The
name ‘GUJARAT’ is said to have been derived from
“Prakrit Gujjar Ratta” or “Gujjar Rashtra” –
the land of the Gujjar’s a tribe that entered India
with the Huns in ancient times and wondering through.
Punjab & Rajasthan settled in Western India. Gujarat
is a land of enterprising people with the admirable
aesthetic sense and a sharp business acumen. Gujarat’s
history can be traced back to antiquity. Modern Gujarat
is deeply traditional part of India. With the Arabian
Sea lapping its western frontier, Gujarat has been
exposed to a succession of alien races. In the process,
it has imbibed elements of variety of culture and yet
retained its cultural identity.
The
excavated ancient port of Lothal near Ahmedabad and
Dholavira at Kutch, bears testimony to Gujarat’s 4500
years of history. An important trade centre of the
Pre-Aryan Harappan Civilization. Lothal had a trade
links with the ancient civilization of Sumer, Babylon
and, Egypt and is believed to have survived five
centuries.
Champaner
in the due course of time proved to be a most rewarding
and an important site from the archaeological and
historical point of view. Many artifacts made by men
during the Pre-Historic times have been discovered here.
Muhammad Begda shifted his capita from Ahmedabad to
Champaner for some time because of some diplomatic
reason, he developed the town and constructed some very
nice places. It has been declared as World Heritage Site
in 2004.
Gujarat
continues to be the home of traditional arts and crafts
like weaving, block printing and stone carving, which
have been perfected here through the centuries.
It
draws thousands of pilgrims who visit the ancient temple
incrusted sacred hills of Girnar and Palitana. Like the
rest of India, Gujarat marks the turn of the seasons,
celebrates the reaping of the harvest with an out
pouring of song, dance and revelry. These are the best
times to enjoy Gujarat’s fabulous folk dances, see its
most colorful constumes and joined in the fun and
frolic.
Gujarat’s
wild life, the Asiatic Lion in Gir, Black-buck in
Velavadar, Wild Ass’s in Little rann of Kutch, Its
marine life in Piroten Island, Its miles of unspoiled
beaches like Mandvi, Diu and Daman, its mild and
pleasant climate, make it an ideal location for nature
lovers and holiday makers. It is superb heritage of art
and architecture. Its colorful and spontaneous people
with their tradition costumes and life-style; provide a
rare travel experience for the tourist.
