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
also celebrated with tremendous zest and are always an extremely
colourful affairs. 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 !4th 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 start 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 into it
with same emphasis.
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 been beautifully decorated and
nights become short.
Here are a few salience of this city
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 road network with 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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