Bhuj

The historic city of Bhuj derives its name from the Bhujiyo Dungar, a hill, overlooking the present day Bhuj town. Bhuj is a desert town located between geographical features- Bhujiyo Dungar on the east and Hamisar Lake on the west in Kuchh district of Gujarat. It is located at 23.25 N and 69.63 E. Bhuj is known for its Kuchhi style of architecture.

History
The history of Bhuj begins from the days of the Naga Chieftain. It is said to have witnessed the Indus Valley Civilisation, exile of the Pandavas during the Mahabharata and the invasion of Alexander the Great. However, the golden period of Bhuj came when the Jadeja Rajput rulers shifted their capital from Anjar to Bhuj in the mid-16th century. Jadejas were respected even by the Mughal Empire for their naval strength, which could repel attacks from the powerful Portuguese, who conquered almost all the rich ports of Mughal India. Even today, Bhuj is a picturesque city dominated by palaces, havelis and mansions of the mighty Jadeja dynasty.

Bhuj, the capital of the former native state of Kuchh is now the head quarter of the Kuchh district. A local ruler Maharao Hamir founded the city of Bhuj in 1510.Then, Bhuj was chosen by Rao Khengarji I as his capital in 1549. The city wall, thirty-five feet high and 4 feet thick with towers at irregular intervals was formerly armed with fifty- one guns.

The great earthquake in 1819 destroyed nearly 7000 houses and killed 1140 people.

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