Ahmedabad history

Ahmedabad, the largest city in the Indian state of Gujarat, possesses a rich and multifaceted history. Its story began long before its official founding, when the settlement of Ashaval, and later the city of Karnavati, stood on this site. However, the city received its modern identity and name thanks to Sultan Ahmad Shah, who in 1411 established the new capital of the Gujarat Sultanate on the banks of the Sabarmati River. This event marked the starting point of Ahmedabad's transformation into one of the most important centres of Western India.

From the very beginning, the city was built as a powerful fortress and political hub. Shortly after its foundation, it was surrounded by an imposing wall stretching approximately 10 kilometres, featuring numerous gates and bastions, which underscored its status as a capital. Its strategic location on trade routes and flourishing craftsmanship, particularly textile production, quickly brought prosperity and fame to Ahmedabad. The city became so renowned for its fabrics, which were exported far beyond India's borders, that over time it earned the nickname the "Manchester of the East".

The architectural heritage of early Ahmedabad is unique. Here, a distinctive Indo-Saracenic style emerged, harmoniously blending Islamic architectural forms with Hindu and Jain craftsmanship traditions. This legacy is particularly evident in the old part of the city, which has preserved its historical layout. It consists of traditional residential quarters known as "pols"—densely built streets with internal courtyards, community wells, and bird feeders. Thanks to this unique urban fabric and rich architectural heritage, the historic city of Ahmedabad was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Key Milestones in the History of Ahmedabad

• 1411 — Sultan Ahmad Shah founded the city of Ahmedabad on the banks of the Sabarmati River, establishing it as the new capital of the Gujarat Sultanate.
• 1423 — Construction of the Jama Masjid (Congregational Mosque) was completed, standing as one of the outstanding examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
• 1486 — The city was enclosed by an imposing fortress wall approximately 10 km long under Sultan Mahmud Begada.
• 1572 — The Mughal Emperor Akbar conquered Gujarat, and Ahmedabad became part of the Mughal Empire, evolving into a vital trade centre.
• 1621 — The Mughal Prince Shah Jahan built the Shahibaug Palace on the banks of the Sabarmati River.
• 1753 — The city came under the joint rule of the Maratha rulers, the Gaekwads and Peshwas, following the decline of Mughal power.
• 1818 — The British East India Company established control over the city, marking the beginning of the colonial period.
• 1861 — The city's first textile mill was opened, initiating Ahmedabad's transformation into a major industrial hub known as the "Manchester of the East".
• 1915 — Mahatma Gandhi returned to India and established his Ashram (sanctuary) on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, which became a centre for the independence struggle.
• 1930 — From his Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gandhi launched the famous "Salt March" (Dandi March)—one of the key acts of civil disobedience.
• 1960 — Following the division of Bombay State, Ahmedabad became the first capital of the newly formed state of Gujarat.
• 1970 — The capital of Gujarat was moved from Ahmedabad to the purpose-built city of Gandhinagar.
• 2001 — A massive earthquake in Gujarat caused serious damage to the city, resulting in loss of life and destruction.
• 2017 — The historic part of Ahmedabad was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming the first city in India to be awarded this status.

Stages of Transformation: From Sultanate Capital to Megapolis

The history of Ahmedabad is a kaleidoscope of cultural, economic, and urban transformations. The city has repeatedly changed its appearance and role, evolving from a medieval fortress into one of the most dynamically developing centres of modern India. The key stages of this journey have defined its character today.

• Foundation and Establishment (15th Century): The founding of the city by Sultan Ahmad Shah in 1411 as the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate defined its initial significance. This period gifted the city with powerful fortifications, majestic mosques, and mausoleums, as well as the unique Indo-Saracenic architectural style that remains its hallmark to this day.
• "Manchester of the East" (19th Century): With the arrival of the British and the opening of the first textile mill in 1861, an industrial boom began. The city quickly became India's main textile hub, which radically changed its economy, led to population growth, and formed a new, industrial landscape.
• Centre of the Independence Struggle (Early 20th Century): The establishment of Mahatma Gandhi's Ashram on the banks of the Sabarmati River in 1915 turned Ahmedabad into one of the main focal points of the movement for India's independence. It was from here that the famous "Salt March" began in 1930, forever inscribing the city in the history of the liberation struggle and giving it a special moral and cultural status.
• Architectural Modernism (Mid-20th Century): After gaining independence and becoming the capital of Gujarat state (1960-1970), Ahmedabad became a platform for bold architectural experiments. Global celebrities such as Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn were invited to design key public buildings. Their works, including the Sanskar Kendra Museum and the Indian Institute of Management, created a new, modernist visage for the city.
• Economic Diversification (Late 20th - Early 21st Century): The dominant textile industry gave way to new sectors. The city transformed into a major centre for pharmaceuticals, IT, engineering, and financial services. This shift ensured economic stability and cemented Ahmedabad's reputation as one of the country's leading business hubs.
• Urban Renewal and Heritage Recognition (21st Century): The implementation of the massive Sabarmati Riverfront development project transformed the central part of the city, creating a modern public space. The culmination was the inclusion of the historic Old City with its unique "pol" neighbourhoods in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017, confirming its global cultural significance.

The architectural appearance of Ahmedabad represents a unique layering of eras, where medieval Islamic traditions harmoniously coexist with the monumental modernism of the 20th century. The urban development of the city can be divided into several key periods, each leaving its own inimitable mark.

The Sultanate Era: Indo-Saracenic Synthesis (15th–16th Centuries)

Founded in 1411 by Sultan Ahmad Shah, the city initially developed as the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate. This period gave birth to the unique Indo-Saracenic style, which is the hallmark of the historic centre. Architects and craftsmen of that time skilfully combined Islamic elements, such as domes, arches, and minarets, with Hindu and Jain traditions of stone carving and ornamental motifs. The brightest examples of this style are the Jama Masjid (Congregational Mosque) with its 260 pillars and the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, famous for its intricate stone lattice windows known as "Jali", particularly the depiction of the "Tree of Life". The urban structure of the old city, consisting of enclosed residential quarters called "pols", is also a legacy of this era.

British Colonial Period (19th – Early 20th Centuries)

With the arrival of the British in the 19th century, European influences appeared in the city's architecture. Styles such as Neogothic and Neoclassical were used for the construction of administrative buildings, railway stations, and clubs; these were often mixed with local Indian motifs, continuing the tradition of the Indo-Saracenic style but in a new interpretation. An example of such a blend is the Kalupur Swaminarayan Mandir, where Corinthian columns are combined with Mughal-style domes.

The Era of Modernism: An Architectural Laboratory (Mid-20th Century)

After India gained independence, Ahmedabad became a centre for bold architectural experiments. Progressive city authorities and patrons invited leading world architects to create new public and educational buildings. This period made Ahmedabad a true Mecca for connoisseurs of modernist architecture.

• Le Corbusier: The famous French architect designed several buildings in the city, including the Sanskar Kendra Museum and the Mill Owners' Association Building, which are benchmarks of Brutalism and Functionalism.
• Louis Kahn: The American architect created one of his masterpieces—the campus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM). Monumental brick buildings with huge geometric openings harmoniously combine modernist aesthetics with traditional Indian construction techniques.
• Balkrishna Doshi: An Indian architect, a student and associate of Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn, played a key role in shaping the modern look of Ahmedabad. Among his iconic works are CEPT University and the unique underground gallery "Amdavad ni Gufa", created in collaboration with the artist M.F. Husain.

Modern Development

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the city continues to develop actively. The large-scale Sabarmati Riverfront development project has created a new public space and changed the urban landscape. The contemporary architecture of Ahmedabad is a dialogue between its rich historical heritage, modernist icons, and the new urban planning challenges of a growing metropolis.

Distinguished Figures in the History of Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, having been a centre of culture, politics, and commerce for centuries, has been the home or a significant milestone in the lives of many prominent figures. These individuals have left an indelible mark not only on the history of the city but also on all of India.

• Ahmad Shah I (1389–1442) — Sultan of Gujarat and founder of the city. In 1411, he established the new capital on the banks of the Sabarmati River, bestowing his name upon it. His reign was marked by the construction of key architectural monuments, including the Bhadra Fort and the Jama Masjid, which defined the city's initial appearance.
• Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948) — Leader of the Indian independence movement. In 1917, he founded his famous Sabarmati Ashram on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. This place became the centre of his activities and the starting point for landmark events, such as the "Salt March" of 1930, making Ahmedabad one of the main symbols of the struggle for freedom.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (1875–1950) — A prominent statesman and one of the "founding fathers" of modern India. A native of Gujarat, Patel began his legal and political career in Ahmedabad. He was a close associate of Gandhi and played a key role in unifying the princely states of India after independence. The city hosts a National Memorial dedicated to his life and work.
• Vikram Sarabhai (1919–1971) — A distinguished scientist rightfully called the "Father of the Indian Space Programme". He was born in Ahmedabad into an influential family of industrialists. It was here that he founded the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in 1947, and later the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), laying the foundation for the country's scientific and technological breakthroughs.
• Balkrishna Doshi (1927–2023) — A world-renowned architect and Pritzker Prize laureate. He was a student and associate of Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn, working with them on iconic projects in Ahmedabad. Doshi founded the School of Architecture (now CEPT University) in the city and created numerous buildings that shaped the city's modernist image and had a huge influence on architectural education in India.
• Gautam Adani (born 1962) — One of the most prominent modern Indian businessmen, founder and chairman of the Adani Group. He was born and began his entrepreneurial journey in Ahmedabad. His company, which grew from a small commodity trading firm, has transformed into an international conglomerate playing a key role in India's economy, particularly in the sectors of port infrastructure, energy, and logistics.