Which City is called the Manchester of India
Ahmedabad is widely known as the “Manchester of India” due to its vibrant textile industry and various similarities to the original Manchester in England. The title reflects Ahmedabad’s importance as a cotton production hub and its historical significance in the textile industry.
Reasons for the Nickname
- Textile Industry: Ahmedabad, like Manchester, is renowned for its cotton mills. By the end of the 20th century, Ahmedabad had a thriving textile industry that supplied textiles to different parts of India.
- Location: Situated on the banks of the Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad’s location is strategically advantageous for textile production, similar to Manchester’s location on the banks of the River Irwell. The river facilitates the easy drying of cotton threads. Furthermore, the region produces cotton in abundance, ensuring a ready supply of raw materials for the mills.
- Climate: Ahmedabad features a climate that is ideal for both growing cotton and spinning and weaving.
- Culture: The culture of Ahmedabad is lively, with enthusiastic celebrations of festivals. The residents’ respect for their traditions is evident in their colorful attire and active participation in cultural events.
- First Mill: In 1861, the first textile mill, the Shahpur Mill, was established in Ahmedabad, marking the beginning of the city’s textile industry. Its success led to the establishment of around 33 mills by the end of the 20th century.
Historical Context
The name “Manchester of India” was conferred upon Ahmedabad by two leading industrialists, Ambalal Sarabhai and Kasturbhai Lalbhai. The city’s history dates back to the 11th century when the area was known as ‘Ashapalli’. Sultan Ahmed Shah later renamed the city to ‘Ahmedabad’ in 1411. Over time, Ahmedabad became a major center for commercial trades, especially in textiles.
Comparison with Manchester, England
Manchester, UK, was the world’s first industrial city and was known as “Cottonopolis” in the 19th century. Both Ahmedabad and Manchester have ideal temperatures for spinning cotton threads. Today, Ahmedabad is a top manufacturer of cotton textiles because of the uncompromised quality of textiles they offer.
While Ahmedabad is known as the “Manchester of India”, Coimbatore is called the “Manchester of South India,” and Kanpur is known as the “Manchester of North India”. In the past, Mumbai was known as the “Cotton polis of India”.
