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Historical
Background
Bhuj was founded in 1548 AD by Rao Khengarji I, starting a
dynasty of jadeja rulers that ruled over Kachchh for 400 years.
And so, the old walled city of Bhuj is the most important
town in the area. The place lies at the heart of Kutch and
is linked by many roads to the rest of the peninsula.
The cenotaphs, erected
at the royal cremation ground as memorials to the former rulers
and the CHHATRI of Rao Lakhpatji who died in 1761, are fine
specimen of Kachchhi architecture. Tourists should have a
look at the interior, which has a stone tablet in memory of
the ruler and 15 of his consorts. The exterior walls bear
sculptures of deities, hunting scenes, animals and couples
in local Costumes. Also in Bhuj are the Aina Mahal or Glass
Palace which was built in the 18th century, the Kutch Museum,
which is Gujarat’s oldest, and the Bharatiya Sanskruti
Darshan complex is renowned for its Ram Leela Frescoes and
other timeless objects d'art. The rural bazaars of Bhuj sell
its exquisite handicrafts, where icons of old customs and
traditions are still alive in handicrafts, embroidered fabrics,
leatherware, carved and lacquered furniture and metal ware,
especially, old silver ware.
Places
of Interest
Mata
no Madh
Further west of Kakkadbhit is a temple dedicated to the deity
of Jadejas, the erstwhile rulers of Kutch. The original temple,
which was demolished in the earthquake of 1819, was believed
to be 1200 years old. Sunderji Saudagar built a new temple in
its place with unique architectural expositions of dimensions
and space. The main structure rises to the height of 52 feet.
Navratri is also celebrated here. Access: 138 kms. from Bhuj.
Lakhpat
Lakhpat is a 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.
Renowned for its beautiful landscape, cenotaphs and memorial
stones, the town holds a vantage position due to its westernmost
location flanked by the sea and the Rann.
Among the
few remnants that still enthral the visitors, stand the Gurudwara
(holy shrine of the Sikh religion), the 200 year old, gigantic
tomb "majhar" of Ghosh Mohammed Caba, and many other
places with ancient stories to tell.
Narayan
Sarovar
One of the most sacred pilgrim centres of the Hindu religion,
Narayan Sarovar is uppermost in the pilgrims' circuit. There
are actually five sacred lakes here, containing a temple complex
is one of its five holy lakes. It finds mention in the ancient
scriptures with the other four being Mansarovar at Kailash,
Bindusarovar at Bhuvaneshwar, Pushkar in Rajasthan and Pampa
in the south. An embankment surrounds the temple complex, which
is an assimilation of many hindu divinities, and the architecture,
ancient and awesome. A fair is held here on 11th to the 15th
of Kartik (November-December).
Koteshwar
At a short distance from Narayan Sarovar & 215 Kms. from
Bhuj, the village derives its name from a Shiva temple Kotilingeshwar,
housing a self-born ling. It stands as a sentinel on the seashore,
rising boldly from the sea that washes its western parts. The
temples are enclosed by a fortified wall and the nandi (bull
of Shiva) is a fine specimen of Kachchhi art. It is an excellent
breathtaking sunset point.
Aina
Mahal
The AINA MAHAL, which now serves as a museum, was built during
the rule of Rao Lakhpatji. It now stands as a repository of
the culture and history of Kachchh. As referred above, the building
bears the influence of its architect Ramsang Malam who was exposed
to European style during his long sojourn to Holland.
Pragmal
Palace
The palace opposite Aina Mahal, was built in 1797. Its tower and
Corinthian pillars display strong British influence through its
floral patterns.
Kachchh
Museum
The oldest Museum in Gujarat was established in 1877. It is unique
in having the largest collection of Kshatrapa inscriptions, for
its gold and silver ornaments, textiles, armoury and other exhibits.
Ethnology
Museum
This place is recommended for its rich collection of books and paintings
of prominent Kachchhis. On the outskirts of the town is the BHUJIA
HILL-FORT, which is still in good condition and has at its top the
Temple of Bhujang Naag or serpent, the guardian deity of the city.
To the west of the town is HAMIRSAR LAKE, visited by holidaymakers.
Kakkadbhit
Yaksha
A few kilometers from Punareshwar, Kakkadbhit Yaksha is located
along the highway. It is situated on a small hillock with
72 idols of Yaksha or Jakhs, who are believed to have come
from Iran. In the opinion of the scholars they were the first
batch of Parsi migrants who reached Jakhau due to a shipwreck.
The memorial at Kakkadbhit is created in honour of their many
acts of sacrifice and bravery on behalf of the local people,
against the tyrannical rule of the then ruler Punarvo.
Anjar
Popularly known for the shrine of Jesal and Toral, the folklore
duo wherein the tough outlaw Jesal was chastised by Toral,
a Kachchhi woman; is also a centre of fairs. Also the bungalow
of James Macmurdo contains remarkable examples of the art
of Kutch. The visitors who want to carry home the Kachchhi
souvenirs should visit Anjar for its famous block-printing
works, nutcrackers, scissors and penknives.
Tunda Vandha
A unique Rabari village, it has about 125 exquisitely designed
Kachchhi huts inhabited by about 400 Rabaris. Most of the
male population is generally away from the village. The interiors
of the huts present a pleasant spectacle of native art. A
chat with the womenfolk will introduce visitors to this insulated
and pristine culture, a world so different.
Banni / Khavda
The last village on the border is a Desertland of infinite
dimensions, and in its midst, quaint little villages suspended
in Time. Here you will come across master craft people' 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
leaving you spellbound.
Mandvi
Founded in 1581 AD, it has a fortification with 25 bastions.
It was an old and historical port from where extensive trade
was done between western India and Africa. The place is a
well-known centre for the production of the country crafts.
The Rukmavati Bridge built in 1883 is the longest existing
one of its kind. The Vijay Vilas Palace evokes the royal splendour
of the past. Mandvi’s Hawa Mahal is also imposing, and
is reminiscent of similar palaces of royal traditions of Rajasthan.
Banni and Khavda are villages set like jewels in an expanse
of desert. In these villages live some of the most talented
craftsmen of Kutch who practise their traditional skills,
to produce artistic masterpieces.
