Ahmedabad, affectionately known as Amdavad or the Heritage City, has turned 613 today, and the beauty of its archaic pols, mosques, and darwajas is embraced by its diversified population with each passing day.

It was this day when Sultan Ahmad Shah in the 15th century (1411 AD) embarked on a journey to flourish the city ‘Ahmedabad’ near Manek Burj with the help of a saint named ‘Manek Baba or Maneknath’.

pols  of Amdavad

Over time, Ahmedabad became the epicentre of Gujarat. From being a testimony to Gandhi’s works to becoming a UNESCO World Heritage City and host to millions of employment opportunities, the city has garnered the faith of millions of Amdavadis over the past few years.

With its decent exposure to art and culture, the city can be a one-stop destination for photography enthusiasts, cafe endurers, and bohemian believers.

Ahmedabad trivia: stories behind the names

Around 250 years ago, during the reign of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, he named an area Navrangpura after Suba Navrangpura. The city’s Maninagar in the east has various gardens donated in memory of Sheth Manilal Ranchhoddas. The area was later named ‘Maninagar’.

One of the busiest areas of Ahmedabad, Ambawadi, was once an area that flourished with mango trees, ‘amba’. With the urbanisation of the city, the mango trees vanished, but the name prevailed.

The famous one-stop street food bazaar located in the heart of Ahmedabad, Manek Chowk, is named after Manek Baba, who is believed to have helped Ahmad Shah build this city with his powers. 

The city is weaved with stories, reminiscent of the past that made its way into the contemporary world. Amdavadis still take pride in the popular folklore, “Jab kutte pe sassa aaya, tab Badshah ne shaher basaya.” (While camping on the banks of the Sabarmati River, Sultan Ahmed Shah saw a rabbit chasing a dog. Impressed by the bravery of the rabbit, he decided to locate his capital in Ahmedabad.)

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