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GUJARAT : STATIC STATE GK

STATE MAP

  •       Capital: Gandhinagar
  • Largest City: Ahmedabad
  • Formation: Gujarat was formed on May 1, 1960, after the bifurcation of the state of Bombay.
  • Chief Minister: Bhupendra Patel
  • Governor: Acharya Devvrat
  • Area: 196,024 square kilometers
  • Population: Over 60 million (as per the last census in 2011)
  • Density: Approximately 308 persons per square kilometer
  • Major Rivers: Sabarmati, Narmada, Tapi, and Mahi
  • Highest Point: Guru Peak (1,110 meters) in the Aravalli Range
  • Official Language: Gujarati
  • Official Animal: Asiatic Lion
  • Official Bird: Greater Flamingo
  • Official Tree: Mango
  • Industries: Gujarat is an industrial powerhouse, known for petrochemicals, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.
  • Ports: It has the largest coastline in India and major ports like Kandla and Mundra.
  • Gandhinagar: Planned as the capital city, it is known for its organized layout and infrastructure.
  • Dholavira: One of the five largest Harappan sites, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing ancient urban planning.
  • Statue of Unity: The world’s tallest statue, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is located in Gujarat.
  • Dandi March: The iconic Salt March led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930 began from Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad.
  • Sabarmati Ashram: Founded by Mahatma Gandhi, it played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle.
  • Navaratri Festival: Gujarat is famous for its vibrant Navaratri celebrations, featuring traditional Garba and Dandiya dances.
  • Kite Festival: The International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad attracts participants and spectators from around the world.
  • Wildlife: Gir National Park is the sole home of the Asiatic lion, a critically endangered species.
  • Bhuj: Known for its historic architecture, Bhuj suffered significant damage in the 2001 earthquake.
  • Rann of Kutch: The White Rann, a vast salt desert, is a unique natural phenomenon and a popular tourist destination.
  • Bhavnagar: It is home to the Takhteshwar Temple and the Gandhi Smriti Museum.
  • Surat: A major center for diamond cutting and polishing, it is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world.
  • Education Hub: Cities like Vadodara and Ahmedabad are known for premier educational institutions like IIM Ahmedabad and MS University.
  • Gujarat High Court: Located in Ahmedabad, it serves as the highest judicial body in the state.
  • Girnar Mountain: A major pilgrimage site with a collection of beautifully carved Jain temples.
  • Indus Valley Civilization: Lothal, an archaeological site in Gujarat, was a major center of the Indus Valley Civilization.
  • Saptak Music Festival: An annual classical music festival held in Ahmedabad, attracting renowned artists.
  • Gujarati Cuisine: Known for its diverse vegetarian dishes, including Dhokla, Khandvi, and Fafda.
  • Jama Masjid: Located in Ahmedabad, it is one of the most magnificent mosques in India.
  • Dwarka: An important pilgrimage site for Hindus, believed to be the kingdom of Lord Krishna.
  • Sardar Sarovar Dam: A major dam on the Narmada River, contributing to irrigation and power generation.
  • Textile Heritage: Gujarat is renowned for its traditional textiles, including Patola silk sarees and Bandhani tie-dye.
  • Bardoli Satyagraha: Led by Sardar Patel in 1928, it was a successful non-violent protest against oppressive British taxation.
  • Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with historical and archaeological significance.
  • Junagadh: Known for Uparkot Fort, Mahabat Maqbara, and the Girnar Temples.
  • Agriculture: Gujarat is a major producer of cotton, groundnuts, and various fruits and vegetables.
  • Rani Ki Vav: A stepwell in Patan, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its intricate architecture.
  • Vadnagar: The birthplace of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with historical sites like Sharmishtha Lake.
  • Gujarat Science City: Located in Ahmedabad, it is an interactive and educational initiative in the field of science.
  • Tithal Beach: A picturesque beach in Valsad with black sand and calm waters.
  • Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary: A haven for migratory birds, particularly during the winter months.
  • Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City): An ambitious project aiming to be India’s next financial hub.
  • Aji Dam: A popular spot for picnics and recreational activities in Rajkot.
  • Gujarat Day: Celebrated on May 1st, commemorating the formation of the state in 1960.
  1. Dholera Smart City: An ambitious project, Dholera is envisioned as a futuristic smart city, considered one of the largest in India.
  2. Gujarat’s Maritime History: The state has a rich maritime history dating back to the ancient seaports of Lothal and Dholavira during the Indus Valley Civilization.
  3. Rani-ki-Vav as World’s Best Stepwell: In 2014, Rani-ki-Vav in Patan was declared the “Cleanest Iconic Place” and the “Best Maintained Tourist Place” by the Indian Ministry of Tourism.
  4. Gujarat’s Salt Pans: The Little Rann of Kutch is home to extensive salt pans, contributing significantly to India’s salt production.
  5. Fossil Park: The Shakarpura Fossil Park in Sabarkantha district showcases fossilized tree trunks dating back millions of years.
  6. Amul Cooperative: Anand in Gujarat is the birthplace of the Amul cooperative movement, transforming dairy farming and making Amul a global brand.
  7. Gir Forest National Park: Apart from the Asiatic lions, Gir is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including leopards, hyenas, and various species of deer.
  8. Girnar Temples’ Stairs: Climbing the 10,000 steps to reach the temples on Girnar Mountain is considered a significant pilgrimage for Jains and Hindus.
  9. Vibrant Gujarat Summit: An international business event held biennially, attracting global leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs.
  10. Sidi Saiyyed Mosque: Located in Ahmedabad, it is known for its intricate stone lattice screens, including the famous “Tree of Life” window.
  11. Gujarat’s Jyotirlingas: The state is home to two of the twelve Jyotirlingas, important pilgrimage sites for Lord Shiva devotees – Somnath and Nageshwar.
  12. Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram: Mahatma Gandhi’s residence during the Indian independence movement, it is now a museum showcasing his life and teachings.

  1. World’s Largest Shipbreaking Yard: Alang, near Bhavnagar, is one of the largest shipbreaking yards globally, recycling ships from around the world.
  2. Gujarat’s Handicrafts: The state is known for its vibrant handicrafts, including Kutch embroidery, Bandhani, and Patola silk weaving.
  3. Traditional Garba: The Garba dance during Navaratri is not only a religious dance but also a significant cultural celebration.
  4. Makar Sankranti Kite Flying: The festival of Makar Sankranti sees the sky filled with colorful kites as part of the traditional kite-flying competition.
  5. Gandhinagar Akshardham: The Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar is a magnificent architectural marvel, showcasing traditional Indian craftsmanship.
  6. Gujarat’s Multiple Religions: The state is a melting pot of diverse religious communities, including Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Sikhs, and Christians.
  7. Gujarat Cricket Association Stadium: Located in Ahmedabad, it is one of the largest stadiums in India and has hosted numerous international cricket matches.
  8. Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary: A paradise for birdwatchers, Nal Sarovar is home to migratory birds like flamingos, pelicans, and geese.
  9. Mandvi Beach: Known for its serene beauty, Mandvi Beach in Kutch is a popular destination for beach lovers.
  10. Gujarat’s Multiple Festivals: Apart from Navaratri and Diwali, festivals like Uttarayan (Kite Festival) and Holi are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
  11. Girnar Parikrama: A traditional ritual involves circumambulating the Girnar mountain, considered a sacred pilgrimage among Jains.
  12. Gujarat’s Geological Diversity: The state has diverse landscapes, including the Girnar Hills, Aravalli Range, and the coastal areas along the Arabian Sea.
  13. Dwarka Underwater Archaeology: Ongoing archaeological explorations off the coast of Dwarka have revealed submerged structures, raising interest in its ancient history.