Ahmedabad is called the Manchester of India because of similarity with the famous cotton textile centre of Manchester, Great Britain.
Manchester is an industrially developed region in U.K. and is particularly developed in cotton industries. Climate condition of Manchester is temperate and is suitable for spinning fine thread. The water of the river Mershey is good for dying thread.
Just like Manchester, Ahmedabad in India, is situated on the bank of Sabarmati River. Its water is good for dying thread. Climatic condition is also suitable for spinning fine thread.
Cotton textile products of this region have a good demand inside India and outside India.
Raw long staple cotton is imported through the port Kandla and Bombay from Egypt and other foreign countries.
Reasons for the development of Cotton Textile Industry at Ahmedabad
Shortly after the growth of Bombay, textile mills also developed in Ahmedabad on the bank of the river Sabarmati. The city is well known for handloom spinning and weaving and is called the ‘Manchester of India’. The following factors have contributed to the development of the industry.
- Ahmedabad is situated in the cotton growing regions of Gujarat which has provided the necessary cotton.
- Skilled labor engaged in handloom industry and cheap labors from nearby agricultural areas are readily available.
- The merchants and businessmen of Gujarat provided the capital for the establishment of the industry.
- Ahmedabad is well-connected by roads and railways with every part of the country.
- There is good supply of power.