The erstwhile princely state of Kutch had as its capital Bhuj, which is an architectural treasure trove.

Did you know that two animals that look similar could be differentiated only by the way they hold their tail? Sheep and goat may look similar but the goat holds the tail up while the sheep hangs it down. While sheep have fleece, goats have hair. Studies by the Food and Agriculture organisation of the United Nations show that India has vast genetic resources of sheep and goats. There are as many as 40 breeds of sheep and 20 breeds of goats. Most of these breeds are from ancestral stock found in Afghanistan, Baluchistan and the Sind region. Hence, it is not surprising to know that one of the important breeds of Indian sheep and goat are found in Gujarat and specifically in the Kutch. The Patanwadi sheep and the Kutchi goat may not be well known to us. But the beautiful Kutch embroidery is popular.

The founding Bhuj is the capital of the erstwhile princely state of Kutch and the present headquarters of Kutch district. It is more than a coincidence that the origin of Bhuj is associated with a shepherd. Legend has it that Hamirsar, the large lake in Bhuj, was first dug by a shepherd named Hamir. Bhuj gained prominence in the 16th century when the king Rao Khengarji made extensive developments to the city. The outer fort wall known as Alamgarh was built in the 18th century. Bhuj grew to be a major centre of trade, arts and crafts. Aina Mahal, Sharad Bagh palace, Prag Mahal, the Bhid Chabutra and the royal cenotaphs are some of the important monuments and palaces of Bhuj. These, along with a variety of houses, make Bhuj an architectural treasure trove.

Behind Bhuj’s unique fusion of eastern and western architecture is the story of Ramsingh Malam. Legend has it that Ramsingh rescued by a Dutch group spent many years in Holland and learnt Venetian chandelier and glass making techniques. On his return he not only used them in his buildings but also trained many local craftsmen. The Kutch region is known for a variety of craft like Roghan painting, leather embroidery, wooden laquerware, embroidery on silk sari and silver engraving. The earthquake of 2001 devastated Bhuj. Most of its beautiful structures were destroyed and many lives lost. When the city finally recovers from this disaster, it might not entirely recreate its past but will transform into a city its citizens will cherish.

Did you know that two animals that look similar could be differentiated only by the way they hold their tail? Sheep and goat may look similar but the goat holds the tail up while the sheep hangs it down. While sheep have fleece, goats have hair. Studies by the Food and Agriculture organisation of the United Nations show that India has vast genetic resources of sheep and goats. There are as many as 40 breeds of sheep and 20 breeds of goats. Most of these breeds are from ancestral stock found in Afghanistan, Baluchistan and the Sind region. Hence, it is not surprising to know that one of the important breeds of Indian sheep and goat are found in Gujarat and specifically in the Kutch. The Patanwadi sheep and the Kutchi goat may not be well known to us. But the beautiful Kutch embroidery is popular.

The founding Bhuj is the capital of the erstwhile princely state of Kutch and the present headquarters of Kutch district. It is more than a coincidence that the origin of Bhuj is associated with a shepherd. Legend has it that Hamirsar, the large lake in Bhuj, was first dug by a shepherd named Hamir. Bhuj gained prominence in the 16th century when the king Rao Khengarji made extensive developments to the city. The outer fort wall known as Alamgarh was built in the 18th century. Bhuj grew to be a major centre of trade, arts and crafts. Aina Mahal, Sharad Bagh palace, Prag Mahal, the Bhid Chabutra and the royal cenotaphs are some of the important monuments and palaces of Bhuj. These, along with a variety of houses, make Bhuj an architectural treasure trove. Behind Bhuj’s unique fusion of eastern and western architecture is the story of Ramsingh Malam. Legend has it that Ramsingh rescued by a Dutch group spent many years in Holland and learnt Venetian chandelier and glass making techniques. On his return he not only used them in his buildings but also trained many local craftsmen.

The Kutch region is known for a variety of craft like Roghan painting, leather embroidery, wooden laquerware, embroidery on silk sari and silver engraving. The earthquake of 2001 devastated Bhuj. Most of its beautiful structures were destroyed and many lives lost. When the city finally recovers from this disaster, it might not entirely recreate its past but will transform into a city its citizens will cherish.

Rann of Kutch is one of the important eco regions of the world. It is a barren salt marsh near the Gulf of Kutch and bordering Pakistan. The northern section is known as the Great Rann while the smaller eastern section is known as Little Rann. The community that survives this harsh landscape is Chuwalia Kolis who are mostly saltpan workers. Little Rann of Kutch was established as sanctuary in 1972 and is home to the Indian wild ass.

Courtesy- The Hindu - Young World