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The
historic city of Bhuj derives its name from the Bhujiyo Dungar,
a hill, overlooking the present day Bhuj town. Bhuj is a typical
example of a desert town located between two geographical features-
Bhujiyo Dungar on the east and Hamirsar Lake on the west. Bhuj was
the capital of the former pricely 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
at the center. In 1723 AD, Rao Godiji undertook the construction
of massive fortification, with gates and bastions (11meter thick
masonary wall),surrounding the whole town. The fort was equipped
with 51guns to counter any attack from enemies.
The British took
over the hill fort of Bhujiyo Dungar 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 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, undertook many projects, such
as- improvement of Mandvi harbour, construction of roads and irrigation
works, hospitals, schools and a jail. Rao Pragmalji constructed
three royal palaces- Prag Mahal and Ranjit Vilas Palace at Bhuj
and Vijay Vialas Palace at Mandvi.
The two
most interesting palaces at Bhuj, Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal are
both located in the same campus. Aina Mahal was constructed by Rao
Lakhpatji (1707-61 AD) in 1750 AD, who was great patron of art,
architecture, music and literature. Aina Mahal is a unique example
of an Indian palace built in the mid-eighteenth century with European
influence. Its design and decorations were the outcome of a royal
dream translated into reality by master craftsman, Ramsinh Malam.
Ramsinh stayed in Holland for 17 years and was trained in the crafts
of clock-making, cnon fabrication, enamelling, tile making and architecture.
On his return to Kutch, Rao Lakhpatji recognised his genius and
appointed him to undertake the mirror work, tile work and fountains
at Aina Mahal. Aina Mahal is a part of a large palace complex-it
is a two storeyed building with Darbar Hall, hall of mirrors, and
suites for royal family.
Rao Pragmalji
II (1838-76 AD) undertook the construction of Prag Mahal. He appointed
a famous architect- Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins to design Prag Mahal,
who had designed Deccan College,Sasoon Hospital, Ohel David Synagogue.
St. Paul's Church at Pune, Frere Hall at Karachi and Secretariat
at Bombay. Prag Mahal took 10 years to built at the cost of 20 lakh
rupees.
The Kutch Museum,
formerly known as the Fergusson Museum, was founded by Maharao Khengarji
III in 1877 AD. It is the oldest museum in Gujarat. Constructed
in the Italian style, the museum is located in picturesque surroundings
on the bank of Hamirsar Lake. The museum has been a center of attraction
for scholars due to its large collection of Kshatrapa inscriptions,
various archaeological objects,fine collection of arms and specimens
of various crafts of the Kutch region. Other places of interest
at Bhuj are- Cenotaphs of Kutch rulers, Snake Temple at Bhujiyo
Hill Fort, Swami Narayan Temple, Vegetable Market, Hatkeshwar Temple
and Alfred High School.
It is built in
the Italian Gothic style, having a large Darbar Hall, big rooms,
wide verandahs and a 45 meter high lofty bell tower. The palace
was built using the various type of stones available in Kutch region.
This is a fine example of Indian craftmanship combined with European
architectual design.
The
historic city of Bhuj derives its name from the Bhujiyo Dungar,
a hill, overlooking the present day Bhuj town. Bhuj is a typical
example of a desert town located between two geographical features-
Bhujiyo Dungar on the east and Hamirsar Lake on the west. Bhuj was
the capital of the former pricely State of Kutch till 1947 AD.
