Gujarat Day

May 1 is observed worldwide as International Labor Day; however, few people are aware that this date is also observed as 'Maharashtra Day' and 'Gujarat Day.' Gujarat's statehood is commemorated on this day. Since ancient times, the state has been on the global map, and it is also of considerable national importance. Since the British control of India, the state has had a significant role in the business. Throughout the state, the day is marked by a variety of cultural activities and events. Gujaratis also get a public holiday on this day. Many people have been intrigued about the history and significance of the foundation day of Gujarat that portrays the state’s struggles and glory.

Geography of Gujarat

The state is predominantly bordered to the northwest by Pakistan and to the north, east, and southeast by the Indian states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The coastline of Gujarat stretches for more than 1500 kilometres. All the cities and towns of the state are located within 160km of the coastline.

The state capital is Gandhinagar, which is located on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, the former capital, the state's largest city, and one of India's most important textile centres. Mahatma Gandhi established his ashram called Sabarmati at Ahmedabad. He turned this ashram into headquarters for his anti-British efforts.

History of Gujarat

Before the Gujarat formation day, the state went through various phases.

The Solanki Dynasty

Gujarat was governed by Rajputs from 960 until 1243 AD. The Solankis achieved control in this region, descended from the Chalukyas, who governed sections of Western and Central India from the 10th to 13th centuries. Mulraj I defeated the Chavdas and established himself as the ruler of Anhilwad Patan, later establishing the city of Siddhpur. Gujarat prospered as a centre of arts and commerce during his reign.

Karndev I, who ruled from 1064 to 1094 AD and enlarged the kingdom to include Konkan territories while erecting temples and founding Karnavati, which subsequently became known as Ahmedabad, was one of his successors. Dushshal Chauhan, on the other hand, defeated and killed him. His son Siddhraj Jaysinh I, on the other hand, ascended the throne and became the most famous of the Solanki dynasty. Patan shone under his administration and became a thriving metropolis. Ahmedabad was, in fact, modelled after Patan. Generations after him tried but failed to outshine him. Following the Solanki, the Vaghelas rose to power.

The Vaghela Dynasty

The Vaghela's were based in Dholka, Gujarat, and were the Solanki's sworn foes. They ascended to power as the Solankis fell out of favour, and by the 13th century, they had established stability in the region. Karandev was the final ruler of Gujarat's Vaghela dynasty. At the same time, Muslim invaders began to make inroads into Gujarat. There's a fascinating storey here. Roop Sundari, the wife of his Prime Minister Madhav, was reported to have been kidnapped by Karandev Vaghela, who then travelled to Delhi and urged Alauddin Khilji to invade Gujarat.

As a result, the Turkish Sultan took Karandev's realm, as well as his wife Kaularani and daughter Devaldevi. Champaner, which is now a UNESCO world heritage site and was originally a royal city founded and ruled by Vanraj Chavda of the Chavda Dynasty, deserves special mention. During the eighth century, he governed the country and named the city Champa after Champa, a friend and army general.

After the Chavdas, the Pavagadh fort was held by the Khichi Chauhan Rajputs until Mahmud Begada stormed it in 1482 and triumphed after a 20-month siege. He changed the name to Muhammadabad and relocated his capital to Ahmedabad. In 1535, Humayun's forces grabbed control of the fort, while Bahadur Shah, the monarch at the time, fled to Diu. Champaner features a magnificent Jama Masjid erected by Sultan Begada, which is reason enough to visit this now-in-ruins fort city.

Muslim Invaders

Around 1297 AD, the Delhi-based Allauddin Khilji conquered Gujarat, establishing Muslim rule in the region for the next 400 years. This was not, however, the first time there had been a Muslim invasion. Around 1026 AD, Mahmud Ghazni invaded Gujarat with the goal of plundering and looting. Alauddin Khilji was the one who created a stronghold here.

Gujarat was still administered from Delhi, but as the British hold on the state faded, local viceroy Safar Shah declared independence and assumed the title of Sultan Muzaffar Shah. His son Ahmed Shah moved the capital to Ahmedabad, and Mahmud Shah succeeded him. After the killing of Sikandar Shah, the region experienced a period of relative stability during which it developed. Following Bahadur Shah's defeat at the hands of Emperor Akbar's forces, the territory reverted to Mughal rule in Delhi, which lasted until the rise of the Marathas. In 1758, Momin Khan surrendered to the Marathas, signalling the Marathas' supremacy.

Marathas

By the 17th century, the Muslim kings had lost their hegemony, and the Marathas had established themselves as the dominant force. In 1664 and 1672, Shivaji stormed Surat. The Peshwas consolidated their control over areas of Gujarat and Saurashtra. The lands were administered by Damaji Gaekwad and Kadam Bande, with Gaekwad establishing a stronghold in Baroda. By 1800 AD, the Marathas had become significantly weak due to internal strife, a trait that the British, who were developing a strong presence through their East India Company, used to acquire power through deception. In 1802 Madhavrao Gaekwad allied with the British and eventually lost control.

British Rule

The region was ruled by the British from 1800 AD onwards and remained so until Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India movement, which culminated in independence in 1947. Except for Baroda, which was administered by the Governor-General of India, the majority of Gujarat was under the control of the Bombay Presidency.

Portuguese Colonies

The Portuguese landed in Gujarat as well, establishing pockets in Daman, Diu, Dadra, and Nagar Haveli, but they were unable to expand their territory due to the British presence.

After Independence

Saurashtra, Gujarat, and Kutch were included in Bombay State, which also contained portions of the erstwhile Bombay presidency. Indulal Yagnik was the driving force behind the push for a distinct Gujarat state, which was formed on May 1, 1960, alongside Maharashtra, with Ahmedabad as its capital. Due to the presence of over 100 large textile facilities, Ahmedabad was dubbed the "Manchester of the East" at the time. The majority of these units are now closed, giving way to a slew of power looks. Ahmedabad decided to let go of the famous city called Gandhinagar in 1971. Gandhinagar was built with the vision of a modern city similar to that of Chandigarh. In today's time, it has become Gujarat's capital.

Significance of Gujarat Day Celebration

In Gujarat, the Gujarat formation day is observed as a public holiday. The people of Gujarat commemorate this day because it commemorates the people's battle for an independent state of Gujarat. On this day in 1960, two new states, Maharashtra and Gujarat, were established.

Did You Know?

Every year on Gujarat formation day, which is on 1st May, Gujarat Day is commemorated because the state was founded on this date in 1960. The state was formed from the existing state of Bombay at the time. On the basis of language, the state of Bombay was partitioned into two new states. Following India's independence in 1947, linguistic groups staged a series of protests calling for the establishment of states based on language. On May 1, 1960, the foundation day of Gujarat, the state of Bombay was divided into two new states: Maharashtra and Gujarat. The state of Bombay had a large Gujarati population in the north and a Marathi population in the south. Both language factions continued to protest until 1960 when the country gained independence. India's Parliament passed the bill where it gave birth to new states like Maharashtra and Gujarat. Hence, this day is called Maharashtra and Gujarat Day. The name of the bill was the Bombay Reorganization Act in 1960. On May 1, 1960, the bill went into effect.