Ahmedabad: shock city of twentieth century India

Ahmedabad, a sprawling urban center in twentieth-century India, emerged as a 'shock city'—a term coined to describe cities that challenge societal norms and accelerate rapid transformation. This book, authored by Howard Spodek, dissects Ahmedabad's role as a catalyst for industrialization, architectural innovation, and social change during this pivotal era. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating urban history, political analysis, and cultural critique to explore how the city's growth reshaped India's economic landscape and societal structures. By examining key events such as the rise of the textile industry, the influence of Mahatma Gandhi, and the evolution of its built environment, Spodek highlights Ahmedabad's unique position in modernizing India while grappling with the complexities of rapid urbanization.

Mitra, S. K. (2013). Ahmedabad: shock city of twentieth century India. Contemporary South Asia, 21(1), 82–83. https://doi.org/10.1080/09584935.2012.737656