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GUJARAT
STATE INFO
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 Area:
196,000 sq km
Population: 41 million
Capital city: Gandhinagar
Main languages: Gujarati, Hindi, English
Gujarat has always been a popular
tourist destination, mainly due to the wildlife sanctuaries, 'The
Ranns of Kutch'. The Sasan Gir National Park is yet another popular
pastime where one can come across lions. Most cities in this state
also give the visitor a good chance to visit India in her rustic
flavour.
It's
not one of India's most visited regions, but has long been
an important centre for Jains. It is one of India's wealthiest states,
supporting modern industrial complexes as well as thriving village
handicrafts. The last Asiatic lions are here, and the pleasant beaches
make for a good evening. The state has also seen many a rulers seize
the throne in the past. However, to this day Gujaratis have reached
 different
corners of the world and in most continents have a sizable Gujarati
population with its own "Gujarat Association". 'Patel Motels' in
the USA are owned by the Patel community from Gujarat which seems
to have a monopoly on both American motels and British supermarkets.
Two hundred
years of Muslim rule from the 13th century was
initially marred by destructive impulses but later led to a fruitful
amalgamation of Muslim, Jain and Hindu architecture, giving rise
to the unique building styles still apparent in the area today.
Surprisingly, the British were the least successful interlopers,
the eastern portion of Gujarat surviving British rule as a collection
of princely states right up to Independence. In 1960 the current
borders of Gujarat were established, creating today's linguistically
unified state.
 People
are divided into three major groups in terms of religion - the Hindus,
Jains and the Muslims, with the size of the communities divided
in that order. Besides the pure Gujaratis, there are also those
from Saurashtra and the people from Kutch, who have distinct cultures
and speak in different dialects.There are two distinct dialects
of Gujarati, in Saurashtra and Kutch.
Shopping:
Gujarat is especially known for its SarisMany of  these
are intricately designed with inlaid Zari work. The Patola Silk
from Patan is famous and one of the biggest selling fabrics in some
of the larger cities. It is famous for Bandhnis, traditional Gagra-
Cholis are known to be excellent craftsmen, and there is a rich
arsenal of arts and crafts at the government handicraft centres.
Jamnagar is famous for its tie-and-dye fabrics and brightly coloured
embroidery work.
State Info HandicraftsHistoryTravel
AgentsFestivals
CitiesPlaces
of worship
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