Ahmedabad
Historic Ahmedabad
Old Ahmedabad is known as city with 12 darwajas. Indology prof Ramji Savalia locates five more spots where gates once stood
Akey fact of Ahmedabad's 600-year history that was forgotten in the march of time has been unearthed: the city once boasted 21 gates and not 12 or 16 as known by most of us. This crucial piece of information of our city's past has been mined from dozens o f dusty tomes and documents, some dating back to 1808, by an Amdavadi, R amji Savalia.
The 51-year-old, who is a professor of indology, not only studied rare books and records to track down "gateways of our history", but also located the areas where forgotten structures once stood. The gates whose location he has identified are Ganesh Darwaza, Halim Darwaza, Mahudha Darwaza, Kharu Darwaza and Salapas (Shilha Firoz) Darwaza.
PEEK INTO CITY'S PAST
ALL THESE gates no longer exist, but the discovery of their names and localities is of great significance for our city, which is preparing to celebrate its foundation day.
"Most people think Ahmedabad is a city of 12 gates. Some historians have pegged the number at 16. However, it has emerged that the city had 21 gates," Savalia, who is the director in-charge of BJ Institute of Learning & Research, told Mirror. "I found references of the aforesaid five gates in very old history books and documents, including Bombay Presidency Gazette published in 1808."
ARAB TRAVELLERS WROTE ABOUT OUR DARWAZAS THE INDOLOGY expert said that he also found information about the five gates in notes of Arab and European travellers who visited the city during the reigns of Mughal and Maratha rulers. "There are so many things about darwazas that most people don't know. For instance, people don't know where exactly Lal Darwaza once stood," he said. "It was located in front of Siddi Sayyed Jali. Today, there is hardly any trace of the gate as commercial buildings have come up." According to him, denizens don't know about Mahudha, Salapas Darwaza (Shilha Firoz), Kharu, Halim and Ganesh darwazas because they were not built during the rule of Ahmed Shah, who founded the city in 1411. "Most of the 21 darwazas came up during the Mughal period," Savalia, whose help is sometimes sought by central agencies for heritage conservation, said.
THE 5 FORGOTTEN GATES Centuries ago, huge gates stood on spots shown in these pictures. These darwajas are city's forgotten past. See pages 4-5 for more such darwajas
GANESH DARWAZA once stood in area that's currently tucked under Ellis Bridge. It provided people access to the Sabarmati River
MAHUDHA GATE was built in Panch Kuva area. It was a goods' passage
KHARU GATE was built in Karanj to provide soldiers an additional post
HALIM DARWAZA once stood in Shahpur. Soldiers used to march into the city through this gate
SALAPAS GATE stood in this area, which is currently close to Advance Talkies. The queen's convoy used it
People used to enter and exit the city through SARANGPUR DARWAZA
Dyes used to be brought into the city through ASHTODIA DARWAZA, a key trading point
DELHI DARWAZA, as name suggests, was a transit point to the national capital
KHANEJAHAN was an emergency exit
People reached the Sabarmati River by accessing SHAHPUR DARWAZA
Rulers from other states entered the city through BHADRA DARWAZA
JAMALPUR DARWAZA was an exit point to Vadodara and other cities
KHANPUR was entrance to king's garden
Back then, people used to pass through TEEN DARWAZA to reach markets
Soldiers and their convoys used to pass through DARIAPUR DARWAZA
Food supplies were brought into the city through KALUPUR DARWAZA
Calico Museum , Shreyas Museum of Folk Art , Sardar Patel Museum , Institute of Indology , Vishalla Vichar Museum , Kite Museum , Hussain-Doshi's Gufa , Kankaria Lake , Sabarmati Ashram , Jama Masjid , Sarkhej Roza , Teen Darwaja , Shaking Minaretsarets , Rani Rupmati's Mosque , Kutbi Mazar , Siddi Sayed Mosque , Shah Alam Roza , Shahibag Palace , Hatheesing Jain Temples , The Pols , Heritage Walk , Bhadra Fort Places of Interest around Ahmedabad
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary , Lothal , Gandhinagar , Patan , Modhera , Ambaji , Mehsana , Kandla , Dakor
Calico Museum
The Calico Museum of Textiles, widely regarded as one of the finest textile museums in the world was constructed in 1949. The Museum houses the finest fabrics spun, woven, printed and painted in different parts of India that date back to the 17th century. It also has a collection of marble, sandstone and bronze icons and busts split in two thematic sections-gallery for religious textiles and historical textiles. There is also an excellent reference library on textiles.
Shreyas Museum of Folk Art
The Museum has a unique collection of folk culture from Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch with displays of crafts and costumes from these areas.
Sardar Patel Museum
The musuem is housed in old Raj Bhavan, which was also a palace. Museum situated in Shahibaug exhibits Sardar's life and works.
Institute of Indology
The Institute contains some of the best collections of Jainism, illustrated manuscripts and miniatures.
Vishalla Vichar Museum
Vishalla is a restaurant with traditional Gujarati food in village surroundings. It has Vichar Utensil Museum worth visiting. The museum houses a unique collection of utensils.
Kite Museum
The museum houses a wonderful variety of kites that depict their colourful history and regional flavours.
Sabarmati Ashram
Founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1915, during the lifetime of Mahatma Gandhi it was known as Satyagraha Ashram and was the centre of the struggle for Independence. 'Hridaya Kunj', the simple cottage where he lived, is preserved as a National Monument. The cottage is now a small museum displaying his few possessions. A Gandhi Memorial Centre, a Library and a Sound-and-Light show offer indepth insight into the Mahatma's life and work.
Kankaria Lake
A circular lake constructed in 1451 by Sultan Qutubub-Din. At the centre of the lake is an island garden with a summer palace, known as Nagina Wadi. The lake is a popular recreation centre surrounded by parks, 'Bal Vatika', an aquarium, a boat club, a natural history museum and a zoo.
Hussain-Doshi's Gufa
It is a gallery housing the collaborative efforts of artist M. F. Hussain and the architect B. V. Doshi. Here, art and architecture fuse to become a unique experience, both complementing each other magnificently. Located in the campus of the Centre for Environment Planning and Technology, the Gufa is a configuration of cave-like structures buried under the ground. This marvel of contemporary architecture was constructed using computer aided design and tribal initiative.
Jama Masjid
Built by Ahmad Shah in 1423, Jama Masjid is the principal mosque of the Islamic era, situated at the heart of the city. The mosque was built in the Indo- Saracenic architectural era and is said to be the most beautiful mosque in the East. The mosque has 260 pillars supporting 15 domes arranged symmetrically. A special feature of the mosque is the Muluk-Khana, or the Royal Gallery, which is a platform standing on pillars and enclosed upto the roof with beautiful stone work.
Sarkhej Roza
About 8 kms. from the city, Sarkhej comprises one of the most elegant architectural complexes of Ahmedabad. Grouped around a great stepped tank is the tomb to the saint, Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh (1445), the mosque, the tombs of Mehmud Shah Begada and his queen, and the palace and pavilions. The buildings are remarkable for the complete absence of arches and the use of pierced stone trellises throughout.
Teen Darwaja
The triple-arched gateway was built by Sultan Ahmed Shah to serve as the royal entrance to the Maidan Shahi or the Royal Square. It is an imposing monument of perfect proportions and highly ornate buttresses.
Shaking Minaretsarets
The shaking minarets are two minarets located at the Siddhi Bashir mosque. They are uniquely designed in a way that when one minaret is shaken the other one shakes too.This is also known as Jhulta Minar.
Rani Rupmati's Mosque
Named after the Hindu wife of Sultan Mohammed Beghara, this mosque was built between 1430 to 1440 A. D. It has three domes supported by pillars with the central dome slightly elevated so as to allow natural light into the mosque. The mosque has richly carved minarets, balcony windows and perforated stone lattices. Its three domes are linked together by a flat roof. However, the mosque and tomb of Rani Sipri at Astodia surpasses it for its planning and structural arrangement. Popularly known as Masjid-e-Nagina, this mosque is the most exquisite gem of Ahmedabad.
Kutbi Mazar
A colossal monument raised in the memory of Syedna Qutubuddin Shaheed, the high priest of the Bohra community.
Siddi Sayed Mosque
The Mosque of Sidi Sayed, near Lal Darwaja is world-renowned for its magnificent stone tracery. Sidi Sayed, is celebrated all over the world for its exquisite stone window tracery - a superb example of delicate carving that transforms stone into filigree.
Shah Alam Roza
The tomb and mosque of Saint Shah Alam are said to have been built by the brother of the Empress Noorjehan. The brass doors are set in carved marble frames and the floor tiled in black and white marble.
Shahibag Palace
Built during the reign of Shah Jahan who, as Prince Khurram, spent the early years of his marriage in Ahmedabad as Viceroy of Gujarat. Rabindranath Tagore stayed here during his visit to Ahmedabad as a young man and the room where he wrote his famous work- 'Hungry Stones' - has been preserved as a memorial to the poet.
Hatheesing Jain Temples
Built outside Delhi Gate in 1850 by a rich Jain Merchant, this is the best known of Ahmedabad's many ornate Jain Temples. Built of pure white marble, it has a paved courtyard surrounded by an imposing row of cloisters containing 52 shrines, each with an image of a tirthankara, profusely decorated with rich carvings, one containing the marble image of the 15th tirthankar. The temple is a two storied structure with elaborate porches on three sides and front porch crowned by a large dome. It was designed by Premchand Salat and is dedicated to Dharmanath, the fifteenth Jina or Jain apostle.
The Pols
The Pols, integral parts of old Ahmedabad are residential units dating back to 1714 with intricately carved facades, which line the streets. It nurtures within its folds, pages of history, a breath of harmony and a showcase of exquisite architecture. Notable in the present day Pols are Mhurat Pol, Mandvi-ni-Pol, and Lakha Patel-ni-Pol.
Bhadra Fort
Once housed royal palaces and beautiful gardens. It has the temple of Bhadrakali and was built in 1411 during the Maratha rule.
Heritage Walk
The Heritage Walk of Ahmedabad is conducted by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation with NGO, CRUTA Foundation like most Indian cities, has a long history and strong architectural and urban character. The Heritage Walk of Ahmedabad is a guided walk of two and a half hours. This daily affair by the AMC is extremely well designed in guidance and co-operation with CRUTA and Swaminarayan Trust, being operationalised by a group of young volunteers. There is also a half hour special slide show running through pages of the city's history unfolding back its birth from a 10th century AD ancient site known as Ashaval to the present walled city re-founded during the period of Ahmedshah and onwards. The walk begins from the picturesque Swaminarayan Mandir in Kalupur and ends in the most glorious architectural legacies the Jumma Masjid, covering in between the numerous pols, havelis, ornamental facades, workplaces of artisans and number of magnificent Hindu and Jain temples.
Places of Interest around Ahmedabad
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
Just 65 kms. Southwest of Ahmedabad, is the delightful bird sanctuary of Nalsarovar nestling around the Nal Lake, extending over 11,500 hectares. Established in 1969 A.D., it is known to harbour over 250 species of wetland birds. Nalsarovar sees winter migrants from the north that includes Rosy Pelicans, Flamingoes, White Storks, Brahminy Ducks and Herons.
A pair of binoculars and a person well -versed in the local bird life will surely make it one of your best outings. Visitors are ferried in small boats to experience a sunrise or sunset while gliding gently through the silent waters. The nearest airport and railway station are at Ahmedabad, 65 kms. away. Nalsarovar can be easily accessed from Ahmedabad by state and private buses.
Lothal
Located 87 kms from Ahmedabad, is a place of tremendous archaelogical significance. Excavations have uncovered a planned city of Harappan civilisation of the 2nd millennium B.C. with an intricate underground drainage system. An on site museum displays beads, bangles, painted bowls, goblets, jars, terra-cotta toys and ivory and shell objects which were unearthed during the excavations. Lothal would have been a very important port on the subcontinent, indicated by a dockyard revealed in excavations at Lothal. It also shows a very high degree of town planning, like other sites in the Indus valley. An unusual discovery was made here of two bodies found in a single grave. At least three such instances show that double burial was a common feature among the people who lived in Lothal. The people also appear to have worshipped fire and believed in some from of animal sacrifice as is apparent from the presence of sacrificial altars.
Gandhinagar
Gandhinagar, named after the Father of the Nation, is the capital city of Gujarat. Built on the river Sabarmati it is just 32 kms away from Ahmedabad. In 1960 when the old Bombay state was partitioned into Maharashtra and Gujarat, the city of Bombay went to Maharashtra. It was then decided to construct a new capital for Gujarat. Thus came into being Gandhinagar, the second planned city in India after Chandigarh. It presents a spacious, well designed look of an architecturally integrated city. It has 30 sectors with each sector having its own shopping, health, community center and housing colonies. Extensive planting of trees and large recreational areas along the river gives the city a fresh, green garden city atmosphere. The famous temple of Swaminarayan is also built in Gandhinagar.
Akshardham
Akshardham is a unique cultural complex built in Gandhinagar in memory of Lord Swaminarayan. Inspired by H. D. Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Akshardham is a miracle worked by the service and devotion of thousands of volunteers. It is an intricately carved, majestic monument of 6000 tons of pink sand stone. The entire monument was built without the use of steel. Besides a 7 feet gold leafed idol of Lord Swaminarayan and his holy relics, there are three exhibitions on Indian Culture with light and sound shows, a multimedia show and an animatronic show. The wisdom of the Vedas, the epics, the Puranas is depicted on a crowded canvas by the exhibition. The visitor comes face to face with personages who have made this land what it is. It is a perfect mix of modernity and ancient values. Apart from Lord Ram going in search of his kidnapped wife, the visitor can see Shravan, the dutiful son, the Pandavas losing the game of dice in the Hastinapur palace, etc. Besides the visitors can see Sabari's long wait for Ram and Draupadi's humiliation in the Kauravasabha. The Hall of Harmony projects world religious side by side. The monument is ringed by aparikrama containing 365 stone pillars. Nearest airport is located at Ahmedabad. Nearest railway stations are at Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad. State transport buses and private luxury coaches connect various centres of Gujarat. Games, rides and food refreshments are other attractions of Akshardham.
Shamlaji
One of the principal Vaishnava shrines in Gujarat, it is situated 126 km from Ahmedabad.
Adalaj Vav
Adalaj Vav is situated 18 kms. north of Ahmedabad in Gandhinagar district. Built in 1499 A.D. by Queen Rudabai, this step well at the village Adalaj is a fine example of magnificent architectural form, unique to Northwestern India. The step well or Vav as it is locally called is intricately carved and is several stories in depth. The designs on its walls and pillars include, leaves, flowers, birds, fish and other breathtaking ornamental designs. A unique characteristic of step wells was that they not only conserved water but were also cool chambers where one could rest during hot summer months. In the olden days, these step wells used to be frequented by travellers and caravans as stopovers along their trade routes.
How to Reach Ahmedabad
By Air
Ahmedabad has a domestic as well as an international airport. There are various domestic airlines connecting Ahmedabad with Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Calcutta, Bangalore as well as international flights to various overseas destinations.
By Train
Ahmedabad is linked by rail to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Udaipur, Calcutta, Chennai, other major cities and towns of India. Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat are major cities of Gujarat on the broad-guage railway network. There is a broad-guage connection up to Dwarka, including Jamnagar and Rajkot. There are meter-guage connections to the rest of the state.
By Road
Ahmedabad has a good road network. By road it is linked with towns like Vadodra, Rajkot, Palitana and Jamnagar. National Highway No.8 and an excellent network of State Highways makes Gujarat easily accessible to other parts of the country. State transport buses and private luxury coaches connect various cities of Gujarat to rest of India.
Ahmedabad Weather
Weather and Climate in Ahmedabad
Situated in the banks of River Sabarmati, the most prominent and important city of Gujarat i.e. Ahmedabad experiences a semi-arid hot climate. The weather and climate in Ahmedabad is largely influenced by the Arabian Sea. The average temperature of the city ranges in between 12 degrees to 41 degree Celsius. Like most of the other parts in India, the climate in Ahmedabad also revolves round three main important seasons. Let us check the weather in Ahmedabad during the three major seasons:
Summers in Ahmedabad Summers enter the city in the month of March and continue till July. The summer months in Ahmedabad are characterized by extreme hot and dry climate. The minimum average temperature is about 23°C while the maximum temperature is 43°C. The highest temperature that has been recorded in the city till date is 47°C.
Monsoons in Ahmedabad South western monsoons sweep into Ahmedabad in mid July. During this time weather and climate in Ahmedabad is humid. Monsoon continues till the month of September. The average annual rainfall received by the city is 93.2 cm. The monsoons are often characterized by torrential infrequent rains.
Winters in Ahmedabad Ahmedabad experiences a very dry climate in the winter months i.e from November to February. With average temperature of minimum 15°C and maximum 30°C, the Ahmedabad climate is pleasant and comfortable during this time. In January, Cold Northerly winds blow through the region. The lowest temperature that has been recorded in Ahmedabad during the winters is 5°C.
Ideal Time to Visit Ahmedabad If you are planning a trip down to Ahmedabad, it is always recommended that you avoid the summer months between April to June due to extreme hotness which can cause sunstrokes and dehydration. June to September is also not the best time due to uncertainty of rains. The ideal time to visit Ahmedabad is during the winter months of October to March because the climate is pleasant, comfortable and perfect for all the tourist activities
