Gifts bring to you a complete panorama of the State, it's major cities and a whole lot more. You can access anything ranging from tourist maps to travel-worthy places in
The State- It's People and it's Social Structure
Gujarat is situated on the Western Coast of India and has a 100 Kms. long Arabian sea-coastline with a total area of around 1,96,000
Sq. Kms. Gujarat ranks 10th in population and 9th in area among the states of India. According to the provisional results of 1991 census, the population of
Significant Eras in the History of
1) 2500 BC. Harappans appeared from hundred towns and cities.
2) 100 to 500 BC. Yadavas, Krishna's clan, held power over much of
at Dwarka.
3 200 BC. Political history began with the powerful Mauryan empire, established by
Chandragupta with its capital at Junagadh, and reached its peak under Ashoka.
4) 100 AD. Satraps, members of the Saka tribes, gained control over Saurashtra.
388 AD. Guptas, and then Maitrakas, established their their capital at Valabhi.
1100 AD. Saurashtra came under sway of the Solanki (Chauhan) dynasty.
1299 AD. Khalji conquested and the Muslim rule was established.
1307 AD. Muzaffar Shah's declaration of independence from the Sultanate of Gujarat.
1500 AD. Moghul emperor Akbar conquested.
1531 AD. The Portuguese, already settled in Goa, captured Daman and 1613 AD. The British East India Company set up original Indian headquarters in
1818 AD. British sovereignty was established.
1960 AD.
Today. Gujarat's textile industry is still the largest in
business-minded community helping to mantain its wealth.
| The City of | ||
 Ahmedabad - A brief history
Inside & Outside Ahmedabad
Map of Ahmedabad | ||
Ahmedabad is named after Sultan Ahmed Shah who was looking for his new capital, saw a hare attacking a dog on the bank of river Sabarmati near the ruins of old Hindu Town Karnavati. He thought it was the climate of the place which produced such hares and hence he started construction at the same place in 1411 A.D.
Today Ahmedabad is a city of great importance. It is the erstwhile capital of
Ahmedabad celebrates traditional festivals like Navratri and Uttarayan,the kite flying festival with gaiety and fanfare. Within the walled city of
| A circular lake almost a mile in circumference is a popular recreation center and is surrounded by parks. A 'Bal Vatika', children's garden, an aquarium, a boat club, a natural history museum and a zoo, have also emerged around it making it a favorite of children and adults alike |
These famous structures were constructed by Sidi Bashir's mosque. The amazing feature of these and other Ahmedabad minarets is that when one minaret is shaken, the other vibrates too. |
Shaking Minarets
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Jumma Masjid |
Built in 1423 by Ahmed Shah, this mosque combines the best of the Hindu and Muslim architecture. It stands on 260 pillars which support 15 domes Teen Darwaja This triple-arched gateway acted as the main entrance to the Bhadra fort. These are huge and look very grand. |
The foundation of this old fort was laid in 1411 A.D. Bhadra Fort which once housed royal palaces and beautiful gardens today acts as a place for
| Bhadra Fort |
Sidi Saiyed Mosque | This structure was reputedly built by Ahmed Shah's slave Sidi Saiyed. It is celebrated the world over for its exquisite stone window tracery - a superb and peerless example of delicate carving that transforms stone filigree. |
Built in 1440, this three domed structure stands on twelve pillars each. Its interior is richly ornamented with carvings and finely perforated stone screens.
This site was built by the Rani, in memory of her son, who was executed by his father | Rani Spiri's Mosque |
Akshardham
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This massive temple, built in dedication to the Swaminarayan sect, is found on a massive piece of land outside Ahmedabad towards Gandhinagar. Along with the temple is also included a amusement park for recreation purposes, hence making Akshardham a favourite picnic spot for adults and children alike |
These wells are amongst the best examples of ancient Indian architecture. These step wells are exquisitely carved, and run several storeys deep. One of the striking features of this ancient architectural marvel was that, in summers, it kept the place cool, and stored water at the same time.
| Adalaj Step Wells |
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This museum which is today widely regarded as one of the finest textiles museums in the world, started in Calico Textile Mill. The museum consists of two different sections, one which is called the haveli The museum which was inaugurated by Pandit Nehru in 1948, is now managed by the Sarabhai foundation. |
This temple, built in 1850 outside Delhi Gate, is the best known of Ahmedabad's many ornate Jain Temples. Built of pure white marble and decorated with carvings this temple is dedicated to Dharamnath, the 15th Jina or Jain apostle.
| Hatheesingh Jain Temples |
Gandhi Ashram |
The cottage from where Gandhi fought for Indian Independence is now a small museum displaying his few possessions. Also everyday a sound & light show can be seen here which portrays the role of the FATHER OF THE NATION in the |