"KhoobSurat - Hope For Heritage"
This beautiful book authored by Ashleshaa Khurana highlights the history and cultural heritage of Diamond City - Surat.
Ghalib never set foot in Gujarat and yet developed a great affinity towards the region, cuisine and culture of Surat. He was even tempted to visit the city but his ill health didn't permit him.
Inhabited with Persians, Armenians, Jews, Christians and others, people of Surat customed and accomodated diversity very well. As many as 84 different countries' flags sailed through the banks of river Tapi and fort of Surat till 18th century ('Choryasi' block of Surat district named after it).
Once the popular hub for global trade in ancient times, chief commercial city and principal port in the Mughal era, then declined for a short period and surpassed by Bombay, reborn in spite of disastrous floods and famines over the centuries, horrible plague epidemics followed by migrations, it has managed to bounce back every time.
Started with mere fishery village, followed by settlements on the banks, then shipbuilding industry to one of the fastest growing cities in the world; its journey shows that much water flown down the river banks of Tapi but regeneration is built into its genetic code. The spirit of Surtis and City have managed to survive time again and again to rise from ashes, fire and misery to reach the zenith of prosperity.
Content and photographs both are amazing.
Surely an all-time reference book for history lovers.
