Surat Castle
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Introduction The Surat castle is one of the ancient monuments of 16th century existing in the city and bears a significant relevance to its history. However, such a great fortification built to provide the citizens of Surat with an adequate defence against the attacks of the invaders seems to have been forgotten from the minds of the present generation. The Ahmedabad king Sultan Mahmood-III (1538-1554), who was very much annoyed by these frequent destructions of Surat, ordered for building a very strong castle and entrusted the work to Safi Agha, a Turkish soldier who had been ennobled with the title of Khudawand Khan. The work of building the castle was completed in 1546. After the capture of Surat by the emperor Akbar (1573) the fortress remained in the charge of commandants appointed from Delhi till it was seized by the Sidhi admiral of the Mugal fleet in 1751. The Sidhi did not hold the castle for long period, as it was captured by the English in 1759 with rest of the city. Though from the first practically independent, the English held the castle nominally under the Mugal. In token of this divided command, two flags waved from the castle walls, the English ensign on the south-west, and the Moorish standard on the south-east bastion. This practice was continued till, in 1842, on the death of the last of the nawabs of Surat, the English fleet was removed from the Tapi, and the Moorish standard taken down from the castle walls. Though, as a defence against any well-equipped enemy, they have long been useless, the castle buildings initially were being kept in repair, and until the year 1862, were garrisoned by a small body of European and native troops. In that year, as no longer required, the force was withdrawn, and the vacated rooms were made over for the accommodation of the various offices connected with the revenue and police departments, in whose occupation the castle has since remained. History Though in context of the identity of Surat in mediaeval times many views have been expressed by different historians, in all the historical narratives Surat has emerged as one of the major port of international importance on the map of the world trade. A Portuguese traveller named Barbosa during his visit to Gujarat in 1514 has described Surat as a city of great trade in all classes of merchandise, a very important seaport yielding a large revenue to the king, and frequented by many ships from Malabar and many other ports. Shortly before Barbosa was in Gujarat, Surat is said to have been burnt by the Portuguese in 1512. Surat reportedly suffered from a wholly unprovoked, and piratical raid, in 1530, a second time by the Portuguese under the leadership of Antonio da Silvaria. Though the assailants were opposed by a guard of 300 horses and 10000 foot, but at the first charge the defenders fled, and the town was taken and burnt. As they were still at the war with the Gujarat King, the Portuguese again burnt Surat in the next year, 1531. The Ahmedabad king Sultan Mahmood-III (1538-1554), who was very much annoyed by these frequent destructions of Surat, ordered for building a very strong castle and entrusted the work to Safi Agha, a Turkish soldier who had been ennobled with the title of Khudawand Khan. He was provided with substantial budget and was ordered to plan and build a very strong castle. Khudawand Khan initially selected three alternative sites for building the castle Village Tunki where presently a tomb of Marjan Shami is existing. 'Pani ni Bhit' area The bank of the river out of which the last alternative i.e. bank of the river was selected and finalised by the king. It has been reported that during construction stage the Portuguese made several attempts to prevent Khudawand Khan from completing the work both by bribery as well as by force failing which, they came to attack with several vessels armed with cannons, but could not succeed in preventing him from building the castle. He completed the construction of this castle in the year 1546.So that i need to more space for write review on this Castle but bye.
Prashant Valand
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Surat Castle, also known as Old Fort or Surat Fort, is a historic monument located in the city of Surat, Gujarat, India. Built by the Gujarat Sultanate in the 16th century, it later became an important structure under the control of the Mughal Empire, the British East India Company, and other ruling powers. The castle, designed primarily as a defensive structure, overlooks the Tapi River and was constructed to protect the city from Portuguese invasions, which were frequent during that era. Architecture and Structure: Surat Castle has a robust architectural style that blends elements of Indo-Islamic design with fortification techniques. It is built with solid stone walls, bastions, and rounded turrets that once housed cannons. The structure has five large gateways and ramparts, offering a panoramic view of the river and the surrounding area. While the original design was focused on defense, the castle also had residential spaces, storage facilities, and administrative buildings. Historical Importance: Surat Castle was built under the reign of Sultan Mahmood III in 1546, and over time, it became a hub of administrative and military activity. After its construction, Surat grew as a significant trade center in the Indian subcontinent, and the castle played a pivotal role in protecting the city from sea-based attacks. The Mughal rulers, particularly Emperor Akbar, recognized its strategic value and maintained a stronghold over the city and the fort. Later, during the British colonial era, Surat Castle became part of the British administrative framework. It housed offices, served as a customs house, and was a symbol of British control over one of India’s most important trading ports. The East India Company utilized the castle in their operations, making it an integral part of colonial governance in Gujarat. Restoration and Current State: In recent years, Surat Castle has undergone extensive restoration and conservation efforts. The Surat Municipal Corporation has taken initiatives to preserve the fort’s heritage and to enhance its tourist appeal. Various sections of the castle have been restored to showcase artifacts, ancient cannons, and displays on the fort’s history. Its spacious courtyards and old gateways are still a draw for visitors, particularly for those interested in Mughal and colonial history. Visitor Experience: Today, Surat Castle serves as a museum and a historical monument open to the public. The fort offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s past, with exhibitions detailing Surat’s role as a trading hub and the importance of the fort in protecting the city from foreign invaders. While the structure itself may not be as grand as some of India’s larger forts, it holds deep significance for its role in Surat’s maritime and commercial history. Conclusion: Surat Castle is a reminder of the city’s rich cultural and commercial heritage. Its importance as a defensive stronghold and later as an administrative hub under various rulers reflects the evolution of Surat as a major port city. While the castle may not stand out for its ornate architecture, its historical significance makes it a must-visit for those interested in understanding Gujarat’s past and the role the city played in India’s maritime trade.
Santosh Kumar Sha
00
Time : 10 am to 6 pm Holidy : Monday Parking : Free inside the castle area. Ticket : Easily available at the counter (carry cash) Ticket Price : 3 to 16 years - 50 Rs. 17 to 60 years - 100 RS. Above 60 years - 50 Rs. Photography is free for mobile but 500 ₹ for DSLR cam. Note : Kindly keep water bottle with you. I recently visited the renovated Surat Castle, and I must say, the transformation is truly impressive. The Surat government has done an excellent job of preserving the historical significance of the castle while adding modern amenities for visitors to enjoy. One of the standout features of the castle is that all rooms are centrally air-conditioned, providing a comfortable environment for exploring the various sections of the castle. Additionally, each section has its own guide who offers valuable insights into the history and significance of the castle, making the visit both educational and engaging. Upon entry, visitors are treated to a 20-minute short film that beautifully narrates the history of the fort/castle, setting the stage for an immersive experience. The shift of artifacts from Sardar Patel Museum to the castle adds to the richness of the collection and provides a comprehensive view of the region's cultural heritage. However, one minor issue I encountered during my visit was the lack of drinking water points throughout the castle. There is only one water point, which requires visitors to walk quite a distance to access it. This could be inconvenient, especially on hot days, and I hope the management considers adding more water points in the future. Overall, exploring the entire castle takes about 2 to 3 hours, and it's time well spent. The free parking facility and easily available tickets at the counter make the visit hassle-free. The only downside is that they only accept cash for ticket purchases, as card or UPI options are not available. In conclusion, the renovated Surat Castle is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and tourists alike. With its rich history, informative guides, and modern amenities, it offers a delightful experience that showcases the best of Surat's cultural heritage.
pravin h
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Surat Castle, also known as Surat Fort or Surat Killa, is a historical landmark located in the heart of Surat, Gujarat. Built during the reign of Khudawand Khan, the castle stands as a testament to the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Architecturally, Surat Castle is a fine example of Mughal and European military architecture. Constructed using stone and brick, the fort features massive walls, bastions, and imposing gateways that once served as defensive structures against invaders. The castle's strategic location along the banks of the Tapi River further fortified its defenses and contributed to its significance in the region. Today, Surat Castle stands as a heritage site, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's glorious past. The castle houses several galleries and exhibits showcasing artifacts, weapons, and documents related to Surat's history, including its role as a prominent port city during the Mughal and colonial eras. The castle's picturesque surroundings, including well-maintained gardens and pathways, provide a serene backdrop for exploration and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the castle's ramparts, offering panoramic views of the cityscape and the bustling riverfront. Surat Castle also serves as a cultural hub, hosting various events, exhibitions, and educational programs aimed at preserving and promoting the city's heritage. Festivals and celebrations held within the castle premises add to its vibrancy and appeal, attracting locals and tourists alike. In summary, Surat Castle is more than just a historical monument; it is a living testament to Surat's enduring legacy and resilience. With its architectural grandeur, cultural significance, and scenic surroundings, the castle offers a captivating journey through time, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers exploring the vibrant city of Surat.
Gopal Thakur
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I went along with my friend one weekend. This historical place is renovated by Surat Municipal Corporation in recent years. I really appreciate the nice restoration work done by SMC. Upon entrance to the Castle , we were guided to one dungeon where a theatre is established. A 20min film is shown , showing the history of this fort & its timeline. The Castle still stands firm after so many centuries. There are many galleries in this castle which displays artefacts, paintings, historical items associated with this place. All the display halls & galleries are air conditioned. I spent around three hours viewing each sections of this castle. Initially constructed during the Tughlaq rule in 1372 CE, a more substantial fort emerged in 1546 AD under the direction of Turkish soldier Nazim Khwaja Safar Salmani, titled 'Khudavand Khan' by Gujarati Sultan Mahmud Shah III. Following the win over Surat by Emperor Akbar in 1573, the fort came under the control of commandants from Delhi until the Siddi admiral of the Mughal fleet seized it in 1751. The English captured the fort in 1759, although it nominally remained under Mughal authority. Surat, a significant medieval port, garnered international importance in world trade, as noted by Portuguese traveler Barbosa in 1514. Described as a bustling trade hub and crucial seaport, Surat faced adversity in 1512 when it was reportedly burnt by the Portuguese. Subsequent attacks under the leadership of Antonio da Silvaria in 1530 and 1531 further devastated the city, prompting Ahmedabad king Sultan Mahmud Shah III to commission the construction of a robust fortress in response to Portuguese aggression. This castle signifies the importance of Surat in world trade in Medieval Era. One must visit this place if one visits Surat.
MANOJ VERMA
00
Nice place. Best place for photography. The Surat castle is located. In central Surat hear we can go using auto and public transport and vai taxi. Here you can spend half day. Historic place. अच्छी जगह। फोटोग्राफी के लिए सबसे अच्छी जगह। Surat महल स्थित है। केंद्रीय सूरत में सुनें हम ऑटो और सार्वजनिक परिवहन और वाई टैक्सी का उपयोग कर जा सकते हैं। यहां आप आधे दिन व्यतीत कर सकते हैं। ऐतिहासिक स्थल। સરસ સ્થળ. ફોટોગ્રાફી માટે શ્રેષ્ઠ સ્થળ. સુરત મહેલ આવેલું છે. મધ્ય સુરતમાં અમે ઓટો અને જાહેર પરિવહન અને વાઇ ટેક્સીનો ઉપયોગ કરીને જઈ શકીએ છીએ. અહીં તમે અડધા દિવસ ખર્ચ કરી શકો છો. ઐતિહાસિક સ્થળ. அருமையான இடம். புகைப்படத்திற்கான சிறந்த இடம். சூரத் அரண்மனை அமைந்துள்ளது. மத்திய சூரத் நகரில் நாங்கள் வாகன மற்றும் பொது போக்குவரத்து மற்றும் வேய் டாக்சி மூலம் செல்ல முடியும். இங்கே நீங்கள் அரை நாள் செலவழிக்க முடியும். வரலாற்று இடம். మంచి ప్రదెశం. ఫోటోగ్రఫీకి ఉత్తమ స్థలం. సూరత్ కోట ఉంది. సెంట్రల్ సూరత్ లో మేము ఆటో మరియు ప్రజా రవాణా మరియు వై టాక్సీని ఉపయోగించుకోవచ్చు. ఇక్కడ మీరు సగం రోజు గడపవచ్చు. చారిత్రక ప్రదేశం. مكان جميل. أفضل مكان للتصوير الفوتوغرافي. تقع قلعة سورات. في وسط سورة نسمع يمكننا استخدام السيارات والنقل العام وسيارات الأجرة. هنا يمكنك قضاء نصف يوم. مكان تاريخي. 好地方。 攝影的最佳場所。 蘇拉特城堡位於。在蘇拉特市中心聽到我們可以使用汽車和公共交通工具和vai出租車。 這裡你可以花半天時間。 歷史悠久的地方。 اچھی جگہ. فوٹوگرافی کے لئے بہترین جگہ. سورت سلطنت واقع ہے. مرکزی سورت میں سنا ہے کہ ہم آٹو اور عوامی نقل و حمل اور وے ٹیکسی کا استعمال کر سکتے ہیں. یہاں آپ نصف دن خرچ کر سکتے ہیں. تاریخی مقام. Buen lugar. El mejor lugar para la fotografía. Se ubica el castillo de surat. En el centro de Surat, escuchemos que podemos usar el transporte público y el transporte público y el taxi Vai. Aquí puedes pasar medio día. Lugar historico..
Bhautik savaj
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Nearby Attractions Of Surat Castle
Dutch Garden
Shree Chintamani Parswanath Jain Tirth, Shahpore
Surat Fort
Old Ambaji Mandir

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Nearby Restaurants Of Surat Castle
Shree Sainath Snacks
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Basic Info
Address
near, dakka ovara, makkai pull, Chowk Bazar, Surat, Gujarat 395003, India
Map
Website
suratmunicipal.gov.in
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Reviews
Overview
4.4
(1.4K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
Description
Surat Castle, or Surat Fort, is a 16th-century structure in the city of Surat. The Ahmedabad king Sultan Mahmood-III ordered its construction to defend the city from the frequent attacks that had devastated it.
attractions: Dutch Garden, Shree Chintamani Parswanath Jain Tirth, Shahpore, Surat Fort, Old Ambaji Mandir, restaurants: Shree Sainath Snacks, Kasmiri Restaurant, Bhai Bhai Omelette Center, Dotivala Bakers & Confectioners, Raja Chicken, Shree Sainath Dosa Center, Jalaram Rasawala Khaman, Chicken hut, Surat Khaman House, Kwality Restaurant

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