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.
- Dholera Smart City: An ambitious project, Dholera is envisioned as a futuristic smart city, considered one of the largest in India.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gujarat’s Salt Pans: The Little Rann of Kutch is home to extensive salt pans, contributing significantly to India’s salt production.
- Fossil Park: The Shakarpura Fossil Park in Sabarkantha district showcases fossilized tree trunks dating back millions of years.
- Amul Cooperative: Anand in Gujarat is the birthplace of the Amul cooperative movement, transforming dairy farming and making Amul a global brand.
- 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.
- Girnar Temples’ Stairs: Climbing the 10,000 steps to reach the temples on Girnar Mountain is considered a significant pilgrimage for Jains and Hindus.
- Vibrant Gujarat Summit: An international business event held biennially, attracting global leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs.
- Sidi Saiyyed Mosque: Located in Ahmedabad, it is known for its intricate stone lattice screens, including the famous “Tree of Life” window.
- Gujarat’s Jyotirlingas: The state is home to two of the twelve Jyotirlingas, important pilgrimage sites for Lord Shiva devotees – Somnath and Nageshwar.
- Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram: Mahatma Gandhi’s residence during the Indian independence movement, it is now a museum showcasing his life and teachings.
- World’s Largest Shipbreaking Yard: Alang, near Bhavnagar, is one of the largest shipbreaking yards globally, recycling ships from around the world.
- Gujarat’s Handicrafts: The state is known for its vibrant handicrafts, including Kutch embroidery, Bandhani, and Patola silk weaving.
- Traditional Garba: The Garba dance during Navaratri is not only a religious dance but also a significant cultural celebration.
- Makar Sankranti Kite Flying: The festival of Makar Sankranti sees the sky filled with colorful kites as part of the traditional kite-flying competition.
- Gandhinagar Akshardham: The Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar is a magnificent architectural marvel, showcasing traditional Indian craftsmanship.
- Gujarat’s Multiple Religions: The state is a melting pot of diverse religious communities, including Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Sikhs, and Christians.
- Gujarat Cricket Association Stadium: Located in Ahmedabad, it is one of the largest stadiums in India and has hosted numerous international cricket matches.
- Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary: A paradise for birdwatchers, Nal Sarovar is home to migratory birds like flamingos, pelicans, and geese.
- Mandvi Beach: Known for its serene beauty, Mandvi Beach in Kutch is a popular destination for beach lovers.
- Gujarat’s Multiple Festivals: Apart from Navaratri and Diwali, festivals like Uttarayan (Kite Festival) and Holi are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
- Girnar Parikrama: A traditional ritual involves circumambulating the Girnar mountain, considered a sacred pilgrimage among Jains.
- Gujarat’s Geological Diversity: The state has diverse landscapes, including the Girnar Hills, Aravalli Range, and the coastal areas along the Arabian Sea.
- Dwarka Underwater Archaeology: Ongoing archaeological explorations off the coast of Dwarka have revealed submerged structures, raising interest in its ancient history.