Gujaratis are known to be the best traders in the stock market and have a big stake in the business. However, the landmark stock exchange building in Manekchowk, which is among the invaluable heritage buildings of Gujarat, is up for sale.

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Heritage lovers believe that when the state government is about to celebrate 600 years of Ahmedabad's history, they should preserve this structure which has great heritage value.

The building has been witness to both the ups and downs of the stock market and the historical changes in the city. Many eminent people of Ahmedabad are connected with the stock market and have done business in the old building which has withstood the test of time.

"At any cost, the building should not be demolished or sold," said Ashutosh Bhatt of Khadia Itihas Samiti (KIS). Bhatt said, "The stock market building is the ideal place to house a museum to keep alive the rich heritage of the city. It is also necessary when we want our walled city to be a World Heritage site." The Heritage Cell of the AMC has received many proposals to establish a museum in the building.

"We had got proposals to house a museum in the stock market building and earlier we have also prepared a report on it. It is also a part of the heritage walk of the old city," Debashish Nayak, advisor of the Heritage Cell of the AMC said.

Eminent historian Rizwan Kadri also feels that the building should not be sold at any cost as the history of the city is inextricably linked with it.

Kadri said, "Eminent poet Dalpatram used to buy and sell stocks here. In his passion for the stocks, he also ended up ruining his material assets. Even his house was seized by the bank at that time." Kadri added: "Dalpatram then wrote a poem called 'Sharebazar nu Pad' (Stair of stock market)."

Kadri also said, "I have studied 40 different definitions of heritage and the stock market undoubtedly fits into this description. It's like a gift, tradition and cultural inheritance given to us by our ancestors. If someone wants a document regarding this, I'm ready to give it free of cost."

The building, however, is in poor shape. Many parts of it are dilapidated. There's only one security man taking care of the building which is surrounded by many vendors in a jam packed parking lot. Access to the building itself is a difficult task.

"I'm have been seeing this building for 45 years," said Chinubhai Choksi, vice-president of the Choksi Mahajan of Manekchowk, an umbrella body of jewellers of the area. "I personally believe that the building is good and it can be preserved as a heritage site so the next generation can learn about our rich tradition and culture," said Choksi.

Ahmedabad Stock Exchange chairman Hemant Zala said, "The decision (to sell) was taken after shareholders demanded the building be sold as it is lying unused for many years."