Surat - સુરત

The Diamond Capital of the World. Surat, the capital of South Gujarat, was one of western India's major ports and trading towns in the 17th and 18th centuries and the first European settlement in India. Surat is renowned for its silk weaves like the Tanchoi and Gajee sarees, and the Kinkhab brocades sometimes woven with gold and silver threads. It is famous for its jewellery market and diamond cutting as well as ivory and wood inlay work. Surat finds mention in the Mahabharata when Lord Krishna stopped here during his journey from Mathura to Dwarka with his cows. According to the Sanskrit scriptures, this area was under the control of the western Chalukyas in AD 610 and remained under Hindu kings till 12th century when a general of Qutub-ud-din Aibak captured the city.