwar.

Gujarat is the only home of asiatic lion. Outside Africa, Gujarat is the only natural habitat of lions. Gir National Park in south-west part of the state covers only the part of lion's habitat. Besides lions, the other big cat can be found in the state are Panthers. Panthers are spread across large plains of Saurashtra and mountains of South Gujarat.

Historic sites



While the city of Ahmedabad is a large and fast-growing modern metropolis, it was also the home of the Indian Independence Movement, with the Sabarmati Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi a standing legacy. Other major tourist sites include Palitana, Diu, Kutch, Jamnagar, Junagadh, and Rajkot[http://www.rajkotcityguide.com in the region of Saurashtra; and [Champaner and Pavagarh in the Panchmahal district.

See also

References

External links Gujarati Authors

Gujarati Portal

Official website

Weather of Gujarat

History of Gujarat

Further information Transportation in Gujarat

Progress of Gujarat

Issues concerning Gujarat

Surat - Fast Growing City in Gujarat



BBC NEWS | In Depth | South Asia | Gujarat quake
Monday, 10 March, 2003, 15:53 GMT. In January 2001 the Indian state of Gujarat was rocked by a huge earthquake. BBC News Online charted the disaster and the efforts to rebuild.

BBC NEWS | World | South Asia | Analysis: Why is Gujarat so violent?
The BBC's Sanjeev Srivastava looks at Gujarat's transition from Gandhi's adopted home to violent religious flashpoint.

Gujarat - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Coordinates: 23°13′00″N 72°40′60″E  /  23.2167, 72.6833. Gujarat (Gujarati: ગુજરાત Gujǎrāt, pronounced [gudʒ(ə)ɾat̪] (help · info)) is a state in ...

2001 Gujarat earthquake - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 2001 Gujarat earthquake was reportedly the most devastating earthquake in India in recent history. It occurred on January 26, 2001, which coincided with the 51st celebration of ...

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Gujarat Post provides latest Indian World News from the most comprehensive global news network on the internet. News and analysis on Bombay and international current events ...

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The Gujarat Hindu Society was established in 1965 to cater for and service the needs of the local community in Preston. Today Gujarat Hindu Society is ...

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Gujarat Post provides latest Indian World News from the most comprehensive global news network on the internet. News and analysis on Bombay and international current events ...

 

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