Ahmedabad Travel Guide, India

Ahmedabad City

Ahmedabad the “Manchester of the East” is one of the most industrialized and developed cities of India. It has been famous for its textile mills and smokestacks. It is Gujarat’s principal city which is also known as Ambavad. Ahmedabad is situated on the banks of Sabarmati River and was the capital of Gujarat from 1960 to 1970.

Before the 15th century, Ahmedabad was in the hands of King Karandev and he named the city as “Karnavati”. However, in 1411, Karnavati was captured by Muslim ruler Ahmed Shah and thus became Ahmedabad. Again in 1753, Ahmedabad was taken away by the armies of Raghunath Rao and Damaji Gaekwad. But during next 64 years the city became worse and it was only after it came under British rule in 1818 that it prospered to its glory. In 1915, Ahmedabad became famous as Mahatma Gandhi’s ashram place from where he launched his much acclaimed march against Salt Law.

 

Statistics:

Population: 4.5 million

Area: 190.84 kms

Languages: Gujarati, Hindi, English

 

Architecture

Ahmedabad boasts of the amalgamation of Hindu craftsmanship with Islamic Architecture. Jama Masjid is one such example. It was built by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 15th century. Standing on 260 pillars and having a huge courtyard, it is India’s most beautiful mosque. Hatesing temple is another famous Jain temple built in 19th century by a Jain merchant. It is done in white marble and again gives an example of exemplary architecture. Sabarmati Ashram, now a museum, is another place of interest which was home to Gandhi after his return from South Africa. Apart from these Sarkhej Roza, textile Calico museum, Ahmed Shah mosque are few other places of interests to be visited.

 

Infrastructure

Ahmedabad has been a hub of the booming textile industry. Now it has become a centre of rising education, information technology and scientific industries. It has the largest set of SEZs in the country and encompasses a huge gamut of retail outlets. It has country’s finest design schools such as NIFT and National Institute of Design. The current focus is on privatization of ports and development of townships. Ahmedabad also attracts largest NRI investment in the country.

The present chief minister Mr. Narendra Modi has played a vital role in attracting foreign investment in the state which has led Ahmedabad towards the never ending era of prosperity. Ahmedabad sets an example of transformation of a gloomy city to a most glorified city of the country.

 

Culture

The culture of Ahmedabad is deep rooted. Its Navaratri festival (of Goddess Durga) is celebrated with great fanfare. During this festival, the city witnesses innumerable dandiya performances and Gujarati ratjaggas (night outs). On January 14th, Kite festival is celebrated which makes the city sky replete with all possible colorful kites.

The Ahmedabad city tour is incomplete without Gujarati delicacies. It typically includes a Thali, apart from this; there are snacks like khandva, dhokla and thepla. Gujarati Shrikhand (a sweet dish) is also relished world wide. Many parts of the city are also famous for its traditional weaving like Paldi area, Rangeela Pol for Bandhini work (tie and dye).