Question

Write a summary on the significance of Surat as
a port and a city of trade and craft in medieval
India.​

Answer 1

Write a summary on the significance of Surat as a port and a city of trade and craft in medieval India.

Answer: Surat:

1. Surat, in Gujarat, is situated on the bank of River Tapti. It was an important port and trading town during the medieval period.
2. Surat was a commercial town. According to Duarte Barbosa, ships from many countries docked at Surat.
3. During the reign of the Mughals, Surat became a very important commercial city, famous for all types of textiles, particularly cotton textiles. Fine cotton with ‘Zari’ borders were produced by the craftsmen. These were exported to the markets in West Asia and Europe.
4. The English set up a trading post in Surat in 1612. They were followed by the Dutch and the French
5. The location of Surat also helped it to prosper. Ships carrying Haj pilgrims to Mecca set sail from here.
6. Realizing its importance, the Portuguese merchants tried to control trade in Surat.
7. Surat enjoyed great prosperity between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries. Shivaji plundered it twice, in 1664 and 1670.
8. With the decline of the Mughal Empire and the rise of Bombay (now Mumbai) as a major port and administrative centre, Surat declined in importance. Today Surat is a major centre of diamond trade.

Answer 2

Explanation:

It was an important port and trading town during the medieval period. Surat was a commercial town. According to Duarte Barbosa, ships from many countries docked at Surat. During the reign of the Mughals, Surat became a very important commercial city, famous for all types of textiles, particularly cotton textiles.