Gujarat, on the western coast of India, has experienced the advent of a man and is fortunate in having a rich heritage of historical records among the states of Indian sub-continent. The history of Gujarat is very ancient and dates back to pre-historic age. The entire history of Gujarat can be summarized into three periods- ancient, medieval and modern periods.
Ancient Period
The name Gujarat is derived from 'Gujaratta' or 'Gujartra' that is the land protected by or ruled by Gujars. The word Gujarat gained currency during Chalukya period (942-1299 AD). They passed through Punjab and settled in some parts of Western India, which came to be known as Gujarat. The Gurjars ruled the land during 8th and 9th centuries AD, followed by Muslim rulers until the end of the 13th century. Gujarat then came under the control of Mughals and the Marathas in the mid 18th century followed by British in 1818. The British rule continued till India got her independence in 1947. Before this, parts of Gujarat were known as Anarta, Lata and Saurashtra. Another opinion regarding Gurjars is that they belonged to Central Asia and came to India during the first century. Gujarat was also inhabited by the citizens of the Indus Valley and Harappan civilizations. This was fortified by the excavations at Lothal and Dholavira.
Pre-History Period
The period before the advent of writing is called as pre-history to differentiate it from authentic documented history. The pre-history of Gujarat begins with the first appearance of the early man on banks of Sabarmati.
Proto-Historic period
The period, which bridges the gulf between pre-history and history, is proto-history. The proto-history period of Gujarat covers the period between 2500 BC to 500 BC. During this period it was Harappan culture and Yadav rule that has dominated the historical account. As per references from Vedas, Puranas, Buddha and Jain literature, Lord Krishna has established dynastic rule of Yadavs at Dwarka around 1000 BC. Maurya, Indo-Greek, Kahatrapas, Gupta, Maitrak & Chalukya period is upto 1297 AD. The real political history of Gujarat begins with the establishment of Mauryan rule in Gujarat. Between the decline of Mauryan power and Saurashtra coming under the sway of Samprati Mauryas of Ujjain, there was Greek incursion into Gujarat lead by Dernetrious. For nearly 400 years from the start of first century, Saka rulers played a prominent part in Gujarat's history.
Medieval Period
Sultans of Delhi & Gujarat and Muslim period is up to 1758 AD. Before Muslims finally entrenched themselves into Gujarat in 1298 AD, the Muslims had only an occasional contact with this part of India. It was only after the defeat of Karnadeva Vaghela at the hands of Alauddin Khilji, Muslim rule continued for nearly 400 years either under Delhi's viceroyalty or under Muslim Sultanate. The decline of Sultanate started with the assassination of Skinder Shah. The defeat of Bahadur Shah, the last sultan under the hands of the great Mughal emperor Akber marked the beginning of the Mughal rule, which lasted for almost 185 years.
Modern Period
The Marathas and British Rule up to 1947 AD. Chatrapati Shivaji, the great Maratha ruler, attacked Surat twice that marked the entry of Marathas in Gujarat. However, before Marathas inroads into Gujarat, the Europeans had made their presence felt here with Portuguese leading them followed by the Dutch and English. Madhorao Gaekwad joined alliance with the British in 1802 and gradually it resulted in in the end of Maratha rule over Gujarat and paramountcy of British rule in 1819.
Pre-Independence
Gujarat has played a key role in the freedom struggle specially after Mahatma Gandhi's taking over the leadership of the freedom movement. India achieved independence on 15th August 1947 and a bilingual state of Gujarat and Maharashtra were formed. Then the sun once again rose over the glory of Gujarat on 1st May 1960 when a separate state of Gujarat was formed. Today, the state has once again taken the lead in industry, commerce and culture for which it was known for thousands of centuries.
Ancient Period
The name Gujarat is derived from 'Gujaratta' or 'Gujartra' that is the land protected by or ruled by Gujars. The word Gujarat gained currency during Chalukya period (942-1299 AD). They passed through Punjab and settled in some parts of Western India, which came to be known as Gujarat. The Gurjars ruled the land during 8th and 9th centuries AD, followed by Muslim rulers until the end of the 13th century. Gujarat then came under the control of Mughals and the Marathas in the mid 18th century followed by British in 1818. The British rule continued till India got her independence in 1947. Before this, parts of Gujarat were known as Anarta, Lata and Saurashtra. Another opinion regarding Gurjars is that they belonged to Central Asia and came to India during the first century. Gujarat was also inhabited by the citizens of the Indus Valley and Harappan civilizations. This was fortified by the excavations at Lothal and Dholavira.
Pre-History Period
The period before the advent of writing is called as pre-history to differentiate it from authentic documented history. The pre-history of Gujarat begins with the first appearance of the early man on banks of Sabarmati.
Proto-Historic period
The period, which bridges the gulf between pre-history and history, is proto-history. The proto-history period of Gujarat covers the period between 2500 BC to 500 BC. During this period it was Harappan culture and Yadav rule that has dominated the historical account. As per references from Vedas, Puranas, Buddha and Jain literature, Lord Krishna has established dynastic rule of Yadavs at Dwarka around 1000 BC. Maurya, Indo-Greek, Kahatrapas, Gupta, Maitrak & Chalukya period is upto 1297 AD. The real political history of Gujarat begins with the establishment of Mauryan rule in Gujarat. Between the decline of Mauryan power and Saurashtra coming under the sway of Samprati Mauryas of Ujjain, there was Greek incursion into Gujarat lead by Dernetrious. For nearly 400 years from the start of first century, Saka rulers played a prominent part in Gujarat's history.
Medieval Period
Sultans of Delhi & Gujarat and Muslim period is up to 1758 AD. Before Muslims finally entrenched themselves into Gujarat in 1298 AD, the Muslims had only an occasional contact with this part of India. It was only after the defeat of Karnadeva Vaghela at the hands of Alauddin Khilji, Muslim rule continued for nearly 400 years either under Delhi's viceroyalty or under Muslim Sultanate. The decline of Sultanate started with the assassination of Skinder Shah. The defeat of Bahadur Shah, the last sultan under the hands of the great Mughal emperor Akber marked the beginning of the Mughal rule, which lasted for almost 185 years.
Modern Period
The Marathas and British Rule up to 1947 AD. Chatrapati Shivaji, the great Maratha ruler, attacked Surat twice that marked the entry of Marathas in Gujarat. However, before Marathas inroads into Gujarat, the Europeans had made their presence felt here with Portuguese leading them followed by the Dutch and English. Madhorao Gaekwad joined alliance with the British in 1802 and gradually it resulted in in the end of Maratha rule over Gujarat and paramountcy of British rule in 1819.
Pre-Independence
Gujarat has played a key role in the freedom struggle specially after Mahatma Gandhi's taking over the leadership of the freedom movement. India achieved independence on 15th August 1947 and a bilingual state of Gujarat and Maharashtra were formed. Then the sun once again rose over the glory of Gujarat on 1st May 1960 when a separate state of Gujarat was formed. Today, the state has once again taken the lead in industry, commerce and culture for which it was known for thousands of centuries.
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