AHMEDABAD - a unique city, Joshi D [carter reed txt] 📗

History

‘The Manchester of East’ and the heart of Gujarati culture - Ahmedabad holds up its stunning history with élan. 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.

 

The best part of the history of Ahmedabad is how the city derived its name. The city was once named Karnavati. It was the dynasty of the Solanki rulers. At the start of fifteenth century, Gujarat state was conquered by the Sultan rulers. The Sultan Emperor Ahmed established his capital here in this place. It is believed that the place has derived its name from Sultan Ahmed. He named the place as Ahmedabad.

 

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.

 

Monuments

 

 

BHADRA FORT :-

 

Bhadra Fort was constructed by Sultan Ahmad Shah in 1411 A.D. This royal fort contains a Bhadrakali Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess 'Bhadrakali'. Today, this fort serves as the venue for conducting flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day and Republic day.Spread over an area of 44 acres, this fort includes a garden along with a grand pavilion. Known for its architecture around the world, this fort features carved arches and balconies and windows with aesthetic Jali works. Presently, the fort houses several government offices like Archaeological Survey of India. One of the highlights of the fort that attracts tourists is the statue of the first industrialist of the city.

 

 

Teen Darwaza is one of the longest as well as the oldest gateways of the Ahmedabad city. It was established in the year 141 A.D. by Sultan Ahmed Shah, who founded the city of Ahmedabad The triple arched gateway was built by Sultan Ahmed shah the founder of Ahmedabad. He laid the foundation in 1411 A.D. and graced the city with splendid monuments. Teen Darwaja is one of them. This gate was served as Royal entrance to the Maidan Shahi or the Royal Square. It is an imposing monument of perfect proportions and highly ornate buttresses.

 

 

 

The Great Jhulta Minara suited near Kalupur area in the Ahmedabad city of Gujarat, India. This is very beautiful and it is believed that the royal family and children’s entertainment in the minara was established. It’s located in Ahmedabad Railway Station number of doors one and sarangpur najira Hanging tower.Hanging With a tower, a marvel of architectural art. Hanging Sidi Bashir mosque minarets are a part of reality. Art architecture for the next generation of experts is challenging the city Hanging minarets amazing a tower in front of the second tower it is automatically hale.

 

 

 

Sidi Saiyad Mosque is one of the famous mosques of India which is situated at Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Slave of Sultan Ahemad Shah named Sidi Saiyad built this Sidi Saiyad mosque in 1573. Mosque was built during the last year of Gujarat Sultanate. Sidi Saiyad mosque became famous for it's latticework windows which are also known as Jalis. Construction of this mosque was done in Indi Saracenic Architecture. Sidi Saiyad ni jali becomes inspirations for logo of Indian Institute of management Ahmedabad. 

 

 

 

 

 

Hutheesing Jain Temple (Hutheesing Wadi) The construction of the temple was initiated originally planned by Shet Hathisinh Kesarisinh, a wealthy Ahmedabad trader who unfortunately passed way at 49.The construction was supervised and completed by his wife Shethani Harkunvar. The total cost was approximately Rs. 8 lakh. The temple architect was Premchand Salat

Lakes

 Kankaria Lake :A polygonal lake almost a mile in circumference, it was constructed in 1451 by Sultan Qutb-ud-Din.It is a 34 sided polygon with a 1.25 km circuit and steps leading down to the water level.On the eastern side is an elaborately carved water inlet with three circular openings.This feature,common to several reservoirs in Gujarat, is a monument in its own right. In the center of the lake, on an artificial island, is the pleasure pavalion known as Naginavadi. Kankaria Lake is the biggest lake in Ahmedabad.

 

 

Chandola Lake - Situated at the Dani Limda Road, Chandola Lake in Ahmedabad is an artificial lake. The credit for establishing it goes to the wife of a Mughal Sultan of Ahmedabad named Tajn Khan Nari Ali. Chandola Lake is basically a water reservoir, which is very beneficial for the people of Ahmedabad. The water of Chandola Lake is used for irrigation as well as other industrial purposes. Read on to know more about Chandola Lake in Ahmedabad, India…Adjacent to this lake, lies the tomb of Shah Alam. 

 

 

Vastrapur Lake -Named after Nasingh Mehta, Vastrapur Lake is a popular tourist attraction at Ahmedabad. More of a picnic spot, you can see family huddled together for lunch or basking in the sunlight. With an open air theatre and a park around, you'll have plenty to do here. The lush, well-kept gardens around the lake make for a quiet getaway from the humdrum of city life, offering solace right in the middle of the city. The walking trail around the lake is often abuzz with joggers and city folk, who come here

Cuisine

 

 

Gujjus are foodies...The traditional Gujarati food is primarily vegetarian and has a high nutritional value. The typical Gujarati thali consists of varied kinds of lip smacking dishes. Gujarati cuisine has so much to offer and each dish has an absolutely different cooking style. Some of the dishes are stir fry, while others are boiled. Gujarati food is more often served on a silver platter. Gujaratis use a combination of different spices and flavors to cook their meals and this is what makes their food truly exotic. 

 

 

DALWADA

 

 

FAFDA JALEBI

 

 

 

 

 

KHANDVI

 

 

 

KHAMAN DHOKLA

 

 

 

 

PANIPURI

 

 

 

KITLI NI CHAI

Festivals

 

 

 

 

NAVRATRI NORTA

 

 

 

UTTRAYA - KITE FESTIVAL

 

 

 

RATH YATRA

 

 

 

KANKARIA CARNIVAL

 

River Front

Sabarmati river has been an integral part in the life of Ahmedabad since the time the city was founded in 1411 along the river banks. Besides being an important source of water, it provided a backdrop to cultural and recreational activities. During the dry seasons, the river bed became a place for farming. With time it also offered place for various informal economic activities, and the river banks were used by informal squatter settlements. The project devotes around seventy hectares, more than a quarter (26%), of the reclaimed land towards creating public spaces in the heart of the city. These open spaces range from public parks and gardens to shaded plazas and urban forests. The parks shall enhance livability in the neighbourhoods and provide the city with much needed green spaces and respite from the dense built environment. The plazas on the other hand will offer public places for social gatherings, and informal activities to take place.