Grand Heritage
Manchester of the east
A.SRIVATHSAN
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Founded by Ahmed Shah, the present city of Ahmedabad is only six centuries old.
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ON THE BANKS OF THE SABARMATI: A far cry from what it was.
Two high flyers make Ahmedabad a special city. One is the bird and the other the kite. The Chabutra or bird feeding tables are found in the old city of Ahmedabad and is a profound gesture of compassion. A Chabutra is a wooden platform covered by a dome and fixed atop a five feet pole. Water and food are kept in the platform for the birds to feed. Another flying tradition associated with Ahmedabad is the kite festival. What was part of the vibrant local culture has now grown to become a major international event. Every January, Ahmedabad plays host to the International Kite Festival.
Ahmedabad is an ancient city on the banks of the Sabarmati. However the present city is only six centuries old. Ahmed Shah founded this city in the 15th century. It was a flourishing trade centre patronised by traders travelling to Rajasthan, Delhi and beyond. Its fortunes revived in the 16th century, when it was annexed to the Mughal Empire.
Contemporary
During 19th and 20th centuries, Ahmedabad emerged as the textile centre and was celebrated as the Manchester of the East. Ever since Mahatma Gandhi established his Sabarmati Ashram in 1917, Ahmedabad has been in the thick of the Independence struggle. Many important events like Dandi March were organised from here. In 1960, when the state of Gujarat was formed, Ahmedabad became its capital city.
Ahmedabad is not only a repository of Islamic architecture as found in Jami Masjid, Sidi Said Mosque and Sarkej Roza complex. It also houses the finest examples of contemporary architecture.
Le Corbusier, the French architect, has built some of the best concrete structures here. IIM-Ahmedabad is an essay in brick built by Louis Khan, the American architect. Important works of Indian architects like Charles Correa and Balkrishna Doshi can also be found.
The skyline of Ahmedabad is fast changing. The flurry of development endangers the structures and spaces of the old city. For example, Pol — a small residential neighbourhood defined by a gate at the entrance — forms the building block of the old city. These are now demolished to pave way for new buildings. When these structures are demolished, a way of life is lost. Along with that, birds too loose another refuge.
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