History of Gujarat

Ahmedabad, the leading city of Gujarat was the state capital until 1970; later on the capital was shifted to Gandhinagar. This fascinating city is a silent witness of the traditional culture and history of Gujarat. The city stands on both banks of the river Sabarmati and is christened by Ahmed Shah – the medieval ruler of Gujarat. This bustling industrial and commercial centre also has some of the magnificent sites to rediscover. The city is associated with the father of the nation – Mahatma Gandhi, who had established his ashram on the bank of the river Sabarmati. The city offers the traveler a unique style of architecture, which is a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles (Indo-Saracenic style of architecture). The historical monuments of Ahmedabad date back to the 15th century. The city has been known for its industry since medieval times. Presently it is famous for its textile mills and is often referred to as the 'Manchester of the East'.