Overview
Gujarat is a state in western India, situated along the country's longest coastline on the Arabian Sea. It is bordered by Rajasthan to the north-east, Madhya Pradesh to the east, Maharashtra and the union territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu to the south, and Pakistan to the north-west. The state capital is Gandhinagar, while Ahmedabad is the largest city and principal commercial centre. Gujarat is named after the Gurjara people, who are believed to have ruled parts of the region during the medieval period.
Key facts
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| Region | Western India |
| Formation | 1 May 1960 |
| Capital | Gandhinagar |
| Largest city | Ahmedabad |
| Official language | Gujarati |
| Coastline | Approximately 1,600 km along the Arabian Sea |
| Major rivers | Narmada, Tapi, Sabarmati, Mahi |
Geography
Gujarat covers a varied landscape that includes the Kutch region with its salt marshes (the Rann of Kutch), the peninsular Saurashtra (Kathiawar), the alluvial plains of mainland Gujarat, and the hilly tracts of the eastern districts. The Gulf of Kutch and the Gulf of Khambhat indent its coastline. The state hosts the Gir National Park, the last natural habitat of the Asiatic lion, as well as marine national parks in the Gulf of Kutch.
History
Gujarat has a long recorded history extending back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, with major archaeological sites including Lothal, Dholavira, and Rangpur. The region was successively part of the Maurya, Saka, Gupta, Maitraka, Solanki (Chaulukya), and Vaghela dynasties before coming under the Delhi Sultanate and later the Gujarat Sultanate established in the early 15th century. It was integrated into the Mughal Empire under Akbar in 1573, and later passed under Maratha and British control.
The modern state of Gujarat was created on 1 May 1960 following the bifurcation of the bilingual Bombay State into Maharashtra and Gujarat, after the Mahagujarat Movement led by figures such as Indulal Yagnik.
Government and administration
Gujarat has a unicameral Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) seated at Gandhinagar. The state is administered through districts, which are further divided into talukas. The Governor is the constitutional head, while executive authority rests with the Chief Minister and the Council of Ministers.
Economy
Gujarat is among India's most industrialised states. Key sectors include petroleum refining and petrochemicals, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, diamond cutting and polishing (centred at Surat), and engineering. The Jamnagar refinery complex operated by Reliance Industries is among the largest in the world. The state hosts major ports including Kandla (Deendayal Port), Mundra, Hazira, and Pipavav. Agriculture remains significant, with cotton, groundnut, tobacco, and dairy (notably the Amul cooperative based at Anand) being prominent.
Culture and demographics
Gujarati is the principal language, written in the Gujarati script. The state is known for festivals such as Navratri, with its garba and dandiya-raas dances, the International Kite Festival held during Uttarayan (Makar Sankranti), and Rann Utsav in Kutch. Notable historical figures associated with Gujarat include Mahatma Gandhi, born in Porbandar, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, born in Nadiad. The Statue of Unity, dedicated to Patel, stands near Kevadia and is among the tallest statues in the world.
Education
Gujarat hosts numerous universities and higher-education institutions, including the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IIT Gandhinagar), the National Institute of Design, Gujarat University, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, and private institutions such as AURO University in Surat.
Transport
Gujarat has an extensive road and rail network. Major airports include Ahmedabad (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport), Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot. The state is connected by national highways and is a key node in the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor.