| 3,000 B.C. |
Lord Krishna stopped with his cows |
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The existence of Surat city dates back to the years of Mahabharat i.e. about year 3,000 B.C. It is said that Lord Krishna stopped with his cows on his transition from Mathura to Dwarka city and the images of the cow's foot prints are still visible to the devotees at a place popularly called "Gai Pagli" (Foot steps of cows).. |
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| 610 |
Lata Pradesh |
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In old Sanskrit scriptures, reference of "Lata Pradesh " is prominent. This area comprised of the entire South Gujarat belt. Western Chalukyas conquered Lata Pradesh in 610 AD and thereafter Hindu domain continued upto 12th century, when Kutb-ud-din, the general of Muhammad Shahb-ud-din Ghori penetrated upto Rander town. |
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| 625 |
A trading city on the western shore near Gujarat |
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Sir T. Herbert (1626) identified Surat with Muziris of Ptolemy and Ogilby. More lately, Surat has been supposed to be Hiouan Thsang's (625-640) "Sow-ra-ta", a trading city on the western shore near Gujarat. But according to Reinaud, this is not Surat on the river Tapi, but Sorath or Kathiawar and this view is now generally received by all. |
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| 1200 |
Learned Brahmins called city of Surat as Suryapur |
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Persian and Arab writers do not speak of Surat till after 12th century. As Abbe Reynal says, "at the beginning of 13th century, Surat was nothing more than a mean hamlet." Learned Brahmins called city of Surat as Suryapur (say around 15th/16th century) when Surat was already a city of great trade. Modern Surat is supposed to be built on the site of old Hindu town of Suryapur. Sir Monies Williams suggests that the old name of the town was "Suraj" (Sanskrit Surya)- city of sun. A Muhammadan ruler wishing to change its Hindu into one more significant Muslim domination, converted "Suraj" into "Surat" (a chapter in Kuran). |
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| 1200 |
Bunder- e-Khubsurat |
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Another story about naming of the town reveals that the Tapi river at surat was used as one of the major ports for exports and also for Muslim pilgrimage (Haj) to Mecca. In Farsi/Persian languages, this was recognised as "Bunder-e-Khubsurat",meaning a beautiful port. The word "SURAT" seems to have derived from this popular phraseology. |
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| 1200 |
Spices, silk, musk and porcelain was the major business |
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Long before Surat came into prominence, Rander was the principal commercial centre, south of Broach. It was ancient town where Arabs and Kafa came and settled in 11th/12th century. They over powered Jain population and became rulers. Trading with Malacca, China, Sumatra, etc., spices, silk, musk and porcelain was the major business. |
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| 1600 |
The port of Surat enjoyed great prosperity |
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As prosperity of Rander declined in 16th century, on account of raids by Portuguese, Surat began to assume importance. The port of Surat enjoyed great prosperity in 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. With rise of Bombay, it ceased to be a port of importance. |
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| 1347 |
- Subsequent to Muhammad Sahab-ud-din Ghori, the next mention of Surat is in 1347 A.D., in connection with the rebellion of Gujarat during the reign of Muhammad Tughlak (1325 to 1351). In 1373 A.D., the emperor Firoz Tughlak(1351 to 1388) is said to have built a fort at Surat to protect the town against Bhils. During 15th century, Muzzafar Shah was governor of Suart. |
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| 1496 |
In about 1496 to 1521, a rich Hindu trader called Gopi settled in Surat and he attracted other rich traders in the city. He built large houses, a garden and a small lake.(Gopipura, Ranichakla, etc.are named after him).Portuguese chronicles describe Mallik Gopi as Governor of Surat. |
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| 1512 |
Surat is said to have been burnt by the Portuguese |
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In 1512, shortly before Barbosu was in Gujarat, Surat is said to have been burnt by the Portuguese. Annoyed by the destruction of Surat, the Ahmedabad king gave order for building of a strong castle.(1546). |
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| 1559 |
Akbar marched on to Surat |
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In 1559-60 A.D. Changiz Khan came upto Surat and Portuguese sent him back. In 1572 A.D. Surat fell into the hands of Mirza, then in the rebellion against the emperor Akbar. In January 1573, Akbar marched on to Surat and after a vigorous seige of about six weeks, the fort surrendered. At the time of this conquest, Surat district comprised of 993 towns or villages and yeilded annual tax revenue of Rs.0.4 million. |
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| 1608 |
English people allowed to trade through this port |
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The first sign of opposition to Portuguese influence on Surat waters was in August, 1608 when an English ship arrived at river Tapi and commander Captain Hawkins brought message of His Majesty for emperor Jehangir, who later allowed English people to trade through this port. |
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| 1608-1615 |
Battles between English and Portuguese sailors |
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Years 1608 to 1615 witnessed many battles between English and Portuguese sailors for control over Surat waters. In 1624, first trade with Holland was negotiated through Surat with export cargo of Indigo |
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| 1608-1658 |
Export from Surat |
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During first half of 17th century (1608 to 1658), principal cargo of export from Surat was cloth, both silk and cotton. The cloth was used by all people from Cape of Good Hope to China. |
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| 1612 |
The British's established a Kothi. |
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| 1614 |
Sir Tomarso came to Surat . He met Jehangir Badshah and obtained the rights for commerce for east India company. |
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| 1620 |
French arrived in Surat for the first time in 1620 A.D. and started international trade with a modest beginning. After Portuguese, English and Dutch, they became the fourth European community to settle and commence trading relations with this historically prosperous city. |
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| 1658 |
One of the first and prosperous cities of India |
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During Moghul regeime, Surat generally enjoyed peace and rose to the level of one of the first and prosperous cities of India. However, during 49 years of Aurangzeb's reign (1658 to 1707), Surat's prosperity was checked by :(i) Maratha raids, headed by Chatrapati Shivaji (1664 to 1685), (ii) by growing importance of Bombay (1677 to 1707) and (iii) 27 years of increasing disorders by local governors. |
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| 1684 |
Outbreak of great plague affected social life of the city very badly from A.D.1684 to 1690. |
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| 1664 |
For the first time Shivaji looted Surat.. Shivaji attacked Surat seven times |
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| 1700 |
Since centuries, Surat has been popular for gold based "Jari" (Yarn) business and weaving activities, in addition to providing an export outlet for agro based products from Magdalla port. It is known that Maharaja Shivaji who ruled western India in 17th century, attacked Surat about seven times for valuable booty. |
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| 1800 |
The British's took possession of whole Surat completely during the era of Navab Nasiruddin. |
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1822 |
Surat witnessed unprecedented floods in the years 1822,1835,1837,1843 and 1849. Some of the floods were even named as "Mahajagat" (Ultra universal) floods. |
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| 1822 |
Surat witnessed major fire out breaks in 1822,1837,1842 and 1848. The fire of 1837 (20th April) was visible upto 30 miles and it destroyed about 9,373 houses with value approximating to Rs.4.6 million at that time. |
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| 1825 |
The kothis-big campus established by Portuguese in 1847 were closed on arrival of Validness. |
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| 1826 |
Government started Gujarati schools. First English school started in 1842 in the city. |
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| 1844 |
About 30,000 people participated in anti government agitation protesting against increase in salt levy by the Britishers. |
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| 1850 |
The first press was established by Surat literary society. |
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| 1850 |
1st July - Andrews library begun. |
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| 1852 |
15th August - The first meeting of municipality. The municipality came into existence legally. |
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| 1851 |
Poet Narmadashanker established association of democracy loving citizens in 1851/52 and started weekly publication of "Gyan Sagar".In 1851, missionaries started publication called "Peherejgir"under guidance of famous Shee Mahipatram. |
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| 1852 |
In Gopipura a girls school named Raichand Deepchand Primary Girls school was established. |
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| 1852 |
The municipality of Surat was established as long ago as 1852 and since then civic amenities like hospitals, public gardens,etc. have gradually been growing. |
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| 1857 |
Telegraph communication begun in Surat. |
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| 1860 |
Surat also participated in anti government agitations in 1860 and 1878 for protesting against ruthless tax laws. |
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| 1860 |
Railway station was constructed. |
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| 1861 |
In the field of Textiles, first major steps was taken by Zafarali Mills which started operations in 1861. In 1873, first Gin press was commissioned by Shree Pestonji Bejanji and Shree Gokuldas Sheth.By 1891, Surat had one weaving mill, one spinning mill, four gin presses, one Iron factory and one paper mill. |
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| 1863 |
`Surat Mitra' was started by Dinshah Ardeshar Taliyarkhan. It was renamed as `Gujarat Mitra' on 1.9.1864 |
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| 1865 |
Survey of the city was conducted. Road connecting Chock bazaar to station was constructed |
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| 1867 |
Municipalities office was brought in the existing building. |
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| 1870 |
Clock tower was established on the station road. for protection against the floods, a bridge over Makkai pool with sluice gate was constructed. |
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| 1870 |
Ranibaug (Gandhi baug at present) was introduced by the municipality. |
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| 1871 |
Registration of death and birth was introduced by municipality. |
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| 1877 |
1st May - Inauguration of hope pool. |
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| 1883-84 |
Saturday bazaar(Shani wari) commenced in Killa maidan. For the first time election process was introduced in the municipality and 12 members from twelve wards were elected. |
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| 1850-1899 |
During middle and last half of 19th century, Kavi Narmad carried out various activities for upliftment of society. |
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| 1853 |
The first news paper in Surat, "Surt-Mitra", was published on 13th September, 1853 ; its name was later changed to Gujarat - MIn old Sanskrit scriptures, reference of "Lata Pradesh" is prominent. This area comprised of the entire South Gujarat belt. Western Chalukyas conquered Lata Pradesh in 610 AD and thereafter Hindu domain continued upto 12th century, when Kutb-ud-din, the general of Muhammad Shahb-ud-din Ghori penetrated upto Rander town.itra. |
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| 1855 |
Municipality was entrusted administration of primary schools. |
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| 1864 |
Shree Premchand Raichand started first bank in Surat in 1864,viz.'Bank of Surat'.In the next year, 'The Bnk of Gujarat' commenced operations in this historic city". |
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| 1877 |
In 1877 was constructed a bridge across the Tapi at a cost of Rs.8,13,000. It is known as Hope Bridge and it has facilitated communication with Broch and its neighbouring area in the north. |
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| 1883 |
For the first time in India, a public body was incorporated for electricity business in 1883.(The Surat Electricity Co.Ltd.). |
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| 1898 |
1st January - Water distribution begun through water works constructed by municipality. |
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| 1898-99 |
Water taps were connected into the city |
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| 1899 |
1st April - Varachha water work was entrusted to the municipality. |
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| 1901 |
New act of municipality came into force. |
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| 1907 |
Smt. Naniben Gajar and Smt.Bajigauri Munshi established Vanita Vishram in 1907 for woman rights and charities. |
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| 1907 |
The holding of the historic 23rd session of the Indian national congress in Surat in 1907 A.D. was an event of great importance. Branch of Home Rule League established by Sir Annie Besant was established in Surat in 1915. . |
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| 1909 |
The strength of elected members was raised to by 2/3 rd of total strength. |
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As a chief administrator of the municipality chief officer was appointed |
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| 1914 |
Sarvajanik Educatuion Society was established by Shree Chunilal Ghelabhai Shah and associates in 1914 . This institution manages many educational organisations even today. |
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| 1915 |
Sir Ferdunji Sorabji Parekh donated Rs.46,000/- in 1915 (about Rs.2,500 million at today's price) to the Government of Surat for development of educational and cultural activities.
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| 1920 |
1st April - Free and compulsory education was introduced |
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| 1921 |
19th April - Mahatma Gandhi was awarded a letter of honour. |
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| 1925 |
24th October - Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was awarded a letter of honour. |
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| 1934 |
1st March - An act relating to adulteration was promulgated into the city |
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| 1935 |
Colleges for Law, Commerce and Ayurveda were started in 1935, 1942 and 1946 respectively. |
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| 1936 |
Vegetable market at Baranpuri Bhagal was constructed. |
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| 1939 |
6th Janurary - Unfolding of picture of Mahatma Gandhi at the hands of Sardar Patel. |
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| 1944 |
13th April - The municipality resolved that as long as British's are not ready to quit India, and continue to harass, till then, the work of municipality be stopped. |
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| 1946 |
8th February Municipality was re-established. |
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| 1947 |
Indian independence in 1947, 15th August |
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Surat has witnessed socio-political roller coster rides. Indian independence |
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| 1950 |
7th July - Spraying of D.D.T was undertaken to eradicate mosquito nuisance. |
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| 1950 |
17th October - Dr. Rajendra Parsad, president of India, unveiled the statue of mahatma Gandhi situated at Gandhi baug. |
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| 1952 |
Surat railway station was newly constructed. |
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| 1965 |
English class was opened in Raichand Deepchand School for girls. at Gopipura, thus english education for girls begun. |
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| 1966 |
1st October - Municipality was converted into corporation. |
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| 1980 |
19th April - Inauguration of Gandhi Smruti bhavan. |
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| 1991 |
22 July - Inauguration of sardar vallabh bhai Patel bridge (cost: Rs 14.31 crores) |
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| 1991 |
24th August - Narmad central library was inaugurated. |
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| 1995 |
16 December - Wier cum cause way was inaugurated (cost Rs. 35 crores) |
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| 1995 |
25th December - Sewage treatment plant at Bhesan was commenced (cost Rs. 8 crores) |
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| 1996 |
30th June - Inauguration of swami vivekanand bridge (cost Rs. 15 crores). |
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