Gujarat is a state in northwestern India, on the border with Pakistan. The state takes its name from the Gujara, who ruled the area during the 700's and 800's. The state covers an area of 75,685 square miles (196,024 square kilometers). The capital is Gandhinagar.

Hinduism is the main religion, with minorities of Christians, Jains, Muslims, and Parsees. The state has always had a policy of religious tolerance toward its people. The main traditional, local tribes are the Bhil, the Bhangi, the Dhubla, the Koli, and the Naikda. The architecture of Gujarat is famous for its fine detail. The region has a long tradition of handicrafts, such as bandhani (tie-dyed cloth), jari (gold and silver embroidery), patola (a beautifully patterned silk for which the thread is tie-dyed before being woven), perfumes, and woodcarving.

The main crops are millet and wheat. Rice is grown in the wetter parts or where irrigation is possible. Gujarat also produces corn, cotton, peanuts, and tobacco. Other important cash crops are bananas, cumin, mangoes, and sugar cane. The dairy industry is also important.

With its long coastline, Gujarat enjoys good fishing waters. Pomfret, a favorite in restaurants throughout India, is caught there. Other specialties include Bombay duck, prawns, and tuna.

Factories in Gujarat produce batteries, cement, electronic products, industrial machinery, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and vegetable oil.

Gujarat is rich in agate, bauxite, calcite, feldspar, gypsum, lignite, limestone, manganese, and quartz sand. The production of oil and natural gas at Ankalesvar, Khambhat, and Kalol makes Gujarat one of India's leading petroleum-producing states.

The last Asiatic lions live in Sasan Gir National Park in Gujarat. There is a rich birdlife. Peacocks are common throughout the state. Migratory birds from north Europe arrive in Gujarat during the winter. At Lake Sal Narovar bird sanctuary, near Ahmadabad, nearly 150 species arrive during the year, including bustard, cormorant, ibis, pelican, and sarus crane.

Some Information was retrieve from http://www.ibm.com

� Copyright- Kaushal Mehta