How do surat lost its importance
Answers
Surat was emporium of Western trade during the Mughal period but lost its importance mainly because of the growing power of the European companies in India. These European companies gradually gained power and started to control sea-trades in India. They secured a variety of concessions which they obtained from local courts by gaining monopoly rights to trade. These companies did not want to use the old ports of Surat, Masulipatnam and Hooghly etc. Instead Bombay was developed as a port in competition to Surat as East India company shifted its headquarter in Bombay.
With the disintegration of Mughal empire, there was a political instability thus several goods saw severe dip in productivity, ultimately catering to the loss of markets led to the failure of Surat as a major port.
The control of sea routes by the Portuguese added misery to the woes of traders.
The merchants, traders and shipbuilders shifted their activities from Surat to Bombay.
Surat was repeatedly subjected to Maratha raids and thus became unfavorable for as a trading center.