Ahmedabad facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ahmedabad Karnavati, Ashawal
Metropolis
Amdavad
Skyline of SG Highway Hutheesing Temple Atal Pedestrian Bridge Sabarmati Riverfront Ahmedabad Aerial View Ahmedabad BRTS Station Narendra Modi Stadium Jama Mosque
Nickname(s):  Manchester of the East, Heritage City of India
Country	India
State	Gujarat
District	Ahmedabad
Establishment	11th Century as Ashaval
Founded by	King Asha Bhil
Named for	Ahmad Shah I
Government
• Type	Mayor–Council
• Body	Amdavad Municipal Corporation
Area
• Total	1,866 km2 (720 sq mi)
Area rank	8th in India (1st in Gujarat State)
Elevation	69.65 m (228.51 ft)
Population  (2023)
• Total	8,650,605
• Rank	5th
• Density	4,600/km2 (12,000/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Amdavadi, Ahmedabadi
Language
• Official	Gujarati
• Additional official	English
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN	3800xx
Area code(s)	+9179xxxxxxxx
Vehicle registration	GJ-01 (west), GJ-27 (East), GJ-38 Bavla (Rural)
HDI (2016)	0.867
Sex ratio	1.11 ♂/♀
Literacy rate	85.3%
Gross domestic product	$68 billion
UNESCO World Heritage Site Criteria Cultural: (ii), (v) Inscription 2017 (41st Session) Area 535.7 ha (2.068 sq mi) Buffer zone 395 ha (1.53 sq mi)

Ahmedabad is the largest city in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is the main city of the Ahmedabad district. The city is home to the Gujarat High Court. Ahmedabad is the fifth most populated city in India. Its population is estimated to be over 8.8 million people in 2024. The city is located near the Sabarmati River. It is about 25 km from Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat. Gandhinagar is often called Ahmedabad's twin city.

Ahmedabad is a very important economic and industrial center in India. It produces a lot of cotton. Because of this, it was once called the 'Manchester of India'. The city's economy has grown a lot. It now focuses on business, communication, and construction. This growth has led to many new buildings and skyscrapers.

In 2010, Forbes magazine listed Ahmedabad as one of the fastest-growing cities. In 2012, The Times of India called it India's best city to live in. Its economy was valued at $68 billion in 2020. In 2022, Time magazine included Ahmedabad in its list of the world's 50 greatest places.

Ahmedabad is also part of India's Smart Cities Mission. This project aims to develop cities with modern technology. In 2017, the old part of Ahmedabad was named a UNESCO World Heritage City. This means it is a special place recognized for its history and culture.

History

How Ahmedabad Got Its Name

Long ago, there was a settlement called Ashaval in this area. It was home to the Bhil tribal group. Later, a ruler named Karna built a city nearby called Karnavati.

In 1411 CE, Ahmad Shah I of the Gujarat Sultanate moved his capital here. He renamed the city Ahmedabad after himself. Some stories say he named it after four Muslim saints who were all named Ahmed.

Early Days of Ahmedabad

People have lived in this area since the 11th century. It was first known as Ashaval. King Karna fought the Bhil king of Ashaval. He then built a city called Karnavati by the Sabarmati River.

The Solanki rulers governed until the 13th century. Then, the Delhi Sultanate took control in the 14th century. In 1411, Sultan Ahmed Shah chose this area for his new capital. He started building the walled city of Ahmedabad. He laid the first stone on February 26, 1411. This spot is called Manek Burj. It is named after a Hindu saint, Maneknath. The saint helped Ahmed Shah I build Bhadra Fort.

In 1487, Mahmud Begada, Ahmed Shah's grandson, built strong outer walls around the city. These walls were 10 km long. They had twelve gates and many towers. In 1573, the Mughal emperor Akbar conquered Gujarat. During Mughal rule, Ahmedabad became a busy trading center. It was famous for its textiles. Mughal ruler Shah Jahan lived here and built the Moti Shahi Mahal. In 1758, the city was taken over by the Marathas.

Modern History of the City

Under Maratha rule, Ahmedabad became a place of conflict. In 1780, the British briefly captured it. But it was returned to the Marathas. The British East India Company took over the city in 1818. A military camp was set up in 1824. A city government started in 1858.

Ahmedabad became an important city in Gujarat under British rule. In 1864, a railway line connected Ahmedabad to Mumbai. This helped trade a lot. The city grew as a textile industry hub. This is why it was called the "Manchester of the East".

The Indian independence movement also grew strong here. Mahatma Gandhi set up two ashrams (spiritual retreats). These were the Kochrab Ashram in 1915 and the Sabarmati Ashram in 1917. They became centers for nationalist activities. In 1919, textile workers protested against British rules. They burned government buildings. In the 1920s, workers and teachers went on strike for better rights. In 1930, Gandhi started the famous Salt Satyagraha from his ashram. People protested peacefully in the 1930s and during the Quit India Movement in 1942.

After India's Independence

After India became independent in 1947, there was some violence between different religious groups. Many Hindu migrants from Pakistan settled in Ahmedabad. This changed the city's population and economy.

By 1960, Ahmedabad was a large city with many people. It became the capital of Gujarat when the Bombay State was divided. During this time, many schools and research centers were built. This made Ahmedabad a center for higher education and technology. The city's economy also grew with new industries.

In the late 1970s, the capital moved to Gandhinagar. This led to a period of less development in Ahmedabad. In the 1974 Navnirman protest, students protested against food fee hikes. This grew into a movement to remove the chief minister. In the 1980s, protests happened over a new policy about jobs and education. These protests sometimes led to clashes between different groups.

The city was hit by the 2001 Gujarat earthquake. Many buildings collapsed, and people died. The next year, there was a period of violence between Hindus and Muslims. This was known as the 2002 Gujarat riots. Refugee camps were set up for those affected.

Ahmedabad has hosted leaders from many countries. These include the US, China, and Canada. In 2020, President Donald Trump visited the city. This event was called Namaste Trump.

Demographics

City Population Growth

Population census
Year Pop. ±% 1872 119,762 —     1881 127,621 +6.6% 1891 148,412 +16.3% 1901 185,889 +25.3% 1911 216,777 +16.6% 1921 274,007 +26.4% 1931 313,789 +14.5% 1941 595,210 +89.7%	Year Pop. ±% 1951 842,643 +41.6% 1961 1,156,788 +37.3% 1971 1,750,134 +51.3% 1981 2,534,641 +44.8% 1991 3,324,197 +31.2% 2001 4,488,237 +35.0% 2011 5,633,927 +25.5%
Source: Census of India

Ahmedabad's population grew by 23.43% from 2001 to 2011. In 2011, it had 5,577,940 people. This made it the fifth most populated city in India. The wider urban area had over 6.3 million people.

The city's population is estimated to be 7.69 million in 2023. The literacy rate in Ahmedabad is high, at 88.29%. This means most people can read and write.

Reducing Poverty in Ahmedabad

In the 1970s and 1980s, many textile mills closed. This left thousands of people without jobs. Many moved into informal settlements. The city government, Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC), lost tax money. But it faced more demand for services.

In the 1990s, new industries needed skilled workers. Many people seeking jobs ended up in informal work. They settled in slums. Ahmedabad has worked to reduce poverty. The number of people living in poverty has dropped from 28% in 1993 to 10% in 2012.

The AMC has worked with groups to help poor residents. They have provided water, electricity, and other basic services to slums. However, some challenges remain. Many residents still need better access to sanitation and clean water.

Improving Slum Living Conditions

In 2011, about 34% of the population lived in slums or chawls. These are homes for industrial workers. There are about 700 slum areas in Ahmedabad. The city's population has grown, but housing has not kept up. This has led to more crowded living spaces.

The percentage of people living in slums has decreased. Living conditions for slum residents have also improved.

The Slum Networking Project

In the 1990s, the AMC started the Slum Networking Project (SNP). This project aimed to improve basic services in 60 slums. It helped about 13,000 families. The project was also called Parivartan (Change).

It involved residents, the AMC, private groups, and NGOs. The goal was to provide:

• Water supply
• Sewers
• Toilets
• Paved roads
• Storm drainage
• Tree planting

The project also helped with community development. This included forming resident groups and health programs. Families paid a small part of the cost. This project is seen as a success. Access to services helped residents work more. It also reduced illnesses and increased school attendance for children.

Religions and Communities

Religions in Ahmedabad City (2011)
Religion			Percent
Hinduism			81.56%
Islam			13.51%
Jainism			3.62%
Christianity			0.85%
Sikhism			0.24%
Other or not stated			0.24%

Most people in Ahmedabad are Hindus, making up 81.56% of the population. Muslims are the second largest group at 13.51%. Other religions include Jains (3.62%), Christians (0.85%), and Sikhs (0.24%).

Most residents are native Gujaratis. The city is also home to about 2,000 Parsis (Zoroastrians). There are also about 125 members of the Bene Israel Jewish community. The city has one synagogue.

Geography

Ahmedabad is in western India. It is 53 meters (174 ft) above sea level. The city sits on the banks of the Sabarmati river. It covers an area of 505 square kilometers. The Sabarmati river used to dry up in summer. But now, water from the Narmada river is sent to the Sabarmati. This keeps the river flowing all year.

The city is mostly flat. There are small hills called Thaltej-Jodhpur Tekra. Three lakes are within the city: Kankaria, Vastrapur, and Chandola. Kankaria Lake is artificial. It was built by a Sultan in 1451.

Ahmedabad is in a seismic zone 3. This means it has a moderate risk of earthquakes.

The Sabarmati River divides Ahmedabad into two parts. The eastern side has the old city. This area has busy bazaars and a unique housing system called pol. A pol is a group of homes where many families of a certain group live together. The old city also has the main railway station and historic buildings.

The western side of the city is newer. It has modern buildings, schools, shopping malls, and business areas. The Sabarmati Riverfront is a developed area along the river. It started construction in 2005 and opened in 2012.

Climate and Weather

Ahmedabad has a hot, dry climate. It has three main seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter.

• Summer: From March to June, it is very hot. The average high is 43°C (109°F). The highest temperature ever recorded was 48°C (118°F) in May 2016.
• Monsoon: From mid-June to mid-September, the weather is humid. The city gets about 800 mm (31 inches) of rain each year. Heavy rains can cause floods. Sometimes, there are droughts if the monsoon is weak.
• Winter: From November to February, the weather is mild. The average high is 30°C (86°F). Cold winds from the north make January a bit chilly.

Climate data for Ahmedabad (1991–2020)
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	36.1 (97.0)	40.6 (105.1)	43.9 (111.0)	46.2 (115.2)	48.0 (118.4)	47.2 (117.0)	42.2 (108.0)	40.4 (104.7)	41.7 (107.1)	42.8 (109.0)	38.9 (102.0)	35.6 (96.1)	48.0 (118.4)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)	27.9 (82.2)	31.0 (87.8)	35.8 (96.4)	39.7 (103.5)	41.8 (107.2)	39.0 (102.2)	33.7 (92.7)	32.3 (90.1)	33.6 (92.5)	35.6 (96.1)	33.1 (91.6)	29.5 (85.1)	34.4 (93.9)
Daily mean °C (°F)	20.1 (68.2)	22.8 (73.0)	27.7 (81.9)	31.9 (89.4)	34.5 (94.1)	33.3 (91.9)	29.8 (85.6)	28.8 (83.8)	29.3 (84.7)	28.8 (83.8)	25.1 (77.2)	21.6 (70.9)	27.8 (82.0)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)	12.4 (54.3)	14.6 (58.3)	19.6 (67.3)	24.2 (75.6)	27.3 (81.1)	27.7 (81.9)	26.1 (79.0)	25.3 (77.5)	24.9 (76.8)	21.8 (71.2)	17.2 (63.0)	13.6 (56.5)	21.2 (70.2)
Record low °C (°F)	3.3 (37.9)	2.2 (36.0)	9.4 (48.9)	12.8 (55.0)	19.1 (66.4)	19.4 (66.9)	20.4 (68.7)	21.2 (70.2)	17.2 (63.0)	12.6 (54.7)	8.3 (46.9)	3.6 (38.5)	2.2 (36.0)
Average rainfall mm (inches)	1.2 (0.05)	0.6 (0.02)	1.1 (0.04)	2.5 (0.10)	5.5 (0.22)	84.3 (3.32)	310.1 (12.21)	242.2 (9.54)	120.2 (4.73)	13.1 (0.52)	1.9 (0.07)	0.9 (0.04)	783.6 (30.85)
Average rainy days	0.2	0.1	0.2	0.3	0.3	3.9	11.3	10.3	6.1	0.9	0.3	0.1	33.9
Average relative humidity (%) (at 17:30 IST)	35	26	21	20	25	44	69	72	63	43	39	38	67
Average dew point °C (°F)	9 (48)	10 (50)	10 (50)	14 (57)	19 (66)	23 (73)	25 (77)	25 (77)	24 (75)	19 (66)	14 (57)	11 (52)	17 (62)
Mean monthly sunshine hours	287.3	274.3	277.5	297.2	329.6	238.3	130.1	111.4	220.6	290.7	274.1	288.6	3,019.7
Average ultraviolet index	6	8	11	12	12	12	12	12	11	9	7	6	10
Source 1: India Meteorological Department Time and Date (dewpoints, 2005-2015)
Source 2: NOAA (sun 1971–1990), IEM ASOS (May record high)Tokyo Climate Center (mean temperatures 1991–2020); Weather Atlas

After a very hot period in May 2010, the city created a Heat Action Plan. This plan helps people stay safe during extreme heat. It teaches about risks and trains workers. It also helps coordinate emergency responses.

Ahmedabad was ranked the 7th best "National Clean Air City" in India in 2024.

City's Look and Landmarks

Ahmedabad's buildings mix Hindu and Persian styles. This is called the Indo-Saracenic style. Many mosques show this design. The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque has beautiful stone screens. Old private homes, called haveli, have carvings.

After India's independence, modern buildings appeared. Famous architects like Louis Kahn and Le Corbusier designed buildings here. B. V. Doshi also designed many local buildings.

Some popular gardens include Law Garden, Victoria Garden, and Bal Vatika. Bal Vatika is a children's park with an amusement park. The Kankaria Lake, built in 1451 CE, is one of the biggest lakes. It is a popular spot for relaxing. Vastrapur Lake is another artificial lake. It is surrounded by green areas and walkways.

The Ahmedabad City Police plans to install outdoor air purifiers. This will help traffic police breathe cleaner air near busy areas.

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  Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

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  A marble screen from the exterior of the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque

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  Jama Mosque

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  Hutheesing Jain Derasar main entrance

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  Pol area of Old Ahmedabad

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  Sabarmati Riverfront

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  Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad

How the City is Managed

Ahmedabad is managed by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). The AMC was set up in 1950. An Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer leads the AMC. The city's mayor is chosen by elected councillors. The AMC handles water, sewage, education, health, and transport.

The city is divided into seven zones. These zones have 48 wards. The wider urban areas are managed by the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA).

• Ahmedabad has two members of parliament in the Lok Sabha.
• It has 21 members in the Gujarat state assembly.
• The Gujarat High Court is in Ahmedabad. This makes it the judicial capital of Gujarat.
• The Ahmedabad City Police keeps law and order. It is led by a Police Commissioner.

Public Services for Citizens

• Health services are mainly provided by the Ahmedabad civil hospital. This is the largest civil hospital in Asia.
• Torrent Power Limited provides electricity. Ahmedabad is one of the few Indian cities where electricity is privately managed.

Culture

Ahmedabad is known for its unique architecture and traditional homes. People here celebrate many festivals.

• Uttarayan is a harvest festival in January. People fly kites during this time.
• The nine nights of Navratri are celebrated with Garba. This is a popular folk dance of Gujarat.
• The annual Rath Yatra procession takes place at the Jagannath Temple.
• Other festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Christmas are also celebrated.

Food and Cuisine

A popular dish in Ahmedabad is the Gujarati thali. It includes roti (flatbread), dal (lentil soup), rice, and cooked vegetables. It also comes with pickles and roasted papads. Sweet dishes like laddoo are also common.

Dhoklas, theplas, and dhebras are other popular snacks. People often drink buttermilk and tea. Alcohol is banned in Ahmedabad, as Gujarat is a 'dry' state.

Many restaurants serve Indian and international food. Most places serve only vegetarian food. This is because of the strong tradition of vegetarianism among Jain and Hindu communities. The world's first all-vegetarian Pizza Hut opened in Ahmedabad. Some fast-food chains like KFC and McDonald's have separate kitchens for vegetarian food.

Manek Chowk is a famous open square. It is a vegetable market in the morning and a jewelry market in the afternoon. In the evening, it becomes a huge collection of food stalls. They sell local street food.

Art and Crafts

Some parts of Ahmedabad are known for their folk art.

• Artisans in Rangeela pol make tie-dyed bandhinis.
• Cobbler shops in Madhupura sell traditional mojdi footwear.
• Idols of the Hindu deity Ganesha are made in Gulbai Tekra.
• The shops at the Law Garden sell mirrorwork handicrafts.

Ahmedabad has several places that promote Gujarati literature. The Saptak School of Music festival is held every year.

The Sanskar Kendra is a museum designed by Le Corbusier. It shows the city's history, art, and culture. The Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya has displays about Mahatma Gandhi. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial has items related to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

The Calico Museum of Textiles has a large collection of fabrics. The Hazrat Pir Mohammad Shah Library has rare old manuscripts. The Vechaar Utensils Museum displays old tools. The Conflictorium is a space that explores conflict through art.

The Shreyas Foundation has four museums. The Shreyas Folk Museum has art from Gujarati communities. The Kalpana Mangaldas Children's Museum has toys, puppets, and costumes.

The L. D. Institute of Indology has a huge collection of Jain manuscripts. It also has Indian sculptures, paintings, and coins.

In 1949, the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts was started. It has made Ahmedabad a center for Indian classical dance.

Education

Schools and Colleges

Schools in Ahmedabad are run by the AMC or by private groups. Most schools follow the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board. Some follow national or international boards.

Higher Education and Research

Ahmedabad has many colleges for engineering, management, and design.

• The oldest higher education institution is Gujarat College.
• Gujarat University was established in 1949. It has many affiliated colleges.
• Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has a center here.
• Other state universities include Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University and Gujarat Technological University.
• Gujarat Vidyapith was founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1920.

Private universities include Ahmedabad University and CEPT University. Two important national institutes are here:

• Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A)
• National Institute of Design (NID)

Other research centers include the Physical Research Laboratory. It was started in 1947 by Vikram Sarabhai. It focuses on astronomy and physics. The Ahmedabad Textile Industry's Research Association (ATIRA) does research for the textile industry.

Media

Newspapers in Ahmedabad include English dailies like The Times of India and Indian Express. There are also Gujarati newspapers like Divya Bhaskar and Gujarat Samachar. The historic Navajivan Publishing House was founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1919.

The state-owned All India Radio broadcasts on FM (96.7 MHz). There are also five private FM stations. Gyan Vani (104.5 MHz) is an educational radio station. In 2012, Gujarat University started its own campus radio service.

The state-owned television channel is Doordarshan. Cable TV providers offer many channels in different languages. Telephone services are provided by major companies like Jio and Airtel.

Economy

Ahmedabad's economy was valued at $64 billion in 2014. It is a major center for deposits and credit in India. In the 19th century, the textile industry grew rapidly. The first Indian textile mill was founded in 1861. By 1905, there were about 33 textile mills. The textile industry benefited from Mahatma Gandhi's Swadeshi movement. This movement encouraged buying Indian-made goods. Ahmedabad became known as the "Manchester of the East" because of its textile industry.

The city is a top supplier of denim. It is also a big exporter of gemstones and jewelry. The automobile industry is important here. Companies like Ford and Suzuki have plants near Ahmedabad.

The Ahmedabad Stock Exchange was India's second oldest. It is now closed. Two of India's biggest pharmaceutical companies, Zydus Lifesciences and Torrent Pharmaceuticals, are based here. The Nirma group, known for detergents, also has its headquarters in the city. The Adani Group, a large trading and infrastructure company, is also based here.

The Sardar Sarovar Project has improved water and electricity supply for the city. The information technology (IT) industry has also grown. Companies like Tata Consultancy Services have offices here. Ahmedabad is seen as a competitive city for IT services. It attracts students and skilled workers from all over India.

Infrastructure

Getting Around the City

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is Ahmedabad's main airport. Another airport, Dholera International Airport, is being built. It is expected to open by 2025.

Ahmedabad is a major railway hub. Ahmedabad Junction railway station is the busiest in Gujarat. Other stations include Chandlodiya and Sabarmati Junction.

Public transport options include:

• Ahmedabad Metro: A rapid transit system that opened in 2019. It has two lines and carries many passengers daily. Phase 2 is being built to connect to Gandhinagar.
• Ahmedabad BRTS: Also called Janmarg (people's way). It started in 2009 and has many buses and routes.
• Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS): Provides bus transportation with many routes.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation launched "AmdaBike" in 2019. This is a public bicycle sharing system. It helps people travel short distances.

Roads and Connectivity

National Highway 48 connects Ahmedabad to New Delhi and Mumbai. National Highway 147 links Ahmedabad to Gandhinagar. The city is also connected to Vadodara by National Expressway 1. This expressway is part of the Golden Quadrilateral project.

In 2001, Ahmedabad was one of India's most polluted cities. To reduce pollution, auto rickshaws were encouraged to use cleaner fuel. This helped improve air quality.

Sports

Cricket is very popular in Ahmedabad.

• Narendra Modi Stadium: Also known as Motera Stadium. It is the largest stadium in the world with 132,000 seats. It has hosted many Cricket World Cup matches. It is the home ground for the Gujarat cricket team.
• The final of the 2023 Cricket World Cup was held here.
• Ahmedabad is home to the IPL team Gujarat Titans. They won their first title in 2022.

Other popular sports include field hockey, badminton, tennis, and golf. Ahmedabad has nine golf courses. The city is developing the Mithakhali Multi Sports Complex for indoor sports. Ahmedabad has also hosted national games for roller skating and table tennis. Kart racing is also becoming popular.

The Sabarmati Marathon is held every year. It has different races, including a full and half-marathon. Geet Sethi, a famous billiards player, grew up in Ahmedabad.

The Adani Ahmedabad Marathon has been held since 2017. It attracts thousands of participants.

Ahmedabad and the 2036 Olympics

Ahmedabad is being considered as a host city for the 2036 Summer Olympics. The Gujarat government has found 33 sites for new sports facilities. The city is working with international experts for its bid. A special group is being set up to manage Ahmedabad's bid for the games.

International relations

Sister Cities

Ahmedabad has sister city relationships with:

• Astrakhan, Russia
• Columbus, United States (since 2008)
• Guangzhou, China (since 2014)
• Jersey City, United States (since 1994)

Images for kids

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  City Walls of Ahmedabad, 1866

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  A market scene in Ahmedabad, 1901.

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  Ahmedabad and its environs, ca 1914

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  Sabarmati Ashram, established by Mahatma Gandhi

See also

In Spanish: Ahmedabad para niños