New Delhi: Ahmedabad is one of the most important cities in India. Its rich history and heritage along with its age-old traditions and customs have made the city a favourite to not just the residents but also to those who visit it. Notably, Ahmedabad is one of the heritage sites in Gujarat. Yes, you read that right. In this article, we will take a look at some of the interesting facts about the city.
Interesting facts about Ahmedabad
Who constructed the city?
In the 14th century, the Delhi Sultanate took control of Gujarat. By the early 15th century, Zafar Khan Muzaffar, the local Muslim governor made his kingdom independent of the Delhi Sultanate and became the Sultan of Gujarat as Muzaffar Shah I. In 1411, his grandson Sultan Ahmed Shah took control of the area and made the forested area along the Sabarmati River’s bank his new capital. Near Karnavati, he founded a new walled city and named it Ahmedabad.
What is the population of Ahmedabad?
According to the 2011 Census, the population of Ahmedabad was 5,570,585, making it India’s fifth-most populous city. It has been estimated that in 2024, the population of the city is at 8,854,444.
The Manchester of India
Ahmedabad is an important economic and industrial hub. Notably, it is the second-largest producer of cotton in India and it has earned the place the nickname ‘Manchester of India’ along with Kanpur. Its stock exchange was shut down in 2018 but before that, it was the second oldest in the country.
Ahmedabad has the biggest cricket stadium
Ahmedabad is home to the Narendra Modi Stadium, at Motera. The stadium can accommodate 132,000 spectators and is the world’s largest stadium. The world-class Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave is currently under construction and after its completion, the enclave will be one of the biggest sports centres in India.
A UNESCO Heritage Site
In July 2017, the historic city of Ahmedabad was declared a UNESCO World Heritage City. In July 2022, Time magazine included Ahmedabad in its list of the world’s 50 greatest places of 2022.
