The state of Gujarat is famous for its textile crafts, including several styles of weaving, embellishment, dyeing and printing. Luckily, these crafts still survive, thanks largely to continued patronage by the modern Indian woman. Several non-profits have emerged as catalysts, providing financial, technical and social support for textile craftspersons. Indian haute couture designers are also showcasing these crafts in their work. As a result, Indian textiles today are in the midst of an exciting phase, adapting themselves to modern tastes and lifestyles, while maintaining a strong sense of tradition in motifs, colours and designs. For those interested in crafts and textiles, Ahmedabad provides the ideal stomping grounds. It is home to what is possibly the world's best textile museum (The Calico Museum). It has another excellent museum – the Shreyas Museum of Folk Art and Culture that goes beyond textiles to include toys, crafts, and the performing arts. Several non-profits have outlets in Ahmedabad and the city's street markets are a great place to see a wide range of textiles, both traditional as well as modern
When Gandhi returned from South Africa, it was in Ahmedabad that he chose to set up his base. He lived in Ahmedabad between 1913 and 1930. It was from here that he launched the historic Dandi March (Salt March) in 1930. In this tour you will see the following places associated with Gandhi: Kochrab Ashram: Founded in 1915, Gandhi's first home in India created a stir by taking in a family of untouchables. M J Library : Inaugurated by Gandhi in 1933, one of the largest public libraries in India. Gandhi donated 10,000 books to this library from his ashram collection before setting out on the Dandi March. Sabarmati Ashram: The Indian independence movement developed strong roots in Ahmedabad when, Mahatma Gandhi established the Satyagraha Ashram on the banks of the Sabarmati in 1917. The ashram became the centre of intense nationalist activities. Gujarat Vidyapith: This university was established by Gandhi in 1920 as a mark of protest against British education policy. It still teaches courses based on Gandhian ideals, and has an Tribal Research Institute which has dioramas depicting the various tribes of Gujarat
The 600 years old city of Ahmedabad (1411 A.D) has some of the finest Indian-Islamic monuments and exquisite Hindu and Jain temples. Its carved wooden houses are another unique architectural tradition. To experience the glory of Ahmedabad it is necessary to walk through the 'Walled City' and truly observe the nature of its rich and varied architecture, its art, religious places, its culture and traditions. A special feature of Ahmedabad is the plan of the old city, comprising numerous 'Pols', self-contained neighborhoods, sheltering large numbers of people. Some of these 'Pols' are virtually small villages, traversed by narrow lanes, usually terminating in squares (Chowks) comprising 'Community Well' and 'Chabutro' (for feeding birds). These 'Pols' were protected by gates, cul-de-sacs and secret passages. These historic residential settlements are explained in detail during the walk.The walk commences from the early 19th century Swaminarayan temple Kalupur, encompasses 20 main spots besides numerous areas and aspects of the old city and concludes at the famous 15th century Jama Masjid
