History of Ahmedabad

After its creation in 1411, Ahmedabad went through successive periods of glory and decline. It flourished during the 16th and 17th centuries when it became one of the finest cities in India and then waned during the 18th century, when the Marathas challenged the might of the Mughal Empire. It rose to prominence once again with the establishment of the textile industry and as Gandhi’s base for the nationalist movement for Indian Independence.

Ahmedabad became the base camp for the Indian freedom struggle with Gandhiji’s Sabarmati Ashram on the outskirts of the city, the core. From here he guided India to freedom. After the freedom movement this city of textiles often called the ‘Manchester of the East’ became a national pilgrimage, a symbol of non-violence and peace. Though the capital of Gujarat was shifted from Ahmedabad to Gandhinagar, it is still the second largest industrial city in western India. Over a period of time Ahmedabad has consolidated its position as a vibrant business and commercial city but is also famed as an academic centre with a number of premier institutions of higher studies located here.