The district acquires its name from the historical city of Ahmedabad which was till 1970, the capital of Gujarat State. Historically, Ahmedabad was founded in the year 1411 by Sultan Ahmad Shah, after whom the city is named. It has a glorious history. This medieval city was visited by a number of foreign travelers in the past, among whom Mandelso, a German traveler, who came to Ahmedabad in 1638 A.D. has left a vivid account of the city. The district was in the forefront during the freedom struggle. The Movement received impetus in the district which also witnessed the millitant nationalism of Shri Aurobindo. The labour strike of Ahmedabad in A.D. 1918 is recorded as an important landmark in the peaceful labour-employer relations in Gujarat. Lothal, the ancient site of national and international important is known for the excavations which indicate that it was once the oldest and biggest port town during the Harappan period. The well-known bird sanctuary at Nal Sarovar attracts myriads of migratory birds frm far of lands of Siberia in winter season. Among other places of importance, Dhlera was a prosperous sea-port of Gujarat before 1850 A.D. At present, Ahmedabad is the largest city in Gujarat. It is the sixth largest in India and is known for its old architecture and the textile industry. The latter has given it the name of the Manchester of India. The city reveals a synthesis of the past and the present. The Harijan Ashram at Ahmedabad found by Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of the river Sabarmati is one of the many attractions for tourists coming from far and wide. The historic Dandi March which he undertook on 12th March, 1930 from here he brought Ahmedabad to the forefront in the freedom struggle. The Shaking minarets are the architectural wonders, the type of which is perhaps not found elsewhere. The Jumma Masjid of Ahmedabad is one of the biggest in India. The Sidi Saiyad’s Mosque is famous for its carved stone panel. The Roza at Sarkhej, near Ahmedabad, is the oldest and the largest of its type in Gujarat. The Dada Hari’s Vav, is considered one of the most magnificent and oldest existing step-wells in Gujarat. As against these and other architectural monuments of the past stand their modern counterparts such as the Minicipal Mesum-Sanskar Kendra building and others builts by La Corbusier, the famous Italian architect, the Drive-in Theatre and the revolving restaurant which are the unique attractions for the public. Thus Ahmedabad reveals a pleasant blending of the old and new monuments. The district is also famous for places sacred to various religions. The celebrated Bethanks of Mahaprabhuji Vallabhacharya are found at Tagadi near Dhandhuka and at Asarva and Narod in the city. The Hanuman temples near the Camp area in the city as well as at Salangpur in Dhandhuka taluka attract a large number of devotees. The Vaishnav temple of Shri Natwarlalji is the oldest in the city. Other Vaishna temples are Shri Krishna temple in Raipur, Ranchhodraiji temple in Saranpur and Shri Jagannathji temple near Jamalpur Gate which are equally famous. Besides, there are a number of temples sacred to Vaishnavas Shaivities, Jains etc. The Bhadrakali temple near the Azamkhan palace is as old as the city. The Swaminarayan temples in the city and the Gurukul established recently are sacred to the followers of the Swaminarayan Sect. The city has the Jewish Synagogue, Parsi Fire Temple, Christian churches, the Prathna Samaj Hatheesing Jain temples constructed in 1848 etc.

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