Surat, a bustling city in the Indian state of Gujarat, is renowned for its vibrant textile industry. This industry, which has evolved significantly since the 1970s, now stands as a testament to the city’s adaptability and economic dynamism. The Surat Textile Market (STM) has played a pivotal role in this transformation, becoming a central hub for textile trading in India. Dominated by various communities including Marwadis, Jains, Sindhis, Punjabis, and Haryanvis, the market reflects the diverse and inclusive nature of Surat’s business environment.

The Birth of the Surat Textile Market

The Surat Textile Market was inaugurated on Vijaya Dashami in October 1972 by Morarji Desai, who was an MP at the time and later became the Prime Minister of India. This market was established to consolidate the fragmented textile businesses scattered across Surat under one roof, facilitating better trade practices and attracting buyers from all over the country. Harbanslal Arora, the acting president of the STM and a veteran trader from Haryana, recalls how Desai had predicted that the textile business would soon be dominated by “outsiders.” This prediction has indeed come true, as today, the market is primarily controlled by communities who migrated to Surat and made it their home.

The Early Days of Textile Trade in Surat

Before the establishment of the STM, textile traders in Surat conducted their businesses from their homes. Known for its production of man-made yarns and brocades, Surat’s textile industry was initially a home-based enterprise. Traders and weavers operated from their residences, using handlooms and later power-looms to produce grey cloth. This cloth would then be sent to dyeing and printing mills or dyed at home using traditional methods like “tapela dyeing,” where a large vessel of dye and chemicals would be heated to color the fabric.

Jitubhai Vakhariya, president of the South Gujarat Textile Processing Association, reminisces about how his father, Popatlal Vakhariya, ran a textile business from their old home on Khangad Street in Salabatpura. Buyers would arrive at the Surat railway station and be escorted by commission agents to these home-based businesses to purchase sarees and other textile items. The establishment of the STM marked a significant shift, bringing these dispersed operations into a centralized location.

Growth and Expansion

The STM was a catalyst for growth in Surat’s textile industry. The market, initially built by local businessmen such as the Himson Group and the Vakhariya Group, soon became a bustling center of trade. With 1,500 shops, it provided a platform for traders from various parts of India to conduct business efficiently. This centralization attracted more buyers, leading to the construction of additional markets like Bombay Market, 451 Market, and Reshamwala Market by the 1980s.

The Ring Road area, near the Surat railway station, became a hotspot for textile trade, with over 221 textile markets housing more than 80,000 shops and employing over 550,000 people. This area remains a hive of activity, with trucks and mini-trucks constantly loading and unloading textile bales and finished goods.

The Influence of Migrant Communities

Morarji Desai’s prediction about the dominance of “outsiders” in the textile trade came to fruition as communities from various parts of India, such as Marwadis, Jains, Haryanvis, Punjabis, and Sindhis, established themselves in Surat. These communities brought with them not only their business acumen but also their cultural practices, which enriched the local business environment. Many of these traders bought shops in the STM and other markets, gradually becoming integral parts of Surat’s textile ecosystem.

Jay Lal, a senior textile trader from Haryana, notes how the influx of traders from other states transformed the business landscape. Initially, buyers relied heavily on commission agents and made cash payments for their purchases. Over the years, the payment terms evolved, with goods now being sold on a 90-day credit basis, and traders taking back unsold or rejected goods.

Technological Advancements and Modern Trade Practices

The textile industry in Surat has kept pace with technological advancements and changing market dynamics. The introduction of power-looms revolutionized production, increasing efficiency and output. Today, Surat boasts a well-established infrastructure for textile manufacturing, including weaving, dyeing, and printing units.

Kailash Hakim, president of the Federation of Surat Textile Traders Association, attributes the industry’s progress to several factors: the availability of raw materials like yarns, the presence of power-looms, dyeing and printing mills, and a skilled labor force. The lack of union problems also contributed to a stable and conducive environment for business growth.

To attract customers, traders have incorporated value additions like embellishments, embroidery work, and laces into sarees and dress materials. The advent of digital communication tools like WhatsApp has further streamlined the ordering process. Buyers now receive fabric samples, designs, and color options electronically, reducing the need for physical travel. E-commerce platforms have also played a significant role in expanding the market reach, enabling traders to cater to customers across India and beyond.

The Role of Transportation

Transportation has been a crucial element in the growth of Surat’s textile industry. In the 1970s, there were only about nine textile transport firms operating in the city. Today, this number has grown to over 225 firms, which transport textile goods to various parts of India. Yuvjraj Deshle, president of the Surat Textile Goods Transport Association, recalls how he joined the transport business in 1979 as a driver. Back then, an average of 35 trucks loaded with textile parcels would leave Surat daily. Today, this number has surged to over 230 trucks, highlighting the exponential growth in the volume of trade.

The Future of Surat’s Textile Industry

The future of Surat’s textile industry looks promising, driven by continuous innovation and adaptation to market needs. The industry’s resilience and ability to embrace change have been key factors in its sustained growth. Surat’s textile markets continue to thrive, attracting traders and buyers from all over India.

Manoj Agrawal, a former president of FOSTTA, points out that while Maharashtra has a well-established textile weaving industry, goods from there still make their way to Surat because the neighboring state lacks other segments of the industry, such as dyeing and printing. Surat’s comprehensive textile ecosystem, encompassing all stages of production, gives it a competitive edge.

The industry is also exploring sustainable practices to address environmental concerns. With the growing awareness of the environmental impact of textile production, there is a push towards adopting eco-friendly methods and reducing waste. This shift towards sustainability is expected to shape the future of the textile industry in Surat.

Conclusion

The evolution of Surat’s textile industry from home-based businesses to bustling markets is a remarkable story of growth, resilience, and adaptability. The establishment of the Surat Textile Market in 1972 marked the beginning of a new era, bringing together traders from different parts of India and fostering a vibrant business community. The industry’s ability to embrace technological advancements and adapt to changing market dynamics has been key to its success.

Today, Surat’s textile markets are a bustling hub of activity, attracting buyers from across the country. The industry’s comprehensive infrastructure, coupled with the presence of skilled labor and supportive business environment, continues to drive its growth. As the industry looks to the future, the focus on sustainability and innovation will play a crucial role in ensuring its continued success.