Kutch district (also spelled as Kutch or Kachchh) is a formerly-independent 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; a large part of this district is known as Rann of Kachchh which is shallow wetland 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. The Rann is famous for its marshy salt flats which become snow white after the shallow water dries up each season before the monsoon rains.
The district is also famous for ecologically important Banni grasslands with their seasonal marshy wetlands which form the outer belt of the Rann of Kutch.
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] Motor vehicles registered in Kutch district have their registration Number starting with GJ-12.
People
A Meghwal woman in the Hodka village, north of Bhuj
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), Sindh, Afghanistan and further. Even today, one can find various nomadic, semi nomadic and artisan groups living in Kutch.
The major groups such as the Kachchi, Kapdi, Jadeja, Rajputs, Mali Samaj, Leva Patel, Kadva Patel, Khatris, Rabaris, Rajgor, Shah, Bhanushali, Jains (Visa and Dasa Oswal), Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas-Mistris, Kharwa, Meghwals, Wankars, Vankaras, Ahirs, and many others have adopted a settled lifestyle and have struck a life rhythm close to that of modern-day towns. The Banni region is home to a number of nomadic Muslim groups such as the Dhanetah Jaths, Halaypotra,[Sanghaar] [Kutch Muslam Sanghaar Jamat-now in Karachi] Pakistan Hingora, Hingorja, Rahima, Bhadala, Mutwa, Raysipotra, Sammas, Theba and Node, maintain more traditional lifestyles.
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. Traditionally women in rural areas do the embroidery for presenting in the dowries [6]. Unfortunately many of these fine skills have now been lost though some are being rejuvenated through handicrafts initiatives.In 1950, local Social Leader Dr. Manubhai Pandhi worked with local artists & central Government, to help the dying handicraft. 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. kapdi{bava}
2. Jadeja
3. Ahir
4. Pakko
5. Neran
6. Kambira
7. Khudi Teba
8. Chicken
9. Katri
10. Chopat
11. Gotan
12. Mukko
13. Soof
14. Kharek
15. Jat - Gracia
16. Jat - Fakirani
17. Noday
18. Jat Daneta
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 products 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.
Religion
A land of many religions and religious people, Kutch. Migration of people in and out led to the birth of many religions, inscriptions of which can be found on stones and other carvings. The inscriptions found of Andrau and Rudradamn regime give out the fact that 2 centuries before Jesus, Buddhism and Jainism had already spread in Kutch.
And amongst the two, as time passed by, Jainism became the prominently followed and practiced religion. Even today Jainism is the principle religion followed in Kutch.
There are a number of temples built by Jain followers in Kutch. The Bhadreshwar temple, one of the most ancient temples situated in Bhadrawati, considered a very holy place is one such. Bhadrawati was ruled by King Sidhsen in 449 B.C (according to the Hindu calendar) who renovated the place. Later it was ruled by The Solankies who were Jains, and they changed the name to Bhadreshwar. Then in 1315, a great famine struck Kutch, after which the place was renovated by Jagadusha.
Near the village of Jalvana, at Koday Bohter Jinalaya is Jain pilgrim's holy place. There are 72 statues of Jain Gods. The main God here is Prabhu Aadeswarji. The divine statue is 73 inches tall. Not only Jains but also people of all religions from all over India and abroad come and visit this temple.
Khothara, Suthri, Jaikha, Tera and Naliya's ancient Jain temples in the district of Abadasa are called "Moti Panchtirthi", means the big pilgrimage.
Every year thousands of Jain Pilgrims come here. Vanki Tirth situated in the district of Mundra is considered to be one of the most elegant temples of the Jains. The main God here is Vrdhman Swami. The height of the idol is 51 inches and that of the temple is 251 feet tall. There are devotees of all religion visiting the " Moti Panchtirthi"
Jainism believes in Atma and Atma has to achieve its goal by Moksha.
Another prominent religion is the Hinduism. Many Gods and Goddesses are worshiped in this religion. The Hindu is the most prominent religion as the country itself is called Hindustan, meaning The land of Hindus.
Narayan Sarovar in Kutch is the most ancient and pious place for Hindus. It is one of the five holy ponds in India
In this place there are temples of Shri Trikamraiji, Laxminarayan, Govardhannathji, Dwarkanath, Adinarayan, Ranchodraiji and Laxmiji. Maharaj Shri Deshalji's Queen had built these temples. Devotee from all over India come to worship the lords here.
In the district of Lakhpat is situated the temple of Koteshwar which is a holy place of pilgrimage in Kutch. There is an ancient story attached with it. They say that King Ravana wanted to be immortal and did tapasya of God Shiva. Lord Shiva gifted him with Ling which he could worship and become immortal. But in arrogance he dropped the ling, which on touching the ground turned into a thousand Lings. King Ravana could not recognize the original ling, and so the boon was lost. There were a thousand lings at that place so the Gods of heaven decided to build this temple and name it Koteshwar.
Hindus also believe in Goddesses who they call Mataji and so they have built many temples of different avtars of Mataji. Among them, one is Shaktipith Mata's Math in which Mata Ashapura's statue dwells.
She is the Kuldevi of Jadejas. Ma Ravechi who protects Kutch, has her temple in the desert of Vadhad, Kutch. Kadva Patidars' Kuldevi is Umiya Mataji. Her temple is in the village Desalpur called Vandhay Tirth, a known religious and cultural center.
Sahajanad Swami came to Kutch in the middle Ages and started the sector of Swaminarayan, which is a part of Hinduism. Kutch's labourers, Leva Patel and farmers are the believers of Swaminarayan sector. Sahajanad Swami told people to live pure lives. On Vasant Panchami, the devotee pray from the book written by Sahajanad Swami. They recite religious songs and women take colorful vessels on their heads and go to the temple. There is a Swaminarayan Temple in Bhuj.
Eventually as the mogul emperors came to India and ruled many parts of India, Muslim religion also came into existence. The Muslim religion call their God "Khuda" or "Allah" and worship in mosques. The Muslims are ardent worshippers of their "Allah" five times a day. The people who spent their life in the service of their Muslim religions and its founder, are called the "Pirs".
Once such Pir was the Hajipir. Hajipir's dargah is situated in very quiet desert of Kutch. People hold fairs here on holy days. Another dedicated person was Mekandada who served people in the time famine. His stayed in Dhranga
A temple has been built in his name over his tomb , this shows the brotherhood with which both Hindus and Muslims lived together in those times. Even today, inspite of the differences in the religion many Hindus have belief in Hajipir and many Muslims like Jamadar Fatehmahommad believe in Ma Ashapura.
The above mentioned are the main religions existing in Kutch, but that still does not divide this community into different sections or religions. The whole community lives like one family respecting every each others believes and thoughts.
Kachchh literally means something which intermittently becomes wet and dry; a large part of this district is known as Rann of Kachchh which is shallow wetland 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. The Rann is famous for its marshy salt flats which become snow white after the shallow water dries up each season before the monsoon rains.
The district is also famous for ecologically important Banni grasslands with their seasonal marshy wetlands which form the outer belt of the Rann of Kutch.
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] Motor vehicles registered in Kutch district have their registration Number starting with GJ-12.
People
A Meghwal woman in the Hodka village, north of Bhuj
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), Sindh, Afghanistan and further. Even today, one can find various nomadic, semi nomadic and artisan groups living in Kutch.
The major groups such as the Kachchi, Kapdi, Jadeja, Rajputs, Mali Samaj, Leva Patel, Kadva Patel, Khatris, Rabaris, Rajgor, Shah, Bhanushali, Jains (Visa and Dasa Oswal), Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas-Mistris, Kharwa, Meghwals, Wankars, Vankaras, Ahirs, and many others have adopted a settled lifestyle and have struck a life rhythm close to that of modern-day towns. The Banni region is home to a number of nomadic Muslim groups such as the Dhanetah Jaths, Halaypotra,[Sanghaar] [Kutch Muslam Sanghaar Jamat-now in Karachi] Pakistan Hingora, Hingorja, Rahima, Bhadala, Mutwa, Raysipotra, Sammas, Theba and Node, maintain more traditional lifestyles.
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. Traditionally women in rural areas do the embroidery for presenting in the dowries [6]. Unfortunately many of these fine skills have now been lost though some are being rejuvenated through handicrafts initiatives.In 1950, local Social Leader Dr. Manubhai Pandhi worked with local artists & central Government, to help the dying handicraft. 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. kapdi{bava}
2. Jadeja
3. Ahir
4. Pakko
5. Neran
6. Kambira
7. Khudi Teba
8. Chicken
9. Katri
10. Chopat
11. Gotan
12. Mukko
13. Soof
14. Kharek
15. Jat - Gracia
16. Jat - Fakirani
17. Noday
18. Jat Daneta
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 products 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.
Religion
A land of many religions and religious people, Kutch. Migration of people in and out led to the birth of many religions, inscriptions of which can be found on stones and other carvings. The inscriptions found of Andrau and Rudradamn regime give out the fact that 2 centuries before Jesus, Buddhism and Jainism had already spread in Kutch.
And amongst the two, as time passed by, Jainism became the prominently followed and practiced religion. Even today Jainism is the principle religion followed in Kutch.
There are a number of temples built by Jain followers in Kutch. The Bhadreshwar temple, one of the most ancient temples situated in Bhadrawati, considered a very holy place is one such. Bhadrawati was ruled by King Sidhsen in 449 B.C (according to the Hindu calendar) who renovated the place. Later it was ruled by The Solankies who were Jains, and they changed the name to Bhadreshwar. Then in 1315, a great famine struck Kutch, after which the place was renovated by Jagadusha.
Near the village of Jalvana, at Koday Bohter Jinalaya is Jain pilgrim's holy place. There are 72 statues of Jain Gods. The main God here is Prabhu Aadeswarji. The divine statue is 73 inches tall. Not only Jains but also people of all religions from all over India and abroad come and visit this temple.
Khothara, Suthri, Jaikha, Tera and Naliya's ancient Jain temples in the district of Abadasa are called "Moti Panchtirthi", means the big pilgrimage.
Every year thousands of Jain Pilgrims come here. Vanki Tirth situated in the district of Mundra is considered to be one of the most elegant temples of the Jains. The main God here is Vrdhman Swami. The height of the idol is 51 inches and that of the temple is 251 feet tall. There are devotees of all religion visiting the " Moti Panchtirthi"
Jainism believes in Atma and Atma has to achieve its goal by Moksha.
Another prominent religion is the Hinduism. Many Gods and Goddesses are worshiped in this religion. The Hindu is the most prominent religion as the country itself is called Hindustan, meaning The land of Hindus.
Narayan Sarovar in Kutch is the most ancient and pious place for Hindus. It is one of the five holy ponds in India
In this place there are temples of Shri Trikamraiji, Laxminarayan, Govardhannathji, Dwarkanath, Adinarayan, Ranchodraiji and Laxmiji. Maharaj Shri Deshalji's Queen had built these temples. Devotee from all over India come to worship the lords here.
In the district of Lakhpat is situated the temple of Koteshwar which is a holy place of pilgrimage in Kutch. There is an ancient story attached with it. They say that King Ravana wanted to be immortal and did tapasya of God Shiva. Lord Shiva gifted him with Ling which he could worship and become immortal. But in arrogance he dropped the ling, which on touching the ground turned into a thousand Lings. King Ravana could not recognize the original ling, and so the boon was lost. There were a thousand lings at that place so the Gods of heaven decided to build this temple and name it Koteshwar.
Hindus also believe in Goddesses who they call Mataji and so they have built many temples of different avtars of Mataji. Among them, one is Shaktipith Mata's Math in which Mata Ashapura's statue dwells.
She is the Kuldevi of Jadejas. Ma Ravechi who protects Kutch, has her temple in the desert of Vadhad, Kutch. Kadva Patidars' Kuldevi is Umiya Mataji. Her temple is in the village Desalpur called Vandhay Tirth, a known religious and cultural center.
Sahajanad Swami came to Kutch in the middle Ages and started the sector of Swaminarayan, which is a part of Hinduism. Kutch's labourers, Leva Patel and farmers are the believers of Swaminarayan sector. Sahajanad Swami told people to live pure lives. On Vasant Panchami, the devotee pray from the book written by Sahajanad Swami. They recite religious songs and women take colorful vessels on their heads and go to the temple. There is a Swaminarayan Temple in Bhuj.
Eventually as the mogul emperors came to India and ruled many parts of India, Muslim religion also came into existence. The Muslim religion call their God "Khuda" or "Allah" and worship in mosques. The Muslims are ardent worshippers of their "Allah" five times a day. The people who spent their life in the service of their Muslim religions and its founder, are called the "Pirs".
Once such Pir was the Hajipir. Hajipir's dargah is situated in very quiet desert of Kutch. People hold fairs here on holy days. Another dedicated person was Mekandada who served people in the time famine. His stayed in Dhranga
A temple has been built in his name over his tomb , this shows the brotherhood with which both Hindus and Muslims lived together in those times. Even today, inspite of the differences in the religion many Hindus have belief in Hajipir and many Muslims like Jamadar Fatehmahommad believe in Ma Ashapura.
The above mentioned are the main religions existing in Kutch, but that still does not divide this community into different sections or religions. The whole community lives like one family respecting every each others believes and thoughts.
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