History of Modern Gujarat

The ancient history of Gujarat is prosperous by their commercial activities and food. There is a historical evidence of trade practices and commerce ties with Sumer in the Persian Gulf during the time period of 1000 to 750 BC.

The history of Gujarat saw an Aryan invasion followed by a brief period of Greek rule, which also leads to the successful business and trade system establishment. There was also a succession of Hindu kingdoms including the era of the Guptas and culminating in the reign of the Solankis.

The 9th-century history of Gujarat was the emergence of the Muslims in the political arena of the Gujrat state. The first Muslim conqueror was Mohammad of Ghazni whose conquer of Somnath who ended the rule of the Solankis. The Mughals established and consolidated their rule from Delhi The rule of the Mughals lasted for two centuries before it was ended by the Marathas in the 18th century.

The early archaeological and geographical traces of ancient Gujarat can be found in the history of the Indus Valley civilization. The Indus Valley civilization is also known as the Harappan civilization. The Harappan civilization existed during the historical time-period from 3300 to 1700 BC. This has also played a significant role in the development of Gujrat.

Bharuch was port in ancient Gujarat had strategic importance during the Maurya and Gupta periods. Bharuch was also an important naval trading port. After the decline of the Gupta empire in the 6th century, ancient Gujarat was ruled by successive Hindu kings. Gujarat was always an important trading post from times immemorial.

Historical Places in Gujarat

Following are the 3 most famous places to visit in Gujrat

• Laxmi Vilas Palace in Baroda

  

The Laxmi Vilas Palace is situated in Vadodara, formerly Baroda is the hometown and residence of the royal family of Gaekwad of the Vadodara state. This is the true gem, a beautiful and marvelous palace was built by Maharaja Sayaji Rao III in the year 1890. Spread over 500 posh acres, the palace grounds of Laxmi Vilas Palace is one of the top historical places of Gujarat.

The beautiful palace is also famous been the largest private palace built till date, and is “four times the size of Buckingham Palace”. The Darbar Hall of the estate is available on rent for movie shooting and music concerts. So you can also have a feel of royalty.

• Sidi Saiyad Mosque in Ahmedabad

The Sidi Saiyad Mosque located in Ahmedabad is one of the greatest and oldest Mosques of India. It was constructed in the year 1573, the mosque was established by Sidi Sayed, who was a slave of Sultan Ahmed Shah. It is one of the last gifts of the Sultanate rule in Gujarat in the heart of Ahmedabad. People visit this place as it represents the rich historical culture of India.

This mosque is having a worldwide recognition, because of its amazing Indo-Saracenic architecture. The beautifully carved mosque is truly one of its kinds in the world. The Jali screen windows, crafted mesh of stylishly carved marble are an unforgettable treasure housed in the mosque.

• Rani Ki Vav in Patan

  

The Rani Ki Vav in Patan is a famous tourist attraction in Gujarat as well as in India also. It was built-in memory of King Bhimdev 1st  by his queen Udayamati, the huge step well is a popular historical site in Gujarat.The step well dates to 1063 AD. It was said to be filled by waters of the now extinct river Saraswati.

Facts about Gujrat

1. Rock Inscriptions in the Girnar Hills show that the Maurya Emperor Ashoka extended his domain into Gujarat in about 250 BC.
2. The Mughal Emperor Akbar conquered Malwa and Gujarat in the 1570s.
3. Ahmedabad became the chief city of the new State and housed the State
4. Gujarat has 4 national parks and 21 Sanctuaries
5. The Whale Shark breed on the coasts of Gujarat
6. Gujarat is derived from Sanskrit (Gurjar-Rashtra), the Gurjar nation.