India has a fascinating history, with every city having its unique story. And this Indian city is no different, earning the popular nickname of 'Manchester of India'. We are talking about Ahmedabad, the largest city in the state of Gujarat, and it is located on the banks of the River Sabarmati. Its location plays an interesting role in gaining the nickname 'Manchester of India'.

How Ahmedabad Became The Manchester Of India?

After the creation of Gujarat in 1960, Ahmedabad become of the most important cities of the state and was the capital till 1970. By establishing itself as the home of a booming textile industry, the nickname 'Manchester of India' was given to Ahmedabad. For the unversed, it is also the second largest producer of cotton in India.
During the pre-independence era and the first World War, the textile industry witnessed rapid growth in the city. It was later benefitted from Mahatma Gandhi's Swadeshi movement during the Indian freedom struggle, which urged people to create goods in the country itself and reduce dependency on forgien goods. At that time, Ahmedabad was also called the Manchester of the East.
With the city situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River, it helped in textile production. Both Manchester and Ahmedabad are known for their cotton textile industries, are situated on the River Mersey and River Sabarmati respectively, and also have an ideal climate for cultivating cotton. In 1861, the first cotton mill was established in the city, marking the beginning of an industry which will contribute to greatly India's growth.

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Beyond the title of Manchester of India:

Ahmedabad is not just limited to being one of the largest producers of cotton; its rich history has created its own legacy over the centuries. In 2017, Old Ahmedabad was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the harvest festival of Uttarayan to the lively nine nights of Navratri, the city has its own charm that never fails to amaze. Meanwhile, an annual Rath Yatra procession, similar to the celebrations in Puri, also takes place at the Jagannath Temple. 

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(Image Credits: ahmedabad.nic.in, Magnific)