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 industrialized 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 polls. 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.
Population:
Approx 3.8 million
Climate: Ahmedabad's climate is
hot and humid. The temperature during summer months soars to 45 degrees and
in winter dips as low as 5 degrees. It rains frequently, making the
atmosphere humid and sultry.
Best times to visit: Between
the months of October and March.
Kankaria Lake This man-made lake was developed by
Qutub-Ud-Din in 1451. Today it is a popular recreational spot for the
residents of Ahmedabad. The lake is surrounded by beautiful gardens and also
houses an aquarium on its banks. Located in the middle of the lake is a
beautiful island palace that was visited frequently by Nur Jahan and
Jehangir during the Mughal period.
Teen Darwaza
These arched gateways were built by Sultan Ahmed Shah. They formed the royal
entrance to the Maidan Shah or Royal Square. From here the Sultans watched
the processions from the palace to the Jama Masjid.
Hatheesing Jain Temple Embellished with intricate carvings and
built in white marble, the Hatheesing Jain temple is one of the most ornate
Jain temples in Ahmedabad. It was built in the nineteenth century by a rich
Jain merchant and is dedicated to Dharmnath, the 15th Jain Apostle.
Sarkhej Roza The Sarkhej Roza is one of the most elegant
and unique architectural complexes in the city. These buildings do not have
arches and there has been a remarkable use of pierced stone trellises.
Shaking Minarets Near the Ahmedabad railway station is
the mosque of Sidi Bashir. People come to this mosque to see the pair of
shaking minarets. The amazing thing about the minarets is that if one is
shaken the other also rocks in sympathy. It is said that the minarets were
built in this way to avoid damage during the earthquakes. The British
partially dismantled the pillars in an attempt to understand how they were
built. However, they were unable to find out, nor could they replace
dismantled parts.
Sidi Saiyad Mosque One of the
most famous mosques of Ahmedabad, Sidi Saiyad Mosque was constructed in
1571. The mosque has ten semicircular windows, each carrying a splendid
filigree screen. The intricate carvings on the windows represent the
intertwining of the branches of a tree.
Dada Hari Vav
(Stepped Well) This well was built in 1501 to provide a cool
resting place and water to the travellers. The stepped well is among the
finest examples of Gujarati architecture. Even on the hottest days, the well
remains cool.
Jama Masjid Built in 1423, the Jama
Masjid is one of the most beautiful mosques in western India, providing a
fine example of exquisite workmanship.
Rani Sipri Mosque
Another beautiful mosque is the Rani Sipri mosque, built by the
Queen of Mahmud Shah Begda in 1514. After her death she was buried in the
premises of the mosque itself.
Gandhi Ashram This
ashram, founded in 1915, was the starting point of Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi
Yatra in protest of the British salt laws. It was an important base for
India's freedom movement.
The Calico Museum This
museum of textiles displays antique and modern textiles. It is housed in a
carved wooden haveli and exhibits rare tapestries, wall hangings and
costumes. Some of the old weaving machines are also kept here. The museum's
collection dates back to the 17th century and it also has an excellent
reference library on textiles.
NC Mehta Museum The
NC Mehta Museum houses a spectacular collection of miniatures from various
Indian painting schools.
The Shreyas Folk Museum
This museum displays some of the finest examples of the traditional arts &
crafts of Gujarat. A must-see for those interested in folk art.
Makar Sankranti : This festival is celebrated all over
the country, but in Gujarat - and Ahmedabad in particular - the day is
celebrated as a Kite Festival. This festival has today acquired an
international flavour, with people from round the globe coming here to enjoy
the kite flying. Exotic kites in different shapes and sizes cover the sky on
this day every year.
Navratri : When Bengal is
celebrating the Durga Puja, Gujarat celebrates Navratri with much fanfare
and gaiety. Young boys and girls perform the Garba and Dandiya Ras dances.
Celebrations carry on for nine days and culminate on the tenth day
(Dussehra).
Rath Yatra : In the month of June or
July, a massive procession is begins from the Jagannath temple in Ahmedabad.
A chariot carrying idols of Lord Krishna, Balram and Subhadra leaves the
temple amid chanting of sacred Vedic hymns.
HOW
TO GET THERE:By Road: State Road Transport
Corporations (SRTC) of
Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and
Rajasthan
provide regular bus services to Ahmedabad from all major centres in the
area.
By Air: Ahmedabad, is connected with most major cities i.e.,
Delhi,
Mumbai, Bangalore,
Hyderabad
and
Kolkata
by frequent Indian Airlines and Jet Airways Flights. Now an International Airport
as well, with a few direct flights.
By Rail: Ahmedabad is
a major junction on the Delhi / Mumbai route and is connected by various super
fast trains.
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India Travel Hotel.
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