Kachchh  district General information

Kachchh district is virtually an island, bounded by the Arabian Sea to the west; the Gulf of Kutch, which separates it from the Kathiawar peninsula, to the south and southeast; and by the Rann of Kutch, a sprawling but seasonal wetland, to the north and east. In ages past, the Rann of Kutch was an extension of the Arabian Sea. A range of hills runs east-west, parallel to the Gulf of Kutch. It is recorded that a massive earthquake hit Kutch on June 16, 1819. This partially changed the course of a section of the river Indus and caused a surface depression that became an inland sea. The administrative headquarters of Kutch district is Bhuj.


Geography

The Kachchh district, with 45,652 km², is the second largest district in India. The administrative headquarters is in Bhuj which is geographically in the center of district. Other main towns are Gandhidham, Rapar, Adipur, Anjar, Mandvi and Mundra. The district has 966 villages.

Kachchh is virtually an island, bounded by the Arabian Sea in the west; the Gulf of Kachchh in south and southeast and Rann of Kachchh in north and northeast. The border with Pakistan lies along the northern edge of the Rann of Kachchh. The Kachchh peninsula is an example of active fold and thrust tectonism. In Central Kachchh there are four major east-west hill ranges characterized by fault propagation folds with steeply dipping northern limbs and gently dipping southern limbs. From the gradual increasing dimension of the linear chain of hillocks towards the west along the Kachchh mainland fault and the epicentre of the earthquake of 2001 lying at the eastern extreme of Kachchh mainland fault, it is suggested that the eastern part of the Kachchh mainland fault is progressively emerging upward. It can be suggested from the absence of distinct surface rupture both during the 1956 Anjar earthquake and 2001 Bhuj earthquake, that movements have taken place along a blind thrust. Villages situated on the blind thrust in the eastern part of the Kachchh mainland hill range (viz. Jawaharnagar, Khirsara, Devisar, Amarsar and Bandhdi) were completely erased during the 2001 earthquake.


Language

The languages spoken predominantly in Kachchh is Kachchhi and to lesser extent Sindhi and Gujarati. Script of Kachchhi language has become extinct and it is occasionally written in the Gujarati script. Samples of Kachchhi script are available in Kachchh Museum. Increased use of Gujarati language is mainly because of being it a medium of instruction in schools. Often Kachchhi language is mistaken as dialect of Gujarati, however this is not true. Kachchhi language bears more similarity with Sindhi than Gujarati.

People

Kutch district is inhabited by various groups and communities. Many of these have reached this region after centuries of migration from neighbouring regions of Marwar (Western Rajasthan), Sindh, Afghanistan and further. Even today, one can find various nomadic, semi nomadic and artisan groups living in Kutch.

While certain groups like the Kachchi Mali Samaj, Leva Patel, Rabaris, Rajgor, Shah, Kharva Meghvals, Wankars,Vankaras, Ahirs, and many others have adopted a settled lifestyle and have struck a life rhythm close to that of modern-day towns, some groups such as Dhanetah Jaths, Halepotra, Bhadalas, Raisipotra, Sammas, Node, and other Muslim groups of the Banni region, maintain more traditional lifestyles.

Economy

Kutch is a growing economic and industrial hub in one of India's fastest growing states - Gujarat. Its location on the far western edge of India has resulted in the commissioning of two major ports Kandla and Mundra. These ports are near most to the Gulf and Europe by the sea route. The hinterland of north-western India hosts more than 50% of India's population. Quality of roads is good in Kutch. The large part of the growth of Kachchh came after tax relief provided by the government as part of 2001 earthquake relief.

Kutch has a very large number of small truck fleet owners. People have natural Entrepreneurial skills and large number of people of Kutch have are NRI and Businessman, Industrialist all owner India and support a lot to local economy by Investment and remittance

Kutch is Mineral rich region with very large reserve of Lignite, Gypsum and lot of other mineral. Kachchh got tax break for Industries for 15 years after the major earthquake in January 26, 2001. Lignite is mined only by Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) at its 2 mines in Panandhro and Mata-No-Madh. The Panandaro mines has now been reserved for GEB and GMDC power plants and GMDC has stopped supply to other industries from here[3]. This has adversely affected local trucking business.

Kutch also houses Sanghi Industries Ltd's Cement Plant. It is the India's single largest Cement Plant[citation needed]. The company is now planning to increase the capacity at it's Abdasa location from 3 million to 9 million tons per annum [4]. By 2015, the company plans to produce 20 million tons[4]. Kandla port is also in Kutch. It is considered Gateway to India's North. It is managed by the Kandla Port trust.

Other major Industries in Kutch are Welspun, Ajanta Clocks, JayPee Cements, Jindal Steel and One of the largest windmill farms concentration. Kutch region is also a major producer of salt.

Other Traditional industries in the areas include manufacture of Shawls, handicrafts, and silver items.

Kachchh has a strong tradition of crafts. The most famous craft of the region is its diverse embroideries. The finest aari embroidery was carried out for the royalty and wealthy families. Traditionally women in rural areas do the embroidery for presenting in the dowries [5]. Unfortunately many of these fine skills have now been lost though some are being rejuvenated through handicrafts initiatives. Today over 16 different types of embroideries are being produced commercially by a few societies and a couple of private corporations. Some of the finest new embroideries in the world are still being produced by over 6,000 women artisans of the region.


Religion

The dominant religions of Kutch are a form of Vaishnav Hinduism, Jainism and Islam. Sikh Gurudwara is also situated in kachchh at Lakhpat. This gurudwara was originally a house where the first guru Shri Guru Nanak stayed during his journey to Mecca. The Swaminarayan Sampraday has a huge following in this region. Their main temple in this district is Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhuj.


Tourist Place

Bhuj: The picturesque town of Bhuj has a dramatic setting. Located rather low, it is basically an amphitheatre of hills dominated by the Bhuja Hill that rises to a height of 160 m at one end and is in itself a landmark being flat on top and surmounted by the fortifications of a hill fort. This strategically located fort obviously served the purpose of sighting enemies and alerting defense and an old wall surrounds the city which was also made for security reasons

Kandla: Kandala a major seaport of the country with its single point-mooring facilities, happens to be the only free trade zone of India.

Banni/Khavda: Desertlands of infinite dimensions, and in its midst, quaint little villages suspended in Time. Here you will come across master craft persons expositioning their traditional art, turning our master pieces everyday. Their ornaments, clothes, utensils, everything they use - will make you feel as if you have stepped into lifestyle museum.

Lakhapur: Visit to Lakhpat is an trip into history. In this ancient port-city, time has been standing still for ages. It is today deserted, desolate, uninhabited, and invokes powerful nostalgia and soulful affection. Among the ruins stand the Gurudwara (holy shrine of the Sikh religion), the 200 year old, gigantic tomb of Ghosh Mohammed Caba, and many other places with ancient stories to tell.

Kutch Utsav / Shivaratri Festival: Kutch Utsav ia a journey into history. One visits India's oldest traditional and cultural icons. For the children of urbania, an almost spiritual experience away from the stress, strife and claustrophobia of modern life.

Kutch Museum: The oldest in Gujarat and regarded as one of the best, this museum has an excellent collection. Founded in 1877 by Sir James Ferguson, who was Governor of Bombay under the British Raj, the museum was earlier referred to as the Ferguson Museum. The museum broadly contains, a picture gallery, an anthropological section, an archeological section, textiles, weapons, musical instruments, a shipping section, and even stuffed animals.

Aaina Mahal: Presenting a fascinating amalgam of Indian and Dutch styles of architecture. The heritage of Kutch art and culture is displayed in the Madansihji museum (Aina mahal) Bhuj. The last ruler of Kutch Maharao Madansinhji established the "Maharao of Kutch Aina Mahal Trust on 1st January, 1977. Aina Mahal means a mirror palace. It was created by the artists Ramsinh & Gaidhar Devshi in the period of Maharao Lakhpatji (1752-61).

Bharatiya Sanskruti Darshan: Mr Ramsinhji K Rathod a scholar of the folk art of Kutch and winner of many state Government awards has created an excellent museum in Bhuj which is called Bharatiya Sanskruti Darshan. The museum epitomizes the rustic life styles of the Kutchi villager containing around 4500 exhibits. Also, there are more than 1500 rare books on art and culture.

The Little Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary: 93 kms from Ahmedabad and on an important route. It has salt plains, caused by flooding of the Rann by sea, river and rain water; punctuated by highlands called beyts, above the monsoon flood mark where scrub flora and grasslands offer a refuge to wildlife. This is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India, spanning some 4950 sq ft in area, and comprising a range habitats from saline desert plains, arid grasslands, rocky and thorn scrub to lakes and marshes. This is the only home for the endangered Asiatic Wild Ass, which is the member of wild horse family.

Mata Nu Madh: The 1,200 years old temple with unique architectural expositions of dimensions and space.

Narayan Sarovar: One of the most sacred pilgrim centres of the Hindu religion, containing a temple complex is one of its five holy lakes. At the temple complex is an assimilation of many hindu divinities, and the architecture, ancient and awesome.

Koteshwar: An important pilgrim centre for the Hindu religion.

Anjar: Famed for the Jesal Toral Samadhi (Tomb) and the Bungalow of James Macmurdo, which is a veritable museum of Kutchhy art. Also, for the Ajaypal temple, the holy shrine of Pinjora Pir and other structures.

Bhadreshwar: One of the holiest pilgrim centres of Jain religion, here you will encounter some of the world's truly unique architectural marvels. The tour will also cover stepwell, Sol Thambhi Mosque, Jagdu Shah Palace, Lal Shabhar Mosque, Chokunda Mahadev Temple and Kera temple - a visit that will expose you to many religious traditions of India, congregated in one region.

Dhola Veera: It has started from 1967-68 and perhaps the most significant event of Indian Archaeology during the post independence period and as assessed by arehaeologists, Dholavira is among the five major cities of this culture. The other four being Mohenjo Daro, Harappa, Ganeriwala ( all in Pakistan ) and Rakhigarhi in Haryana. It is thus one of the two largest known Indus Culture settlements in India. Dholavira which presents a Harrappan city per excellence, measures about 600mt on the north-south axis and 775mt on the east - west. Inside the general fortification, there are three distinct complexes - an acropolice, a middle town and a lower town.

Kanthkot: is an old fort about 5 km circularly situated on the top of an isolated rocky hill. This place was the capital of Kathis in 8th century and it was taken from them by the Chavdas. After the Chavdas, the Solankis came and after them the Vaghelas. Mod befriended Vaghela who not only gave Kanthkot but also his daughter in marriage to Mod’s son Sad. Sad lived in Kanthkot and made it his capital. Sad’s son Ful named the fort Kanthadurg. Bhimdev sought shelter from Mahmud of Ghazni in 11th century at Kanthkot. In 1816 it surrendered to the British who razed it to the ground. On the hill are remains of three temples of which one is dedicated to the ascetic Kanthadnath, the second a Jain temple and the third a temple of the sun.

Roha Fort: Roha fort is situated on the hillock of the same name, 50 km from Bhuj. It’s height is 500 feet from the ground level and 800 feet from the sea level. Roha was the leading Jagir of Kutch state and there were 52 villages under this Jagir. Rao Khengarji I (1510-1585) established Kutch and became a ruler of Kutch. His brother Sahebji set up Roha village and died after a battle with Raysinhji Zala of Halvad. After his death his successor Jiyaji built two big tanks on the Roha Hill. His son built a fort on Roha hill. Thakore Kalapi was famous poet in Gujrat. He wrote romantic poems at Roha hill because atmosphere of Roha was peaceful and close to the nature with many peacocks and other birds which can be seen here even now. Roha is called Sumari Roha after the princesses of the Sumara state Umarkot in Sindh. Fleeing Allaudin Khilji the princesses sought asylum with Abda, who died fighting Allaudin. Consequently the princesses took Samadhi at Roha. The present Thakore of Roha, Thakore Virensinhji Saheb lives in Bhuj and would like to develop the Roha hill as a tourist point.

Tera Fort: lies 85 km west of the town of Bhuj. Tera castle on the western edge of the state of Gujrat dominates the plains of Kutch from its position on the banks of Tretara (Three lakes) namely Chattasar, Sumerasar and Chatasar. Tera Jagir consisted of 41 villages and was one of the largest Jagirs of Kutch state. There are Ramayan wall paintings in the Tera castle. There are elaborate carved and beautiful paintings on glass in the Jain temple. Bandhani (tie & dye), Block printing, mirror work, Jats embroidery are the main crafts of this town. There are many of wild life animals chinkara, Blue Bull, Wild Boar, Hyena, The Great Indian Bustard, Peacock, Black partridge, etc. A very famous Mahadev temple Pinglaswar is 35 km far from Tera.