Ahmedabad Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / November 10, 2024
Ahmedabad Then
Ahmedabad, a city in the eastern part of Gujarat, India, has a rich historical background.
The origins of the city are believed to date back to an early settlement known as Ashaval, which was likely established by the Bhil tribal group.
This is supported by archaeological finds and the writings of the Persian historian al-Biruni.
Historical accounts also suggest that the Chaulukya (Solanki) ruler Karna, who ruled over Anhilvada (modern-day Patan), defeated the settlement of Ashaval and founded a new city nearby, named Karnavati.
However, the exact location of Karnavati remains uncertain, as references to Ashaval in later centuries do not mention Karnavati.
In 1411 CE, Ahmad Shah I, the ruler of the Gujarat Sultanate, moved the capital from Anhilvada to Ashaval, and following the tradition of naming cities after rulers, the city was renamed Ahmedabad after him.
This transformation marked the beginning of Ahmedabad’s prominence as a key city in the region.
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Ahmedabad History
Ahmedabad, one of India’s prominent cities, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries, shaped by various dynasties and cultural influences.
The city was founded in 1411 by Sultan Ahmad Shah, the ruler of Gujarat, who established it next to the older Hindu town of Asawal.
Ahmad Shah chose the location for its strategic position along the Sabarmati River, and he laid the foundation for a new walled city, initially called Ahmedabad, named after himself.
The city flourished for a century under the rule of the Gujarat Sultanate, but political instability and dynastic decay eventually led to its decline.
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In 1572, Ahmedabad was captured by the Mughal emperor Akbar, marking the beginning of the city’s association with the Mughal Empire, which brought renewed economic prosperity, particularly in the textile trade.
However, the city’s prominence began to fade after the death of Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707, as the Mughal Empire weakened.
In 1818, the British annexed Gujarat, arresting the city’s further decline.
During the British colonial period, Ahmedabad grew into a significant industrial center, particularly with the establishment of cotton mills in the late 19th century.
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The city’s industrial growth accelerated, and Ahmedabad became one of the largest inland industrial centers in India.
In 1960, after the reorganization of states following India’s independence, Ahmedabad became the capital of the newly formed state of Gujarat, though the administration was later moved to Gandhinagar in 1970.
Despite facing challenges such as the devastating earthquake of 2001, which resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, and periods of communal violence, including the 2002 Gujarat riots, Ahmedabad has continued to grow.
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The city’s economy diversified, with industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and computer software contributing to its economic development.
Ahmedabad also became a hub for education, science, and technology, with the establishment of universities and research institutions.
Today, Ahmedabad is not only known for its industrial prowess but also for its historical landmarks, blending Hindu, Muslim, and Jain architectural traditions.
The city is home to numerous historic mosques, Jain temples, and step-wells, making it a unique cultural melting pot.
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Ahmedabad Now
Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat, has a rich historical and cultural legacy that has shaped it into one of India’s most significant urban centers.
Located on the western coast of India along the banks of the Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad serves as a vital administrative, commercial, and educational hub for the state.
As the fifth-most populous city in India, with a population estimated at over 8.8 million in 2024, it plays a central role in the country’s economy and industrial development.
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The city is known for its thriving textile industry, earning the nickname “Manchester of India” due to its historical dominance in cotton production.
Its rich history dates back to 1411 when it was founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah, and it has been a key center of trade and commerce ever since.
Ahmedabad’s historical significance is also evident in its architecture and cultural heritage, which blends Islamic, Hindu, and Jain traditions.
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The city’s old quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to an array of mosques, temples, stepwells, and other monuments that reflect its diverse cultural history.
Ahmedabad is also the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, and the Sabarmati Ashram, where Gandhi lived, remains a key site for Indian history and a symbol of India’s struggle for independence.
Economically, Ahmedabad has evolved into an important industrial and financial hub.
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The city’s cotton mills, which emerged in the late 19th century, established it as a major player in India’s textile industry.
Though the Ahmedabad Stock Exchange closed in 2018, the city continues to be a major economic center, contributing significantly to India’s GDP.
Its diversified economy also includes sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, information technology, and construction.
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The liberalization of the Indian economy has further spurred growth in the tertiary sector, leading to a booming real estate market and the development of modern infrastructure, including high-rise buildings and commercial centers.
In sports, cricket holds a special place in Ahmedabad’s culture. The Narendra Modi Stadium, inaugurated in 2020, is the largest stadium in the world by capacity, hosting numerous international matches and events.
The city is also home to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, which, once completed, will enhance its status as a sports destination.
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Ahmedabad’s rapid growth has earned it numerous accolades over the years. In 2010, it was ranked among the fastest-growing cities in the world by Forbes.
It was named India’s best city to live in by The Times of India in 2012, and more recently, in 2022, Time magazine recognized it as one of the world’s greatest places.
The city’s increasing population and economic dynamism continue to drive urban development, with the government selecting it as one of the cities to be developed as a smart city under India’s Smart Cities Mission.
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With its thriving economy, rich cultural heritage, and modern infrastructure, Ahmedabad remains an essential city in India’s growth trajectory.
The ongoing efforts to preserve its historic core while embracing new urban innovations ensure that Ahmedabad will continue to be a dynamic center of business, culture, and history for years to come.
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FAQs
Ahmedabad is famous for its rich cultural heritage, textile industry, and historical significance.
It is known as the “Manchester of India” for its role in the textile sector, its association with Mahatma Gandhi (who lived in the city), and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage City. It is also a major economic hub in Gujarat.
The primary language spoken in Ahmedabad is Gujarati, the official language of the state of Gujarat.
Hindi and English are also widely understood and used, especially in business and education.
Yes, Ahmedabad earned the nickname “Manchester of India” during the 19th and 20th centuries due to its booming cotton textile industry, which was comparable to the textile production of Manchester, England.
The old name of Ahmedabad was Karnavati before it was renamed after Sultan Ahmad Shah, who founded the city in 1411.