Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad
source
Name	Ahmedabad
Settlement type	City
Coordinates	23, 02, N, 72...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	India
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Gujarat
Subdivision type2	District
Subdivision name2	Ahmedabad district
Established title	Founded
Established date	1411
Founder	Ahmed Shah I
Government type	Municipal Corporation
Governing body	Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation
Area total km2	464.16
Elevation m	53
Population total	8,253,000
Population as of	2023
Population density km2	auto
Population metro	7,645,000
Population metro footnotes	(Metro region)
Timezone1	IST
Utc offset1	+5:30
Postal code type	PIN
Postal code	380 0XX
Area code type	Telephone code
Area code	+91-79
Registration plate	GJ-01, GJ-27
Website	https://ahmedabadcity.gov.in/

Ahmedabad. It is the largest city in the state of Gujarat and a major economic and industrial hub of India. Founded in 1411 by Sultan Ahmed Shah I of the Gujarat Sultanate, it served as the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate and later the Bombay Presidency. The city is situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River and is renowned for its vibrant culture, architectural heritage, and pivotal role in the Indian independence movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.

History

The area has ancient roots, with evidence of settlement dating back to the 11th century under Chalukya rule, then known as Ashaval. In 1411, Ahmed Shah I, a ruler of the Muzaffarid dynasty, established the city on the eastern bank of the Sabarmati River, constructing the Bhadra Fort and the Jama Masjid. The city flourished as the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate, becoming a prominent center for trade and Islamic architecture. Following the decline of the Sultanate, it was conquered by the Mughal Empire under Akbar in 1573, and later came under the control of the Maratha Empire in the 18th century. In 1818, it was annexed by the British East India Company and became part of the Bombay Presidency. The city's modern history is deeply intertwined with Mahatma Gandhi, who established his Sabarmati Ashram here in 1917, making it a central node for campaigns like the Dandi March and the Non-cooperation movement. Post-independence, it served as the first capital of Gujarat from 1960 to 1970 before the capital shifted to Gandhinagar.

Geography and climate

The city is located in western India at on the banks of the Sabarmati River, in the region known as the Gujarat plain. The Sabarmati River divides the city into a historic eastern part and a modern western part. The topography is generally flat, with an average elevation of 53 meters above sea level. The climate is classified as hot semi-arid, featuring three main seasons: a hot, dry summer from March to June; a humid monsoon season from late June to September influenced by the Arabian Sea branch of the Southwest monsoon; and a mild, dry winter from November to February. The city experiences high temperatures, with May often being the hottest month, while January is typically the coolest.

Economy

It is a major economic powerhouse, historically known as the "Manchester of the East" for its thriving textile industry. The city houses the headquarters of the Reserve Bank of India's zonal office and is a critical financial center. Key industries include Information technology, pharmaceuticals, automobile manufacturing, and chemicals. Major industrial entities and conglomerates such as the Adani Group, Torrent Group, and Arvind Limited are based here. The Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) is a developing financial hub nearby. The city is also a significant center for diamond cutting and polishing, with the Diamond Bourse being one of the largest in the world. Important commercial districts include Ashram Road and C.G. Road.

Culture and society

The city boasts a rich cultural heritage, exemplified by its UNESCO World Heritage Site status for its historic architecture, including the Jama Masjid and the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque. It is famous for its annual International Kite Festival (Uttarayan), which attracts participants from around the globe. The cultural calendar is marked by vibrant festivals such as Navratri, celebrated with widespread Garba dances. The city is a gastronomic hub for Gujarati cuisine, known for dishes like Dhokla and Khandvi. Important cultural institutions include the Calico Museum of Textiles, the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum, and the Sanskar Kendra. The Sabarmati Ashram remains a major pilgrimage site for those studying the life of Mahatma Gandhi.

Government and politics

The city's civic administration is managed by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), headed by a Mayor. The AMC is responsible for urban planning and public services. The city is the administrative headquarters of the Ahmedabad district and the Ahmedabad Police. It is a significant political center, represented by two constituencies in the Lok Sabha: Ahmedabad East and Ahmedabad West. The Gujarat High Court, one of India's oldest high courts, is located here. The city has been a traditional stronghold for the Bharatiya Janata Party, though the Indian National Congress has also held influence.

Transport

The city is a major transport junction for western India. It is served by the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, which offers domestic and international flights. The Ahmedabad Railway Station (Kalupur) is a primary terminal on the Western Railway zone of Indian Railways, with major connections to cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Jaipur. The city's public transit includes the Ahmedabad Metro, operated by Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation, and the Ahmedabad BRTS, a bus rapid transit system. The Sabarmati Riverfront has also been developed with pedestrian and cycling pathways. The city is well-connected by national highways, including NH 48, linking it to Delhi and Mumbai.

Category:Ahmedabad Category:Cities in Gujarat Category:Populated places established in 1411