Surat – The Diamond City
Surat in Gujarat exhibits exemplary architecture through finely carved mosques, temples, European tombs, colonial bungalows, and other architectural heritage sites. It is one of the most developed cities in the State with a rich historical background. The intricate artwork of these well-built and well-preserved structures takes one down memory lane by narrating a tale of ancient cultures. The city was one of the country’s most important port cities in the 15th century and is currently home to an eclectic mix of ethnic communities. Surat is also known as the Diamond City for its flourishing diamond business. It is also renowned for silk weaving, brocade, and polyester fabrics, making it a favorite stopover for artisans, artists, and fashion designers. Here are the top 10 places that every architect traveling to Surat must visit:
1. Surat Castle
The Castle was built by Sultan Mahmud III of Gujarat’s Sultanate upon the suggestion given by Ferozkhan Tughlaq of the Delhi Sultanate. It is also known as the Old Fort or Surat Fort and was built with extra strength for protection against the Portuguese raiders. Surat Castle was later expanded and renovated by the Mughal Empire with a fusion of Indian and Islamic styles, standing tall as a testament to the architectural and military prowess of the time.
2. Dutch Garden
It originally served as cemeteries for the Dutch officers and is known for its ancient mausoleums and cenotaphs. Also referred to as the Dutch cemetery, it encloses well landscaped gardens which are distinguished by their architectural and sculptural elements; especially the large and imposing tombs and beautiful pillars of Greco-Roman architectural style. The sculptures are decorated with mural paintings and, the windows have been finished with wooden carvings.
3. Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Museum and Planetarium
The museum was established in 1889 and is also known as Sardar Sangrahalaya. It houses artifacts that represent the rich history of Surat along with precious remains from the British and Mughal periods. The museum is also referred to as Rangupavan and has a wide collection of ancient oil paintings, antiques made of sandalwood and terracotta, manuscripts, traditional textiles, metalware, wooden carvings, porcelain items, books, and precious stones. The adjoining planetarium hosts a show on the universe in the Gujarati language.
4. Chintamani Jain Temple
This 400-year-old temple is one of the oldest temples in Surat, built by Aurangzeb of the Mughal emperor, and draws visitors not just for its spiritual significance but also its architectural elegance. It is well-known for its gorgeous vegetable dye paintings on wooden pillars, topped with carved brackets, and is reckoned as a great specimen of art from the 17th century. Although the exteriors are simple, the interior has been beautifully decorated with carvings and painted ceilings, which make for a fascinating sight.
5. Swami Narayan Temple
The temple is considered a true architectural marvel with beautifully detailed artwork and intricately fine carvings. It is located on the banks of the holy river Tapti and is considered to be one of the most sacred spots of Surat. Swami Narayan Temple is a must-visit for Architects traveling to Surat, to explore the structure’s finesse. It is cradled in serene surroundings and has three bright-colored shrines and walls with stunning wooden carvings. It is a highly auspicious temple for the people of Surat, having been constructed using pink stone. The temple built in a traditional Hindu architectural style, is considered a great place for meditation, worship, also for self-realization. The design features include carvings, beautiful murals, and ornate domes (nine in total, also known as the ‘Nau Gaz Pir’ or ‘Nine Yard Saints’.
6. Mughal Sarai
Mughal Sarai is one of the most famous and well-known ancient monuments of Surat. It was built during the period of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1644 AD and designed as a ‘Sarai’ or ‘Musafarkhana’ (traveler’s inn). Till the 18th century, it functioned as a jail and, today, the Surat Municipal Corporation uses it as an office complex. It possesses considerable architectural qualities such as arches, cornices, decorated parapets, and sculpted patterns on the exterior facade; all of which are skillfully composed and in harmony with each other.
7. Tomb of Khudawand Khan
The tomb was built in honor of Khudawand Khan (a former Governor of Surat) and is a noticeable brown structure near the Chakla Bazaar. It is made of Islamic caricatures and is considered a true magic made of stone. Wooden artwork and carvings decorate this place. It is an attraction for not just Architects but also for archeologists and scientists from across the globe.
8. Iskcon Temple
Although the architecture of this temple is simple in appearance, it has a captivating style to impress one’s eyes. The design features traditional Indian architectural style, serving as a spiritual oasis amidst the bustling city of Surat. The temple complex sprawls across a land area of 13,600 sqft and features a guest house, souvenir shops, and bookstores. A visually captivating experience is created by its intricate designs, ornate decorations, and vibrant colors.
9. Saputara Museum
Saputara Museum established in 1970, is a place of great cultural & and historical significance and is dedicated to the Dang tribe. It also represents other tribal cultures such as the Bhils, Kunbis, Gamits, and Warlis; amongst other regional communities. There are nearly 420 exhibits devoted to tribal art, culture, musical instruments, costumes, jewelry, ornaments, prehistoric tools, stone funerary columns, grass ornaments, stuffed birds, woodcarvings, clay ritual objects, body tattoos, masks, along with descriptive paintings and wall hangings. Every year it hosts workshops and exhibitions with artifacts and handicrafts on display.
10. Surat Clock Tower
The 80-meter-tall impressively designed tower is located near the Zampa Bazaar, which is an ideal shopping destination. The mechanical parts of the clock were replaced with battery-operated quartz. It is a colonial heritage structure, standing majestically as an important landmark. The style and craftsmanship are its standout features which are further enhanced by the red bricks.
Reference list:
Historical Clock Tower, Surat City, Gujarat – Now a Colonial Heritage Structure. www.navrangindia.in/2020/12/historical-clock-tower-surat-city.html?m=1. Accessed 10 Jan. 2024.
“ISKCON Temple in Surat in Gujarat | Things to Do.” Tours & Travel Company, Sea Water Sports, www.seawatersports.com/places/gujarat/iskcon-temple-in-surat. Accessed 11 Jan. 2024.
“MughalSarai.” www.suratmunicipal.gov.in, www.suratmunicipal.gov.in/TheCity/MughalSarai
“Surat Tourism | Places to Visit | Incredible India.” www.incredibleindia.org, www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en/destinations/surat.html. Accessed 9 Jan. 2024.
Yatrablog.com, 2023, www.yatrablog.com/architectural-landmarks-of-surat.
