Ahmedabad – History, Architecture and Markets

Ahmedabad offers several distinct points of interest for planning a trip: the history of the walled city, historic stepwells, architecture and markets. The walled city of Ahmadabad was founded in 1411 by Sultan Ahmad Shah on the eastern bank of the Sabarmati. Its founding is therefore anchored in both time and place. When looking for a hotel in Ahmedabad, you can consider the character of the destination in terms of whether architectural history, architecture or evening food culture will shape your stay.

City History and Architecture

Sanskar Kendra in Ahmedabad was one of the three museums designed by Le Corbusier. The Kite Museum is located on the ground floor. It presents information on the history of kite flying, photographs and a collection of around 100 kites. Two perspectives come together here: the architectural attribution to Le Corbusier and a museum topic devoted to kite flying. This makes it possible to consider architectural history and the collection as distinct aspects of Sanskar Kendra.

Historic Stepwells

A stepwell is a type of well built with steps. Mata Bhavani Vav is a stepwell in Ahmedabad’s Asarwa district, built in the 11th century during the Solanki period. Bai Harir ni Vav is also in Asarwa and, according to Persian and Sanskrit inscriptions, was built in 1499–1500. Carvings on its walls and pillars show the influence of Hindu artisans. The two structures thus offer different historical points of reference: one associated with the Solanki period and the other dated to a specific period.

Together with the city’s founding in 1411, these dates form a timeline from the 11th century, through the founding of the walled city, to the construction of Bai Harir ni Vav in 1499–1500. The dates refer to different historical points of reference: the city’s founding and individual buildings. At Bai Harir ni Vav, the carvings add an artisan perspective to the dating.

Exploring the City and Its Markets

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has established the Ahmedabad Heritage Walk to introduce the city to visitors and residents. Its purpose is explicitly aimed at travelers as well as the local population. Unlike a single building or market, the walk focuses on presenting the city as a whole. For planning purposes, this is a different thematic approach from a visit focused on a particular museum, stepwell or market. One listed itinerary runs daily from Kalupur Swaminarayan Temple to Jumma Masjid, starting at 07:45 and ending at 10:30. Before planning, check whether the walk is currently operating and whether these times are still valid.

Manek Chowk is a historic square in Ahmedabad, known for its precious metals and gold and silver jewelry market. In the evening, it becomes the Ratri Bazaar, or Night Market, with restaurants, street food stalls and ice cream parlors open until late at night. The jewelry trade and evening dining represent different draws of the same square. If you plan to visit the Ratri Bazaar, check in advance whether vendors are currently operating.

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