History of Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat is one of the most popular industrial cities in India and is so popularly called “Manchester of the East”. The city holds historical significance and knowing them is pretty eventful and a checkered one as the city was under the rule of various rulers since the date of its foundation and this is why the city boasts of rich history. It has been read and found that Ahmedabad had served as the political as well as the economic capital of the region since the date it was established. This gorgeous city is reckoned for its dynamic cultures, the rise of trade, economic balance, clash for the rule, and there are many more that could be the interesting chapters of its biography. So, let’s discuss some of the interesting and popular historical shreds of evidence of this section in Gujarat that was awakened. Check out the different phases of Ahmedabad history including its origin, Solanki, Sultanate, Maratha, Mughal, and the British era.

How Did the City Originate?

As per the historical tales, Gujarat was the territory and under the control of the Muslim Muzzaffarid Dynasty during the 15th century. There is a story related to Sultan Ahmad Shah who was once wandering around Sabarmati where he came across an impeccable moment that was like a little hare was running behind a vicious dog. He was amazed at this encounter and called it a spiritual advisor and then was looking for an explanation and he consulted many advisors and they said it happened because of the mystical land of the region where several incidents like this are found here. Sultan Ahmad Shah was so inspired by this enchanted land and so made it the capital of his kingdom and this is how the city was established.

What Claims did Solankis Make?

Historical tales have revealed some of the magnificent facts about Ahmedabad’s history that during the 10th century, the place was called as Ashapali by the Bhil Kings. Then in the next century, Bhil rulers were given the challenge to save their throne and they literally accepted that challenge. The challenge was to fight against the Solankis in which Bhils were defeated and Solankis set up their empire. The Solankis ruled in Ahmedabad till the 13th century until Vaghela’s defeated them and set up their empire and it is believed that Vaghelas fought the battle and won just to dethrone Sultan Ahmad and to rename the city.

How did the Sultanate Rule influence this beautiful city?

The period was the control of Sultan Ahmad Shah rule in Gujarat and after he got dethroned, Muhammad Begada, the grandson of Ahmad Shah took the charge of the city and started the construction of Perimeter Wall to secure his empire and the city. The outer wall of the city was 6 km long and there were 12 gates installed in it. However, nothing could save his empire and unfortunately, Muhammad Begada was the last ruler of this Sultanate period.

Mughal Empire

In 1573, the great Mughal ruler Akbar took over the control of this rapidly growing city by defeating Muhammad Begada. This period was called the best period for the growth of Ahmedabad as it was Mughal only who made trading as their paramount motive and also established some textile industries and this was the only time that made this city called “Manchester of East”. Jahangir, son of Akbar started overseas trading and called the city as Gardabad- the city full of dust and seemed like a ground of garbage. However, he spends a long time of his life in this city only and established the popular Moti Shahi Mahal in Ahmedabad.

Maratha Kingdom

Maratha played a crucial role in the rapid emergence of Ahmedabad and they are called archenemy to Mughals. It was also called to be the second most powerful kingdom in Ahmedabad and Damaji Gaekwad and Raghunath Rao were the two bravest rulers who defeated Mughal rulers and snatched the control of Ahmedabad from them. But unfortunately, the internal disputes among the Marathas brought the kingdom to an end as the entire city was devastated in this mutiny. On your visit to this magnificent city in Gujarat, you get to witness the charm of Marathi cultures that is still in existence.

The British Culture

In the year 1818, the British took over the command of Ahmedabad and this is the time when new soldiers were appointed, a new order was established, and a new government was established. The Britishers were found so keen and enthusiastic in increasing the trading rate of the city and so developed several rail lines that connect the city with other places. But, likewise other empires, British rule also came to an end as everything that rises comes to fall any day.

An Impeccable essence of Independence

Satyagraha Mission was initiated in Ahmedabad and taught the same to rest other cities in India. How can we even forget that this is the same land which gave us our father of the nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi who fought for India’s independence throughout his life? After the city got independence, it became a temporary part of Bombay and then on 1st May 1960, it became a part of Gujarat and served as the capital city of the state for some years.

Presently, Ahmedabad boasts of several tourist destinations that are entitled to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the city also excels in many other sectors or can be said that in almost all the sectors.