Gujaratnu Prakritik Ane Vyapari Bhugol Vigyan

This document is the Gujarati text of a book titled "ગુજરાતનું પ્રાકૃતિક અને વ્યાપારી ભૂગોળવિજ્ઞાન" (Gujarat's Natural and Commercial Geography) by Bhogilal Girdharlal Mehta, published by Farbas Gujarati Sabha.

Here's a comprehensive summary of its content in English, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Gujarat's Natural and Commercial Geography (ગુજરાતનું પ્રાકૃતિક અને વ્યાપારી ભૂગોળવિજ્ઞાન) Author: Bhogilal Girdharlal Mehta, M.Com., Professor, Batley Kemis College, Mumbai. Publisher: Shree Forbes Gujarati Sabha, Mumbai. Publication Year: 1937 (Vikram Samvat 1990)

Overall Objective: The book aims to provide a detailed geographical and commercial understanding of the Gujarat region, presented in Gujarati. It seeks to fill a gap in scientific literature in the Gujarati language and to promote knowledge about Gujarat's history and science. The publication is part of a larger initiative by the Forbes Gujarati Sabha to encourage scientific writing in Gujarati.

Key Themes and Content Summary:

The book is structured into two main parts: Natural Geography and Commercial Geography, with an introduction and conclusion.

Part 1: Natural Geography (પ્રાકૃતિક વિભાગ)

• Introduction to Geography (Chapter 1: પ્રાકૃતિક ભૂગોળવિજ્ઞાન):

  • Defines geography as the "description of the Earth" and its scientific nature.
  • Explains the various branches of geography: Mathematical, Political/National, Economic, Commercial, and Natural Geography.
  • Emphasizes the importance of Natural Geography in understanding the causes and effects of natural phenomena and establishing universal laws.
  • Discusses the relationship between Natural Geography and other sciences like Astronomy, Geology, Meteorology, Botany, and Zoology.
  • Highlights the scientific and practical utility of Natural Geography, stressing that it goes beyond memorizing names and locations to understanding the interconnectedness of natural elements and their impact on human activities and civilization.
  • Explains the key components of natural conditions: Land structure, Hydrography, Climate, Flora, Fauna, and human control over nature.

• Natural Conditions of Gujarat (Chapter 2: પ્રાકૃતિક પરિસ્થિતિ):

  • Provides a general overview of Gujarat's location and boundaries.
  • Divides Gujarat into distinct natural regions:
    • Northern Gujarat (Flat Plains): Describes the desert areas of Radhanpur, the flat plains of Kadi and Ahmedabad, and the rivers Banas, Saraswati, and Sabarmati.
    • Central Gujarat (Fertile Charotar Region): Highlights the fertile land of Charotar and the flow of the Mahi River.
    • Eastern Border (Highlands): Discusses the Aravalli mountain range, Mount Abu and Arasur, the Mahi Kantha plateau, Pavagadh (described as a sentinel of the eastern border), and the Rewa Kantha plateau.
    • Region of Mahi, Narmada, and Tapti Rivers: Describes the flat, fertile plains and the flow of these rivers.
    • Southern Gujarat (Forested Region): Mentions the central fertile plains and the hilly, forested areas in the east.
    • Kutch (Sandy Region): Details the flat, barren desert, elevated islands formed from the sea, and the influence of the Indus River.
    • Kathiawad (Hilly Peninsula): Describes the peninsular formation, various natural structures, mountain formations, and river flows.
  • Details the structure of the coastline in Kathiawar and mainland Gujarat.

• Products and Industries (Chapter 3: પેદાશ અને ઉદ્યોગ):

  • Discusses agricultural produce, the modern industrial era, the cotton mill industry, small industries related to agriculture, mineral produce and related industries, plant produce and related industries, animal produce and related industries, and craftsmanship industries.
  • Mentions the population engaged in industries.

• Population and Communities (Chapter 4: વસ્તી અને જાતિઓ):

  • Discusses the general characteristics of the population, including commercial acumen.
  • Categorizes communities based on geographical regions:
    • Inhabitants of Flat Plains: Brahmins, Baniyas, Rajputs, Farmers.
    • Communities near the Coastline.
    • Inhabitants of Hilly Regions: Bhils, Nayakdas, Koli, Dharala, Kathi, Ahir, etc.
  • Considers the future of the Gujarati people.

Part 2: Commercial Geography (વ્યાપારી વિભાગ)

• General Overview of Trade and Commerce (Chapter 5: વ્યાપાર અને વ્યવહારનું સામાન્ય અવલોકન):

  • Explains the concept of trade as the exchange of goods and services, driven by the uneven distribution of natural resources and production.
  • Traces the evolution of trade from barter to monetary exchange and its impact on increasing economic activity.
  • Discusses the importance of international trade, the role of specialization, and the benefits of specialization for national prosperity.
  • Analyzes the composition of trade: foodstuffs, raw materials, and manufactured goods.
  • Highlights India's trade deficit in manufactured goods and reliance on raw material exports.
  • Explains factors influencing trade patterns, such as geographical location, political conditions, economic development, and trade agreements.
  • Discusses the concept of "invisible imports and exports" and their impact on a nation's balance of payments.
  • Emphasizes the vital role of efficient transportation and communication systems (railways, roads, shipping, telegraph, telephone) in facilitating trade and commerce.

• Ancient and Medieval Trade and Commerce (Chapter 6: પ્રાચીન અને મધ્યકાલીન સમયના વ્યાપાર અને વ્યવહાર):

  • Traces Gujarat's historical prominence in trade and commerce from ancient times.
  • References ancient travelers like Huen Tsang and Mandelslo to highlight Gujarat's prosperity and the commercial acumen of its people.
  • Discusses the importance of ancient ports like Vallabhi and Prabhas.
  • Describes the trade activities during the Hindu Kingdoms (9th-13th centuries), the Sultanate period (14th-16th centuries), and the Mughal era (16th-18th centuries).
  • Notes the shift in trade centers from Anhilwad Patan to Ahmedabad and the decline of certain ports like Khambhat due to silting.
  • Highlights the flourishing textile and other craft industries that contributed to Gujarat's export trade.

• Modern Trade (Chapter 7: અર્વાચીન સમયનો વ્યાપાર):

  • Details the impact of British rule and the introduction of modern infrastructure like railways and improved roads on Gujarat's trade.
  • Analyzes the trade of different districts and agencies within Gujarat, such as Ahmedabad, Kheda, Surat, Panchmahal, Bharuch, and the various Agencies.
  • Discusses the growth of the cotton industry and the establishment of mills, with Ahmedabad emerging as a major center.
  • Mentions other nascent industries and the potential for developing industries related to agriculture, minerals, plants, and animals.
  • Highlights the importance of salt production and other mineral-based industries.
  • Discusses the state of various small-scale industries and the challenges they face, including foreign competition.

• Modern Commerce (Chapter 8: અર્વાચીન સમયનો વ્યવહાર):

  • Details the state of transportation infrastructure in the early British period, noting the poor condition of roads.
  • Explains the critical role of modern transportation, especially railways, in transforming trade and commerce.
  • Provides specific details about the railway network in Gujarat, including broad gauge, metre gauge, and narrow gauge lines, and the revenue generated.
  • Discusses the competition between road (motor) and rail transport and its impact on the transportation sector.
  • Analyzes the trade patterns of major ports in Gujarat, noting the decline of some older ports and the continued importance of others.
  • Highlights the role of Kathiawadi ports in direct foreign trade, impacting Mumbai's entrepôt trade.

• Conclusion (Chapter 9: ઉપસંહાર):

  • Summarizes the key findings of the book, reiterating that geography is a science that studies the Earth and its phenomena, including their impact on human activities.
  • Reiterates the diverse natural conditions within Gujarat and their influence on population distribution, communities, and occupations.
  • Emphasizes Gujarat's historical strength in trade and commerce, attributing it to its geographical location, the commercial acumen of its people, and the support of rulers.
  • Concludes by highlighting the importance of developing infrastructure (roads, railways, ports) and supporting industries to further boost Gujarat's economic potential, suggesting a bright future for the region's development.

Appendices (પરિશિષ્ટ): The book includes several tables and maps related to trade, commerce, population, and railway networks, providing statistical data to support the analysis. These include:

• Population engaged in trade and commerce.
• Details of railway lines and their revenue.
• Data on sea-borne and rail-borne trade of Gujarat and Kathiawar.
• Map showing Gujarat's natural divisions.
• Map showing Gujarat's physiography.
• Map showing Gujarat's railway network and coastline.

Errata (શુદ્ધિપત્રક): A section at the beginning of the book lists corrections for printing errors.

In essence, the book provides a comprehensive historical and contemporary overview of Gujarat's geography, its natural resources, the development of its population and communities, and the evolution of its trade and commerce, with a particular focus on the impact of modern infrastructure like railways. It reflects a scholarly approach to understanding the region from both a scientific and economic perspective, framed within the context of promoting Gujarati language and scientific literature.