Capital of Gujarat: Gandhinagar

The capital of Gujarat, a state located in western India, is Gandhinagar. Gandhinagar is a planned city situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River, approximately 23 kilometers north of the larger city of Ahmedabad. It was established as the capital of Gujarat in 1970, replacing Ahmedabad.

The state of Gujarat was formed on May 1, 1960 from the old Mumbai State. Due to the state's formation, Ahmedabad was initially kept as the capital of Gujarat. To reduce the population density of the Ahmedabad city, the new capital of the state of Gujarat was established. The city of Gandhinagar was established on August 2, 1965. The new capital was named Gandhinagar to maintain a lasting memory of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.

The city's design and development were influenced by the principles of urban planning and sustainability, with wide roads, extensive green spaces, and a well-organized layout. The seat of the Gujarat government, including the legislative assembly and the secretariat, is located in Gandhinagar. The city also has various administrative offices, educational institutions, and research centers. Notable landmarks in Gandhinagar include the Akshardham Temple, Sarita Udhyan and Mahatma Mandir.

Gandhinagar's status as the capital of Gujarat signifies its importance as a center of governance, education, and development in the state. It continues to play a vital role in shaping the progress and growth of Gujarat as a whole.

Map of Gujarat | Image Source: commons.wikimedia.org

Facts About Capital of Gujarat - Gandhinagar

• Foundation: Gandhinagar was established as the new capital of Gujarat in 1970, after the state was formed by the division of the Bombay State.
• Name: The city was named after Mahatma Gandhi.
• Planned City: Gandhinagar is known for its well-planned layout. It was designed by architect H.K. Mewada, based on the principles of urban planning and architecture developed by renowned architect Le Corbusier.
• Sector-wise Division: The city is divided into 30 sectors, each with its own shopping areas, educational institutions, recreational facilities, and residential areas. It follows a grid-like pattern with wide roads and ample green spaces.
• Government Complex: Gandhinagar is home to the Gujarat State Secretariat, where the administrative offices of the state government are located. It is known as the Sachivalaya.
• Akshardham Temple: One of the major attractions in Gandhinagar is the Akshardham Temple, dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. The temple complex is a beautiful architectural marvel and attracts visitors from all over the world.
• Mahatma Mandir: Another notable landmark in Gandhinagar is the Mahatma Mandir, a convention center built in honor of Mahatma Gandhi. It serves as a venue for various exhibitions, conferences, and events.
• Educational Institutions: Gandhinagar is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN), Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU), and Gujarat National Law University (GNLU).
• Green City: The city is known for its extensive greenery and well-maintained parks and gardens. It has been awarded the "Greenest Capital City in India" by the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests.
• Vibrant Gujarat Summit: Gandhinagar is the host city for the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, a biennial event that brings together business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from around the world to promote investment and economic growth in the state.
• Riverfront Development: The Sabarmati River flows through Gandhinagar, and efforts have been made to develop its riverfront similar to the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad. The project aims to create recreational spaces and enhance the city's aesthetics.
• Aerospace Park: Gandhinagar is home to the Gujarat Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing Hub (GIDH), an industrial park dedicated to the aerospace and defense sectors. It aims to promote manufacturing, research, and innovation in these industries.

Demography of Gandhinagar

As per the 2011 Census, the demography of the capital of Gujarat is provided below:

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Facts About Gujarat

• Location and Size: Gujarat is located on the western coast of India. It is the westernmost state of India and shares its borders with Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and the Arabian Sea. It covers an area of approximately 196,024 square kilometers (75,685 square miles).
• Largest Coastline and Ports: Gujarat has the longest coastline among all Indian states, stretching over 1,600 kilometers (994 miles). This makes it an important maritime state with several major ports, including the ports of Kandla, Mundra, and Pipavav.
• Vibrant History: Gujarat has a rich historical heritage and has been home to ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley Civilization. 
• Birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi: Gujarat is the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. He was born in the coastal town of Porbandar.
• Industrial Hub: Gujarat is known as the industrial powerhouse of India. It has a robust industrial sector with a strong presence of diverse industries such as textiles, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, automobile manufacturing, engineering, and ceramics. The state is home to several large industrial complexes and special economic zones.
• Wildlife and Biodiversity: Gujarat is home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including the Gir Forest National Park, which is the last abode of the Asiatic lion. Other prominent wildlife reserves in the state include Blackbuck National Park, Marine National Park, and Wild Ass Sanctuary.
• Festivals and Culture: Gujarat is renowned for its colorful festivals, including Navaratri and the International Kite Festival. Navaratri is a nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga, celebrated with traditional music, dance, and elaborate decorations.
• Cuisine: Gujarati cuisine is famous for its diverse and vegetarian dishes. It is known for its unique combination of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. Popular dishes include Dhokla, Khandvi, Thepla, Undhiyu, and Gujarati Kadhi.
• Handicrafts: Gujarat is well-known for its rich tradition of handicrafts. The state produces exquisite textiles, including Patola silk sarees, Bandhani (tie-and-dye) fabrics, and embroidered garments. Other famous handicrafts include woodwork, pottery, metalwork, and traditional handicrafts like Kutchi embroidery.

Historical Importance of Gujarat – Sites of Ancient Indus Valley Civilization

Gujarat has significant historical importance as it was home to various ancient civilizations, including the Indus Valley Civilization. Several archaeological sites have been discovered in Gujarat. Here are some notable sites related to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization in Gujarat:

• Lothal: Located near the village of Saragwala in Ahmedabad district. It was an important trading center and a thriving port city, known for its dockyard, warehouses, and craft production. The site also revealed evidence of advanced town planning and a sophisticated drainage system.
• Dholavira: Situated on Khadir Bet island in the Great Rann of Kutch. It showcases impressive urban planning, with well-defined citadels, residential areas, marketplaces, and an intricate water management system. Dholavira's unique features provide insights into the civilization's governance, trade, and cultural practices.
• Surkotada: Surkotada is an ancient site located near Rapar in the Kutch district. Excavations at Surkotada have revealed the remains of a fortified settlement dating back to the late Indus Valley Civilization period. The site is notable for the discovery of a horse burial, suggesting connections with early horse domestication.
• Rangpur: Rangpur, situated near Ahmedabad in the Surendranagar district. Excavations at Rangpur have uncovered a large-sized fortified citadel with multiple residential structures, indicating its importance as an urban center during that period.
• Bagasra: Bagasra site is located in Rajkot district. Excavations here have revealed evidence of ancient urban settlements, including houses, pottery, and other artifacts. The site provides valuable insights into the cultural and economic aspects of the civilization.