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Ahmedabad
Brief
The principal city of Gujarat, Ahmedabad is one of the major industrial cities of India. Also known as the Manchester of the East, because of its many textile industries, the old walled city with its intriguing labyrinth of bylanes, called pols and the exquisitely carved wooden mansions or havelis, is a city of architectural delights. Home to the Indo-Saracenic style, it carries some of the finest examples of Islamic Architecture, with a blend of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles. Apart from being a vibrant and prosperous business centre, Ahmedabad holds attraction, as a center for the study of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
History
Originally founded by Ahmed Shah in 1411, Ahmedabad was named after him. In 1615, the noted English ambassador, Sir Thomas Roe, judged it, to be a goodly city, as large as London but, in the 18th century, it went through a period of decline, as far as its status, as one of the leading Indian cities was concerned. It changed a lot of hands, especially because of the numerous Mughal, Rajput and English invasions. It gained prominence, once again, after Gandhiji's return to India from South Africa, where he set up his Sabarmati Ashram and embarked upon the historic Dandi March, to break the Salt law from here in 1915.
Culture
In more than one sense, Ahmedabad has been a field of conquering races, which settled down here. From ancient times, this western gateway of India has been a place where a lot of action, reaction, and interaction between various ethnic and linguistic forces has taken place, which in turn has resulted in the synthesis of many races and cultures. Different races brought with them different political institution, unique social customs, varied cultures and creeds. Each horde brought its own language, arts and crafts, poetry, thought forms, philosophy, social practices and religious life.
Climate & Geogaphical Location
Ahmedabad is very hot and humid in summer and cool and sunny in winter. Located on the western most part of India, Ahmedabad is situated across the Sabarmati river.
How to Reach
Ahmedabad is well connected by air, rail and road. By air, International and domestic airlines connect Ahmedabad to Mumbai, Delhi, Calcutta, Chennai and other major cities of India. International airlines connect it to Muscat, London and New York. By rail, Ahmedabad is linked to Mumbai, Delhi, Calcutta, Chennai, Vadodra, Indore and other major cities of India. By road, Ahmedabad is connected by National and State highways to all major cities in India. Buses operate to various places in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Tourist Places :
Kankaria Lake
Developed by Qutb-Ud-Din Aibak in 1451, this artificial lake, is a popular recreational spot. This lake is surrounded by Gardens, slopes, an aquarium and a Balvatika (Childrens Park). In the middle of the lake is located an island palace, which has 34 sides, each side being 60 m long. During the Mughal period the palace was visited frequently by Nur Jahan and Jehangir. There is also a zoo besides the lake.
Teen Darwaza
Built by Sultan Ahmed Shah, these arched gateways, were meant as the royal entrance, to the Maidan Shah or Royal Square. From here. the Sultans watched the processions from the palace to Jama Masjid,
Hatheesing Jain Temple
Embellished with intricate carvings and built in white marble, the Hatheesing Jain temple, is one of the best ornate Jain temple in Ahmedabad. Built in the nineteenth century by a rich Jain merchant, this profusely decorated temple is dedicated to 15th Jain tirthankar or Jain Apostle- Dharmnath.
Sarkhej Roza
One of the most elegant architectural complexes in the city, Sarkhej Roza is a unique complex of buildings. These buildings, do not have arches and there has been a remarkable use of pierced stone trellises.
Shaking Minarets
Near the Ahmedabad railway station at Lal Darwaza, is the mosque of Sidi Bashir, which has a pair of shaking minarets. The amazing thing about the minarets is that, if one is shaken the other also rocks in synchrony. It is said that the minarets were built to avoid damage during the earthquakes. To know the secret of the pillars which were partially dismantled by the British but the secret could not be found out neither could the dismantled parts be replaced.
Sidi Saiyad Mosque
Built by Sidi Saiyad, a slave of Ahmed Shah, Saiyad Mosque was constructed in 1571. One of the most famous mosques of Ahmedabad, it has ten semicircular windows. These windows carry 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 to provide cool resting place and water to the travellers. Even on the hottest days the well is cool. Built in 1501, it is one the finest examples of Gujarati architecture. It has a flight of steps leading down to lower and lower platform terminating at a small, octagonal well.
Jama Masjid
One of the most beautiful mosques in western India, it was built at a grand scale in 1423. It has well proportioned architecture and is an excellent example of exquisite workmanship.
Gandhi Ashram
This was one of the places, from where the freedom movement of India was coordinated by Gandhiji. Founded in 1915, it has been converted into a Gandhi memorial. A museum located near the ashram displays some of the things used by Gandhiji. This nerve center of Indian freedom, was a spectator to the strategies and plans of Gandhiji which he chalked out to make the freedom struggle a mass movement. In 1930, it was from here that Gandhiji started his Dandi Yatra, to break the salt laws of the British. There is also a library here and the light & sound show in the evening is an added attraction for the visitor to this place. Today the ashram has not left making handicrafts, handmade paper and spinning wheels. Iy is 7 km from the city.
Museums
The Calico museum of textiles, displays antique and modern textiles. The museum is housed in a carved wooden haveli. It exhibits rare tapestries, wall hangings and costumes. Some of the old weaving machines, are also kept here. The collection of the museum dates back to the 17th century and it also has a excellent reference library on textiles. Near the Gujarat university is one of the finest collection of manuscripts and miniatures in India. Some of the collections relate to the Jainism in India. The NC Mehta museum of miniatures, is also a place where miniatures from various Indian miniature painting schools are kept. The Shreyas Folk museum, displays the folk arts & crafts of Gujarat. A unique collection of utensils are kept in the Vishalla restaurants Utensil museum.LothalEstablished during the Solanki era, this town is famous for its architectural wonders. An important center for weaving, Patan silk and printing is very popular among the ladies. The exclusive geometrical patterned Patola silk, are in great demand all over. This ancient Hindu capital, is not even a pale shadow of its original. Patan lost its glory as a capital city after Mahmud of Ghazni attacked it in 1024.
Adalaj Wav
Wav in Gujarati means well. One of the most ancient wells in Gujarat, Adalaj wav was built in 1499 and has carvings depicting flower and bird motifs. This well is preserved almost in its original form. The highly decorated arch ways, pavilions and corridors are the main attraction for any visitor to this place.
Modhera
Modhera is famous for the sun temple. The Modhera temple, has resemblance with the Konarak and Khajuraho temples in architectural style. Built in 1026-27 by King Bhimdev ,it was partially damaged when Mahmud of Ghazni raided it. The construction of this temple is in such a manner that the sun shines in the sanctum sanctorum during sunrise and sunset. The sculptures on the walls of the temple resemble the Konark and the Khajuraho temples.
Gandhinagar (Akshar Dham)
Gujarat was initially part of the Mumbai state. When the state was divided into Maharashtra and Gujarat. Gujarat had its capital as Ahmedabad. But in 1960 a new capital of the state was designed and Gandhinagar came into being. The secretariat of the state, moved here in 1970. Gandhinagar is the second planned city in India after Chandigarh.
Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctury
A 116 sq. kms lake, it is home to numerous migratory and indigenous birds. These birds flock here through the year. One can take a taxi or bus to watch the Ducks, Geese, White storks, Rosy Pelicans and Flamingoes at the sanctuary. Two ancient temples of interest are also located within the sanctuary.
Others
CAMBAY - During the Mughal era this whole region was called Cambay and the ruler was addressed as the ruler of Cambay. In those times this was one of the important port and trading centers in India.
One of the important archaeological excavations, this Harappan city, dates back to 2nd millennium B.C. Lothal in Gujarati means Mound of Dead same as Mohenjodaro, which means the same in Sindhi. Excavation has uncovered a planned city with underground drainage system, wells and houses with arrangements for bath and fire places. It also has significance as an ancient fort. Brick built inland dockyard with a spill channel and a 7 meter wide inlet channel is connected to the river Bhogava and so to the Arabian sea.