Bhuj

Bhuj is a city in the Kutch district of the Gujarat region of India connected to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi and other major cities of India by trains. It has a domestic airport from where daily flights operate to Mumbai. It is also connected to Madhapar, a wealthy town close to Bhuj city centre, through a network of small roads and new highways.

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.