Bhuj

[ Aina Mahal | Prag Mahal | The Kutch Museum | Mandvi | Kera | Dhrang ]

Aina Mahal
Rao Lakhpatji (1707-61 AD) constructed Aina Mahal in 1750 AD. He was a great patron of art, architecture, music and literature. Aina Mahal is a unique example of an Indian palace built in the mid-eighteenth century with European influence. It was designed by Ramsinh Malam. Ramsinh stayed in Holland for 17 years. He was trained in the crafts of clock making, cannon fabrication, enameling, tile making and architecture. On his return, he undertook the mirror work, tile work and fountains at Aina Mahal. Aina Mahal is a part of a large palace complex- it is a two storied building with Darbar Hall, hall of mirrors, and suites for royal family.

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Prag Mahal
Rao Pragmalji II (1838-76 AD) undertook the construction of Prag Mahal. He appointed a famous architect- Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins to design Prag Mahal. Colonel Wilkins had designed Deccan College, Sasoon Hospital, Ohel David Synagogue, St. Paul's church at Pune, Frere Hall at Karachi and secretariat at Bombay.

Prag Mahal was built in 10 years at a cost of 20 lakh rupees. It is built in the Italian Gothic style, having a large Darbar hall, big rooms, wide verandahs and a 45-meter high lofty bell tower. The palace was built using a variety of Indian artisanship combined with European architectural design.

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The Kutch Museum
The Kutch Museum, formerly known as the Fergusson museum, was founded by Maharao Khengarji III in 1877 AD. It is the oldest museum in Gujarat constructed in the Italian style. The museum is located in picturesque surroundings on the bank of Hamisar Lake. The museum has been a center of attraction for scholars due to its large collection of Kshatrapa inscriptions, various archeological objects, and fine collection of arms and specimens of various crafts of the Kutch region.

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Mandvi
Mandvi in southern Kuchh, is a renowned holiday centre with a beach overlooking the Arabian Sea. The Vijay Vilas Palace evokes the royal splendour of the past. Mandvi's Hawa Mahal is also magnificent, and reminiscent of similar palaces in Rajasthan. Banni and Khavda are villages set like jewels in an expanse of desert. Some of the most talented artisans of Kuchh who practise their traditional skills, to produce artistic masterpieces live in these villages.

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Kera(11th century Shiva Temple)
Kera Shiva temple, 18 km from Bhuj is excellently carved pre-Solanki (10th A.D.) architecture.

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Dhrang
Dhrang is another location famous for its rural fair and for the handicrafts, traditional objects, hand-printed and embroidered fabrics made and sold there. It is also famous for the jewelry available there.

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