Ahmedabad
| Ahmedabad | |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Manchester of India, Amdavad |
| State | Gujarat |
| Country | India |
| District | Ahmedabad |
| Official Language | Gujarati |
| Founded | 1411 AD |
| Founded By | Sultan Ahmed Shah |
| Area | 464 km² |
| UNESCO Status | World Heritage City (2017) |
Ahmedabad is the largest city of Gujarat, India, and the seventh largest city in India by population. Popularly known as the Manchester of India due to its historically significant textile industry, Ahmedabad was founded in 1411 AD by Sultan Ahmed Shah of the Muzaffarid dynasty. In 2017, Ahmedabad became India's first UNESCO World Heritage City, recognizing its outstanding historical and architectural heritage.
History
Ahmedabad was founded on the eastern bank of the Sabarmati River in 1411 AD by Sultan Ahmed Shah, who named the city after himself. The city quickly grew into a major centre of trade, textiles and Islamic architecture under the Gujarat Sultanate.
The Mughal Emperor Akbar captured Ahmedabad in 1572, and the city flourished as a major Mughal provincial capital. The British East India Company established a trading factory in Ahmedabad in 1619, and the city eventually came under British control in the early 19th century.
Ahmedabad played a significant role in India's independence movement. Mahatma Gandhi established his famous Sabarmati Ashram on the banks of the Sabarmati River in 1917, and the city was the starting point of the historic Dandi Salt March in 1930.
Geography
Ahmedabad is located on the banks of the Sabarmati River in central Gujarat. The city is divided into the eastern walled city — the historic old city — and the modern western suburbs. The Sabarmati River flows through the centre of the city, with the historic areas on the eastern bank and the newer commercial and residential areas on the western bank.
Economy
Ahmedabad is one of the most economically important cities in India. Key sectors include:
- Textiles — Ahmedabad has a long history as a major textile manufacturing centre; the city is home to several large textile mills and garment manufacturers
- Pharmaceuticals — A major hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and research
- Information Technology — Several IT companies and technology parks operate in the city
- Diamond Trading — Ahmedabad is a significant centre for diamond trading alongside Gujarat's famous diamond hub Surat
- Financial Services — Home to several banks, insurance companies and financial institutions
- Chemical Industry — A major centre for chemical and petrochemical manufacturing
Tourism
Ahmedabad is home to several significant historical and cultural attractions:
- Sabarmati Ashram — The former residence of Mahatma Gandhi, now a national memorial and museum
- Adalaj Stepwell — A magnificently carved five-storey stepwell built in 1499 AD
- Sidi Saiyyed Mosque — A 16th century mosque famous for its intricately carved stone lattice windows
- Jama Masjid — A grand mosque built by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1424 AD
- Hutheesing Jain Temple — A beautifully carved white marble Jain temple built in 1848
- Kankaria Lake — A large circular lake surrounded by a recreational park
- Calico Museum of Textiles — One of the finest textile museums in the world
Culture
Ahmedabad has a vibrant cultural life rooted in its Gujarati heritage. The city is known for its distinctive cuisine including dhokla, fafda, jalebi, thepla and the traditional Gujarati thali. The Navratri festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Ahmedabad, with large-scale Garba and Dandiya Raas events held across the city.
The city hosts several cultural institutions including the National Institute of Design (NID) and the Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT) University, both internationally recognized institutions.
Education
Ahmedabad has several prominent educational institutions:
- Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar
- Gujarat University
- National Institute of Design (NID)
- CEPT University
Transport
Ahmedabad has a well-connected transport network:
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport — A major international airport connecting Ahmedabad to domestic and international destinations
- Ahmedabad Metro — A modern metro rail system serving the city
- Railways — Ahmedabad Junction is one of the busiest railway stations in western India
- Roads — Well connected by national highways to Mumbai, Rajasthan, Surat and other major cities