Known by names such as ‘Manchester City of India’, ‘Economic Capital of Gujarat’, ‘India’s First Heritage City’, Gujarat capital Ahmedabad is preparing to be recognised as ‘Smart City Ahmedabad’ and ‘Olympic City Ahmedabad’ in the near future. The city, which has made a significant contribution to the economic development of Gujarat and the country, is celebrating its 613th foundation day on February 26. Ahmedabad, included in the world heritage, is a confluence of history, tradition, and modernity.
Historical heritages such as Kot Ahmedabad, Pol, Sidi Saiyyed’s Jali, Manek Chowk, Queen and King’s Huzra, Jama Masjid, modern alternatives like Atal Bridge, River Front, Narendra Modi Stadium, Night Cafe, Game Zones give a peek into the growth of Ahmedabad as a mordern cosmopolitan sprawl with a rich and conserved past.
It is said that in the year 1411, Sultan Ahmed Shah of the Muzaffar dynasty came here with his hunting dog. After that, Ahmed Shah thought of establishing his new capital here. He asked for permission from his religious guru Sheikh Ahmed Khatu to establish a city here. Then he said that if you get four Ahmeds who have never missed afternoon prayers, then you can establish this city. After that, Ahmed Shah found two Ahmeds in Gujarat, the third Sheikh Ahmed Khatu and the fourth his son, thus four Ahmeds and 12 Babas together established Ahmedabad.
Another belief is that a Hindu saint, Maneknath Baba, used to reside here. Ahmed Shah had removed his hut to build a fort, but the wall kept breaking repeatedly. Then Ahmed Shah came to know about this. Then he took the approval of Maneknath Baba and established this city and named the first four roads of the city as Manek Chowk and one of the 12 towers of the fort as Manek Burj. The city, established on February 26, 1411, has made its place not only in Gujarat or India but also in world history.
Ahmedabad has always been aggressive in adopting modernity due to its unique characteristics. Therefore, when the industrial revolution took place in Europe and the era of machine-run mills came, mills were also booming in Ahmedabad, and Ahmedabad had won the title of Manchester of India. Many mosques of Ahmedabad have become famous due to their architecture and architectural art, in which Sidi Saiyyed’s Jali, Jama Masjid are important. In addition to this, the poles of Ahmedabad have also gained fame in the whole world.
Ahmedabad also played a significant role in the independence struggle and due to Mahatma Gandhi’s movement against the British rule, this city has witnessed many major programmes and struggles. Gandhi started the Salt Satyagraha from Sabarmati Ashramin the city. This is the same Ahmedabad where Gandhi once vowed that he would not return until he ousted the British from this country. The first meeting of Sardar Patel, who was Gandhi’s right hand, also took place in Ahmedabad. Thus, Ahmedabad is a witness to many stories of the independence movement.
The first English school in Ahmedabad was opened in 1844 by Rev GL Allen in the Old Dutch Factory. However, when an untouchable boy was admitted to this school, the leading citizens of the city boycotted the school. Two years later, the first British government English school was opened with 47 students near the mansion of the city chief. Then in 1905, the first government girls’ school was established in Raikhad. The inauguration of Vanita Vishram School, located near Jethabhai’s pole in Khadia, was done by Mahatma Gandhi in 1919.
For years, Ahmedabad, which was confined to the Kot area east of the Sabarmati River, has made unprecedented development in the post-independence period. Expanding from the Kot area, today Ahmedabad is divided into two parts, east and west. The Sabarmati divides the city into two parts. This city is also known for its grandeur and large events during Navratri. It is an extraordinary cultural and spiritual open-air fest that last for days.
The government is paying attention to develop many new and modern infrastructure for holding of the Olympics in Ahmedabad in 2036. In addition to this, the bullet train will also become a new identity of modern Ahmedabad.
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