Question

Why has Surat has been called gate to Mecca

Answer 1

The following points may help you:

a.. Surat was an important commercial town which became an important center of commercial activities. Located near the sea it became the hub of economic activities whereby goods could be traded via sea route
b. Portuguese, English, Dutch has set up their factories in Surat.
c. Surat had a flourishing business of cotton textiles which was exported on a large scale to West Asia, Africa and Europe
d. It became gate to Mecca , because many pilgrim ships set sail from here to the holy place.
e.Surat was famous for its textiles, its zari work., which was in huge demand in Africa, Europe.

Answer 2

Surat was an important port on the west coast of India subcontinent during medieval period. It was an emporium of western trade during the Mughal period. It was the gateway for trade with West Asia via the Gulf of Ormuz. It has also been called the gate to Mecca because many pilgrims ships set sail from here.  The city was cosmopolitan and people of all castes and creeds lived there. In the 17th century the Portuguese, Dutch and English had their factories and warehouses at Surat. There were also several retail and wholesale shops selling cotton textiles. The textiles of Surat were famous for their gold lace borders (zari) and had a market in West Asia, Africa and Europe. The state built numerous rest- houses in the city.All the above mentioned factors encouraged the people from all over the world to visit Surat.