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Administration in Gujarat
 Seal of Gujarat | |
| Seat of Government | Gandhinagar |
|---|---|
| Legislative branch | |
| Legislature | |
| Executive branch | |
| Governor | Acharya Devvrat |
| Chief Minister | Bhupendra Patel |
| Judiciary | |
| Court | Gujarat High Court |
Gujarat is a state along the western coast of India. Its coastline of about 1,600 km (990 mi) is the longest in the country, most of which lies on the Kathiawar peninsula. Gujarat is the fifth-largest Indian state by area, covering some 196,024 km2 (75,685 sq mi); and the ninth-most populous state, with a population of 60.4 million. It is bordered by Rajasthan to the northeast, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu to the south, Maharashtra to the southeast, Madhya Pradesh to the east, and the Arabian Sea and the Pakistani province of Sindh to the west. Gujarat's capital city is Gandhinagar, while its largest city is Ahmedabad.
History[edit]
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Ancient Period[edit]
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The cultural history of Gujarat begins from the Middle Pleistocene. The lands of Gujarat has been continuously inhabited from the Lower Paleolithic (c. 200,000 BP) period. Several sites of Stone Age are discovered in riverbeds of Sabarmati, Mahi river and lower Narmada rivers of Gujarat.
The history of Gujarat stretches back to ancient times, with a notable mention in texts like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. The region was home to the Indus Valley Civilization, with archaeological sites like Lothal, Dholavira, and Surkotada offering glimpses into this ancient civilization around 2500-1500 BCE. During the Mauryan Empire, which lasted from approximately 322 to 185 BCE, Gujarat was part of its western provinces. After the decline of the Mauryan Empire, Gujarat witnessed the emergence of local dynasties, including the Kshatrapas and the Satavahanas.
Total 755 chalcolithic settlements are discovered in Gujarat belonging to various traditions and cultures which ranged from 3700 BCE to 900 BCE. Total 59 of these sites are excavated while others are studied from artifacts. These traditions are closely associated with Harappan civilization and difference between them is identified by difference in ceramics and findings of microliths. These traditions and cultures include Anarta Tradition (c. 3950–1900 BCE), Padri Ware (3600–2000 BCE), Pre-Prabhas Assemblage (3200–2600 BCE), Pre Urban Harappan Sindh Type Pottery (Burial Pottery) (3000–2600 BCE), Black and Red Ware (3950–900 BCE), Reserved Slip Ware (3950–1900 BCE), Micaceous Red Ware (2600–1600 BCE). Prabhas Assemblage (2200–1700 BCE) and Lustrous Red Ware (1900–1300 BCE) are some late material cultures. The few sites associated with Malwa Ware and Jorwe Ware are also found.[2]
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Gujarat has a large number of archaeological sites associated with the Indus Valley civilization. A total of 561 Classical Harappan (2600–1900 BCE) and Sorath Harappan (2600–1700 BCE) sites are reported in Gujarat.[2] The sites in Kutch, namely, Surkotada, Desalpur, Pabumath and Dholavira are some major sites of Urban period. The sites of the post-Urban period include Lothal B, Rangpur IIC and III, Rojdi C, Kuntasi, Vagad I B, Surkotada 1C, Dholavira VI &VII.[3] It has been noted that in Gujarat, urban cities quickly expanded rather than the slow evolution of urbanism in the northwest.[4]
During the end of the Indus Valley Civilisation, there was a migration of people from Sindh to Gujarat forming the Rangpur culture.[5][6]
Classical Period[edit]
The classical period in Gujarat's history is marked by significant developments. Under the influence of the Gupta Empire, which flourished from the 4th to the 6th centuries CE, Gujarat experienced stability and prosperity. The Maitraka dynasty ruled Gujarat from the 6th to the 8th century CE, fostering a cultural renaissance that blended Hindu and Buddhist influences. Buddhism and Jainism also thrived during this era, with prominent centers such as Vallabhi and Devnimori. Gujarat's strategic location along the western coast facilitated trade connections with the Roman Empire and Southeast Asia, leading to economic prosperity, with ports like Bharuch and Sopara becoming bustling trade hubs. The Chalukya dynasty, originally from Karnataka, established the Gujarat Chalukya dynasty in the 8th century CE, ruling over parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Decline and Medieval Period[edit]
As the 8th century unfolded, Arab traders began establishing a presence in Gujarat's ports, introducing Islamic influences. Subsequent invasions by Islamic rulers, including the Ghaznavids and the Ghurids in the 11th and 12th centuries, altered the political landscape. Gujarat became a part of the Delhi Sultanate and, later, the Mughal Empire, marking an extended period of Muslim rule. Despite these changes, Gujarat remained a vital center for trade and commerce, serving as a hub for interactions between different cultures and civilizations.
Colonial Period[edit]
In the 1600s, the Dutch, French, English and Portuguese all established bases along the western coast of the region. Portugal was the first European power to arrive in Gujarat, and after the Battle of Diu, acquired several enclaves along the Gujarati coast, including Daman and Diu as well as Dadra and Nagar Haveli. These enclaves were administered by Portuguese India under a single union territory for over 450 years, only to be later incorporated into the Republic of India on 19 December 1961 by military conquest.
The British East India Company established a factory in Surat in 1614 following the commercial treaty made with Mughal Emperor Nuruddin Salim Jahangir, which formed their first base in India, but it was eclipsed by Bombay after the English received it from Portugal in 1668 as part of the marriage treaty of Charles II of England and Catherine of Braganza, daughter of King John IV of Portugal. The state was an early point of contact with the west, and the first British commercial outpost in India was in Gujarat.[7]
17th-century French explorer François Pyrard de Laval, who is remembered for his 10-year sojourn in South Asia, bears witness in his account that the Gujaratis were always prepared to learn workmanship from the Portuguese, and in turn imparted skills to the Portuguese:[8]
I have never seen men of wit so fine and polished as are these Indians: they have nothing barbarous or savage about them, as we are apt to suppose. They are unwilling indeed to adopt the manners and customs of the Portuguese; yet do they regularly learn their manufactures and workmanship, being all very curious and desirous of learning. In fact, the Portuguese take and learn more from them than they from the Portuguese.
Later in the 17th century, Gujarat came under control of the Hindu Maratha Empire that arose, defeating the Muslim Mughals who had dominated the politics of India. Most notably, from 1705 to 1716, Senapati Khanderao Dabhade led the Maratha Empire forces in Baroda. Pilaji Gaekwad, first ruler of Gaekwad dynasty, established the control over Baroda and other parts of Gujarat.
The British East India Company wrested control of much of Gujarat from the Marathas during the Second Anglo-Maratha War in 1802–1803. Many local rulers, notably the Maratha Gaekwad Maharajas of Baroda (Vadodara), made a separate peace with the British and acknowledged British sovereignty in return for retaining local self-rule. An epidemic outbreak in 1812 killed half the population of Gujarat.[9]
Gujarat was placed under the political authority of the Bombay Presidency, with the exception of Baroda State, which had a direct relationship with the Governor-General of India. From 1818 to 1947, most of present-day Gujarat, including Kathiawar, Kutch and northern and eastern Gujarat were divided into hundreds of princely states, but several districts in central and southern Gujarat, namely Ahmedabad, Broach (Bharuch), Kaira (Kheda), Panchmahal and Surat, were governed directly by British officials. In 1819, Sahajanand Swami established the World's First Swaminarayan Mandir in Kalupur, Ahmedabad.
Independence and Post-Independence Period[edit]
After Indian independence and the partition of India in 1947, the new Indian government grouped the former princely states of Gujarat into three larger units; Saurashtra, which included the former princely states on the Kathiawad peninsula, Kutch, and Bombay state, which included the former British districts of Bombay Presidency together with most of Baroda State and the other former princely states of eastern Gujarat. Bombay state was enlarged to include Kutch, Saurashtra (Kathiawar) and parts of Hyderabad state and Madhya Pradesh in central India. The new state had a mostly Gujarati-speaking north and a Marathi-speaking south. Agitation by Gujarati nationalists, the Mahagujarat Movement, and Marathi nationalists, the Samyukta Maharashtra, for their own states led to the split of Bombay state on linguistic lines; on 1 May 1960, it became the new states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. In 1969 riots, at least 660 died and properties worth millions were destroyed.[10][11]
The first capital of Gujarat was Ahmedabad. The capital of Gujarat was moved to Gandhinagar in 1970. Nav Nirman Andolan was a socio-political movement of 1974. It was a students' and middle class people's movement against economic crisis and corruption in public life. This was the first and last successful agitation after the Independence of India that ousted an elected government.[12][13][14]
Gujarat has emerged as an important industrial hub in India. In Western India Surat was among the strongest industrial clusters in the 1970s. Between 1971 and 1981 diamond cutting was established as industry in Surat. At the same time the production of artificial silk and a substantial petrochemical industry became a fixture in Surat.[15]
Administrative structure[edit]
Executive Branch: Gujarat's executive branch is headed by the Chief Minister, who serves as the state's head of government. Supporting the Chief Minister are various ministers responsible for different portfolios, including finance, education, health, and more. Together, they form the executive leadership responsible for implementing government policies and programs.
Legislative Branch: The legislative branch in Gujarat operates as a unicameral legislature known as the Gujarat Legislative Assembly. This assembly is responsible for creating and passing laws that govern the state. Its members, known as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), are elected by the people of Gujarat through periodic elections.
Judicial Branch: Gujarat's judicial system is independent and follows the Indian legal framework. The highest court in the state is the Gujarat High Court, located in Ahmedabad. The judiciary plays a vital role in interpreting and upholding the state's laws, ensuring justice and fairness.
Local Government: Gujarat is divided into various administrative units, including districts, talukas (sub-districts), and villages. Each of these units has its own local government bodies, such as Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, and Gram Panchayats, responsible for managing local affairs, development, and services.
Government Departments: The state government operates numerous departments, each responsible for specific functions and services. These departments oversee areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and more. They play a critical role in implementing government policies and initiatives.
Police Department: The Gujarat Police Department is tasked with maintaining law and order, preventing and investigating crimes, and ensuring the safety and security of the state's residents. It plays a crucial role in maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law.
Revenue Department: The Revenue Department in Gujarat manages land records, land revenue collection, and related matters. Additionally, it plays a key role in disaster management and relief efforts, especially in a state prone to natural disasters.
Public Services: Gujarat provides a range of public services to its residents, including healthcare, education, public transportation, and social welfare programs. These services aim to improve the quality of life and well-being of the state's citizens.
Elections: Gujarat conducts regular elections at various levels of government, including local, state, and national elections. The Election Commission of Gujarat oversees the electoral process, ensuring the integrity and fairness of elections, a fundamental aspect of democratic governance.
Structure[edit]
| Divisions | 5 |
|---|---|
| Districts | 33 |
| Cities and towns | ? |
| Taluks (Blocks) | 248 |
| Villages | ? |
| Panchayats | 14,273 |
| Police Districts | ? |
| Police Stations | ? |
Template:Administrative structure of Gujarat
Divisions and Districts[edit]
There are 38 districts in Bihar, grouped into 9 divisions —Patna, Tirhut, Saran, Darbhanga, Kosi, Purnia, Bhagalpur, Munger and Magadh —are as listed below.
Taluks (Blocks)[edit]
The Indian state of Gujarat is divided into 248 Taluks.
Urban Local Government[edit]
Municipal Bodies[edit]
Gujarat is the fifth most urbanized state in India, with 43.9% of its population living in urban areas as of the 2011 census, which is higher than the national average of 31.16%. The urban population in Gujarat has been growing rapidly and was estimated to be around 23 million in 2020. Gujarat has 247 Statutory Towns and 118 Census Towns, according to the 2011 census.
Municipal acts[edit]
There are three municipal acts in effect in Gujarat;
| Name of Act | Area of Effect |
|---|---|
| Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations Act, 1949 | All Municipal Corporations in Gujarat |
| Gujarat Municipalities Act, 1963 | All Municipalities in Gujarat |
| Gujarat Panchayats Act, 1993 | All Gram Panchayats and Taluka Panchayats in Gujarat |
Section 3 of Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations Act, and Section 3 of Gujarat Municipalities Act, 1963 create the following categories of urban areas based on their population.
| Type | Population Criteria | Type of Local Body |
|---|---|---|
| City | Population more than 1,00,000 | Municipal Corporation |
| Municipality | Population of 20,000 or more, but less than 1,00,000 | Municipality |
| Notified Area | Population of less than 20,000 | Notified Area Committee |
Furthermore, depending on the population size, the Acts prescribe the minimum and maximum number of councillors/wards allowed within each type of local government.
| Minimum and Maximum number of Councillors Allowed in Municipalities in Gujarat |
|---|
| Municipal Corporations |
| Above 40 lakhs |
| Above 20 lakhs but not more than 40 lakhs |
| Above 10 lakhs but not more than 20 lakhs |
| Above 5 lakhs but not more than 10 lakhs |
| Above 3 lakhs but not more than 5 lakhs |
| Above 2 lakhs but not more than 3 lakhs |
| Above 1 lakh but not more than 2 lakhs |
| Above 50,000 but not more than 1 lakh |
| Above 25,000 but not more than 50,000 |
| Municipalities |
| Population of 50,000 or more |
| Population of 25,000 or more but less than 50,000 |
| Population of less than 25,000 |
The Act mentions the following key positions as well as committees for ULBs:
| Elected Officials | Administrative Officials | Committees |
| Councillor, Chief Councillor, Deputy Chief Councillor | Municipal Commissioner, Controller of Municipal Finances and Accounts, Municipal Internal Auditor, Chief Municipal Engineer, Municipal Architect and Town Planner, Chief Municipal Health Officer, Municipal Law Officer, Municipal Secretary, three Additional Municipal commissioners
Such number of Joint Municipal Commissioners or Deputy Municipal Commissioners or Deputy Chief Municipal Engineers as the Empowered Standing Committee may, from time to time, determine, |
Empowered Standing Committee, Joint Committee, Municipal Accounts Committee, Subject Committee, Ward Committee, Wards Committee |
Government[edit]
Like other states in India, the head of state of Gujarat is the Governor, appointed by the President of India on the advice of the central government. His or her post is largely ceremonial. The Chief Minister is the head of government and is vested with most of the executive powers. Gandhinagar is the capital of Gujarat.
The Gujarat High Court, located in Ahmedabad, has jurisdiction over the whole state. The present legislative structure of Gujarat is bicameral. The Legislative houses are the Gujarat Vidhan Sabha (Gujarat Legislative Assembly) and Gujarat Vidhan Parishad (Gujarat Legislative Council). Their normal term is five years, unless dissolved earlier.
Legislature[edit]
Judiciary[edit]
High court[edit]
City Courts[edit]
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See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ Shuichi Takezawa (August 2002). "Stepwells – Cosmology of Subterranean Architecture as seen in Adalaj" (PDF). Journal of Architecture and Building Science. 117 (1492): 24. Archived (PDF) from the original on 20 July 2011. Retrieved 18 November 2009.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 K., Krishnan; S. V., Rajesh. Dr., Shakirullah; Young, Ruth (eds.). "Scenario of Chalcolithic Site Surveys in Gujarat". Pakistan Heritage. 7: 1–34 – via Academia.edu.
- ↑ Chaube, J. History of Gujarat Kingdom, 1458-1537. Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers. pp. 132–136. ISBN 9780883865736.
- ↑ Thapar, Romila (2004). Early India: From the Origins to AD 1300. University of California Press. p. 78.
- ↑ Witzel, Michael. "Early Sources for South Asian Substrate Languages" (PDF). Mother Tongue: 25.
- ↑ Witzel, Michael. "Early 'Aryans' and their neighbors outside and inside India". Journal of Biosciences. 44 (3): 5. doi:10.1007/s12038-019-9881-7. PMID 31389347. S2CID 195804491.
- ↑ WINGS Birding Tours to India: the West – Gujarat and the Rann of Kutch – Itinerary Archived 2013-07-30 at the Wayback Machine. Wingsbirds.com (14 December 2011). Retrieved 28 July 2013.
- ↑ Rai, Rajesh; Reeves, Peter (2009). The South Asian diaspora transnational networks and changing identities. London: Routledge. p. 31. ISBN 978-0-203-89235-0. Archived from the original on 4 March 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
- ↑ Petersen, Eskild; Chen, Lin Hwei; Schlagenhauf-Lawlor, Patricia. Infectious Diseases: A Geographic Guide. John Wiley & Sons. p. 8. ISBN 9781119085737. Archived from the original on 3 September 2017. Retrieved 2 September 2017.
- ↑ Peer, Yasmeen (2007). Communal Violence in Gujarat: Rethinking the Role of Communalism and Institutionalised Injustices in India. pp. 103–104. ISBN 9780549517535. Archived from the original on 28 May 2013. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
- ↑ Gayer, Lauren; Jaffrelot, Christophe. Muslims in Indian Cities: Trajectories of Marginalisation. Columbia University Press. pp. 53–60. ISBN 9780231703086.
- ↑ Shah, Ghanshyam. "Pulse of the people". India Today. Archived from the original on 17 September 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2012.
- ↑ Krishna, Ananth V. (2011). India Since Independence: Making Sense Of Indian Politics. Pearson Education India. p. 117. ISBN 978-81-317-3465-0. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
- ↑ Dhar, P. N. (2000). "Excerpted from 'Indira Gandhi, the "emergency", and Indian democracy' published in Business Standard". Business Standard India. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-564899-7. Archived from the original on 9 August 2022. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
- ↑ Alf Gunvald Nilsen (2010). Dispossession and Resistance in India: The River and the Rage. Taylor & Francis. p. 24. ISBN 9781136994326.
External links[edit]
 State governments of India | |
|---|---|
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| Union territories | |