Gujarat-Location

Gujarat is the westernmost state in India. It is situated on the western part of the Indian sub-continent. It is bordered on the northeast by Rajasthan state, on the east by Madhya Pradesh state, on the southeast by Maharashtra state, on the south and southwest by the Arabian Sea, and on the northwest by Pakistan.

The capital of the state is Gandhinagar, on the outskirts of Ahmadabad, the former capital and largest city in the state. The state covers an area of 196,024 sq km. Gujarat derives its name 'Gujaratta' meaning the land of Gurjaras. The known history of Gujarat dates from about 250 BC. During the 4th and 5th centuries AD, it formed a part of the Gupta empire. Gujarat has two official languages: Gujarati, which is derived from Sanskrit, and Hindi. The region was part of the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century BC under the King Ashoka. In 1818 the English East India Company took control of Gujarat, administering the state through local princely rulers.

Gujarat is the home state of Mahatma Gandhi and is a remarkable coastal state rich in crafts, history and natural beauty. It is one of India's most industrialized states in western India. Gujarat is a leader in various industrial sectors such as Chemicals, Petrochemicals, Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, Dairy, Cement & Ceramics, Textiles, Engineering and Gems & Jewellery.

The state encompasses major sites of the Indus Valley Civilization such as Lothal and Dholavira. Gujarat played an important role in the economic history of India throughout the history of India. It is home to major ports in India's ancient and modern history, leading it to become one of the main trade and commerce center of India. Lothal one of the world's first ports is located in Gujarat.

The important rivers of the state are Tapti, Narmada, Sabarmati and Mahi. The State has an international boundary with the Pakistan at the north-western fringe. The two deserts, one north of Kachchh and the other between Kachchh and the mainland Gujarat are saline wastes. It has the longest coast line 1600 kms, dotted with 41 ports; 1 major, 11 intermediate and 29 minor ports.