Ahmadabad is the largest city in the state of Gujarat.
It is located in western India on the banks of the River
Sabarmati. The city served as political as well as
economical capital of the region since its establishment. The earliest
settlement can be recorded around the 12th century under Solanki dynasty rule. The present city was founded on 4 March 1411 by Ahmed Shah I of Gujarat
Sultanate as a new capital. Under the rule of sultanate (1411–1511)
the city prospered followed by decline (1511–1572) when the capital was
transferred to Champaner. For next 135 years (1572-1707), the city renewed
greatness under the early rulers of Mughal
Empire. The city suffered due to political
instability (1707-1817) under late Mughal rulers followed by joint rule between
Maratha and Mughal. The city further suffered following joint Maratha rule. The
city again progressed when politically stabilized when British East India
Company established the rule in the city (1818-1857). The city
further renewed growth when it gain political freedom by establishment of
municipality and opening of railway under British crown rule (1857–1947).
Following arrival of Mahatma
Gandhi in 1915, the city became centre stage of Indian independence
movement. Many activist like Sardar Patel belonged to the city. After independence, the city was a
part of Bombay
state. When Gujarat was carved out in 1960, it
again became the capital of the state until establishment of Gandhinagar in 1965. Ahmedabad is also the cultural and economical
centre of Gujarat and the seventh largest city of India