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We stayed in Ahmedabad for four nights and while we traveled out of town for some sights we also enjoyed parts of the city. One place worth a mention but where we were not allowed to take photographs was the Calico Museum. Ahmedabad and Gujarat have been a key area of India's textile trade since the 15th Century and the museum was established in 1949 by the Sarabhai family who were textile mill owners. The museum contains many fine examples of Indian textiles, in many ways too much to absorb in one visit, there were painted, printed, dyed and embroidered fabrics, carpets and clothing. However it was noticeable that much of the work was very intricate and much finer than contemporary example.
As well as the museum we took a guided heritage walk though the old city, the best way to explore the narrow lanes and alleys without getting lost. Old Ahmedabad is a very tightly packed city and was organized into small separate communities in areas called Pols. (Pol is derived for the Sanskrit word for gate) Each Pol would have its own well, a common courtyard and birdfeeders (chabutaras). The birdfeeders were there because there are very few trees, so the feeders would bring birds into the city, some houses also had small niches in their walls to allow birds to nest. In the courtyard there would be a blackboard to list information of importance to the residents. Pols had gates to their entrances so could be closed off during periods of unrest and neighbouring Pols are linked by small narrow alleys.
Ahemdabad is also unusual in that many of the houses are built in wood and have elaborately carved features including bracket supports. The walk started at the Hindu Swami Narayan Temple, built within a large courtyard. The buildings around the temple included hostels for visitors and priests. The temple and surrounding building were colourfully painted.
Through the opening is an altar to the Gods Krishna and Radha
A statue of Ganesh
Photo:Corinne
This picture of a Hindu altar was taken at a smaller temple later in the walk
but is representative of others. The figures of the Gods will vary
in size, in Jaipur we saw some that were life size.
Each day the God will be dressed in a new set of clothes and offerings will be made.
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