AHMEDABAD', or more properly AHMADABAD, the chief t. in the district of the same name, in the presidency of Bombay, is situated on the left bank of the Sabermutty, which flows nearly due s. into the gulf of Cambay. It was built in the year 1412, by Ahmed or Ahmad Shah, and underwent all the vicissitudes of government incident to the cities of Hindostan, till the year 1818, when it finally came under the power of the British. It was formerly one of the largest and most magnificent capitals in the east—in the opinion of a native writer, "the handsomest city in Hindostan; perhaps in the world." Its architectural relics are gorgeous, even in the midst of decay. The Jumna or Juma'ah Masjid, or great mosque, rises from the centre of the city, and is adorned by two superbly deccrated minarets, "each of which contains a circular flight of steps, leading to a gallery near the summit. Its domes are supported by lofty columns, regularly disposed; the concave of these cupolas is richly ornamented with mosaic and fret-work. The pave ment is of the finest marble." The mosque of Sujaat Khan is extremely elegant. There is likewise an ivory mosque, which has obtained that name from the circumstance that although built of white marble, it is "curiously lined with ivory, and inlaid with a pro fusion of gems, to imitate natural flowers, Lordered by a silver foliage on mother-of pearl." There are also the Fire Temple and the Tower of Silence of the Parsis. A. once abounded in gardens, aqueducts, reservoirs, etc ; but these, especially the gardens, are now sadly defaced and injured. Its prosperity has been almost wholly destroyed by the rapacity of Illahrattas, although at one time it was famous for its manufacture of rich fabrics of silk and cotton, articles of gold, silver, steel and enamel. " It employed many artists in portrait-painting and miniatures," and had extensive trade in indigo, cotton and opium. The old city-walls, built in 1485, which had in the course of ages, and through the assaults of enemies, become very dilapidated, were repaired in 1634 at an expense of 250,000 rupees. Water was also conveyed from the river through the city by means of
pipes. It is distant from Bombay 290 m. n.; in lat. 23° n., long. 72° 36'. Pop. '72, 116,873.
or AHMADICUGGUR, an important t. in the presidency of Bombay. It was founded in 1494 by Ahmad Nizam Shah. During the reign of his son, 13oorhan Nizam Shah, it reached a high degree of prosperity; but after his death, it witnessed an incessant series of wars, confusions and murders. In 1797 it fell into the hands of the Mahrattas; and in 1803 was surrendered, after a trivial resistance of two days, to. gen. Wellesley. It was, however, shortly after restored to the Peisliwa; but in 1817, the fort was again occupied by the British. The t. has inerersed rapidly since it came under British protection and rule. It possesses a most singular defense, in addition to its wall: this consists of an "immense prickly-pear hedge about 20 ft. high, which is so full of sap that no fire will kindle it, and so vigorous that it is almost impossible to force one's way through it." A. contains an English church and a dhurmsalah (or place of enter tainment for travelers) capable of holding 250 persons. It also possesses a good supply of water by means of aqueducts. It is distant from Bombay 122 m. e., in lat. 19° 6', long. 74° 46'. There arc several places of the same name in Hindostan. Pop. '72, 32,841.
or EDUR, a Rajpoot state of Guzerat, in the Maid Kanta agency, politically connected with the presidency of Bombay. It is under the rule of the rajah of Edur, subject to British sovereignty. The population is estimated ('72) at 217,000.— The principal t. is Ahrnednuggur, on the banks of the Haut Mati, a branch of the Sabarmati, in an extensive plain, 92 m. n.n.w. from Baroda. It is surrounded by a fine old stone wall. Pop. 9000.