Ahmedabad, fondly called “Amdavad” by its residents, is a city that weaves together a rich tapestry of history, culture, and progress. From its ancient origins as Ashaval to its current status as a bustling economic hub and UNESCO World Heritage City, Ahmedabad’s journey spans over a millennium. Situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River in Gujarat, India, the city has evolved through the reigns of various dynasties, colonial powers, and modern governance, each leaving an indelible mark on its identity. This article traces the remarkable emergence of Ahmedabad, from its early days as a tribal settlement to its present-day prominence as a vibrant center of trade, culture, and innovation.
The Dawn of Ashaval (9th–13th Century)
The story of Ahmedabad begins in the 9th–10th century with a settlement known as Ashaval (also referred to as Ashapalli or Asawal), a modest trading town inhabited by the Bhil tribe under their chieftain, Āśā. Located near the Sabarmati River, Ashaval was a strategic point on the trade route from Anhilwad Patan to Cambay, as noted by the Persian historian Al-Bīrūnī. The area was marked by the hillock near present-day Astodia Darwaja, known as “Asha Bhil-no-Tekro” (Ashā Bhil’s Hill). Archaeological findings suggest a vibrant Jain community thrived here, with accounts from Jain scholars documenting the town’s early significance.
In the 11th century, King Karna of the Chaulukya (Solanki) dynasty, ruling from Anhilwad Patan, defeated Āśā around 1074 CE and established a city named Karnavati on the banks of the Sabarmati. Karna founded temples dedicated to goddesses Kocharabā and Jayantī, as well as the Karnamukteshwar Mahadev temple near Sarangpur Darwaja, and excavated a tank called Karnasagara. Though these structures have not survived, they marked the region’s transition into a more organized urban settlement under Solanki rule. The Solankis governed until the 13th century, when the Vaghela dynasty of Dholka took control, only to be overtaken by the Delhi Sultanate in 1299 after a battle near Ashaval between Vaghela king Karna and Alauddin Khilji’s general, Ulugh Khan.
The Founding of Ahmedabad (1411 CE)
The defining moment in the city’s history came in 1411 CE, when Sultan Ahmed Shah I of the Gujarat Sultanate chose the site of Ashaval to establish a new capital. Legend has it that Ahmed Shah, while resting on the Sabarmati’s banks, witnessed a hare chasing a dog—an unusual sight that he interpreted as a sign of the land’s boldness and vitality. Guided by his spiritual advisor, Saint Shaikh Ahmed Khattu Ganjbaksha, he laid the foundation of Ahmedabad on February 26, 1411, naming it after himself. The city was officially declared the capital on March 4, 1411, and construction began with landmarks like Bhadra Fort, Manek Burj, Manek Chowk, and the Jama Masjid.
Under the Gujarat Sultanate (1411–1573), Ahmedabad flourished as a political and economic hub. Sultan Ahmed Shah’s strategic decision to shift the capital from Patan was driven by the city’s proximity to the sea and its mercantile potential. The establishment of “mahajans” (guild-like bodies led by a sheth) facilitated trade, particularly in textiles, fostering a vibrant business spirit. The city’s urban fabric took shape with the creation of “pols” (gated residential communities) and “puras” (traditional streets), blending Hindu, Muslim, and Jain architectural influences into the Indo-Saracenic style. Notable structures like the Bhadra Citadel, the Teen Darwaza, and the Dada Harir Vav stepwell (1499 CE) reflected this fusion. However, some accounts suggest that Ahmed Shah and his successors repurposed materials from Hindu and Jain temples to build mosques, leaving a complex legacy of cultural synthesis and destruction.
In 1487, Sultan Mahmud Begada, Ahmed Shah’s grandson, fortified Ahmedabad with a 10-kilometer-long perimeter wall featuring 12 gates and 189 bastions, enhancing its security and grandeur. The city briefly lost its capital status to Champaner (1485–1486) under Begada, but the latter’s lack of water sources prompted a return to Ahmedabad. By the late 15th century, Ahmedabad had grown into a thriving center of trade and culture, with suburbs expanding on both sides of the Sabarmati.
Mughal and Maratha Eras (1573–1818)
In 1573, Mughal Emperor Akbar captured Ahmedabad, ushering in a period of prosperity under Mughal rule (1573–1707). The Mughals recognized the city’s mercantile potential, establishing a mint and standardizing the Indian rupee to boost trade. Under Emperor Jahangir, Ahmedabad became a hub for textile exports, earning the moniker “Manchester of the East.” Jahangir, who initially mocked the city as “Gardabad” (City of Dust), built the Moti Shahi Mahal, reflecting its growing importance. However, religious tensions surfaced under Aurangzeb, who, as governor in 1644, demolished the Chintamani Parshvanath Jain temple, sparking riots.
The decline of Mughal authority in the early 18th century led to political instability (1707–1817). Ahmedabad was caught in a power struggle between the Mughals and the Marathas, with joint rule by the Peshwas and Gaekwads from 1738. The city suffered during this period, with suburbs deserted, roads in disrepair, and the fort wall crumbling. In 1753, Raghunath Rao and Damaji Gaekwad seized Ahmedabad, ending Mughal rule, but internal Maratha conflicts led to further decline. Khushalchand, a prominent Jain merchant and ancestor of the Lalbhai family, played a crucial role in protecting the city from Maratha raids by paying ransoms, earning the title of Nagarsheth -chief merchant
British Rule and the Freedom Movement (1818–1947)
The British East India Company took control of Ahmedabad in 1818, marking a period of orderly development. The establishment of the Ahmedabad Municipality in 1830 and the introduction of railways in the 1860s transformed the city into a global textile hub, reinforcing its “Manchester of India” status alongside Kanpur. The British built infrastructure, including bridges and civic amenities, and fostered trade, making Ahmedabad’s textiles accessible worldwide.
In 1915, Mahatma Gandhi’s arrival marked a turning point. Establishing the Sabarmati Ashram, Gandhi made Ahmedabad the epicenter of India’s independence movement. The 1918 textile strike, led by Anasuya Sarabhai and supported by Gandhi, showcased the city’s labor activism, uniting workers and mill owners in a landmark struggle. Ahmedabad became a cradle of non-violent resistance, with leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who served as municipal president, shaping the freedom struggle. The Salt March of 1930, initiated from Sabarmati, cemented Ahmedabad’s role in India’s fight for independence.
Post-Independence Growth (1947–2000)
After India’s independence in 1947, Ahmedabad became part of Bombay State and served as Gujarat’s capital from 1960 until 1970, when the capital shifted to Gandhinagar. The 1960s saw the establishment of premier institutions like the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and the National Institute of Design (NID), positioning Ahmedabad as an educational hub. However, the city faced challenges in the 1970s and 1980s, including the decline of its textile mills due to automation and competition from specialty looms. This led to widespread unemployment, with 40,000–50,000 workers displaced, many moving to informal settlements. The Navnirman agitation of 1974, sparked by a hostel fee hike at L.D. College of Engineering, highlighted social unrest, contributing to the national Emergency of 1975. Anti-reservation protests in 1981 and 1985 further underscored caste-based tensions.
Despite these setbacks, Ahmedabad’s economy diversified into pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and automobiles, attracting skilled labor and migrants. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) implemented reforms in the 1990s, earning an A+ credit rating from CRISIL in 1997 and issuing public bonds in 1998, a first for an Indian municipal body.
Contemporary Ahmedabad (2000–Present)
The turn of the millennium marked a new chapter for Ahmedabad. Despite the devastating 2001 Bhuj earthquake, which killed over 750 people and damaged western parts of the city, Ahmedabad rebounded with rapid urbanization and economic growth. The city’s gross domestic product reached $136.1 billion in 2023, driven by industries like textiles, pharmaceuticals (home to Zydus Cadila and Torrent Pharmaceuticals), and chemicals. The Ahmedabad Textile Industry’s Research Association (ATIRA) bolstered its textile legacy, while modern architecture by luminaries like B.V. Doshi, Le Corbusier, and Louis Kahn transformed its skyline post-independence.
In 2017, the historic walled city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage City, recognizing its unique blend of Indo-Saracenic architecture, pols, and multicultural heritage. The Sabarmati Riverfront, iconic bridges, metro system, and the Narendra Modi Stadium (the world’s largest cricket stadium with a capacity of 132,000) symbolize Ahmedabad’s modern infrastructure. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, under construction, aims to make Ahmedabad a major sports hub. The city’s Heat Action Plan, launched after a 2010 heatwave, set a global standard for climate resilience, earning accolades as Asia’s first comprehensive heat mitigation strategy.
Ahmedabad’s cultural vibrancy shines through festivals like Navratri, the Kite Festival, and the Gujari Bazaar, a weekly flea market reflecting its mercantile roots. Its cuisine—dhokla, fafda, khandvi, and thepla—draws food lovers globally. Recognized as India’s best city to live in by The Times of India in 2012 and ranked third in Forbes’ list of fastest-growing cities in 2010, Ahmedabad continues to blend its ancient heritage with modern aspirations.
Challenges and Controversies
Ahmedabad’s journey has not been without strife. Communal violence in 2002, following the Godhra train burning, led to significant loss of life and property, deepening religious divides and fostering ghettos like Juhapura. Efforts to rename the city to Karnavati or Ashaval have sparked debates, with concerns that such changes could jeopardize its UNESCO status. The High Court rejected renaming proposals twice, citing historical and cultural sensitivities.
Conclusion
From the tribal settlement of Ashaval to the fortified capital of Ahmedabad, the city has navigated a complex historical path shaped by Solanki, Sultanate, Mughal, Maratha, and British influences. Its role in India’s independence movement, coupled with its post-independence industrial and cultural growth, underscores its resilience. Today, Ahmedabad stands as a testament to India’s ability to harmonize tradition with modernity, blending its historic pols and mosques with skyscrapers and global institutions. As it continues to evolve, Ahmedabad remains a city of courage, commerce, and cultural richness, embodying the spirit of the hare that chased the dog on the Sabarmati’s banks centuries ago.
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