The historic city of Bhuj derives its name from the Bhujiyo Dungar, a hill, Bhuj was the capital of the former princely State of Kutch till 1947 AD. The Rajput rulers of Kutch came from Sindh or northern India in the late 15lh century and settled at Bhuj. Rao Khengarji I chose the strategic location at the base of Bhujiyo Dungar and founded the location at the base of Bhujiyo Dungar and founded the city of Bhuj in 1548 AD. The British took over the hill fort of Bhujiyo Dungar in 1819 AD and acted as peacemaker between the Kutch rulers and Bhayad Jagirdars. Rao Pragmalji, who ruled Kutch from 1860 to 1876 AD, undertook many projects. He constructed three royal palaces- Prag Mahal and Ranjit Vilas Palace al Bhuj and Vijay Vilas 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 a great patron of art, architecture, music and literature) 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 it is located on the bank of Hamirsar Lake)
Excursion :
Anjar (old architecture) 46 km, Banni ('Bhunga' Mud Houses, Kutchi handicrafts), Kera (II* century Shiva Temple) 25 km, Mata no Madh (temple of family goddess of Kutch rulers) 90km, dholavira (Indus Valley civilization excavation) 210kms |
