Famously known as the “Manchester of India”, Ahmedabad is the biggest city of Gujarat. Ahmedabad is also the sixth biggest city in India. Situated on the banks of River Sabarmati, Ahmedabad is also called Karnavati or Amdavad. This city is much diversified culturally and also a flourishing industrial center. This place lures in tourists by flaunting its historical sites, ancient temples, and mosques. The famous places of Ahmedabad include Jama Masjid and Sabarmati Ashram, Sidi Saiyed ki Jali, Kankariya Lake, Manekchowk, etc.
Why Is Ahmedabad Known As The ‘Manchester Of India’?
Ahmedabad is a huge producer of Denim and a renowned exporter of gems and Jewellery. However, the major industry in Ahmedabad is textile. In 1861, Ranchhodlal Chhotalal had established the first textile mill. It is also called as Shahpur mill. This further paved the way for a lot of other textile mills like the Calico mill. Other mills were then started by Maganbhai, Amabalal Sarabhai, Kasturbhai Lalbhai. This further helped Ahmedabad become the center for commercial and industrial houses. The number of textile mills then increased to about 33 by the year 1905. Owing to such vast developments in the textile sector, Ahmedabad came to be known as the ‘Manchester of India’.
Ahmedabad, The Manchester Of India: Continuing To Progress
The GDP Of Ahmedabad was $65 billion in the year, 2008. The pharmaceutical industry is also quite developed in Ahmedabad. The major pharmaceutical companies in India called Zydus Cadila and Torrent Pharmaceuticals are situated here. Not to mention that Ahmedabad is also headquarters for an important export company called ‘Adani group’. This city also is headquarters for Nirma Company which produces detergents. This city was also ranked fifth in the IT-enabled services among the nine top most cities in India. Due to magnanimous industrialization, Ahmedabad is called Manchester of India!
Reasons For Ahmedabad Being The Manchester Of India
- Ahmedabad has a strategic location in a cotton-producing region. This further makes it a marvelous hub for raw cotton. This also makes it an opportunity for laborers, and rich businesses to hire them at cheap prices. Export further becomes a possibility and the city never fails to earn itself a good reputation.
- The first mill was established in 1861. Shahpur mill’s huge success inspired other businessmen to invest in textile mills in Ahmedabad.
- Ahmedabad has a flourishing historical significance. The city has a lot to offer, starting from the indigenous textiles to marvelous places.
Similarities Between Manchester And The Capital Of Gujarat, Ahmedabad
Both Manchester and Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat are much acclaimed for their cotton grounds and the easy availability of raw cotton. The temperate climate of the cities is ideal for cotton thread spinning. Both the cities are located on the banks of perennial rivers. This further helps in drying the cotton threads. Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad and River Mersey in Manchester help in the easy drying of the cotton threads. The temperate climate in both the cities further help in growing cotton, and spinning cotton threads.
Thus, for all the valid reasons, Ahmedabad is much suited to be also called The “Manchester Of India“.
