Often referred to as the “Diamond City of India,” Surat is an energetic commercial hub in the state of Gujarat. Rich in heritage, diversified culture, and economic relevance, Surat presents a great mix of traditional charm and modern dynamism. Here are some interesting facts about Surat that reveal why the city stands out.
1. A Diamond City
Surat is globally known as the “Diamond City.” Almost 90% of the world’s rough diamonds are cut and polished here, and amazingly, 99.9% of all diamonds processed in India come from Surat. The diamond industry here has significantly contributed to the local and national economy, generating most of the revenue for major airports like Mumbai and Ahmedabad through diamond exports.
2. The Silk City of India
Surat is known as the “Silk City of India” due to its booming textile industry. Surat stands as the biggest manmade fabric hub in India and also boasts over 380 dying and printing mills, along with more than 41,000 power looms. Around 40% of India’s artificial fabric is produced in Surat, which makes the place very popular all over the country for shopping textiles.
3. A Clean City in India
The city has always been ranked among the cleanest cities in India. Surat made major leaps forward in maintaining excellent hygiene and sanitation after a severe plague in 1994. The Surat railway station was declared the cleanest railway station in the country in 2016. Surat bounced back with great resilience despite the floods and other natural disasters and has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the world.
4. High Literacy Rate
Literacy is considered to be one of the highest in India, standing at an average of 89%, compared to the national average of 79.5%. The emphasis on education has ranked Surat the world’s fourth fastest-growing city, according to several international surveys. Surat houses many quality learning institutions; a veritable hub for learning and disseminating knowledge.
5. The Richest Municipal Corporation of India
Surat Municipal Corporation is regarded as the wealthiest municipal corporation in India. The flourishing economy of Surat, along with prudent governance enables the city to thrive even during the economic downturn and irrespective of global recessions having significant impact.
6. Headquartered by Top Engineering Companies
The Hazira Industrial belt along the Arabian Sea has some of the biggest engineering companies in India. Major players like Reliance Industries, Essar, ONGC, Shell, L&T, and GSPC operate here, making Surat a major industrial center and an important gainer for its economic growth.
7. Established Road and Highway Surveillance in India
Surat was the first city in India to put CCTV cameras on roads and at traffic points. It eased public safety and security conditions in the place. It began with the installation of 104 cameras at 23 locations, becoming a model for other towns in the country.
8. Mahabharata Reference
Surat has ancient roots, as it is believed to be mentioned in the ancient Hindu epic, Mahabharata. The city was originally named Suryapur by a Brahmin called Gopi since, according to tradition, Lord Krishna, on his way from Mathura to Dwarka, was supposed to have stopped over.
9. A Notable Trading Centre Under Mughal Rule
During the Mughal period, Surat was one of the busiest ports in India. Situated at a strategic location on the Arabian Sea, it was one of the most important centers of trade between India and other countries, especially for textiles and spices.
10. Famous for its Scrumptious Street Food
Surat is a food lover’s paradise with delectable street food and popular delicacies like Undhiyu, Locho, Surti Ghari, and Khaman – loved as much by locals as by visitors. Every palate of a traveler looks for its unique taste. Additonally, An exciting mix of Gujarati, Mughlai, and Parsi cuisines gives an intrinsic gastronomic experience.
11. The City of Fly Overs
It is known as the “City of Flyovers” because it has a very well-planned road network that consists of many flyovers and underpasses. These constructions see to it that traffic moves smoothly without any congestion, making traveling easy for the people living there
12. The Unique Diamond Museum.
Surat has a diamond museum that reflects the history and craftsmanship of this industry, giving everyone a firsthand look into the interesting cutting and polishing world of diamonds and placing Surat on the world map.
Conclusion
Surat is not just a city; it’s a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. From its unparalleled diamond and textile industries to its rich heritage and vibrant community life, Surat remains a city that captivates both its residents and visitors alike. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a food lover, or an entrepreneur, Surat has something unique to offer.
