- The Walled City of Ahmedabad was founded by Sultan Ahmed Shah I of Gujarat Sultanate in in 1411.
- It remained the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate and later important political and commercial centre of Gujarat.
- It was established as a product of the Sultan’s ambitions to create a trading rival to the neighbouring Hindu trade centre of Asaval.
- Further, he made Ahmedabad centre of his own line of dynasty and replaced the old capital of Anhilvad Patan, located nearby.
- Ahmed Shah I had laid the foundation of Bhadra Fort starting from Manek Burj, the first bastion of the city in 1411 which was completed in 1413.
- During Mughal rule, Bhadra Fort served as the seat of Governor of Gujarat
- The richness of architecture present in Ahmedabad is enhanced by the cultural fusion of Hindu and Muslim elements.
- The city also holds rare distinction of being one of the oldest trading points in India and also centres of Indian freedom struggle under Mahatma Gandhi.
- Spread over 5.43 square kilometres, the city now has approximate population of four lakh, living in century old wooden residences in around 600 pols or neighbourhoods.
- Today, despite having become extremely crowded and dilapidated, it still serves as the symbolic heart of metropolitan Ahmedabad.
- It is located on the eastern banks of Sabarmati river.
- Why in news?
- It was declared World Heritage City by the World Heritage Committee (WHC) of UNESCO.
- It is first Indian city get the honour.