Ahmedabad was arguably the only Indian city modernizing on its own terms. Ahmedabad has had a long history of self generating prosperity through its trade.
Ahmedabad was arguably the only Indian city modernizing on its own terms. Reliant neither on the patronage of the court, monarch or the colony nor on the exploitation of the surrounding countryside, Ahmedabad has had a long history of self generating prosperity through its trade, commerce and textile manufacturing. It has shown considerable independence in the management of affairs even though it was never a city state.
First textile mill: A tale of wit, will grit and determination
Ahmedabad turned its mercantile wealth into industrial success when Ranchhodlal Chhotalal founded the first textile mill in the city against all odds. It was an act of sheer personal will and determination of an individual, which morphed the city into an industrial giant.
Born in a Brahmin family in Ahmedabad, Ranchhodlal first coined the idea of setting up a textile mill in India as early as 1847. Naturally, such a radical thought was dissuaded by all. But he never gave up, and chose to personally venture into the same without any patronage from the colony or the royalty.
Ahmedabad was not a port. It did not have humid climate suitable for growing cotton. All machinery for textile mills had to be imported from England; competition from European textile mills was tough, and tax structure was adverse.
There was no train and no coal mines nearby. Against all such adversities, Ranchhodlal imported machinery from England through Dadabhai Navroji. Once the machinery sank in the low seas, and its engineer died of cholera. It was reordered, disembarked at the bay of Cambay and from there it was brought to Ahmedabad in bullock carts.
The mill named- Ahmedabad Spinning and Weaving Co. Ltd. (Shahpur Mill) became operational from May 30, 1861 at an investment of Rs1 lakh. The rest is the history, which the whole world knows. In span of less than a few decades, Ahmedabad was considered as the Manchester of the East, exporting cotton to Europe. It is also interesting to note that shares of all the textile mills of the city were solely subscribed by the citizens only.
Symbiosis of individual, institution and industry
Enterprising community with advent grade outlook yet rooted to its place and traditions are some of the unique traits of Ahmedabad. This has not only led to flourishing trade and business but the breed of entrepreneurs have invested back in the city as well as participated in its development and management.
Ahmedabad has had a sustaining chain
of individuals setting up industries, industries patronizing institutions and institutions moulding new breed of individuals. No wonder, Ahmedabad prides in its institutional resources, may they be scientific, research, educational or philanthropic.
They are acclaimed world over for their concern and quality.
Following the footsteps of the first Nagarsheth, Sheth Shantidas Zaveri, who donated to schools as well as to archives and libraries, the following generations of leading citizens have been instrumental in initiating and establishing civic institutions. Harkunvar Shethani supported the first civil hospital in Ahmedabad in 1855; a girls' school; a women training centre; as well as Gujarat Vernacular Society. Sir. Chinubhai Baronet established a technical and science college.
Amritlal Hargovandas set up the commerce, arts, science and medical colleges; Ambalal Sarabhai supported setting up of ATIRA, BM Institute, Indian Institute of Management (IIM), NID, Jyotisnagh, Lalbhai set up engineering, architecture, planning and management institutes as well as other cultural and research institutes. And Dr. Vikram Sarabhai brought to the city scientific organizations such as SAC and PRL of which Ahmedabad takes pride. Nirma University is one of the recent additions to the list.
Need we be dependent on authorities in democratic set up to envision city's priorities and course of development? Does it have to recast itself at the helm of a singular idea of authorities, individual agenda of the ministers, and the fancy of commissioners, the perceived priorities of the officers or even the personal interpretations of the professional? Can it translate into collective value and shared vision?
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