Much of the literature on political leadership in India, according to major trend- reports on the theme, is political – biographical, and it lacks objectivity and an analytical frame. This work, however, is an exercise in understanding Vallabhbhai Patel’s leadership in systemic perspective and to place him in a well-formulated leadership typology. The study traces Patel’s socialization process, leadership style, and his conception of executive leadership, leadership-follower relationship patterns and performance in relation to political culture of an urban community in India in the local political system of the city of Ahmedabad. The study traces the linkage between the municipal politics and nation-building and the vision and capacity with which Vallabhbhai achieved it. It brings out the local base of Indian politics and maturation of local, civic leadership into a national leadership. The work turns out to be a fascinating study of Patel’s contribution of a modern nationalist city to the Indian nation and a city’s contribution of Patel to the nation.