Ahmedabad turns 614 years today: Know interesting folklore and history about the city foundation

Amdavadis, did you know that today is Ahmedabad Foundation Day and our city has turned 614 years old?! Yes, history records that present-day Ahmedabad was founded on 26th February 1411 AD by Sultan Ahmed Shah. But beyond the date, the foundation of this city is woven with fascinating tales, legends, and history. Read on to find out more!

According to a popular folklore, Sultan Ahmed Shah was camping along the banks of the Sabarmati River when he witnessed an unusual sight: a hare chasing a dog. This astonishing act of bravery convinced him that the land was blessed with an indomitable spirit, making it an ideal place to establish his capital.

The popular Hindi saying, “Jab kutte pe sassa aaya, tab Badshah ne shehar basaya”, captures this moment of inspiration. Taking the advice of a revered seer, Manek Nath, he laid the city’s foundation with the construction of Manek Burj, the first bastion of the Bhadra Fort, which still stands today as a witness to the city's history.

While Sultan Ahmed Shah is credited with founding Ahmedabad, the region’s history goes much further back. Before the Sultan’s time, this area was known as Ashaval or Ashapalli, a settlement ruled by the Bhil tribes. In the 11th century, King Karandev I, a Solanki ruler from Anhilwara (modern Patan), defeated the Bhil king and established a city named Karnavati, close to the banks of the Sabarmati River in present-day Maninagar.

Though the name Ahmedabad prevailed, the city is still lovingly referred to as Amdavad, a name that embodies the warmth and local pride of its people.

From its foundation in 1411 to its rise as India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, Ahmedabad has transformed into a hub of culture, commerce, and creativity. The grandeur of its Indo-Islamic architecture, the serenity of the Sabarmati Ashram, and the lively chaos of its bustling pols and bazaars all stand as the living remnants of its enduring legacy and rich history!