History Of Ahmedabad

‘The Manchester of East’ and the heart of Gujarati culture - Ahmedabad holds up its stunning history with �lan. Situated on the banks of River Sabarmati, the city has drawn great admiration for its architectural delights, which stands as a dazzling testimony to the imperial era of Hindu and Muslim ascendance. The history of Ahmedabad is best depicted through its beautiful monuments, stunning museums and splendid shrines that have served as a true mirror of Indian culture and its deep-rooted beliefs. The history of Ahmedabad is marked by instances of the rise and fall of several empires, which have contributed to give this city its own novel appeal. Once home to the country’s most esteemed leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel, today, much of the Ahmedabad’s grandeur rests on its inspiring history. With an eventful and appealing history to boast of, Ahmedabad serves as an alluring destination for those who seek to discover real India. Go ahead and explore the majestic history of Ahmedabad to know more on this.

Ahmedabad History

Solanki Dynasty
The spectacular history of Ahmedabad dates back to the 11th century when the city was under the dominance of Karandev I, the famous Solanki ruler. Earlier known as Ashapalli, the place eventually changed its name into Karnavati under the rule of Karandev I. The glorious rule of Solanki’s continued until 13th century during which the territory witnessed enormous economical and cultural growth. However, with the invasion of Sultanate, the Solanki rule came to an end.

Sultanate Rule
With the decline of Sultanate’s rule in Delhi, Sultan Ahmed Shah decided to establish an independent kingdom in Gujarat. During the celebrated reign of the Sultanate, emperor Ahmed Shah set up Karnavati as his capital and renamed it has Ahmedabad in 1411. Later in the year 1487, Mahmud Begada fortified the city with huge walla to protect the capital from foreign invasions. However, despite of all the defensive measures, the land was seized by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1573.

Mughal Dynasty
The history of Ahmedabad flourished under the regal rule of Akbar. Akbar, who made Ahmedabad as the nerve centre of his kingdom, helped the city to prosper as the important trade centre. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s glorious architecture Moti Shah Mahal proudly stands even today as the witness to the incredible Mughal rule. Ahmedabad served as an important business center until the death of Aurangzeb in 1707, after which the Mughal rule began to decline. Eventually the glory of the Mughal rule came to an end with the invasion of Maratha rulers in 1758.

Maratha Dynasty
During the middle of the seventeenth century, the armies of Maratha generals Raghunath Rao and Damaji Gaekwad fought against Mughals and seized control over Ahmedabad in 1758. In early years of Maratha rule, Ahmedabad witnessed great progress. However, due to internal communal conflicts, most parts of the city were destroyed that eventually led to the decline of Maratha rule.

British Era In Ahmedabad
The British East India Company, which took over Ahmedabad in 1818, established a colonial rule in the province. With the introduction of railways and several industries, Ahmedabad grew rapidly under the British rule and also earned the title of ‘The Manchester of East’.

Struggle For Independence
As the center for Independence struggle, Ahmedabad played a vital role in pre-independence era. In 1915, Mahatma Gandhi initiated the struggle for independence from this place and established two ashrams - the Kochrab Ashram and Satyagrah Ashram here. The Salt Satyagrah, which shook the entire nation, owes its roots to Ahmedabad. Apart from Mahatma Gandhi, the city was home to many other national leaders like Vithalbhai Patel, Dadabhai Naroji and Pherozshah Mehta. The freedom struggle, which sustained for 47 years served as the notable period in the history of Ahmedabad.

Post Independence Era
After the Indian Independence in 1947, Ahmedabad became the provincial town of Bombay but soon came out as the capital of Ahmedabad in 1960. However, Gandhinagar was officially declared as the capital of Gujarat in 1970 and the city remained as the significant place through its monuments, educational institutes and research centers ever since.