The history of Ahmedabad dates back to 11th century when it was
inhabited by Karandev I, the Solanki ruler of Anhilwara (modern Patan). He had
established a city called Karnavati on the banks of the river Sabarmati at the
same location as that of modern Ahmedabad.Solanki ruled Ahmedabad until the 13th
century and thereafter the city was conquered by the Sultanate of Delhi.
In early 15th century, the Muzaffarid dynasty was established in Gujarat.
According to traditions, Sultan Ahmed Shah, while camping on the banks of the
River Sabarmati, saw a hare chasing a dog. This act impressed the Sultan who then
decided to locate the capital of his kingdom here and called it Ahmedabad.
The further development of the city was expanded by Mahmud Begada, the grandson of
Ahmed Shah who fortified the city with an outer wall 10 km (6 miles) in
circumference and consisting of twelve gates, 189 bastions and over 6,000
battlements. Till 1573 Ahmedabad remained under the control of Muzaffarid dynasty.
Gujarat was then conquered by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1573.
During the Mughal reign, Ahmedabad became one of the Empire's thriving centres of
trade, mainly in textiles, which were exported to as far as Europe. The armies of
the Maratha generals Raghunath Rao and Damaji Gaekwad captured the city and ended
Mughal rule in Ahmedabad. A famine in 1630 and the constant conflicts between the
Peshwa and the Gaekwad armies virtually destroyed many parts of the city, causing
its population to run off. The British East India Company took over the city in
1818 as a part of the conquest of India. A military cantonment was established in
1824 and a municipal government in 1858.
Ahmedabad became the base camp for the Indian freedom movement, when Gandhiji
created an Ashram on the bank of the river Sabarmati. He guided his followers to
intensify the nationalist activities. In 1930, Gandhi initiated the Salt
Satyagraha from Ahmedabad by embarking from his ashram on the famous Dandi Salt
March. The city administration and economic institutions were rendered
functionless by the large masses of people who took to the streets in peaceful
protests in the early 1930s, and again in 1942 during the Quit India movement.
In 1947, India got its independence and the process of reorganization was
initiated by Sardar Patel. Ahmedabad became the capital of the new state of
Gujarat after the bifurcation of the State of Bombay on 1 May 1960. During that
period, a large number of educational and research institutions were founded in
the city which include Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and Space Applications
Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), making it a major centre
of higher education, science and technology. Today, Ahmedabad is famous from
various aspects like culture, education, industry and many more to rediscover.
1074 - Aashavalli was conquered by Karnadeva who established Karnavati.
1284 - The group of Mandap Durg's Zanzan visited Karnavati.
1297 - Alla Uddin Khalji won Gujarat.
1299 - Alla Uddin Khalji's Army destroyed Doms and Temples of Aashavalli.
1411 - On the banks of Sabarmati River, Sultan Ahmed Shah laid the foundation of
Ahmedabad, Manek Bhuraj (now known as Manek Chowk), Ganeshbari, Bhadra Fort,
Muhurt Pole and Jumma Masjid.
1413 - Construction of Bhadra fort completed.
1423 - Construction of Jumma Masjid completed.
1441 - Death of Sheikh Ahmed Khatu and construction of the historical Sarkhej Roja
begun.
1451 - Houj-E-Kutub or Kankaria Lake constructed.
1453 - Dariakhan Tomb & Dome constructed.
1454 - Construction of Shaking Minarets near Gomtipur.
1486 - Construction of city walls by Mehmud Begda.
1514 - Arrival of Spanish traveler Barbosa and construction of Rani Sipri Masjid.
1535 - Humayun captured Ahmedabad and ruled for nine months. Bahadurshah
recaptured.
1614 - Arrival of the first representative of the British East India Company.
1621 - Shah Jahan constructed Shahibag Palace (presently Commissioner's Bungalow)
and the Shahi Gardern.
1672 - Arrival of English Ambassador Sir Thomas Roe.
1681 - Riots in the city due to famine.
1715 - Hindu-Muslim riot.
1753 - Ahmedabad came under Maratha rule.
1757 - Division of Ahmedabad between Gaikwad and Peshwa.
1758 - Maratha currency introduced.
1818 - Mr. Dunlop, British Collector of Kaira took over the city and thus came the
end of Maratha rule, Union Jack hoisted on Bhadra.
1850 - Construction of Swaminarayan Temple in Dariyapur.
1857 - Ahmedabad Municipality came into existence on 19th January.
1861 - First Textile Mill started by late Mr. Ranchhodlal Chhotalal, the pioneer
of Mill Industry.
1863 - Construction of Railway Station.
1864 - Railway between Ahmedabad and Bombay. Construction of Prem Darwaja.
1897 - Opening ceremony of Gujarat College by Lord Sandhurst. Telephone service
was started.
1915 - Arrival of Mahatma Gandhi.
1916 - Establishment of Satyagrah(Sabarmati) Ashram.
1921 - Gujarat Vidyapeeth, founded by Mahatma Gandhi, Sessions of the Indian
National Congress.
1922 - Arrest of Mahatma Gandhi, sentenced to six years jail for treason.
1927 - Heavy floods. 71 inch Rainfall.
1930 - Gandhiji's historic 'Dandi March' and Salt Satyagraha.
1941 – Communal Riot.
1946 - Second Communal riot. Vasantrav and Rajabali died in riots. Municipality
reinstated.
1947 - Bus Transport Service under Municipal control, Independence Day celebrated.
Tricolour Flag hoisted on Bhadra fort after 130 years.
1948 - Immersion of Mahatmaji's ashes in Sabarmati, Preparations for Electric Grid
Scheme and expansion of Power House, Famine conditions in Ahmedabad District.
1949 - Ahmedabad Station of All India Radio started, Gujarat Chamber of Commerce
established.
1957 - Second General Elections and second Corporation election. Corporation area
extended, new buildings of All India Radio, Divisional Officer's status raised to
Divisional Commissioner with wide powers, Centenary of Himabhai Institute, New Lal
Darwaja Garden laid.
1960 - Constitution of separate Gujarat State on 1st May and Ahmedabad becomes
capital of new state.
1961 - Opening of Indian Institute of Management, National Institute of Design.
1962 - Opening of Nehru Bridge
1966 - Opening of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Community Science Centre.
1973 - Opening of Shubhash Bridge, Heavy floods in the city.
1986 - 92 sq. km of new area merged with Municipal Corporation on Eastern
Periphery.
2001 - Earthquake on Republic Day (near Bhuj) creates major damage across the
western part of city, leaving over 750 dead and 4000 injured, many of them
residents of tall buildings.
Ahmedabad is located in the northern part of Gujarat, towards the western region
of the country. The city is situated on the banks of the river Sabarmati spanning
over an area of 190.84 sq. km. Its longitude and latitude are 720º 41' E and 230º
1' N respectively and rises to an average height of 50 m above the sea level. It
is the seventh urban conglomeration of India with a population of 4,519,278
persons according to 2001 census.
The river Sabarmati divides Ahmedabad into two physically distinct Geographical
eastern and western regions. The eastern bank of the river constitutes the old
city, which includes the central town of Bhadra. It is packed with bazaars, the
clustered and barricaded pole system of shanty buildings with numerous places of
worship. Some landmark establishments like railway station, the General Post
Office and buildings of the Muzaffarid and British eras are present in this part
of the city.
The western side of Sabarmati is assisted by the construction of Ellis Bridge in
1875 and later with the modern Nehru Bridge. This part of the city houses
educational institutions, modern buildings, well-planned residential areas,
shopping malls, multiplexes and new business districts centred on C. G. Road,
Ashram Road, and more recently, the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway.
Ahmedabad falls under seismic zone-III (a zone having low damage risk), in a scale
of I to V (in order of increasing proneness to earthquakes) while the wind and
cyclone zoning is "very high damage risk", according to United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) report. The industrial wastes from the textile industries are a
major concern for the civic administration department.
Connectivity
Ahmedabad being one of the most important cities of India is well connected by
air, rail and road.
By Air
The Ahmedabad Airport is just 10 kms from downtown Ellis Bridge/Ashram Road area.
It functions for both domestic and international purpose. Direct Air India and
Indian Airlines flights go to the Gulf, and to other destinations through
intermediate stations.
Domestic flights on Air India, Indian Airlines/Alliance Air, Jet Airways and
Gujarat Airways will take you to Delhi Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore,
Pune, Jaipur and several other destinations inside the country.
By Rail
Ahmedabad has a well maintained railway network connected to important
destinations of the country. Ahmedabad railway station is the largest railway
station in the state of Gujarat. Various express and super fast trains are
available between Ahmedabad and important cities of the country.
By Road
Ahmedabad has a good network of roads also. National highways connect cities like
Vadodara, Rajkot, Jamnagar and Mumbai. The Gujarat State Road Transport
Corporation (GSRTC) runs express and luxury deluxe buses to the neighboring towns
and cities. One can reach the city by taxi from nearby cities.
Natural Resources
Ahmedabad is endowed with abundant supply of natural resources like minerals,
forests and rivers. The principal mineral resource in the city includes crude oil.
The river Sabarmati is the main water resource for the people of Ahmedabad. It
provides drinking water to the entire city. There are two lakes present within the
city's limits — Kankaria Lake and Vastrapur Lake. Kankaria Lake, in the
neighbourhood of Maninagar, is an artificial lake developed by the Sultan of
Delhi. The city’s forest cover is decreasing day by day due rapid
industrialization.
Economy & Industry
The economic development of Ahmedabad largely depends on the trade, commerce and
industries. The skilled human resources and labourers from different parts of
Gujarat and neighboring states are integral to the economy of the city. Ahmedabad
plays a strong and significant role in providing commercial resources and market
access for the economies of neighbouring cities. A majority of the working-age
citizens of the city are traders and businessmen. This has led to the creation of
major mercantile corporations and artisan guilds that are have a key influence on
the economic life of Gujarat. The city's educational and industrial institutions
have attracted students and young skilled workers from all over India.
Ahmedabad is one of the largest industrial hubs of western India, enjoying a
prominent position on the industrial map of the country owing to its importance as
a base of trade, commerce and industry. The city has got its glory as a major
trade destination due to its proximity to the port at Surat. During the reign of
Muzaffarid rule, the city was also a major trade destination in Western India.
In the 19th century the city flourished as a major destination for textile and
petrochemicals. The first Indian textile mill – the Ahmedabad Spinning and Weaving
Company Limited was established by Ranchhodlal Chhotalal on May 30, 1861. This was
followed by the establishment of a series of textile mills such as the Calico
Mills in 1880 by Maganbhai, and mills founded by industrialists such as Ambalal
Sarabhai and Kasturbhai Lalbhai. Arvind Mills, located in the city, is one of the
largest textile mills in the country.
Ahmedabad is equally famous for its chemical and Pharmaceutical industries. Two
largest pharmaceutical companies - Zydus Cadila and Torrent Pharmaceuticals have
their corporate offices at Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad is fifth among the top nine most
competitive cities in the country according to a survey conducted by National
Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM). The Gujarat government
is lifting the development process of Ahmedabad to new height by increasing
investment in the city's infrastructure, providing for the construction of larger
roads and improvements in water supply. The state has a liberal industrial policy
for the establishment of new industrial units in and around the city.
Industry
The Industrial Policy of Gujarat assumes the role of a lighthouse giving
futuristic direction to the process of industrialization. In fact, it also
reflects the commitment of the State towards the achievement of sustainable
industrial development. In the rapidly changing current scenario, it is more than
imperative that the Industrial Policy adopts a pro-active approach rather than a
reactive approach and that Govern - EconomicalLinks q
ment should encourage free market forces to decide the course of development and
to intervene only when the interests of the society in general and investor
community in particular are found to be at peril.
The main objectives of the Industrial Policy of the state of Gujarat are stated as
below:
To create a favorable environment for the investors who would be inspired to think
of Gujarat first for his investment plans thereby enabling Gujarat to emerge as
the most competitive destination for investment in the 21st century.
To equip new entrepreneurs as well as existing enterprises with the latest
information in relevant field(s).
To strengthen the facilitation mechanism at the Government level – both at the
state and district levels.
To sensitize the administration to the needs of the industries.
To implement the concept of e-governance in letter and spirit.
To further strengthen the current mechanism for redressal of
legitimate Grievances.
To develop the best of infrastructure facilities by infusing private sector
investment.
To empower the industrial estates to undertake developmental responsibilities.
To enhance the quality of life in the state, as viewed by investors.
To establish strategic linkages between educational institutions including
universities and the industries to meet with future requirements of manpower, by
introducing appropriate courses.
To take suitable measures for development of human resources through capacity
building and skill up-gradation for enhancement of productivity.
To evolve a conducive business environment by introducing labour reforms
To bring about simplification of rules, regulations and procedural aspects.
To arrest environmental degradation
With Sardar Sarovar Project on Narmada River nearing completion, Gujarat will
witness a boom in agriculture sector and the state plans to capitalize on the
increased agro production to process this wealth into profitable venture by
developing necessary infrastructure.
To strengthen the mature manufacturing segments in the state.
To promote industries which are labour-intensive in nature to create large-scale
employment opportunities in the state
To provide assistance to small-scale industries for healthy growth.
To strengthen existing industrial clusters and promote new clusters.
To assist small and medium industries in getting bank finance.
To inculcate a sense of ‘Quality Consciousness’ by promoting R & D efforts in the
industries.
To assist industries in adopting technology up gradation programmes.
To tailor policies to combat any adverse effect on account of the impact of WTO
regime on various sectors of industries in the State.
To equip the industries in Gujarat to meet with the challenges of WTO regime as
also exploit the opportunities to their advantages.
To assist industries in arresting industrial sickness.
To project and to establish Gujarat as second to none in terms of ‘quality’ and
‘brand image’ of products, on international platform
To ensure adequate supply of natural gas available from Gujarat at competitive
tariffs to the industrial units in Gujarat.
To rationalize tax regime.
To bridge the gap between self-actualization needs of Non-Resident
Indians/Gujaratis and the developmental requirements of the state
To promote port-driven industrialization
To correct regional imbalances
To address developmental aspect of specific issues like Fisheries Development,
empowerment of tribals by creating employment opportunities in their respective
regions and accentuating the developmental pace of Kutch district.
