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Honouring the ancient charm of Jaipur and Ahmedabad, two Indian cities renowned by UNESCO for their rich cultural heritage and magnificent architecture.
India’s cultural magnificence is best exemplified by the exquisite pol homes of Ahmedabad and the spectacular Hawa Mahal of Jaipur.
Ahmedabad and Jaipur, two historic cities in India, have earned their place on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List. The cities are spectacular examples of the deep-rooted cultural heritage of the country, thanks to their architectural marvels and rich historical significance. Each city has unique architectural styles, historical importance, and a lively urban skyline that gives a reflection of India’s past.
While Ahmedabad has well-preserved heritage sites, including the iconic Jama Masjid, Sidi Saiyed Mosque and the bustling Pol areas, showcasing the city’s rich cultural tapestry, Jaipur boasts iconic monuments like the Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Jantar Mantar. Let’s delve deeper into the history of these cities.
Historic city of Ahmedabad
The walled city of Ahmedabad, one of the major cities in Gujarat, was founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah in 1411 AD on the eastern bank of the Sabarmati River. It continued to flourish as the capital of the state for six centuries. The city presents a rich architectural heritage that emanates from the Sultanate period, notably the Bhadra citadel, the walls and gates of the Fort city, numerous mosques and tombs, and important Hindu and Jain temples of later periods. The urban fabric is made up of densely packed traditional houses (pols) in gated traditional streets with features like public wells, bird feeders and religious institutions.
The city’s layout represents not only the marvellous architecture over the periods of time but also the city’s social texture while living life in community. Ahmadabad was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017 due to its rich historical background and unique urban architecture. The city attained the much-deserved recognition of being a cultural centre based on its well-preserved historical buildings.
Ahmedabad consists of 2,696 important buildings protected by the Heritage Department at the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), 28 monuments listed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and 1 monument listed by the State Department of Archaeology (SDA).
City of Jaipur, Rajasthan
Popularly known as the Pink City, this place is situated in the north-western state of Rajasthan and was founded in 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh II. Unlike other cities in the region located in hilly terrain, the walled city of Jaipuris a masterpiece established on the plain and built according to a grid plan that derived inspiration from Vedic architecture. The broad streets feature continuous colonnaded businesses that intersect in the centre, creating large public squares called ‘chaupars.’Markets, residences, shops and temples built along the main streets have uniform building facades.The city’s urban planning shows a mix of ideas from ancient Hindu and early modern Mughal as well as Western cultures.
Designed to be a commercial capital, the city has preserved its local commercial, artisanal and cooperative traditions to this day. This serves as a living example of India’s rich cultural tapestry. In 2019, the city of Jaipur was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moreover, Jantar Mantar from this city, an 18th-century astronomical observatory that houses a number of instruments that calculate time and positions in the sky, is also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Both Ahmedabad and Jaipur offer a unique blend of culture, history and architectural wonders, making them must-visit destinations for travellers seeking an authentic Indian experience. The cities are shining examples of what India’s tapestry is woven from centuries of history, art and tradition.