Surat district is an administrative district in the southern part of the state of Gujarat, India. Its headquarters is located in the city of Surat, one of the most populous cities in India and a major centre for the diamond cutting and polishing industry, as well as for textiles and synthetic fibres. The district lies along the lower reaches of the Tapi River, which empties into the Gulf of Khambhat in the Arabian Sea.
Key facts
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| State | Gujarat |
| Region | South Gujarat |
| Headquarters | Surat |
| Major river | Tapi |
| Coastline | Arabian Sea (Gulf of Khambhat) |
| Type | District of Gujarat |
Geography
Surat district lies in southern Gujarat, bordered by Bharuch district to the north, Narmada district to the north-east, Tapi district to the east, Navsari district to the south, and the Arabian Sea to the west. The terrain is largely an alluvial plain formed by the Tapi River and its tributaries, with fertile soils that support intensive agriculture. The district has a tropical monsoon climate, with most rainfall received from the south-west monsoon between June and September.
Administration
The district is administered by a District Collector, with subordinate revenue divisions organised into talukas. Following the bifurcation that created Tapi district in 2007, several eastern talukas were carved out of the erstwhile larger Surat district. The remaining talukas include Choryasi, Olpad, Mangrol, Mandvi, Kamrej, Bardoli, Mahuva, Palsana and Umarpada, among others. The city of Surat is administered separately by the Surat Municipal Corporation.
History
The region around Surat has a long recorded history as a trading hub. The port of Surat rose to prominence under the Mughal Empire from the 16th century, attracting merchants from Persia, the Arab world, Armenia, and Europe. The English East India Company established its first factory in India at Surat in 1612, followed by Dutch, French and Portuguese trading establishments. Although the port's pre-eminence declined after the rise of Bombay in the 18th century, Surat retained importance as a regional commercial centre.
After Indian independence in 1947, Surat district became part of Bombay State, and from 1960 part of the newly formed state of Gujarat. In 2007, the eastern talukas were separated to form the new Tapi district.
Economy
Surat district has one of the most diversified economies in Gujarat. Key sectors include:
- Diamonds: Surat is one of the world's largest centres for cutting and polishing diamonds, processing a significant majority of the rough diamonds traded globally.
- Textiles: The district is a leading producer of synthetic and art-silk fabrics, sarees and dress materials.
- Petrochemicals and natural gas: Hazira, on the coast near Surat city, hosts large industrial installations including refining, petrochemicals, fertilisers, steel, and an LNG terminal.
- Agriculture: Sugarcane, cotton, paddy, banana, mango (notably the Hapus and Kesar varieties) and vegetables are widely cultivated. The district is associated with several large cooperative sugar factories.
Demographics and culture
The district is home to a culturally diverse population, with Gujarati as the principal language. Surat has historically attracted large numbers of migrants from Saurashtra, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, drawn by employment in textiles and diamonds. Communities of Parsis, Bohras, Khojas, Memons and Jains have long been associated with the city's mercantile traditions. Major festivals include Navratri, Diwali, Uttarayan (Makar Sankranti), Eid and the locally significant Chandi Padvo.
Transport
Surat is well connected by the Western Railway line of Indian Railways and by National Highway 48 (the Mumbai–Ahmedabad–Delhi corridor). Surat Airport at Magdalla provides domestic and limited international air services. The district also lies on the alignment of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail corridor. Hazira port handles bulk and container cargo, supporting the district's industries.
Education
Educational institutions in the district include Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, the Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT), and the Auro University, along with numerous government and private colleges of medicine, engineering, commerce and the arts.
Related topics
References
- Wikidata: Q1797317
- Government of Gujarat, official district portal for Surat.
- Census of India publications on Gujarat districts.