SUBMITTED BY- ABNAAR RIZVI

Introduction to Medieval Ahmedabad

• The Historic City of Ahmadabad or Old Ahmedabad,
the walled city of Ahmedabad in India, was founded
by Ahmad Shah I of the Gujarat Sultanate in 1411 on the
banks of the Sabarmati River. It remained the capital of the
state of Gujarat for six centuries and later became the
important political and commercial center of Gujarat.
• Ahmedabad quickly grew into a thriving trade center due to
its strategic location connecting northern and southern India,
and its accessibility to the Arabian Sea.
• As the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate, Ahmedabad became
a center of political power and governance. The Sultanate's
court, administrative offices, and military were based here,
making it a focal point for regional politics and culture.
• The city became a melting pot of diverse cultures, attracting
artisans, scholars, and merchants. This cultural richness is
reflected in the city’s architecture, language, and social life,
shaping its identity as a vibrant medieval metropolis. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_City_of_Ahmadabad#/media/File:Ahmedabad_1855.jpg

Map of old Ahmedabad, 1855

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City Planning and Structure
1. Fortified Wall and Gates:
• Structure: Medieval Ahmedabad was enclosed by a 10 km long
fortified wall, built to protect the city from invasions.
• Gates: The wall featured 12 prominent gates, each serving as an
entry point to different parts of the city. Notable gates include
Teen Darwaza, Delhi Darwaza, and Lal Darwaza.

2. "Pur" System (Neighborhoods):

• The city was divided into several “Purs”, or neighborhoods,
each functioning as a semi-autonomous unit.
• These neighborhoods were often based on trade, community, or
religion, fostering a close-knit social structure with local
governance and community spaces.

3. Bhadra Fort:
• Located at the heart of the city, Bhadra Fort was the political and
administrative center.
• It housed the royal palace, court, and a mosque, serving as the
nucleus around which the city’s commercial and residential
areas developed. https://scroll.in/magazine/900418/from-the-skies-an-architect-retraces-a-century-old-survey-
of-ahmedabads-city-walls

Fortified Walls and Gates

AHM EDABAD EVOLUTION OF UR BANITY A B N AA R RIZVI
 Bhadra Fort Jama Masjid Swaminarayan Temple

Dilli Darwaza Teen Darwaza Bhadra Fort

AHM EDABAD EVOLUTION OF UR BANITY A B N AA R RIZVI

Division of Medieval Ahmedabad
1. Residential, Commercial, and Administrative Zones:
• Residential Zones: The city's population lived in Pols, dense,
self-contained neighborhoods with narrow lanes and shared
courtyards.
• Commercial Zones: Major marketplaces like Manek Chowk
and Rani no Hajiro were centers of trade, located near the city’s
gates for easy access to traders.
• Administrative Zones: Bhadra Fort served as the core of
political and administrative activities, housing the Sultan’s
court and government offices.
2. Religious and Communal Spaces:
• Mosques & Temples: Ahmedabad was home to grand
religious structures like the Jama Masjid and various Hindu
temples, reflecting the city’s cultural diversity and religious
significance.
• Bazaars: These communal markets were not just economic
hubs but also important social spaces where different
communities interacted, reinforcing the city’s cosmopolitan
character. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Land-use-map-of-the-Walled-City-
of-Ahmedabad-based-on-AUDA-1992_fig5_254312403

AHM EDABAD EVOLUTION OF UR BANITY A B N AA R RIZVI

Bazaars and Marketplaces
1. Manek Chowk:
• Central marketplace known for jewelry, textiles, and street food.
• Functioned as a major economic hub, connecting the commercial activities of artisans, traders, and merchants.
2. Rani no Hajiro:
• Market located near the tomb complex of royal women, specializing in traditional clothing and fabrics.
• Played a vital role in promoting Ahmedabad’s textile industry and craft heritage.

Integration with Urban Fabric

• Marketplaces were strategically placed near city gates and major roads, ensuring accessibility for traders and locals.
• They were central to daily life, serving as spaces for commerce, social interaction, and cultural exchange, seamlessly
blending into the city's residential and administrative zones.

AHM EDABAD EVOLUTION OF UR BANITY A B N AA R RIZVI

Public Spaces and Water Systems
1. Gardens and Riverfronts:

• Gardens like Shahibaug provided recreational spaces and enhanced the city’s aesthetics.
• The Sabarmati Riverfront was vital for trade, transportation, and served as a communal gathering space.

2. Stepwells (Vavs):
• Stepwells like Dada Harir Vav were ingeniously designed to access groundwater, providing water for daily use and
acting as social spaces

Shahi Baug Dada Harir Vav

AHM EDABAD EVOLUTION OF UR BANITY A B N AA R RIZVI

Public Spaces and Water Systems
Water Management
1. Kankaria Lake:
• Constructed in 1451 by Sultan Qutb-ud-Din, Kankaria Lake served as a primary source of water for the city’s
residents and provided a scenic recreational space. The lake's extensive water storage capacity aided in irrigating
surrounding agricultural lands, contributing to the region’s agrarian economy.
2. Sabarmati Integration:
• The river was harnessed for water supply, agriculture, and facilitated the city's drainage system, playing a crucial role
in the city’s sustainability and growth.

Kankaria Lake Sabarmati River

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Architectural Style and Urban Aesthetics
Influence of Indo-Islamic Architecture
1. Public Buildings:
• Blended Islamic and Hindu architectural elements, featuring domes, arches, and intricate carvings.
• Emphasis on symmetry, courtyards, and ornamental detailing, reflecting cultural integration.
2. Residences:
• Havelis (traditional houses) featured ornate wooden facades, carved balconies, and courtyards, combining local and
Islamic styles.

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Legacy and Impact on Modern Ahmedabad
Preservation and Integration

1. Conservation Initiatives:
• Efforts like the UNESCO World Heritage City designation in 2017 promote the protection and restoration of historic
buildings and neighborhoods.

2. Urban Integration:
• Historic areas have been integrated into the modern urban fabric through adaptive reuse projects, pedestrianization, and
heritage walks, maintaining cultural continuity while supporting urban development.

AHM EDABAD EVOLUTION OF UR BANITY A B N AA R RIZVI

Summary
• Ahmedabad's medieval urban design reflects a unique blend of Indo-Islamic architectural styles, showcasing the
city’s rich cultural heritage and diversity. The city’s layout, characterized by fortified walls, clearly defined residential
(Pols) and commercial areas, and a hierarchical street network, facilitated efficient movement and social interaction.
• The integration of stepwells, lakes, and the Sabarmati River into the urban fabric demonstrates advanced water
management practices, crucial for sustainability in an arid region.
• The preservation efforts for medieval structures and neighborhoods contribute to the city’s identity, enhancing
tourism and fostering a sense of continuity between past and present.
• The medieval urban design has influenced modern Ahmedabad's growth, ensuring that historical elements are
integrated into contemporary urban planning, creating a dialogue between history and modernity.
• Overall, Ahmedabad's medieval urban design legacy not only informs the city's historical identity but also serves as a
foundation for sustainable urban development practices today.

AHM EDABAD EVOLUTION OF UR BANITY A B N AA R RIZVI