Surat

Surat, an Indian town on the Gulf of Cambay, on the left bank of the Tapti, about 14 miles above the mouth. It extends for 1-1/2 miles along the river, and has in the centre a fortified castle, now occupied by public offices. A curious feature of some of the houses is that they have half-timbered projecting upper storeys. The suburbs are large and open. To the W. of the town are the military cantonments. There are some fine mosques, Mahometan tombs, Hindu and Parsee temples, churches, clock-tower, and high school. The silted-up harbour and the rivalship of Bombay have deposed Surat from its former important position.