Gulf of Khambhat

The Gulf of Khambhat cuts deeply into the coast of Gujarat between the Saurashtra peninsula and the mainland. Its funnel shape amplifies the tides, which sweep sediment through the shallow water and into the estuaries of the Sabarmati and Mahi. At the head of the gulf stood Cambay, a celebrated trading port. Its approaches were difficult: shifting shoals and powerful tides demanded careful navigation, even as merchants carried Gujarati goods across the Indian Ocean.