Diamonds and Textiles shopping : SURAT city, Gujarat

Surat, on the banks of the river Tapi is emerging as the fastest developing city in Gujarat and is all set to compete as the world's fastest growing city. Also under the Smart cities mission it is expected to bag the Best city award for various categories in 2022.

* Smart cities mission- is an initiative set to modernise 100 cities in India on eco-friendly lines and using the latest know-how.

So how did a city with an area of 462.149 sq.km. and population of 46,45,384 (Source- census 2011), transform into A major TEXTILE & DIAMOND HUB OF INDIA?

Previous blog post- Port of call- Daman: wine, good food and history

Well, the answer lies in its geography! Located along the coastal belt of western India, Surat has enjoyed considerable significance from a historical and commercial standpoint. 

A brief history of Surat

Sources point out Surat's ancient history to the Ramayana and Mahabharata period when bhagwan Ram stopped here enroute Dwarka and Mathura. Suryapur, as it was known, eventually came under control of the Gujarat Sultanate. The 16th century Surat fortress/ castle bears witness to this time in history when Mahmud Shah III (1526 - 1554) built it on account of constant threats from the Portuguese who had gained a stronghold along the west coast of India.

Tip~ Surat castle/ fort is presently closed to tourists due to renovation work and is expected to reopen by Oct-Nov 22.

The first port of call for the British when they arrived in India

Taking a leaf from British history; we know how the British started out as a trading company and eventually became colonizers. But of particular interest is the fact that Surat was their first port of call. On 24 Aug 1608.

The 16th century subsequently saw Surat as a flourishing trade port. To meet this need, ship building was now a major industry and the riverfront from Dumas till Athwalines was used for this purpose.

English, Dutch and Armenian cemetery in Surat

The Dutch and Armenians also traded alongside the British. Nearby Surat fort are elaborate colonial-era tombs that bear witness to the Europeans who worked, lived and died here. Filled with curiosity I researched a bit, and found out few like the Oxenden brothers of Kent England were English noblemen and factory owners in Surat.

Note- Surat was part of Bombay Presidency during the British rule, before the state of Gujarat was formed.

How to reach Dutch and Armenian cemetery

This historical site is well hidden in the lanes of Gufam Faliaa a densely populated 

muslim neighborhood that might tempt you to give it a miss altogether. You need to walk ahead of Chauta bazar, take help of Google maps.

How and When did Surat transform into a Textile hub?

During British rule, the Bombay port overtook Surat in terms of importance, thus making sea trade and the ship-building industry insignificant. As an alternative the textile manufacturing industry was set up. Surat Textile Mills Ltd (STML) of 1945 is most likely the first textile manufacturing unit. It is also listed on the National stock exchange. 

Presently, Surat accounts for 65% of India's man made fabric production such as Rayon, Nylon & Polyester. The major textile markets are flooded mostly with women's garments such as :

Sarees- there are various brands to choose from, however the most famous ones are Garden, Vimal and Parag sarees.

dress materials & salwar kameez suits

Lehengas and elaborate party and bridal wear

Lehengas~ shopping in Surat, Gujarat 

Market timings: 10 am to 9 pm. Closed on Sundays and Public holidays

1. Sahara Darwaja or Surat Textile market area

The markets at Sahara darwaja are excellent for striking wholesale deals. The market area is swarming with brokers who quote approx 60 rs/ pc wholesale price for sarees. But you can also approach the dealers directly. This is a great opportunity in case you wish to set up your own small textile retail business.

Tip~ the stores can certainly assist you with shipping the products. Do check with them.

2. Old BOMBAY MARKET [Surat]

Bombay market is popular for retail shopping. The stores here have excellent collections plus the rates are affordable. 

Don't stop just there... are a wide variety of textiles ~ lace, embroidery, fabrics and sarees and just as many markets to keep you going!

3) DUMAS ROAD

For branded and premium stuff, head to Dumas road. There are some nice malls here, the most popular one being VR Mall. Spend a couple of hours browsing through amazing stores, chill at the food court or watch a movie.

Leisure drive to Dumas beach 

Dumas is an excellent road for a nice drive. You can drive past the airport and right until Dumas beach.

Dumas is a black sand beach badly maintained, but ok to spend a few moments of sunset. The industrial effluents of the city, we were told pour into the Tapi river before emptying itself into the sea, hence we resisted getting into the water

4) Ghod Dod Road 

Ghod Dod road is an upscale neighborhood with an assortment of markets and stores. Some Top jewelry brands like Tanishq and Kalyan jewellers have their stores here. Also look out for clothing, footwear and accessories. 

A market on Ghod Dod road, Surat

For girly stuff stop by Abhinandan AC market; hair clips, makeup 💄, skin and haircare, imitation jewelry etc are all available under one roof.

A store at Abhinandan AC market, Ghod Dod road Surat

5) Chor bazar Surat/ Ravivar market 

This flea market is situated by the Tapi river bank close by Surat fort. There are limited stalls selling seconds garments at dirt cheap rates such as t-shirts from 20-50 rs and other garments, but one really needs to rummage through the stuff to find something you like.

6) Chauta Bazar : my favorite place is shop

Chauta bazar is everybody's Go To place for shopping. From cheap stores selling utensils and daily use items to trendy stylish garments, accessories and cosmetics~ one is sure to find these in the lanes of Chauta bazar. What I really enjoy is the busy buzz here especially during the festive season.

shopping experience at Chautha bazar

Thanks for reading 🙏. Please follow me to my next destination- Top things to do in Vadodara.