Welcome! to yet another video of Citygazer
Today we will travel across India's first UNESCO World Heritage City, #ahmedabad.
Brief History:
#ahmedabad is India’s first #unesco world heritage city.
In 1411 approximately 600 years ago Sultan Ahmed Shah laid the foundation of a fortified city around Karnavati and named it #ahmedabad after himself.
The area around #ahmedabad was earlier known as Karnavati and it was ruled by King Karandev-FIRST. #ahmedabad was a flourishing economy mainly due to its textile trade. As a result, many rulers tried to have control over it. It has witnessed Indian history where various rulers like Mughals, Maratha’s & Britisher’s ruled over it. Also, it became a centre stage during Indian Independence movement when Mahatma Gandhi established #sabarmatiashram in 1917.
Planning and Township of #ahmedabad :
The old walled city had approximately a 10km long wall and 12 gates which enclosed a number of Pol’s. As the time passed by the walls of the city were demolished due to invasions and for various developments. As a result, the city was left with a few gates which have now become heritage monuments.
Pol’s were one of the significant part of this walled city. Pols were neighborhoods which housed the communities belonging to a particular group based on their profession or religion. The pol’s had either one or two gateways which were closed at night to protect the residents inside. A heritage walk inside these pol’s transports you to the by gone era where art, architecture and culture is richly reflected in its narrow streets and houses.
Some landmarks of #ahmedabad :
1) Jumma Masjid or Jami Masjid: Jami Masjid also known as Jumma Masjid. It was built in 1424 A.D during the reign of Sultan Ahmed Shah – I.
It is one of the most iconic structures of #ahmedabad and was built for the use of royal family. It is a yellow sandstone structure built in Indo Islamic style of architecture. The mosque has a magnificent prayer hall with 260 pillars and 15 domes. It has a rectangular grand courtyard which is 75 meters long and 66 meters wide with three entrances. The minarets of mosque were originally of greater height but due to an earthquake in 1819 A.D the top portion of minarets collapsed and were damaged.
2) Siddi Sayyed Mosque: also popularly called as Siddi Sayyed ni Jali.
it is one of the most famous icons of #ahmedabad . This mosque is popularly known for its intricately carved stone jalis. The jalis have geometrical designs and motifs of trees and foliage.
The tree motif jali is one of the most iconic masterpieces of art that attracts many tourists to visit this place.
3) #adalajstepwell : also known as Rudabai Stepwell. It is one of popular tourist attractions of the #gandhinagar city and is approximately 18 kilometers from #ahmedabad city. It was built in 1498 AD in the memory of ruler Rana Veer Singh by his wife, Queen Rudabai with the help of Mohammed Begda a ruler from neighboring state. It is located in the small town of #adalaj . It is a five story deep well with intricate carvings which is built in sandstone in Solanki style architecture. It is one of best examples of ancient India’s rain water harvesting system. Such wells used to be constructed across #gujarat and its neighboring states due to its semi-arid climate. These wells not only used to serve water to the locals but also served as gathering spots for festivals and sacred rituals.
4) #gandhiashram : also known as #sabarmatiashram was formed in 1917 on the banks of river #sabarmati . Gandhiji lived in this #sabarmatiashram for 12 years. It was from here that Gandhiji led the #dandimarch . The local citizens preserved #gandhiashram in memory of #gandhiji . The #sabarmatiashram now has a museum, the #gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya which showcases various aspects of #mahatmagandhi 's life and inspires everyone to follow his message and teachings in life.
5) #atalbridge : at #sabarmatiriverfront is one of the contemporary landmarks of #ahmedabad city which was inaugurated on 27 August 2022. #atalbridge is pedestrian bridge having a span of 300 meters and the width varying from 10 meters to 14 meters. #ahmedabad ’s favourite kite festival is the inspiration for design of this bridge. Hence its design and colour combination are inspired by kites. This iconic structure and its vicinity places #sabarmatiriverfront sparkles after the evening lights are on and becomes a beautiful venue for spend some good time with friends or family.
6) #kankarialake is the second largest lake in #ahmedabad .
A #kankarialake front is developed around it, which has many public attractions such as a zoo, toy train, water rides, water park, food stalls, and entertainment facilities. The lakefront is a beautiful place to spend time in the evening especially with children. #kankarialake Carnival is a week-long festival which is held here in the last week of December. When you are in #ahmedabad you must visit this place.
