Gujarat :- The Land of Glorious History and Living Architecture
Detailed History
The history of Gujarat has been extremely rich and glorious since ancient times. This land was the center of famous cities of the Indus Valley Civilization like ‘Lothal‘ and ‘Dholavira‘. According to mythological beliefs, Lord Krishna made Dwarka his capital after leaving Mathura. During the medieval period, the Solanki kings ruled here, a period referred to as the ‘Golden Age‘ of Gujarat. Subsequently, the influence of the Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, and Maratha rulers prevailed. Gujarat’s role in the formation of modern India is incomparable, as it is the birthplace of great personalities like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Present-day Gujarat came into existence on May 1, 1960, after separating from Bombay State on a linguistic basis.
Detailed Architecture
- Exterior Design :- The architecture of Gujarat showcases a wonderful confluence of Hindu, Jain, and Islamic styles, known as the ‘Indo-Saracenic‘ style. The outer walls of temples here, such as Somnath and Modhera Sun Temple, feature extremely fine carvings of deities, dancers, and mythological tales. The ‘Vavs‘ (Stepwells) of Gujarat, like ‘Rani ki Vav’, present a matchless example of architecture with their seven-story depth and thousands of sculptures.
- Interior Design :- The interiors of buildings are often decorated with geometric patterns and floral carvings. The sanctum sanctorum and assembly halls of temples have tall carved pillars that support the entire weight of the ceiling. Houses in the old ‘Pols’ (traditional residential areas) have carved wooden windows and balconies, scientifically designed to keep the home cool during summers.
Travel Guide & Routes
- Timings and Tickets :- Most government tourism sites and temples remain open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Tickets for monuments like ‘Rani ki Vav’ and ‘Statue of Unity’ can range from ₹40 to ₹1500 (depending on the package).
- How to Reach :-
- Air :- Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is the main gateway. Major airports are also located in Vadodara, Surat, and Rajkot.
- Rail :- Gujarat has a very strong rail network. Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat are major railway junctions connected to every corner of the country.
- Road :- The roads here are considered among the best in India. State transport buses and private taxis are available to reach every small and big city.
- Photography Spots :- The White Rann of Kutch (at sunset), Statue of Unity, and the lattice work of Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in Ahmedabad.
- Local Taste & Markets :- Dhokla, Fafda-Jalebi, and the Gujarati Thali are world-famous. For shopping, Ahmedabad’s ‘Law Garden‘ and ‘Lal Darwaza‘ markets are best for traditional handicrafts and Bandhani sarees.
Interesting Facts
- Gujarat is the state with the longest coastline in India (approx. 1600 km).
- The world’s tallest statue, the ‘Statue of Unity‘ (182 meters), is located in Kevadia, Gujarat.
- The ‘Rann of Kutch‘ in Gujarat is the world’s largest salt desert.
- ‘Gir National Park‘, the only natural habitat of Asiatic lions, is in Gujarat.
- Surat city is the hub for cutting and polishing 90% of the world’s diamonds.
Important Questions and Answer :-
Question 1:- What is the best time to visit Gujarat?
Answer:- The period between October and March is best, as the weather is pleasant and the ‘Rann Utsav‘ can be enjoyed.
Question 2:- Is alcohol consumption prohibited in Gujarat?
Answer:- Yes, Gujarat is a ‘Dry State‘; sale and consumption of alcohol are banned. However, special permit facilities are available for tourists.
Question 3:- Why is ‘Rani ki Vav’ famous?
Answer:- It is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its amazing water harvesting system and the sculptures of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu carved on its walls.
Question 4:- Is a permit required to visit the Rann of Kutch?
Answer:- Yes, for border security reasons, it is mandatory for tourists to obtain a permit online or at the check-post to enter the Rann of Kutch.
Question 5:- What is the most famous dance of Gujarat?
Answer:- ‘Garba’ and ‘Dandiya‘ are the most famous folk dances of Gujarat, performed with great enthusiasm especially during Navratri.
Author’s Perspective
In my view, Gujarat is a state that stands at the forefront of modernity while carefully preserving its traditions. The spirit of hospitality (Atithi Devo Bhava) here makes you feel at home. The true magic of Gujarat lies in a moonlit night at the ‘White Rann’ and the echoing chants of the evening Aarti at Somnath Temple. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or looking to learn something new from a business perspective, Gujarat should be at the top of your list. It is not just a tourist destination, but a living example of progress and entrepreneurship.
“The grandeur of history and a new definition of development – Welcome to colorful Gujarat.”