Surat Castle — Attraction in Gujarat

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 In that year, as no longer required, the force was withdrawn, and the vacated rooms were made over for the accommodation of the various offices connected with the revenue and police departments, in whose occupation the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...

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...

Surat Fort, also known as "Old Fort" or "Surat Castle," is a historic fortress located in the city of Surat in Gujarat, India. Built during the Mughal era in the 1500s, the fort holds immense historical and architectural significance. Here's a detailed review of Surat Fort:

Historical Significance: Surat Fort was constructed by the Mughal emperor Muhammad Tughluq in the early 14th century as a defense against potential invasions. Over the years, the fort played a crucial role in protecting the city from various threats, including Portuguese, Dutch, and Maratha forces.

Architecture and Layout: The architecture of Surat Fort is a blend of Mughal and European influences, reflecting the diverse history of the region. The fort is made primarily of brick and stone, with intricate carvings and decorative elements that showcase the craftsmanship of that era.

The fort is characterized by its large bastions, thick walls, and imposing gates. It features several entrances, including the Delhi Gate and the Lahore Gate, each with its own unique design. Inside, the fort is organized around a central courtyard, with various structures such as barracks, residential quarters, and administrative buildings.

Heritage and Preservation: While Surat Fort has witnessed centuries of history, it faced significant challenges due to neglect and urban development. However, efforts have been made to preserve and restore the fort's historical value. Local authorities and heritage organizations have undertaken initiatives to maintain and renovate the site, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate its cultural significance.

Visitor Experience: A visit to Surat Fort provides a glimpse into the rich history of the city and the region. Visitors can explore the impressive architecture, walk along the fort's walls, and experience the commanding views of the surrounding area. The fort's courtyards and corridors allow visitors to imagine the lives of those who lived within its walls centuries ago.

Cultural and Tourist Destination: Surat Fort has become a popular tourist destination, attracting history enthusiasts, architecture aficionados, and curious travelers. The fort's historical importance and unique architecture make it a captivating site to explore. Additionally, the fort's location within the city makes it easily accessible to both local and international tourists.

Conclusion: Surat Fort stands as a testament to the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Its blend of Mughal and European architectural influences, combined with its historical significance, make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring India's past. While its preservation efforts continue, the fort remains a living relic of Surat's...