The correct answer is option 'C', Surat.

Explanation:
- Surat was an important pre-colonial port located on the western coast of India in the present-day state of Gujarat.
- It served as a major trading hub and connected India to the Gulf countries and the Red Sea ports.
- Surat was strategically located near the Arabian Sea, making it an ideal port for maritime trade.
- The city had a natural harbor that facilitated the movement of ships, allowing for easy access to trade routes.
- Surat's proximity to the Gulf countries and the Red Sea ports made it a crucial link in the trade network between India and these regions.
- Goods such as textiles, spices, indigo, and precious stones from India were exported through Surat to the Gulf countries and the Red Sea ports.
- In return, Surat imported various goods like dates, pearls, and other luxury items from these regions.
- The port of Surat attracted merchants from different parts of the world, including Persia, Arabia, and Europe.
- The city became a cosmopolitan center, with a diverse population of traders and merchants.
- The trade conducted through Surat played a significant role in the economic development of both India and the Gulf countries.
- Surat's prominence as a port declined after the arrival of European powers, particularly the British, who established their own trading posts and took control over trade in the region.
- However, Surat's historical importance as a pre-colonial port connecting India to the Gulf countries and the Red Sea ports cannot be understated.