Destination Ahmedabad

-
Ahmedabad is synonym for personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Modi, Vikram Sarabhai and their aspirations. A knowledge center with some of the best schools in the country training the future of the country. A place immersed in history be it during the Mughal/Maratha/Sultanate patronage or during the struggle for independence. An inspiration for the design eccentric architecture, woven fabrics and ethnic artwork.

But my introduction to the former capital of Gujarat was through the IIM campus. My home for a short term was going to be the the International Management Development Center in the new campus. Was it the impactful inspiring professors who made learning a pleasure or was it the opportunity to experience award wining Louis Kahn architecture, I am not sure. But the experience was an unforgettable one, something that I will cherish for my life.


IMDC, New Campus IIM
IIM New campus

 Louis Kahn Plaza, IIM old campus

 Vikram Sarabhai Library , IIM Old campus

 Sabarmati ashram is a reflection of the ideals of Gandhiji- Simple and All Indian. Perfect place to refresh your memory or your understanding of the history behind the indian struggle towards independence. Along the west bank of Sabarmati river, this was the home to Gandhiji and his followers between 1918 to 1930.

12th March 1930 is a date etched into the ashram as it was the day Mahatma set out on the dandi march and vowed not to come back to the Ashram till Bharat gained independence. A not to missed placed for bit of inspiration and sprinkling of guidance.

Hriday Kunj -The Heart of the Ashram










Another place of interest in Ahmedabad is the Adlaj step well. This vav was built in 1498 by Ruda, wife of Vaghela chief Virasimha. The oblong narrow step well made of sandstone in the Solanki style of architecture runs from south to north. The octogonal shaft of the well on the north side is five storey high. The pilasters, lintels entablatures around the shaft are intricately carved and a pleasure to the worn eyes. As the board outside the well indicates the sculptures of interest are of king seated on a stool , sculptures of Bhairava, dancers, musicians birds and animals.












My introduction to Gujarat was through Ahmedabad. A mixed bag, a melting pot with all the possible colors is as welcoming and charming as a metropolis can be!

Date : August 2015
Place : Ahmedabad, Gujarat

 Tip: Local autos are reliable for commuting within the city
First: Louis Kahn architecture
The Travel Connection:  “Travel, in the younger sort, is a part of education; in the elder, a part of experience.” – Francis Bacon
Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Destination Great Rift Valley

-
Image
The one Sunday we had during the visit did not allow us to visit Masai Mara but the trip to Lake Nakuru more than made up for it. I have always associated Africa with a lone tree standing majestically in never ending expanse of openness. My excitement on the possibility of seeing such a tree was limitless.We started the drive from Nairobi early morning and slowly started leaving the buildings behind. The buildings were slowly and steadily replaced with species of trees I was seeing for the first time. Maybe it was that lonesome tree in my dreams, but the changing landscape was something I had never experience before. Yes! I was in Africa! We were told by our driver cum guide that we had to drive through the Great Rift Valley to reach Lake Nakuru National park. I was clueless what it was till the plains showed itself through Acacia trees. The breath taking expanse of nothingness is broken only by the escarpments. We were told it contains multitude lakes, active and dormant  vol
Read more

Destination Aihole

-
Image
The cradle of Hindu temple architecture, Aihole or Aryapura was the destination to learn and experiment on the temple architecture. Under the patronage of early Chalukyan kings, the Chalukyan style of temple architecture was refined here between  the 5th and 8th century.  The preview of Aihole given to us by the guide at Pattadakal was enough to excite me about visiting the ancient school of architecture, You wonder if you have arrived at Aihole as the narrow lanes leads you into the chaos of a village life but the complex of ancient structures in various states of disintegration  make you think you have time traveled. The proximity of the timeworn stone monuments and the present day village dwellings raised a lot of questions. The encroachment of these temples was even more intriguing. Be it the cattle housed in these structures, smoke bellowing out or the colorful clothes drying on a line between intricate carved column, all of it just amazed me. When we arrived at one of the b
Read more

Destination Punakha Dzong

-
Image
If I had to choose my favorite structure, It would be the bridges without any hesitation. Bhutan renewed my fascination for bridges with their traditional cantilever bridge called the Bazam. Tintin's knowledge about architecture was limited. My questions on the location of  the toilets, kitchens inside the Dzong  or how the water supply/ drainage worked  and other queries must have driven him mad or made him think that the mountain air had made me go bonkers. So my hopes of understanding the bridge through Tintin was futile. Punakha Dzong is undoubtedly one of the most elegant structures in Bhutan.  To get to the main building , one has to cross Mo chhu through one of the most beautiful bridges I have come across so far. Most buildings in Bhutan are a replica of their ancient self. Due to natural calamities or fire, almost all the prominent sites in Bhutan have been rebuilt in the recent years. The Punakha bridge is no different. You can read more about it here. http:/
Read more