Information on Bhuj |
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Bhuj, a flourishing walled
city is the most important
town in the Kutch area. Bhuj
was the capital of the
former state of Kutch
and now it is the headquarters 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 1819
and 2001. Bhuj derives its
name from the Bhujiyo Dungar,
a hill, that overlooks the
present Bhuj town.
This place is a paradise of
handicrafts and lifestyle
lovers.
There are some villages in
Bhuj which are rich in craft
and culture. Embroidery is the most important handicraft
in this region.
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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 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
need for better security
arose only after the decline
of Mughal power. In 1723 AD,
Rao Godiji constructed the
massive fort with gates and
11 meter thick
masonry wall, surround
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 jail.
He also built the Prag Mahal
and Ranjit Vilas Palace at
Bhuj and Vijay Vilas Palace
at Mandvi. |
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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. Rao Pragmalji II
appointed a famous
architect, Colonel Henry
Saint Wilkins to design
Prag Mahal.
The Cenotaph Complex or Chattardi was built of red
stones. This
complex was built for Rao Lakha
in 1770, and is one of the largest and finest complex.
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How to get here |
By Air:
The nearest airport is
located at Ahmedabad.
By Rail:
Some trains operate between
Bhuj and Ahmedabad on meter
gauge line and Mumbai
on the broad gauge
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. |
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