Bhuj
|
|
Bhuj, a flourishing walled
city is the most important
town in the Kutch area. Bhuj
was the capital of the
former native state of Kutch
and now it is the head
quarters of the Kutch
district. Bhuj was chosen by
Rao Khengarji I as his
capital in 1549. This city
was greatly destroyed in the
earthquake in the year 1819
and 2001. Bhuj derives its
name from the Bhujiyo Dungar,
a hill, overlooking the
present day Bhuj town. The
old walled of Bhuj presents
a picture of contrasts with
its narrow streets and
ancient monuments in the
vicinity of the planned
township of Gandhidham and
the modern port of Kandla.
|
 |
|
This place is a paradise of
handicrafts and lifestyle
lovers.
There are some villages in
Bhuj which are rich in craft
and culture. The houses in
these villages are decorated
both from the outside and
inside with linear reliefs
made of mud and mirrors.
Embroidery is the most
important handicraft in this
region. |
|
History of Bhuj
Bhuj was the capital of the
former princely state of
Kutch till 1947 AD. The
Rajput rulers of Kutch came
from Sindh or northern India
in the late 15th century and
settled at Bhuj. Rao
Khengarji I chose the
strategic location at the
base of Bhujiyo Dungar and
founded the city of Bhuj in
1548 AD. The rulers of Kutch
got exempted from paying
tribute to the Mughal rulers
in return for free passage
to the Mecca pilgrims. The
need for better security
arose only after the decline
of Mughal power. In 1723 AD,
Rao Godiji constructed the
massive fort with gates and
bastions (11 meter thick
masonary wall), surrounding
the whole town. The city
wall was also armed with
fifty one guns. The British
took over the fort in 1819
AD and acted as peacemaker
between the Kutch rulers and
Bhayad Jagirdars. The treaty
with the British resulted in
peaceful period in the
history of Kutch and the
state thus became prosperous
with surplus funds, enabling
the rulers to undertake
public and royal building
projects. Rao Pragmalji, who
ruled Kutch from 1860 to
1876 AD also undertook
various projects like the
improvement of Mandvi
harbour, construction of
roads and irrigation works,
hospitals, schools and a
jail. Rao Pragmalji
constructed the Prag Mahal
and Ranjit Vilas Palace at
Bhuj and Vijay Vilas Palace
at Mandvi. |
|
 |
Tourist Attractions
in Bhuj
The main tourist
attractions in Bhuj are
the Aina Mahal, Prag
Mahal and Cenotaph
Complex. Aina Mahal was
constructed by Rao
Lakhpatji in 1750 AD.
Aina Mahal is a unique
example of an Indian
palace built in the
mid-eighteenth century
with European influence.
The Kutch Museum,
formerly known as the
Fergusson Museum, was
established by the
Maharao Khengarji III in
1877 AD. It is the
oldest museum in
Gujarat. This museum is
constructed in the
Italian style, and
located in the
picturesque surroundings
on the banks of Hamirsar
Lake. The museum has a
large collection of
Kshatrapa inscriptions,
various archaeological
objects, arms and
specimens of various
crafts of the Kutch
region. |
|
|
|
How to reach Bhuj
By Air:
The nearest airport is
located at Ahmedabad.
Various domestic airlines
are available which connect
Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
By Rail:
Some trains operate between
Bhuj and Ahmedabad on meter
guage line and Mumbai
(Bombay) on the broad guage
line from Gandhidham.
By Road:
Bhuj is connected to some of
the various cities of
Gujarat. Bhuj is connected
by State highway upto
Bhachau to Ahmedabad by
national highway No. 8A. |
|
|
|
|
Gujarat Tour
