In Mughal times, the port of Surat was called the 'Babul Mecca' (Gate of Mecca) because:

In Mughal times, Surat, on the river Tapti in Gujarat, was called "Babul Mecca" (the Gate of Mecca) because many pilgrims sailed from there to Mecca for the Hajj.

About Surat in the Mughal period:

• It was the most important port of the Mughal empire on the western coast, and the main gateway for trade with West Asia.
• NCERT describes Surat in Gujarat as the emporium of western trade during the Mughal period, along with Cambay (Khambhat) and later Ahmedabad.
• It was the gateway for trade with West Asia via the Gulf of Ormuz.
• Ships sailed from Surat to the Red Sea ports, such as Jeddah and Mocha, and to the Persian Gulf.
• Surat was known for its textiles, especially fine cotton cloth with gold borders (zari).
• It had a big market for goods from all over India, and wholesale and retail shops.
• It had rich merchants, such as Virji Vora, one of the richest merchants of his time.

European trading companies:

• The Portuguese, Dutch and English set up warehouses (factories) at Surat.
• Surat was the headquarters of the English Company in western India until it moved to Bombay in 1687.

Decline of Surat:

NCERT notes that Surat began to decline towards the end of the 17th century, because of the loss of markets and productivity due to the decline of the Mughal empire, the control of the sea routes by the Portuguese, and competition from Bombay.

Shivaji raided Surat twice, in 1664 and 1670, and carried away great wealth.

Hajj pilgrimage:

• The Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam.
• Mughal emperors sometimes sent ships and gifts for the pilgrims.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Surat was not founded by Arab traders, did not have the largest mosque, and was not ruled by the Sharif of Mecca.