Khambhat

Khambhat, also known as Cambay, is a town and municipality in Anand district in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is situated on the coast of the Gulf of Khambhat, a long, narrow inlet of the Arabian Sea that separates the Saurashtra peninsula from the mainland.

Khambhat has a long maritime history. In ancient and medieval times it functioned as a significant port and commercial hub, linking Gujarat with traders from the Persian Gulf, the Indian Ocean world, and later European merchants. The region’s harbour activity and traditional shipbuilding are noted in historical accounts and travel writings, reflecting its role in regional trade networks.

Administratively, Khambhat is part of Anand district and serves as a local centre for commerce and provisioning for surrounding rural areas. The town lies in a coastal plain with agriculture in the hinterland, and its proximity to the sea has shaped local livelihoods.

Today, the local economy relies on agriculture and small-scale trade. Crops such as groundnuts and cotton are common in the surrounding areas, while fishing and coastal trade contribute to the town’s livelihoods. Small industries and services support the urban population, and Khambhat continues to function as a market town for the region.

Khambhat is connected by road and rail to major cities in Gujarat and nearby areas. Its historical identity as Cambay remains part of its cultural heritage, reflected in references to regional history and in the long-standing association with coastal trade.