Why did Surat become an important centre in the 17th century?
Answers
It was also the home of merchant communities due to its flourished economic condition, and it became the chief port in Western India during the 17th century. The banks of river were busy with shipbuilding. In Surat shipbuilding was an important industry.ater, Surat became the emporium of India, exporting gold and cloth. Its major industries were shipbuilding and textile manufacture.[20] The coast of the Tapti River, from Athwalines to Dumas, was specially meant for shipbuilders, who were usually Rassis.[10] The city continued to be prosperous until the rise of Bombay (present-day Mumbai). Afterwards, Surat's shipbuilding industry declined and Surat itself gradually declined throughout the 18th century.[20][10] Between 1790-1, an epidemic killed 100,000 Gujaratis in Surat.[22] The British and Dutch both claimed control of the city, but in 1800, the British took control of Surat.[20][10]