Ahmadabad : Shock City of Twentieth Century India , Howard Spodek.

In the 20th century, Ahmedabad was India's "shock city." It was the place where many of the nation's most important developments occurred first and with the greatest intensity—from Gandhi's political and labour organizing, through the growth of textile, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries, to globalization and the sectarian violence that marked the turn of the new century. Modern Industrialization took place, many institutes like IIM, NID and Physical Research Lab were established. Many political strategies were formulated in Ahmedabad and it was the centre of leading innovations and strategies of political organization. Events that happened there resonated throughout the country, for better and for worse. Ahmedabad truly deserves the designation of “Manchester of India” .Howard Spodek describes the movements that swept the city, telling their story through the careers of the men and women who led them.

“Gandhi chooses Ahmedabad”

This chapter portrays the city of Ahmedabad on the eve of Gandhi’s arrival, focussing on the relationships he built with its leaders and masses. Gandhiji wanted Ahmedabad to be the forefront of many aims for India like Hindu Muslim harmony, removing untouchability and being clean, safe, peaceful and cooperative city.

Gandhi’s father was high ranking administrative officer, after his death Gandhi went to study law for three years to England. He did not succeed in the political heritage so he went to South Africa and started a non-cooperation movement there. When he was about to return to India all the politicians were eager to see what role Gandhi will play in the nationalist movement of Independence. While Gandhiji couldn't cope up in Mumbai and Rajkot, he could reign in Ahmedabad.

Spodek analyses of Gandhi’s choice of Ahmedabad as his headquarters because it was the ancient centre of handloom weaving and a likely centre for revival of cottage industry. Ahmedabad being the capital of India, Gandhiji expected to get monetary help from the wealthy businessmen. Ahmedabad was rich in language, culture, wealth and Gandhiji knew he needed communication and publicity. The economic and demographic growth of the city of was very good.

Gandhiji’s concern for poor and focus on ordinary people gained him a lot of support from ahmedavadis. Through biographical sketches of such leaders as Ambalal Sarabhai, Indulal Yagnik, and Anasuyaben Sarabhai, Spodek demonstrates the dynamic negotiations, both cooperative and at times,combative, between different constituencies that the leaders came to represent. Leaders started the “hartals”, “swadeshi mitra mandal” and tried to establish their own school system. Thus,  Ahmedabad also became the headquarters of Gujarati culture and regional identity.