Nagor

Nagor
village
Nagor Location in Gujarat, India
Coordinates: 23°17′35″N 69°43′26″E / 23.293°N 69.724°E / 23.293; 69.724Coordinates: 23°17′35″N 69°43′26″E / 23.293°N 69.724°E / 23.293; 69.724
Country	India
State	Gujarat
District	Kachchh
Languages
• Official	Gujarati, Hindi
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Vehicle registration	GJ-

Nagor or Nagher is a village in Bhuj Taluka of Kutch at a distance of about 8 km from Bhuj town, the capital of Kachchh District of Gujarat in India.^[1]

History

Nagor or Nagher is one of the 19 villages founded by Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas or Mistri community, as they are known in Kutch. These group of warriors were also skilled architects and have contributed to the erection of many historical monuments of Kutch.

These Mistris first moved into Saurashtra early 7th century and late in 12th century moved into Kutch and established themselves at Dhaneti. Later from 12th century onwards they moved between Anjar and Bhuj and founded the villages of Anjar, Sinugra, Khambhra, Nagalpar, Khedoi, Madhapar, Hajapar, Kukma, Galpadar, Reha, Vidi, Ratnal, Jambudi, Devaliya, Lovaria, Nagor, Chandiya, Meghpar and Kumbharia.^{[2][3][4][5][6]}

During the years of laying of Railway lines in British India around 1850–1930 many members of Mistri community moved out and made themselves into big Railway contractors throughout India. Some of them entered into Coal mines business as well. The Mistris of these villages have built and developed the old infrastructure around the villages in late 1890 from their earnings during those time. Although it were Mistris who established this village most of them have migrated and settled themselves in various parts of India. But they often visit village as most of them have their Kuldevis temple and "parias" in and around Nagor. However, majority of old houses of Mistris with unique architect were destroyed in the earthquake of 26 January 2001.

Notable people

The most famous personality to hail from this village was Rai Bahadur Jagmal Raja Chauhan(1887–1974), who built Bally Bridge is most noted name hailing from village apart from number of of other railway contractors, who major railway contract works during 1860-1940 in British India

Present status

In present times Nagor is famous for Ahir Embrodiery and one of the main centers for this Kutchi hand embroidery. Sorathiya Ahirs live in Nagor. It is said that Ahirs were shepherds who originated from Gokul-Mathura region and are associated with Lord Krishna. They migrated to Kutch and Saurashtra in Gujarat from there. The other communities are Darbar, Jadejas, Rabaris, Ahirs.

After, the devastating earthquake in 2000, many of the 100 years old house were damaged.

The Bhuj-Nagor Road that connects the village has Industrial Area on both sides.

In 2004, the Rushey Mead Foundation, a UK based charity opened a School in Nagor, which has now become a famous landmark of Nagor. The Co-founder of Foundation is Bhasker Solanki of BBC, London. Please click link below for Photo of School.^[7]

References