Ahmedabad Heritage List Set to Expand Beyond Walled City, 382 Historic Properties Identified

Ahmedabad’s heritage map is set to expand beyond the historic walled city, with the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) beginning the process to include 382 heritage properties outside the Kot area in the official heritage list.

The AMC Heritage Department has identified buildings, religious sites, royal residences, stepwells and other structures considered significant for their historical and architectural value.

The civic body will now invite objections, suggestions and views from the public before taking the process forward.

First Major Heritage Listing Outside Kot Area Since 2014

The move comes more than a decade after 2,698 properties within Ahmedabad’s Kot area were notified as heritage properties in 2014.

That notification followed detailed surveys carried out before Ahmedabad received its UNESCO World Heritage City status. Two separate agencies had surveyed historically and architecturally significant properties, with a large number of the identified structures located within the walled city.

However, Ahmedabad’s historical character extends well beyond the old city walls.

Several buildings and structures outside the Kot area reflect different periods of the city’s history, including its royal, religious, educational and architectural development.

The latest exercise is therefore significant as the first major attempt since 2014 to bring such a large number of properties outside the walled city under formal heritage protection.

Which Properties Are On the List?

The proposed list of 382 properties includes several prominent landmarks that are already recognised for their historical importance.

Among them is the old Raj Bhavan in Shahibaug, which is now known as Sardar Smarak.

The main building of Gujarat College, including its historic hall, has also been identified. Other prominent properties include Hutheesing Jain Temple, Fateh Bagh Palace in Sarkhej and the Aga Khan Committee Centre.

The list extends to several lesser-known structures that form part of Ahmedabad’s architectural and cultural history.

These include Sapt Rishi Sarovar Temple, Kelikomil’s Chimni and Kalino Killo.

The Old Circuit House, Pir Syed Dargah and Mithapir Mosque are also among the properties identified for consideration.

Stepwells and Historic Structures Included

The proposed heritage list also covers traditional water structures that reflect Ahmedabad’s architectural history.

Vadajni Vav and Guptanagarni Vav are among the stepwells identified by the Heritage Department.

Stepwells have historically played an important role in Gujarat’s architecture and water management, combining practical water storage with elaborate architectural design.

Their inclusion would bring such structures outside the walled city under the same formal heritage framework being considered for the other identified properties.

Public Can Raise Objections and Suggestions

The AMC will now seek objections and suggestions from citizens regarding the 382 properties.

This stage will allow members of the public, property owners and other stakeholders to submit their views before the final notification process begins.

The civic authority will examine the responses received before completing the required procedures for heritage notification.

Only after this process is completed will the properties receive formal recognition under the city's heritage framework.

What Heritage Status Could Mean

Being included on the heritage list would formally recognise the historical or architectural significance of these properties and bring them within the city's heritage conservation framework.

The move could also influence how alterations, redevelopment or other work involving such structures is handled, depending on the applicable heritage regulations and classification of individual properties.

For Ahmedabad, the exercise could create a more comprehensive record of historic buildings and sites spread across the city rather than concentrating heritage recognition largely within the walled city.

Ahmedabad’s Heritage Extends Beyond Its Fort Walls

Ahmedabad’s identity as a historic city is closely associated with its walled city, pols, gates and traditional architecture.

But its heritage developed across a much wider geographical area.

Royal buildings in Shahibaug, educational institutions, Jain temples, mosques, dargahs, palaces, stepwells and other historic structures outside the Kot area tell different parts of the city's story.

The proposed addition of 382 properties could therefore mark a broader approach to documenting and protecting Ahmedabad’s built heritage.

The final list, however, will depend on the objections and suggestions received from the public and the subsequent statutory process undertaken by the AMC.