History of Surat

Surat today is known for its flourishing textile industry and world famous diamond industry. It is growing rapidly as people from all over the  country make a beeline to this historic city with a chequered past. 

Once known as Surya, the city is today the second largest in Gujarat, located on the banks of the Tapti River. The history of Surat is tale of many peaks and troughs that the city went through. Read on to know the details.

Arrival of Parsis: The Parsis arrived here in the 8th century and made the port city even more prosperous. The actual city as it is today was said to have been founded in the fifteenth century by Gopi, a Brahman, who named it Suryapur. Throughout its history it has changed ownership.

The Mughal Era: Around 610 it was under the rule of Qutbuddin until Qutbuddin Aibak captured it. The Marathas also reigned over Surat, contributing to its prosperity by promoting trade with the Gulf countries.

Mughals made it their chief commercial port and established a mint here. Even today the direct descendants of the Mughal royal family, the Amejee family, known as the Bhana family, have a strong presence.

The Portugese Era: Thereafter the Portuguese came into Surat around the early part of 1500s and ravaged the city, becoming masters by the end of the 16th century. Chhatrapati Shivaji attacked the city around 1664 and looted the Portuguese and Mughal treasuries.

The British Era: In the seventeenth century the British East India Company’s ships started to visit Surat. The British army eventually overcame the Portuguese and established a strong foothold in Surat, making it the seat of their Presidency and a location for their factory. 

The city was gifted to the English government as part of a dowry to Charles II in 1662 and the East India Company shifted operations to Mumbai, signaling a downturn for Surat. From 800000 the population fell to 80000 once the East India Company moved out and the city declined.