Kutch District
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Kachchh (also spelled as Kutch) is a district of Gujarat state in western India. Covering an area of 45,612 km², it is the largest district in the state of Gujarat and the second largest district of India after Leh.
Kachchh literally means something which intermittently becomes wet and dry; large part of this district known as Rann of Kachchh is shallow wet-land which submerges in water during the rainy season and becomes dry during other seasons. The same word is also used in the languages of Sanskrit origin for a tortoise and garments to be worn while having a bath.
Kachchh District is surrounded by the Gulf of Kachchh and the Arabian Sea in south and west, while northern and eastern parts are surrounded by the Great and Small Rann (seasonal wetlands) of Kachchh. When there were not many dams built on its rivers, the Rann of Kachchh remained wetlands for a large part of the year. Even today, the region remains wet for a significant part of year.
The district had a population of 1,583,225 of which 30% were urban as of 2001. [1]
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[edit] Geography
The Kachchh district, with 45,652 km², is the second largest district in India. The administrative headquarter is in Bhuj which is geographically also in the center of district. Other main towns are Gandhidham, Adipur, Anjar, Mandvi and Mundra. The district has 966 villages.
Kachchh is virtually an island, bounded by the Arabian Sea in the west; the Gulf of Kachchh in south and southeast and Rann of Kachchh in north and northeast. The border with Pakistan lies along the northern edge of the Rann of Kachchh. The Kachchh peninsula is an example of active fold and thrust tectonism. In Central Kachchh there are four major east west oriented hill ranges characterized by fault propagation folds with steeply dipping northern limbs and gently dipping southern limbs. From the gradual increasing dimension of the linear chain of hillocks towards the west along the Kachchh mainland fault and the epicentre of the earthquake of 2001 lying at the eastern extreme of Kachchh mainland fault, it is suggested that the eastern part of the Kachchh mainland fault is progressively emerging upward. It can be suggested from the absence of distinct surface rupture both during the 1956 Anjar earthquake and 2001 Bhuj earthquake, that movements have taken place along a blind thrust. Villages situated on the blind thrust in the eastern part of the Kachchh mainland hill range (viz. Jawaharnagar, Khirsara, Devisar, Amarsar and Bandhdi) were completely erased during the 2001 earth quake.[1]
[edit] Culture
[edit] Language
The languages spoken predominantly in Kachchh are Kachchhi and Gujarati. Kachchhi draws heavily from its neighbouring language groups: Sindhi, Punjabi and Gujarati. Script of Kachchhi language has become extinct reducing it to a dialect, occasionally written in the Gujarati script. Samples of Kachchhi script are available in Kachchh Museum. Kachchhi and Gujarati are not mutually intelligible though Sindhi and Kachchhi are to some extent.
[edit] People
Kutch district is inhabited by various groups and communities. Many of these have reached this region after centuries of migration from neighbouring regions of Marwar (Western Rajasthan), Sind, Afghanistan and further. Even today, one can find various nomadic, semi nomadic and artisan groups living in Kutch.
While certain groups like the Kachchi Rabaris, Meghvals, Wankars,Vankaras Ahirs , leva patels and many others have adopted a settled lifestyle and have struck a life rhythm much close to that of the modern day towns. There are still some groups such as Dhanetah Jaths, Halepotra, Raisipotra and even the Sammas, Node and other Muslim groups who stay in the Banni region, in much more primitive living conditions.
Leva Patel
The Leva Patel group of Kanbi's have 24 Ghams (villages). The Leva Patel community migrated out of Kutch in the 1970s and came to England; many Kanbi people settled down in Wembley, Kensal Rise, Harlesden, Kingsbury, Harrow, Edgware and Kenton. This is still where you find the majority of Kanbi people. The Leva Patel's are commonly referred to as 'Kutchi' as a community, this is a misconception because the kutchi people are a complete different community with a their own Kutchi language.
Villages in Kutch include: Kodki, Meghpur, Godpur, Madhapur, Fotdi, Sukhpur Roha, Sukhpur Bhuj, Dahisara, Mirzapur, Naranpur, Kera Kundanpur, Bharasar, Samatra, Vadasar, Rampur Vekra, Sarli, Manukva and Baladia.
The Leva Patel community has formed a huge active society: Shree Kutch Leval Patel Community SKLPC [2]
A number of natives migrated to Africa, especially South Africa, Kenya , Uganda and Tanzania, in the early 1960s and also form a substantial expatriate population in the United Kingdom.
[edit] Economy and Industries
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Kutch is a growing economic and industrial hub in one of India's fastest growing states - Gujarat. Its location on the far western edge of India has resulted in the commissioning of two major ports Kandla and Mundra. These ports are near most to the Gulf and Europe by the sea route. The hinterland of north-western India hosts more than 50% of India's population.
And Very well connected By Road, Rail and Air. Road qualities are one of the best in India. Kutch have very large number of small truck fleet owners and Village Ratnal have largest number of truck ownership in Asia[citation needed]. People have natural Entrepreneurial skills and large number of people of Kutch have are NRI and Businessman, Industrialist all owner India and support a lot to local economy by Investment and remittance. Amongst the many industries, Kutch also has its own, one of the largest and well known plastic manufacturing and wholesale industry in Bhuj - Halai Techno Plast. The Village of Baladia is considered Richest village in Asia with more than Rs. 2 bn bank deposits and all 100% villagers are creditors and no debtors and separate article was published for Baldia and Ratnal in Time Magazine[citation needed]. Kutch is Mineral rich region with very large reserve of Lignite, Gypsum and lot of other mineral. Kachchh got tax break for Industries for 15 years after the major earthquake in January 26, 2001. And now houses Asia's largest Cement Plan, Sanghi Cement[citation needed]. Kandla - India's largest port by cargo handling. Mundra - One of the most sophisticated high-tech ultra modern port. Other major Industries are Welspun, Ajanta Clocks, One of the largest windmill farms concentration, Kutch region produces 70% salt of India[citation needed]. Kutch is world famous for Handicraft and Embroidery. Bunni - Embroidery and Bhujodi Village is famous for hadicraft and shawls. The Belts From Towns 1) Shamkhiyali - Bhachau -Gandhigham -Kandla, 2 ) Gandhidham - mundra, 3) Gandhidham - Adipur -Anjar - Bhuj, 4) Bhachau - Bhuj houses hundreds of Industries. And It is part of Silver corridor of India. The Major Industries in Kutch are Import-Export, Transportation and Cargo Handling, Cement, Mining, Ports, Salt, Tourism, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Timber, Real Estate, Retail and lot more. The local environment, people and government is very business friendly and pro-industry. The towns of Gandhidham and Bhuj are very livable, peaceful and environment is very conductive for any business. If you are thinking to Invest in India, don’t miss to evaluate this region.
[edit] Handicrafts
Kachchh has a strong tradition of crafts. The most famous craft of the region is its diverse embroideries. The finest aari embroidery was carried out for the royalty and wealthy families. Women in rural areas once engaged in preparing beautiful clothes and decorations for dowries.[citation needed] Unfortunately many of these fine skills have now been lost though some are being rejuvenated through handicrafts initiatives. Today over 16 different types of embroideries are being produced commercially by a few societies and a couple of private corporations. Some of the finest new embroideries in the world are still being produced by over 6,000 women artisans of the region. Some of the embroideries still being produced in the region are 1. Aari 2. Ahir 3. Pakko 4. Neran 5. Kambira 6. Khudi Teba 7. Chicken 8. Katri 9. Chopat 10. Gotan 11. Mukko 12. Soof 13. Kharek 14. Jat - Gracia 15. Jat - Fakirani 16. Noday
Embroideries like Zardosi, Bhanusali, Jain etc. are today extincte and one can see old pieces in museums or with collectors only. Important resource centers for embroidery in the region are Shrujan, Kutch Mahila Vikas Sangathan (KMVS), Kalaraksha and Women Artisans' Marketing Agency (WAMA). Another important art of Kutch is bandhani, which primarily originated in the region. Women wear saris of bandhani art on festive occasions like marriages, or holidays like Navaratri and Diwali.
Kutch has a history of very fine quality Ajarakh printing. This is a very complex hand printing technique using wodden blocks and natural dyes. Similar techniques are also seen in Bardmer in Rajasthan and Sind in Pakistan. However the Ajarakh from each region has some subtle differences. Technically the Ajarakh printed today in Kutch is by far the finest of the lot. The printing is done by a lengthy process which can take up to a couple of months for the most complicates pieces. Ajarakh is being practised today in Dhamadka and Ajarakhpur villages in Kutch.
Mud work is another artwork of Kutch. Artistic wall pieces made with mud and mirror work are used to decorate homes. Hand made, copper plated cow bells which are artistically caliberated to a note are also made in the region. The bells have a very sweet and distinct sound which although very soft can travel very large distances in the open desert. These bells were traditionally put around cattle necks so that they could be easily located if they get lost. The bells are made by approximately 25 families in the villages of Zura, Nirona and Bhuj. Kutch also has many leather artisans who make products like shoes, sandles, mirrors, small pouches etc. from leather. Traditionally hand tanned leather was used but has been almost replaced completely by leather imported from outside. The very high skilled artisans decorate the articles by doing embroidery or cutting various shaped windows in the leather. These artisans can be found in the villages like Sumarasar, Nirona, Zura, Bhirandiyara, Hodko, Khavda etc. in and around the Banni region. Lacquer work is carried out by the Vadha community. This group used hand operated lathes to shape wood and decorate it with lacquer which is colored. The simple but very high skill technique creates beautiful products which are a delight to see. Kutch is also home to a school of handloom weaving. The weavers weave wool, cotton and acrylic yarn to make proucts like shawls, yardage, jackets etc. Bandhani (tie-dye) is also carried out on the shawls in some cases. The biggest center for this is Bhujodi village near Bhuj.
[edit] Religion
The dominant religions of Kutch are a form of Hinduism, Jainism and Shia Islam,[sikhism ].Sikh gurudwara is also situated in kutch at lakhpat. A holy place for sikhs
[edit] Foods and Drinks
The majority of the population is vegetarian. Jains perform strict vegetarianism. They also refrain from eating kandmool food grown below the ground such as potatoes, garlic, onion etc. Hindus perform various degree of vegetarianism but certainly do not eat beef. In the villages, staple foods include bajra and milk. Bajra was introduced by a brave king of this region named Lakho Fulani. During his period of exile, he came to know about this grain in some tribal regions. They also extensively drink buttermilk during lunch. Milk is considered to be sacred food and offering it to somebody is considered a gesture of friendship and welcoming. Settlement of dispute invariably follows offering milk to each other as a concluding remark. In the Kutchi engagement ceremony, the bride's family offers milk to the groom's relatives as a symbol of accepting their relationship. Tea is the most popular drink in this region and is enjoyed irrespective of sex, caste, religion or social status. Tea stalls where groups of people chat over tea are invariable sights of every village or town entrance from early morning to late evening. Most people drink it with milk and sugar. Offering black tea to guests is considered to be a bad gesture. Tea without milk is offered when people are visiting host to mourn death of relatives. Tea was introduced in this region by the British as part of medicinal purpose to counteract the plague epidemic in the early 19th century. Liquor is another popular drink, though it is illegal to drink or possess. Most of the liquor drunk in this region is country made, distilled by local people in villages from molasses. As a rule, women do not drink.
[edit] History
Remote and sparsely populated while the district of Kutch may be, it has had an interesting history. The Indus valley civilization, known to be one of the first ever civilised societies consisted of the ancestors of Kutchis as well as others. However now most of the river lies in Pakistan after India was split up.
[edit] Prehistoric Period
A few of major towns belonging to Indus Valley Civilization are located in Kachchh. Dholavira locally known as Kotada Timba is one of the largest and most prominent archaeological site in India belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization. It is located on the Khadir island in northern part of the Kachchh district - the island is surrounded by water in the monsoon season. The Dholarvira site is believed to be inhabited between 2900 BCE and 1900 BCE, declining slowly after about 2100 BCE, briefly abandoned and then reoccupied, finally by villagers among its ruins, until about 1450.
[edit] Medieval Period
Kutch was formerly an independent state, founded in the late 13th century by a Samma Rajput named Jada, from which name the Jadeja Rajputs derive their patronymic. The Jadeja dynasty ruled not only Kutch but also much of neighbouring Kathiawar for several centuries until the independence of India in 1947. In 1815, Kutch became a British protectorate and ultimately a princely state, whose local ruler acknowledged British sovereignty in return for local autonomy. A beautiful mirror palace, one surviving relic of the princely era is the Aina Mahal ("mirror palace"), built in the 1760s at Bhuj for the Maharao of Kutch by Ram Singh Malam who had learnt glass, enamel and tile work from the Dutch.
[edit] Modern Period
Upon the independence of India in 1947, Kachchh acceded unto the dominion of India and was constituted an independent commissionerate. It was created a state within the union of India in 1950. On November 1, 1956, Kachchh was merged with Bombay state, which in 1960 was divided into the new linguistic states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. Kachchh thereupon became a part of Gujarat state.
After the Partition of India in 1947, the province of Sindh, including the port of Karachi, ended up in Pakistan. The Indian Government constructed a modern port at Kandla in Kutch to serve as a port for western India in lieu of Karachi. There was a dispute over the Kutch region with Pakistan and fighting broke out just months before the outbreak of the Second Kashmir War. Pakistan claimed 3,500 sq. mi of the land and an international tribunal was set up. It, however, awarded only 350 sq. mi of the claim by Pakistan, the vast majority remaining with India. Tensions flared again during the Atlantique Incident as it came just weeks after the 1999 Kargil Conflict.
The epicentre of the 2001 Gujarat Earthquake was in this district. It was the most severe earthquake (out of more than 90 earthquakes) to hit Kutch in 185 years. Much of Bhuj was destroyed or damaged as were many villages. Many of the attractions of Bhuj, including the Aina Mahal, have still not been restored.
[edit] References
- ^ Karanth, R. V. & Gadhavi, M. S. (2007-11-10), “Structural intricacies: Emergent thrusts and blind thrusts of central kachchh, western india”, Current Science (no. 9): 1271--1280, <http://www.ias.ac.in/currsci/nov102007/1271.pdf>
[edit] See also
- 2006 Gujarat earthquake
- Bhuj
- Gandhidham
- Khavda
- Nakhatrana
- Further information regarding the culture and people of Kutch can be found in the books of Late Shri Harilal Upadhyay, Well known, Famous & Great Gujarati Author -http://www.harilalupadhyay.org.
[edit] External links
- Colors of Kutch - Slideshow: Pictures from colorful Kutch
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motor vehicles registered in Kutch district have their registration Number starting with GJ-12
