Ahmed Shah’s Ahmedabad: Milk and More

Hello Friends,

A recent visit to the city of Ahmedabad left me with new found information about this bustling place that has thrived well under Narendra Modi’s erstwhile rule. Though a not a big fan of politics I could not help but notice the city’s splendor and development. Clearly the city had its origins under the rule of the king Ahmed Shah who while resting at the Sabarmati River found a hare chasing a dog, and was so intrigued by this act of courage that he chose this city as his capital. Yes, the name Ahmedabad comes from his name and from the name of his religious teacher Shaik Ahmad Khattu. So this picture of the hare chasing a dog is something that you will hear often from people of the city who narrate it with pride. And the river Sabarmati and the recently unveiled Statue of Unity of Sardar Patel are putting Ahmedabad in map of India.

As the seventh largest city in India, Ahmedabad is a mix of old and new. The Sidi Syed mosque just opposite the House of MG is an iconic building with intricate stone jaalis called the Tree of Life, is the logo for the city. You cannot afford to miss this landmark which though seemingly innocuous offers the true essence of the city. While the House of MG itself is such a bustling place steeped in tradition and heritage. The old part of the city is extremely crowded and you need to weave your way in with the help of autos. The havelis or the ancient houses build easily over 100 years before are central to theold part of the city, and most of them are being converted into heritage properties with food and stay options.