Heritage of Ahmedabad City

The city of Ahmedabad widely known as the Manchester of India has its genesis from the city of Ashvapal situated at the banks of river Sabarmati since the 11th Century. It’s named after the great grandson of the Sultan of Gujarat Muzzafar Shah I, Sultan Ahmed Shah, who got control over the region of Gujarat in legacy in the year 1411 A.D. The city was established in February 26, 1412 A.D, it is also said to be the birth year of the city in the history of Ahmedabad. It has witnessed India’s prominent red-lettered chapters. It has been a spectator as well as a participant of various historic events from Dandi March to cricket matches, from wars to literature, from mishaps to celebrations, from keri no ras to hasya ras, from cultural diversities to the mantra of togetherness. It being one of the oldest cities of the World altogether has experienced diversified extremes ever since it’s inheritance and is standing tall. This unification of various arenas is what adds a feather in the hat of the city.

Sidi Saiyyed Mosque window carving, Image Credit – Daniel Mennerich , (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Ahmedabad is said to have a rich and sundry architecture having a combination of both- the age-old architectonics and the modern infrastructure. It is adorned with the Indo-Islamic architecture dated back in the 9th to 13th Century and Jain temples which are architectural marvels from primitive Gujarat. The mesmerizing structure of the old city and the astonishing buildings of the new areas, having flawless connectivity and access both internally and externally are indeed the core reasons behind Ahmedabad being awarded the title of the best mega-city to live in the year 2010 by leading research firm IMRB. At one place where the old city consists of ‘Pols’ which has a traditional wooden construction, with congested and compact neighbourhood, the new city is known as ‘Pur’ which has wide and broadened roads and contemporary architecture keeping in mind the essentials of ‘Vastu Shashtra’. ‘Pols’ symbolizes togetherness of populace whereas ‘Purs’ portray independent living. The authentic construction of ‘Pol’ has a lot of variance attached to it in the form of gratitude, affection, serviceability and devotion the reason being the making of Chabutra (bird feeders), attached houses and terraces, distribution and allocation of resources. The ‘Pur’ depicts the sense of individuality, idiosyncrasy, and mannerism by the new-aged vision. It signifies the distinct character by balancing both the past and the future prospective.

The current and significant associations of Ahmedabad alongside nationwide preeminent leaders, artisans, philosophers, authors, and poets have added to its stature. The rich and varied heritage of Ahmedabad can be delineated from the following-

1. The Calico Museum of Textiles is a tribute to the merchant community for its impeccable contribution.
2. Sabarmati Ashram also known as Gandhi Ashram is the place where Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi) lived for 12 years and headed the Dandi March.
3. Kankaria Lake has its history dated back in the year 1451 C.E. it was built by Sultan Qutbuddin in the 15th Century and was as Hamam by Kings.
4. Jama Masjid is the epitome of alignment and beauty, was built by Sultan Ahmed Shah I in 1424 A.D., and was solemnly intended to be used by sultans to perform their prayers.
5. Sidi Saiyyed Mosque was built in the year 1573 A.D. in the entourage of General Bilal Jhajar Khan of Sultan Shams-ud-Din Muzaffar Shah III’s army. Latticework Windows carved out of 10 stones are placed on the rear arches and sides of the mosque is the main attraction.
6. Vastrapur Lake, named after Narsinh Mehta was constructed in 2002 by AMC (Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation) is a people’s favourite jogging spot and experiences rush throughout the week.
7. Teen Darwaza was constructed in 1415 as an egress between Bhadra Fort and the courtyard of Maidan Shah Palace. It had three enclosed archways which were restructured in 1877.
8. Sidi Bashir Mosque also known as Jhulta Minarets or Jhulta Minara was constructed by Sultan Ahmed Shah I, has an unsolved conflict behind the mystery of the shaking minarets.
9. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial was originally built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to give work to the poor in 1622. Post-Independence, in order to give a tribute at the 100th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel it was made into a memorial in the year 1975.
10. Sarkhej Roza is a mosque which has the auspicious combination of ‘jism aur ruh’ which means ‘body and soul’ it’s a tomb of Ahmed Khattu Ganj Bakhsh of Anhilwad Patan. It was built in 1451 by Quitubddin Ahmed Shah II.
11. Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum also known as L.D. Museum is has a collection of manuscript painting, miniature drawings and paintings, various coins, etc in display. It was constructed in 1956; in 1984 the new building was made available to the public.
12. Gates of Ahmedabad were built at various instances; the first one was built in 1411 A.D.
13. Sabarmati Riverfront is a magnificent contemporary architectonic which rightly showcases the development of Ahmedabad.

Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad, Image Credit – Manjil Purohit – India, CC BY-SA 3.0

The following demonstrates the veracity of the heritage of Ahmedabad which has been dynamic in terms of both progress and preservation.

Ahmedabad is also renowned for the gargantuas celebrations of the festivals namely- Uttrayan, Holi, Rath-yatra, Navratri, Eid, Diwali, and so on. It has significant progressions for all the celebrations, yet what remains stagnant is the enthusiasm of the people of this city who’re always enthusiastic for all sorts of gatherings.

The few out of several elements that make this city so merriment are the amalgamation of thoughts, opinions, businesses, perspective, and the very culture which strengthens the roots and nurtures the minds which allows it to prosper and have a rich and diversified heritage.