An Insight :
Ahmedabad was named after the Sultan Ahmed Shah, who built the city in
1411. Also called the "Manchester of the East', today, it is one of the
most highly industrialised cities of India.
Historically, Ahmedabad was a major base camp during the Indian freedom
struggle. Mahatma Gandhi built the Sabarmati Ashram on the outskirts of the
city, from where he guided India to freedom. Today Ahmedabad, more than any
other Indian city represents non-violence and peace.
Ahmedabad is also the textile city of India. Though the city has developed
more as a business and commercial centre, it also holds attraction as a
centre for the study of Indo-Saracenic architecture, a style that fuses
elements of Hindu and Islamic architecture.
The old city of Ahmedabad is dotted with labyrinth of bylanes called pols.
The exquisitely carved wooden mansions are beautiful examples of the
craftsmanship of the time.
Although it is no longer the capital of Gujarat, Ahmedabad remains the
second largest industrial city in western India.
Lets Explore The City of Ahmedabad :
» Jama Masjid - Jama Masjid was built by Sultan
Ahmed Shah in 1423, the mosque is situated in the center of the old city. It
is one of the biggest and oldest mosque for Friday prayers. It is one of the
finest mosques in India with 260 pillars supporting 15 domes at different
elevations. There is a spacious courtyard in marble. Originally, the mosque
also had minarets, which were ruined in an earthquake.
» Huthising Temple - Apart from the Muslim
monuments, Ahmedbad contains a number of Hindu and Jain temples. The Jain
shrine, known as the Huthising temple, is one of them. Constructed by Shri
Kesarising Huthising in 1848 this temple is dedicated to Dharmanath, the
15th Jain Tirtankra. The main temple here is surrounded by 52 small temples.
» Sabarmati Ashram - The ashram - which was
founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1915 - is arguably the biggest tourist
attraction. It lies on the serene stretch of the Sabarmati river and was
referred to as the Satyagraha Ashram during the lifetime of the Mahatma. It
was from here, in 1930, that the Mahatma began his famous 'Dandi March' to
protest against the Salt Tax imposed by the British. One can see the three
wise monkeys and many more of Gandhiji's teachings at the premises. The
ashram today continues the work started by him and has a handicrafts center,
a handmade paper factory and a spinning wheel factory. The humble cottage
where Gandhiji lived 'Hridaya Kunj' - is now a small museum displaying his
few possessions. It is preserved as a National Monument. In addition to this
there is the Gandhi Memorial Center, a Library and a Sound-and-Light show
that offers an interesting display of the Mahatma's life and teachings.
» Calico Museum - The exceptional Calico Museum of
Textiles is one of the best textile museums in the world. Constructed in
1949, it houses the finest fabrics spun, woven, printed and painted in
different parts of India during past five centuries. Also to be found on
display are old weaving machines. The museum is in Sarabhai House, a former
mansion in the Shahi Bagh Gardens.
» Rani Rupmati Masjid - Rani Rupmati's
mosque situated north of the city center, gets its name after the Hindu wife
of Sultan Mahmud Begado. The mosque was built between 1430 and 1440 and
epitomizes a harmonious fusion of Hindu and Muslim styles. It has three
domes supported by pillars with the central domes slightly elevated which
allows natural light to enter the mosque. This mosque too lost its minarets
in the earthquake of 1818.
More to Explore in Ahmedabad :
Gujarat is a state that is abundant in varied and exquisite handicrafts.
With the influence of various cultures in the past and with the passage of
time, the arts and crafts of this region cannot be ignored. A prime example
of the fine weaving are the Patola silk saris. What distinguishes them is
the tie and weaves method where the yarn is dyed in bright colors and the
designs are worked out before being woven. The more elaborate the sari the
longer it takes the weaver to complete the piece of art, and this could take
up to a year. It is hardly surprising therefore that these collectors items
are priced at the higher end.
Another important part of this industry is the zari (gold embroidery) that
dates back to the Mughal period. Zari is used on elaborate sari borders,
shoe uppers, evening bags and accessories. The tie and dye and the bandhani
styles - are very popular in silk and cotton. Hand-painted cloth is freely
available and the interesting designs and colours used sell like hot cakes.
The finest place to pick up works of art is the Law Garden area in
Ahmedabad. As the name suggests this is the garden area of the Law college
of Ahmedabad, but is better known as the romantic park for couples who
cannot help clandestine meetings. In the evening the area transforms into an
open market for all kinds of handicrafts. One needs to hone bargaining
skills before venturing into this area to shop. Another item that really
sells is the mirror worked - colorful gypsy-styled ghagras (long skirts),
and waistcoats and blouses typical of the Rabaris, a pastoral community.
Where is Ahmadabad?
» By Air - Ahmedabad airport is located 10 km
north of the city center. Indian Airlines & other private airlines have
daily flights to Mumbai and Delhi. The city is also connected to Bangalore,
Goa and Chennai by regular flights.
» By Rail - The city also has a good road network
with good network of National and State Highways. Ahmedabad is well
connected by trains with Delhi, Mumbai, Vadodra and Udaipur.
» By Road - The city is well connected with
Bombay, Delhi and other major cities.
