Sabarmati River

The original name of this river is Shubhramati which has two important connotations in it’s meaning. They are: ‘a meandering river’ or ‘a white river’. Over a period, Sabarmati, due to the fact that it remained dry most year around, became a utilitarian ground and a familiar sight of multiple activities, both abusive as well as innocent. Like many other cities on the riverbanks, Ahmedabad had a symbolic rural image due to river Sabarmati. Sand quarrying, fabric and garment washing, animal activities, small time agriculture and seasonal festivities such as circus, fairs and religious celebrations and permanent activities such as the Sunday Market. Controversies that surround the Sabarmati Riverfront Development Project stem from certain economically argued emotional attachment of some citizen groups; however, it is possible to accommodate most of the positive activities within the new development. I see this project as an argument ground, a case study for understanding the Indian version of modernity.
Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Pitching of a circus tent in the riverbed of Sabarmati, Ahmedabad. When one looks at it closely it is an organized, complex and collective activity.

Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Sabarmati River, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Seen over a period of thirty years from being a dhobhi ghat, an activity ground, sites of urban slums and a dry bed of nobody's concern. This river has been an enigmatic subject and a matter of debate over a long period.

Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

The Sunday market has been an age old bazaar, an institution on the bank of Sabarmati River where one could go for buying curios and antiques or one can even gather everything required for an inexpensive household. Most importantly it is to be noted that inspite of its utterly informal nature; one will find the shop of a given merchandise in the same place and this has been observed over at least 4 decades.