Question

Surat was a very important port city, and flourished during the fourteenth century. Justify it?

Answer 1

Surat is one of the oldest cities of Gujarat. It is located on the southern bank of river Tapi. It is 20 kms away from the Arabian Sea. In the 14th century it was flourishing international trade centre. It was the chief port of the Mughal empire.

Surat was considered to be the gateway for trade with west Asia through the Gulf of Ormuz. Its zari-bordered cotton textiles were sold in west Asia, Africa and Europe.

It was also known as the blessed port or the gate of Mecca. Pilgrims sailed on ships from here. There were magnificent buildings, parks and rest houses in the city.