Surat, set in the colorful state of Gujarat, is known as the “Diamond City of India.” It plays a key role in the diamond world. Here, 90% of the world’s diamonds get their sparkle. The city boasts a yearly turnover of about $24 billion. That’s because it has more than 6,000 units where diamonds are made beautiful. About 700,000 people work there. This city’s journey to greatness started long ago. Now, it’s a shining example of skill and strength in the diamond industry.
Sitting among the giants, Surat is Gujarat’s second-biggest city and ranks eighth in India. It’s home to over 6.9 million people and shines with a literacy rate of 86.65%. Its GDP is impressive at $60 billion. Cleanliness and forward-thinking have earned Surat titles for being among India’s neatest cities. This piece will dive into Surat’s diamond world. We’ll see its past glory and current impact. And discover why it’s a central spot for diamond lovers everywhere.
Key Takeaways
- Surat processes around 90% of the world’s diamonds, making it a global diamond trade hub.
- Over 6,000 polishing units in Surat contribute to the local and international diamond market.
- The city’s diamond industry generates an annual revenue of approximately $24 billion.
- Surat has a population of nearly 6.9 million, reflecting its economic significance.
- With a literacy rate of 86.65%, Surat demonstrates a strong educational foundation supporting its industrial growth.
- The city shares the title of the cleanest city in India as per the 2023 Swachh Survekshan Awards.
- Surat’s entrepreneurial spirit attracts global retailers and establishes it as a manufacturing hub for diamond jewellery.
Introduction to Surat: The Diamond City of India
Surat sits on the Tapi River in Gujarat, known for its diamond industry. It has more than 5,000 units making it the biggest in diamond making. This place is lively and full of history, making it important economically.
The history of Surat as diamond city goes back a long time. It was a key place for trade thanks to the Dutch and Portuguese. Being by the Arabian Sea helped Surat grow by trading with different countries.
Today, Surat is a leader in making diamonds shinier and prettier. It has top-notch factories for this. The city attracts many skilled workers. This makes sure its diamonds are of top quality.
In Surat’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ), over 100 companies thrive. This boosts jewelry making in the city. Surat has almost no jobless people, showing its economy is strong and diverse.
History of Surat as a Diamond City
Surat’s journey to becoming a diamond hub is fascinating. It started as an important trade port. The history shows a journey over centuries. By the 18th century, it was trading with Europeans, becoming an entry for spices, textiles, and diamonds.
Early Trade and Global Importance
Surat was known worldwide because of its location. It had a booming market, attracting global merchants. This made it a key place in the diamond trade, shaping its economy.
Transformation During the Mughal Empire
The Mughal Empire boosted Surat’s growth as a port. This era enriched the local diamond trade. Diamond cutters from around the world came here, perfecting their craft. Their legacy is still seen in Surat’s diamond industry.
| Era | Key Development | Impact on Diamond Trade |
|---|---|---|
| 18th Century | Increased European Trade | Diamonds became a major commodity |
| Mughal Empire | Cultural Exchanges | Enhanced artistic and processing techniques |
| Early 1900s | Arrival of Skilled Jewelers | Established modern diamond processing industry |
Why/How Surat is Called Diamond City of India
“Diamond City of India” is more than just a name for Surat—it’s a title full of meaning. Surat’s name itself reflects its cultural depth, meaning “face” in various languages. This mirrors the city’s charm and importance. For years, Surat has been a key place for the diamond business to grow.
Etymology and Cultural Significance
Surat’s rich culture is tightly linked with its role in diamond trade. Being called the “Diamond City” shows both its business strength and cultural wealth. Positioned on the Tapi River’s banks, this port city blends traditions. It’s known for diamonds, but it also excels in textiles.
The Emergence of the Diamond Processing Industry
The growth of Surat’s diamond industry started in the early 1900s. Business leaders saw its potential and brought in skilled workers. They also adopted advanced techniques. Now, Surat polishes nearly 90% of the world’s diamonds. This makes it essential in the diamond market worldwide. Surat stands as a hub where skill meets progress in diamond making.
Surat’s Diamond Industry: Facts and Figures
The Surat diamond industry is a big deal locally and globally. It makes $24 billion a year, helping the region thrive. Over 700,000 people work across 6,000 units polishing diamonds here.
Surat is known for doing something amazing with almost all the world’s diamonds. About 95% of them get processed in the city. This makes Surat a key name in the diamond world.
Annual Revenue and Employment
The Surat diamond industry affects the economy a lot. It’s important in Surat and the wider world of diamonds. The money it makes helps other businesses grow. This leads to more trade and jobs in the area.
It’s not just about making money. The industry also trains a lot of skilled workers. These people are crucial for the diamond trade to keep going strong.
International Impact of Surat’s Diamond Production
Surat’s impact goes beyond India. It’s an important place for buying and selling diamonds. The Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) is the biggest diamond trading center in the world.
The SDB is huge and comes with the latest facilities. This makes trading a lot smoother. Thanks to new ideas and efforts to be sustainable, Surat stays at the forefront of the diamond industry.
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Revenue | $24 billion |
| Employment | Over 700,000 workers |
| Polishing Units | 6,000 units |
| Diamond Processing | 95% of global diamonds |
| Surat Diamond Bourse Floor Space | 660,000 square meters |
| Number of Offices in SDB | 4,200 offices |
| Diamond Jewellery Mall Size | 4,600 square meters |
| Parking Capacity at SDB | 4,500 cars, 10,000 two-wheelers |
Surat as a Hub for Diamond Cutting and Polishing
Surat is a key player in the diamond industry. It’s known worldwide for its cutting and polishing excellence. The city combines superb craftsmanship and significant technological advancements. This mix makes Surat a top choice for diamond processing, drawing both local and global interest.
Craftsmanship and Technological Advancements
Surat’s artisans have unmatched craftsmanship. They’ve honed their skills for years. Workshops use advanced machinery. This shows how tech has grown in the industry. The blend of old skills and new tech leads to high-quality diamond cuts. An impressive fact: 92% of the world’s diamonds are processed in Surat. This highlights its huge role in the global market.
Role of Local Artisans in the Diamond Trade
Local artisans are the heart of Surat’s diamond trade. They keep traditional skills alive. These skills are crucial for producing top-quality diamonds. This cements Surat’s leading position. The Surat Diamond Bourse is huge, spanning over 660,000 square feet. It’s a hub for thousands of traders and manufacturers. This place boosts job creation and improves crafting standards worldwide. It also pushes for better quality and ethical sourcing in the industry.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Diamond Processing Units in Surat | 5,000 |
| % of World Diamonds Cut in Surat | 92% |
| Annual Rough Diamond Imports to India | $11 billion |
| Annual Turnover of Indian Diamond Units | Rs 80,000 crore |
| Surat Diamond Bourse Area | 660,000 sq. ft. |
Factors Leading to Surat’s Reputation as Diamond City
Surat is known as a leading diamond city in India for several reasons. The city has a well-trained workforce. This workforce is key to cutting and polishing 90% of the world’s diamonds in Surat. Their skills, along with the latest technology, make Surat important in the diamond market globally.
In 2017, the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) was set up to boost Surat’s diamond status. The SDB has 4,700 offices and can hold about 67,000 people. It is built to use natural air for cooling, showing Surat’s commitment to green practices. This also keeps Surat ahead in the diamond industry.
Government support has helped Surat’s diamond sector by eliminating import taxes on lab diamonds and offering research funds. The rise of lab-grown diamonds offers new possibilities and challenges. As more synthetic diamonds are made, Surat’s market is changing. But Surat continues to adapt and maintain its key role in the global diamond scene.
