The references of Gujarat and Saurastra are to be found in the Mahabharata, 'Arthshastra' of Chanakya, Deval Smriti and Buddha stories written during 1st Century A.D. There is a clear reference to Saurastra in the stone inscription at Girnar, of Maha Kshatrap Rudramahal of 150 A.D.
Dravidian tribes were the original inhabitants of the region. The ancient history of Gujarat was enriched by their commercial activities. There is a clear historical evidence of trade and commerce ties with Sumer in the Persian Gulf during the time period of 1000 to 750 BC. The remains and reminiscences of the people living at Rozdi (Shrinathgadh) near Gondal in Saurastra of 1850 B.C. and different strata of cultural life of Gujarat is at least no less than 4000 years old. The Harrapan remains found at Lothal in Ahmedabad district are also some 4000 years old. Some weapons of stone age have been found from ravines of river Bhadar near Rozdi. The archeologists believe that the weapons are as old as 2,00,000 years old.
In its history, Gujarat saw an Aryan invasion followed by a brief period of Greek rule. There were a succession of Hindu kingdoms including the era of the Guptas and culminating in the reign of the Solankis. The 9th century history of Gujarat saw the emergence of the Muslims in the political arena of the state. The Mughals established and consolidated their rule from Delhi The rule of the Mughals lasted for two centuries before it was ended by the Marathas in the 18th century. The British Raj got a toehold in the region in the year 1803. The Union Jack consolidated its rule by 1827. The East India Company resurrected the principal trading post of Surat before transferring the administrative seat to Bombay (now Mumbai).