Vapi

Local tradition links early settlement in the Vapi region to the Palande Kshatriya family; some accounts also mention the ancestral name Kadambande. During the period of the Great Maratha Empire, the jagir was granted by Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to Sardar for his bravery during the loot of Surat, and for maintaining vigilance of Portuguese in Daman. Historically, the region had strategic importance due to the presence of forts in and around the area. Two forts are said to have existed to the north and south of Vapi — Arjungad and Vikramgad — along with fortifications near Silvassa. After India gained independence, the Jagirdari system was abolished in 1951 by the Government of India. Following this, the land was transferred to the Anavil Brahmin community, who had earlier served as tax farmers during the Maratha era. It is believed that the city derives its name from an old small stepwell, built during the Maratha period, located near the Balitha area. The word Vapi (वापी) in Sanskrit refers to a water reservoir or water storage body. == Geography ==

NH 48 bisects the city. The western part was the original location of the town, while the eastern part consists mainly of industry and newer residential areas. Mumbai is roughly to the south, and Surat is about to the north. The Arabian Sea, at the delta of the Damanganga, is about 7 km to the west. The city has tropical weather and enjoys three distinct seasons: winter, summer and monsoon, with rainfall ranging from to per annum. The Dhobikhadi, Bhilkhadi, Kolak and Damanganga rivers flow through Vapi. Surrounding locations include Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Umargam, Sarigam, Bhilad, Udvada, Sanjan and Pardi. == Transport ==

National Highway 48 passes through Vapi. It is connected to all major cities. It is the only place from which one can visit Daman and Silvassa. City bus service is available. To cater to industry, the city hosts what is called a "floating population". The Vapi railway station on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad rail link of Western Railway has become the direct beneficiary in terms of revenues due to daily commuters. It is the only city connecting Daman district with Dadra and Nagar Haveli district. A coast guard airport is running in Daman where private charters can operate with prior permissions. It will also be one of the stations in the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor, otherwise known as the 'Bullet train project'. == Economy ==

⁨Vapi⁩ has an estimated GDP per capita of $⁨11.4 thousand⁩. ⁨Manufacturing⁩ industries account for about 40% of all workers in the city. == Demography ==

As per census of 2011 done by the Indian government, population of Vapi in 2011 was 163,630, of which male and female are 94,105 and 69,525 respectively. The average literacy rate is 89%. Gujarati and Hindi are the most common languages, although due to its need of workers in factories at all levels from labourers to executives, people from all states of India can be found here thriving. According to 2011 census, Hinduism is majority religion in Vapi city with 77.37% followers. Islam is second most popular religion with approximately 18.37% following it. Christianity is followed by 0.62%, Jainism by 3.11%, Sikhism by 0.15% and Buddhism by 0.15%. == References ==