About | Ahmedabad
History of Ahmedabad
The Past
King Karandev 1, the Solanki Ruler, had waged a war against the Bhil king of Ashapall or Ashaval. After his victory Karandev established the city called "Karnavati". This Hindu kingdom of Karnavati retained its importance till early 15th century when Gujarat fell to the Muslim Sultanate.
In 1411 Sultan Ahmed Shah conquered Karnavati, and after his name Karnavati was renamed to Ahmedabad. The city was built in open and spacious plane to the East of Sabarmati. It compromised of smaller known Fort as Bhadra Fort. The city fort wall was enclosed containing 12 Gates. The city of Ahmedabad went on expanding in every direction by the addition of new areas on both the sides of the river. And with the well laid out beautiful buildings, lakes and mosques.
In 1753 combined armies of Raghunath Rao and Damaji Gaekwad took the fort, which resulted into end of Mughal Rule in Ahmedabad. In 64 years during the rule of Gaekwad and Peshwa, city became worse. In 1818 British took over the administration of Ahmedbad. During this period Ahmedabad developed, Municipality Committee was founded, Railway link was established. In 1915 Mahatma Gandhi came from South Africa and established Ashram on the banks of Sabarmati.
Modern Ahmedabad
Modern Ahmedabad is thriving industrial and business center, more to it people here love to live the life. Its rich cultural heritage combines well with modern lifestyles to enable its people to enjoy themselves to the fullest. Whether it's shopping at the large shopping complexes, eating out at various cafes and restaurants. Ahmedabad has highest number of Multiplexes coming up in whole of India. Clubs, Theatres, Picnic Spots and three Water parks and many other destinations are equally popular. Moreover, all festivals are celebrated with tremendous zest and fervour. In sort, the modern city of Ahmedabad is for the people who love to enjoy life.
Festivals of Ahmedabad
Utrayan [ Kite Flying ]
"Kaapyo Chhey" - This is what you could hear on 14th January, in the festival of Makar Sankranti or festival of kites or "Utarayan". The festival marks the end of winter and return of the sun to northern hemisphere and hence is named "Uttar ayan". On this particular day everybody in Ahmedabad starts the day through kite flying and continues in the night by driving lamps (Tukkal) attached to kites in the sky. The sky remains through out the day, dotted with colorful kites.
Navratri in Amedabad [Festival of Nine Nights ]
Navratri or the festival of nine nights is devoted to Goddess Shakti. The festival also has the famous folk dance of Gujarat "Garba". The festival continues for nine nights, everybody takes part in it with same enthusiasm.
Each night starts with ceremonial "Aarti" and is followed by Garba till late mid-night. The Garba dance is carried out around the statue of Goddess Shakti. Garba is also played with Dandiyas in hand. During these nights, city is being illuminated and decorated . As the mark of on set of winter, nights are shorter.
Here are a few salient features of Ahmedabad
State: Gujarat
Population : 5.49 million
Area : 204.6 sq Kms.
Altitude : 53 meters above sea level
Temperature : Summer : 42 0 - 23 0 C and Winter : 36 0 - 14 0 C
Airports : Ahmedabad International and Domestic Airport
Distance from City Centre : 10 Km/ 6 Mile
Railway Junctions : Ahmedabad
Local Languages : Gujarati
Languages Spoken : Gujarati, Hindi and English
Literacy Rate : 61%
Reaching There
The seventh largest city in India, Ahmedabad is well-connected with the rest of the country via a large air, rail and road network.
Air
Ahmedabad airport is located 10 Kms north of the city center. Indian Airlines & other private airlines fly to and from the city, connecting it to most important cities of India. It also has an International airport with connections to various cities in worldwide.
Rail
Ahmedabad is on the Western Railway network and is well-linked with the rest of the country. The prestigious Rajdhani Express connects it tri-weekly to New Delhi. The Shatabdi Express and Karnavati Express provide convenient daily connections to Ahmedabad from Mumbai.
Road
Ahmedabad has a good roads hence it is a pleasure driving on roads, it also good network of National and State Highways. The State Transport Corporation connects it to all the major cities and towns of Gujarat and other states of the country. |
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