Gujarat Arts | Gujarati Arts

Gujarat experiences an aesthetic experience where the work of art results with the formal interest and commemorative interest making way together. Completely appealing and valuable, works of art in Gujarat differ widely in the proportions of its patterns to the element of Painting, Sculpture or any other – blend with beauty and usefulness. Arts present something to our sense – perceptions as they make way to articulate lifestyles. Gujarat stands unique with its verbal or nonverbal arts – a mixed combination with aesthetic appeal. It is famous for its dyeing, printing, bead and mirror work apart from traditional Bandhinis and Patolas which has a hand woven art for the traditional wear.

The arts and crafts have a rich cultural past and linked to the present modernity look. One can find diverse variety of Embroidery with Inheriting talent with a distinctive style of needlework and traditional arts. Wood carving, stone work, jewellery etc. are the other areas that make Gujarat, a classic hub of traditional arts and crafts.

In paintings, Oil, glass painting, kalamkari art form and Pethora, the tribal ritual paintings leave intricate frescos and the finesse with which the form comes alive with colors.

It is a watermark of Gujarati art styles. Paintings of decorative motifs on terracotta pots and clay made items are also very popular in the state of Gujarat.

The State also has a fantastic pool of artists, and a new breed of collectors and investors. The Painters and Photography artists are flourishing in Gujarat who are connected worldwide with their exhibitions and display of talent. The Academy of the Department provides opportunities for Group Exhibitions and show case talents at various places in Gujarat cities.


Government of Gujarat Undertaking: Gurjari and Garavi

Gurjari :- (Gujarat State Handicraft Development Corporation Ltd.)


Garvi :- (Gujarat State Handloom Development Corporation Ltd.)


The main objective is to identify, revive, development of handicrafts and handlooms of Gujarat. It has enhanced product base to deliver to cater to the needs of both the domestic and international markets. They are creating opportunities and set to open International Foreign markets for the artisans who create patolas, bandhnis, several types of leather products and are engaged in hand-block printing, terracotta, embroidery and weaving work.

Gujarat Tourism | Gujarat Fact File

Why  Gujarat  and Gujarat Tourism?
Some good reasons to travel to gujarat: -• Travelling is therapeautic
• Travelling is educational
• Travelling helps in learning diverse Culture Traits
• Gujarat harbours picturesque landscapes, historical sites
and long stretches of Coastlines
• A visit to Gujarat is rejuvenating, relaxing, Inspiring
• Relate to the vibrant culture and make friends
• Leave with spellbound Memories, lasting impressions
and life long learning

Gujarat Fact File:-
Area : 1,96,024 sq km
Population : 60,383,628
Capital : Gandhinagar
Principal Language : Gujarati
Other Languages : English, Hindi and other Indian languages
Literacy Rate : 79.31%
Rainfall : 93.2 cm
Temperature : Summer: min 25 degrees to 45 dig’s
Winter: min 15 degrees to max 35 dig’s
Season : November to February
Eco System : Ranges from deserts, scrublands, grasslands, deciduous forests, and wetlands to mangroves, coral reefs, estuaries, and gulfs.

Gujarat is one of the most diverse States in India. Its history stretches over a long years from the age old Harappan Civilization to the Mughal period. Gujarat's endless journey from Roots to Wings is timeless with historical and cultural traditions glorifying the State.

The Land of the Legends: - Gujarat, the Land of the Legends, is the birthplace of many Freedom fighters like the legendary Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and many others who fought the freedom struggle, infusing the qualities of tolerance, brotherhood, non-violence and patriotism into Indians.


Historical and Archaeological Monuments: - The cultural mix enhanced with over 4500 years of history has endowed Gujarat with some of the greatest historical and archaeological monuments. While Lothal offers an unparalleled insight into the Harappan civilization, Ahmedabad has specimens of Indo-Sarcenic architecture, Palitana has a profusion of temples in the Jain style, Junagadh displays Buddhist caves and Rajput architecture appears all over different parts of Gujarat. A major Tourist destination of immense potential, it’s historical monuments represent the great religions of Asia – Hindu, Buddhism, Jain, Islam, Parsi and Sikh.


Tourist visited Gujarat in past: - The total flow of tourist during the year 2006 – 07 was 12.34 million and recorded a growth of 15% over the previous year. Growth of 18.5% was observed in the tourist flow from foreign countries during 2006-07. With a number of more than 2 Lacs foreign tourists in 2006-07 and around 1.75 Lacs in 2005-06.

Gujarat Important Tourist Places

Ensembles, lifestyles and ways of living vary all over Gujarat. The fairs and festivals are full of enthusiasm, entertainment and spirituality. Gujarat is known world over for its Navratri celebration which sees people immersed in the spirit of dance for nine nights. The dance forms depend on the unique styles that have emerged in different cities. people have adopted this traditional dance and its varied forms by the name of ‘Garba’ and ‘Raas’.


Language is the very heart of our soul. Although the principal language of Gujarat is ‘Gujarati’ and other languages spoken are Hindi and English, Gujarat encompasses many languages and dialects throughout to its many regions, castes and traditions. People of North Gujarat speak ‘northern Gujarati’, Central Gujarat speaks ‘Charotari’, Saurashtra speaks ‘Kathiawadi’ , South Gujarat speaks ‘Surti’ and Kutchh speaks ‘Kutchi.’

Important Tourist Places
Major Cities
 Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar , Junagadh , Kutchh , Surat , Vadodara / Baroda

Major Towns
 Bhuj, Champaner , Chotta Udepur , Dabhoi , Danta , Dharampur , Dhoraji , Gondal , Halvad , Idar , Lakhpat , Mandvi, Morbi , Patan , Porbandar , Siddhapur, Vansada, Wadhvan, Wankaner, Zinzuwada

Important Tourist Places
Ahmedabad
The Jumma Masjid, Siddi Sayed Mosque, Sabarmati Ashram, The Pols, Sarkhej Roza, Teen Darwaja, Shah Alam Roza, Kankaria Lake, Hatheesing Jain Temple, Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary.

Bhavnagar
 Velavadar Black Buck Sanctuary, Horse Riding Club

Jamnagar
 Lakhota Fort / Museum and Kotha Bastion, Bala Hanuman Temple

Junagadh
 Ashoka's Rock Edicts, Uperkot Fort, Sakkarbaug Zoo, Gir Wildlife Sanctuary

Kutch
 Mandvi, Dholavira, Lakhpat, Anjar, Kakkad Bhit Yaksha , Hodka

Surat
 Dandi

Vadodara / Baroda
 The Laxmi Vilas Palace, Kirti Mandir, Vadodara Museum and Picture Gallery, Maharaja Sayajirao, Gaekwad University, The Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, 

Gujarat Major Towns

Gujarat is a home to incredible diversity due to its geographic and strategic location. Its Gujarati pride and rich cultural heritage is reflected in the arts, music, literature, religious traditions, cuisine, fairs and festivals of every city and place.

Major Towns
Bhuj
Champaner
Chotta Udepur
Dabhoi
Danta
Dharampur
Dhoraji
Gondal
Halvad
Idar
Lakhpat
Mandvi
Morbi
Patan
Porbandar
Siddhapur
Vansada
Wadhvan
Wankaner
Zinzuwada
The social life comprises various languages, customs, festivals, celebrations, costumes, food habits and dwellings of people living in different regions of Gujarat. The cultural edifice has been built in Gujarat due to its geographical, social, religious and occupational diversity. The humble natured, persevering and hard working Guajarati’s residing in its cities, towns and villages have expanded their economy and business ventures not only in Gujarat but all over India and the rest of the world.

Ensembles, lifestyles and ways of living vary all over Gujarat. The fairs and festivals are full of enthusiasm, entertainment and spirituality. Gujarat is known world over for its Navratri celebration which sees people immersed in the spirit of dance for nine nights. The dance forms depend on the unique styles that have emerged in different cities. people have adopted this traditional dance and its varied forms by the name of ‘Garba’ and ‘Raas’.

Language is the very heart of our soul. Although the principal language of Gujarat is ‘Gujarati’ and other languages spoken are Hindi and English, Gujarat encompasses many languages and dialects throughout to its many regions, castes and traditions. People of North Gujarat speak ‘northern Gujarati’, Central Gujarat speaks ‘Charotari’, Saurashtra speaks ‘Kathiawadi’ , South Gujarat speaks ‘Surti’ and Kutchh speaks ‘Kutchi.’

Major Cities and Places

Gujarat is a home to incredible diversity due to its geographic and strategic location. Its Gujarati pride and rich cultural heritage is reflected in the arts, music, literature, religious traditions, cuisine, fairs and festivals of every city and place.

Major Cities:

                Ahmedabad

                Bhavnagar

                Jamnagar

                Junagadh

                Kutchh

                Surat

                Vadodara / Baroda

The social life comprises various languages, customs, festivals, celebrations, costumes, food habits and dwellings of people living in different regions of Gujarat. The cultural edifice has been built in Gujarat due to its geographical, social, religious and occupational diversity. The humble natured, persevering and hard working Guajarati’s residing in its cities, towns and villages have expanded their economy and business ventures not only in Gujarat but all over India and the rest of the world.

Ensembles, lifestyles and ways of living vary all over Gujarat. The fairs and festivals are full of enthusiasm, entertainment and spirituality. Gujarat is known world over for its Navratri celebration which sees people immersed in the spirit of dance for nine nights. The dance forms depend on the unique styles that have emerged in different cities. people have adopted this traditional dance and its varied forms by the name of ‘Garba’ and ‘Raas’.


Language is the very heart of our soul. Although the principal language of Gujarat is ‘Gujarati’ and other languages spoken are Hindi and English, Gujarat encompasses many languages and dialects throughout to its many regions, castes and traditions. People of North Gujarat speak ‘northern Gujarati’, Central Gujarat speaks ‘Charotari’, Saurashtra speaks ‘Kathiawadi’ , South Gujarat speaks ‘Surti’ and Kutchh speaks ‘Kutchi.’

History of Gujarat - Influencing Modernity

In 1600’s, the Dutch, French, English and Portuguese – all established bases along the coast of the region acquiring several enclaves along the Gujarati coast, including Daman and Diu as well as Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

The British East India Company established a factory in Surat in 1614, which formed their first base in India, but it was eclipsed by Bombay after the British acquired it from Portugal in 1668. The Company wrested control of much of Gujarat from the Marathas during the Second Anglo-Maratha War. Many local rulers, notably the Maratha Gaekwads of Baroda (Vadodara), made a separate peace treaty with the British, and acknowledged British sovereignty in return for retaining local self-rule.

Gujarat was placed under the political authority of the Bombay Presidency, with the exception of Baroda state, which had a direct relationship with the Governor-General of India. From 1818 to 1947, most of present-day Gujarat, including Kathiawar, Kutch, and northern and eastern Gujarat were divided into dozens of princely states, but several districts in central and southern Gujarat, namely Ahmedabad, Broach (Bharuch), Kaira, Panch Mahals, and Surat, were ruled directly by British officials.

A new era began with the Independence movement started by leaders like Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Morarji Desai, K.M. Munshi, Narhari Parikh, Mahadev Desai, Mohanlal Pandya, Bhulabhai Desai and Ravi Shankar Vyas all who hailed from Gujarat. Gujarat became a place for some of the most popular revolts, including the Satyagrahas in Kheda, Bardoli, Borsad and the Salt Satyagraha.

Reference website: Gujaratindia.com

History of Gujarat - Medieval Invasions

The Muslim rule continued for 400 years. Gujarat's Muslim governor Zafar Khan Muzaffar asserted his independence, and established the first Muslim sultanate in Gujarat. He took advantage of the weak rulers of Delhi prevailing at the time. He declared independence and assumed the title of Muzaffar Shah. His successor, Ahmed I, the first independent Muslim ruler of Gujarat, found Ahmedabad in 1411 on the banks of the Sabarmati river.

Prior to this, Mahmud of Ghazni invaded Gujarat, A.D. 1026. He had vowed to invade India in order to destroy idolatry, kill the kafirs, capture prisoners of war and plunder the vast wealth for which Gujarat was known. Later, Allaudin Khilji invaded Gujarat in 1298 A.D.

Sultanate of Gujarat remained independent until 1576 when the Mughal emperor Akbar conquered it and annexed it to the Mughal Empire. The Mughal Emperor Akbar conquered Malwa and Gujarat in 1570s. The Mughals ruled for about 2 centuries till the streak was terminated by the Marathas in the mid 18th century. Chhatrapati Shivaji, the great Maratha ruler conquered Gujarat with his military skill.

Reference website: Gujaratindia.com

History of Gujarat - Ancient Roots

The first settlers in the State of Gujarat were Gujjars who happened to be an ethnic group of India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Although their originis remain uncertain, the clan appeared in northern India and in Saurashtra about the time of the Huna invasion. The name of the tribe was ‘sanskritized’ to ‘Gurjara’ who followed the main religions of Hinduism, Islam, Sikkism and Christianity.

However, the earliest Archeological traces indicate the Indus Valley Civilization as historical relics with the stone age settlements are found in Gujarat around Sabarmati and Mahi rivers. Its roots are also in the Harappan traces found at Lothal, Rampur, Amri and other places.

Ancient Gujarat was ruled by the Maurya Dynasty. Emperor Chandragupta Maurya conquered a number of states in Gujarat while his grandson, King Ashoka extended his domain in Gujarat. The reigns of the first three Mauryas were significant but with Ashoka’s death in 232 B C the Mauryan empire began to crumble,leading to political defragmentation. The Shungas who succeeded the Mauryas tried, unsuccessfully, to uphold the semblance of political unity.

After the fall of the Maurya Empire, the Sakas or Scynthians controlled the region from A.D. 130 to 390. Under Rudra-daman, their empire contained Malwa (in Madhya Pradesh), Saurashtra, Kutchh and Rajasthan. During the 300s and 400s, the area formed a part of the Gupta Empire which in turn was succeeded by the Maitraka Dynasty. It was during the rule of Dhruvasena Maitrak that the great Chinese traveler and philosopher Huien Tsang visited India in 640AD.

Between the decline of the Mauryan power and the coming of Saurashtra under the sway of the Samprati Mauryas of Ujjain, there was a Greek incursion into Gujarat led by Demetrius.

Three royal races of Hindus successively ruled over, namely, the Chawura, Solanki', and Baghilah races. The total number of individuals belonging to the tribes who held power amounted to twenty-three, and they retained possession of the country for five hundred and seventy-five years - previous to the period when Gujarat became subject to the Mohammedans. The Chawura tribe ruled one hundred and ninety-six years after which the power passed into the hands of the Solankhi tribe in the manner described.

It was during the 900s that the Solanki Dynasty came to power. Under the Solanki Dynasty, Gujarat reached to its greatest extent. It is believed that the Gujjars belonged to this Solanki Dynasty because Pratiharas, the Paramaras and the Solankis were imperial Gujjars. Ancient Gujarat’s last Hindu rulers were the Solanki clan of Rajputs from 960 AD to 1243 AD. It is also learnt, Karandev of the Vaghela dynasty was the last Hindu ruler of Gujarat and he was overthrown by the superior forces of Allauddin Khilji from Delhi in 1297.

Reference website: Gujaratindia.com

History of Gujarat - The Land of the Legends

Gujarat is a State in northwestern India, on the border with Pakistan and Rajasthan in the north east, Madhya Pradesh in the east, and Maharashtra and the Union territories of Diu, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli in the south. The Arabian Sea borders the state both to the west and the south west.

Gujarat:- The State took it’s name from the Gujara, the land of the Gujjars, who ruled the area during the 700’s and 800’s

 Reference website: Gujaratindia.com 

Gujarat, the land of rich culture and heritage

Gujarat, the land of rich culture and heritage! The abundance of this mystical experience unfolds its magic. Travelers, exploring the unique development of the festive season to join, folk art, music and dance performances of talent in originalities fun.

Above all, the Vedas and the Mahabharata for the survival of the Indus Valley civilization that dates back to the time for sightseeing.  The departing souls leave time as the sand on the steps of Gujarat, the land of the Mahatma and many freedom fighters, history has been acclaimed. It is also mixed with a rich cultural mix of archaeological monuments.  

Gujarat is also a change to the new rural old bygone era fusion of modern architecture emerged. The new regional flavors with different styles creates a mixture of international styles because of the high quality of construction and architecture of the developing state has emerged. The rich architectural tourism destination,

Gujarat Heritage spots' in order to focus on innovation projects in the fast-paced state and it revives history with a modern touch.  Such as Adalaj, Dada Hari ni vav at Patan or at Ahmedabad Ranki vav, better action on the water, the ground water and the stylistic characteristics of architectural typology, the trend in terms of Gujarat has a unique niche.