Kutch district

2021-07-03T12:22:41Z

2405:204:8288:31AE:54D6:4CCA:6AF0:4D4D: /* Rivers and dams */

{{About|the modern district|the princely state|Cutch State|the former state from 1947 to 1956|Kutch State|the community in the United States|Kutch, Colorado}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2015}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Kutch district
| settlement_type = [[Districts of Gujarat|District]] of [[Gujarat]]
| total_type = Total
| native_name =
| image_map = Kutch in Gujarat (India).svg
| map_caption = Location of Kutch district in Gujarat
| coordinates =
| coor_pinpoint = Bhuj
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{IND}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and union territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Gujarat]]
| subdivision_type2 =
| subdivision_name2 =
| established_title = Established
| established_date =
| seat_type = Headquarters
| seat = [[Bhuj]]
| parts_type = [[Tehsils of India|Tehsils]]
| parts_style = para
| p1 = 10
| area_total_km2 = 45674
| area_footnotes =
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_total = 2,092,371
| population_footnotes =
| population_urban =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| demographics_type1 = Demographics
| demographics1_title1 = [[Literacy in India|Literacy]]
| demographics1_info1 = 70.59
| demographics1_title2 = Sex ratio
| demographics1_info2 = 908
| leader_title =
| leader_name =
| leader_title1 = [[Lok Sabha|Lok Sabha constituencies]]
| leader_name1 = [[Kachchh (Lok Sabha constituency)|Kutch]]
| leader_title2 = [[Vidhan Sabha|Vidhan Sabha constituencies]]
| leader_name2 = 6
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +05:30
| registration_plate =
| blank_name_sec1 = [[Indian road network|Major highways]]
| blank_info_sec1 = 1
| blank_name_sec2 =
| blank_info_sec2 =
| website = {{URL|https://kachchh.nic.in/}}
| official_name =
| image_skyline = Rann of Kutch - White Desert 2.jpg
| image_caption = Rann of Kutch
}}
'''Kutch district''' (also spelled as '''Kachchh''') is a [[district]] of [[Gujarat]] state in western [[India]], with its headquarters (capital) at [[Bhuj]]. Covering an area of 45,674 km²,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vibrantgujarat.com/images/pdf/kutch-district-profile.pdf |title=Kutch |publisher=Vibrantgujarat.com |access-date=17 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021095259/http://www.vibrantgujarat.com/images/pdf/kutch-district-profile.pdf |archive-date=21 October 2012 }}</ref> it is the largest district of India. The area of Kutch District is larger than the entire area of states like [[Haryana]] (44,212 km2) and [[Kerala]] (38,863 km2)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Economic consequences of the Gujarat earthquake|url=https://www.academia.edu/4617331/Economic_consequences_of_the_Gujarat_earthquake|access-date=2021-05-21|website=Academia|language=en}}</ref> The population of Kutch is about 2,092,371.<ref name="kutch.gujarat.gov.in">https://kutch.gujarat.gov.in/about-kutch</ref> It has 10 [[Talukas]], 939 villages and 7 Municipalities.<ref name="kutch.gujarat.gov.in"/> The Kutch district is home to the [[Kutchi people]] who speak the [[Kutchi language]].

Kutch literally means something which intermittently becomes wet and dry; a large part of this district is known as [[Rann of Kutch]] 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 [[Sanskrit]] origin for a tortoise. The Rann is known for its marshy [[Salt pan (geology)|salt flats]] which become snow white after the shallow water dries up each season before the [[monsoon]] rains.

The district is also known for [[ecology|ecologically]] important [[Banni grasslands]] with their seasonal [[marsh]]y [[wetland]]s which form the outer belt of the Rann of Kutch.

Kutch District is surrounded by the [[Gulf of Kutch]] and the [[Arabian Sea]] to the south and west, while the northern and eastern parts are surrounded by the [[Great Rann of Kutch|Great]] and [[Little Rann of Kutch|Little Rann]] (seasonal wetlands) of Kutch. When there were not many dams built on its rivers, the Rann of Kutch 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 2,092,371 as of 2011 census, of which 30% were urban.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindiamaps.net/page/India_WhizMap/IndiaMap.htm |title=Census GIS India |publisher=Censusindiamaps.net |access-date=17 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111052456/http://www.censusindiamaps.net/page/India_WhizMap/IndiaMap.htm |archive-date=11 January 2010 }}</ref> Motor vehicles registered in Kutch district have a registration number starting with GJ-12. The district is well connected by road, rail and air. There are four airports in the district: Naliya, Kandla, Mundra, and Bhuj. Bhuj is well connected with Mumbai airport. Being a border district, Kutch has both an army and an air force base.

== History ==
{{main|History of Kutch|Cutch State}}
[[File:Maharao Khengarji III of Cutch - c1900.jpg|thumb|Maharao Khengarji III of Cutch - circa 1900|400x400px]]
The history of Kutch can be traced back to prehistoric times. There are several sites related to the [[Indus valley civilization]] in the region, and it is mentioned in [[Hindu mythology]]. The region is also mentioned in Greek writings during the reign of [[Alexander the Great]]. For a time, it was ruled by [[Menander I]] of the [[Greco-Bactrian Kingdom]], which was then overthrown by [[Indo-Scythians]]. The region was later ruled by the [[Maurya Empire]] and [[Indo-Parthians|Saka]]s. In the first century CE, it was under the [[Western Satraps]], followed by the [[Gupta Empire]]. By the fifth century, the [[Maitraka|Maitraka dynasty]] of [[Valabhi]] took over from which its close association with the ruling clans of Gujarat started. The [[Chavda dynasty|Chavdas]] ruled the eastern and central parts by the seventh century, but Kutch came under the rule of the [[Chaulukya dynasty]] by the tenth century. After the fall of Chaulukya, the [[Vaghela dynasty|Vaghela]]s ruled the state. By the thirteenth century, the Vaghelas controlled the whole of Kutch and adopted a new dynastic identity, [[Jadeja]].

For three centuries, Kutch was divided and ruled by three different branches of the Jadeja brothers. In the sixteenth century, Kutch was unified under one rule by Rao [[Khengarji I]] of these branches, and his direct descendants ruled for two centuries and had a good relationship with the [[Gujarat Sultanate]] and [[Mughal Empire|Mughals]]. One of his descendants, Rayadhan II, left three sons, of whom two died, and a third son, [[Pragmal Ji]] took over the state and founded the current lineage of rulers at the start of the seventeenth century. The descendants of the other brothers founded states in [[Kathiawar]]. After turbulent periods and battles with the armies of Sindh, the state was stabilized in the middle of the eighteenth century by a council known as [[Bar Bhayat ni Jamat]] who placed Rao as a titular head and ruled independently. The state accepted the sovereignty of the [[British East India Company]] in 1819, when Kutch was defeated in battle. That same year, the state was devastated by an [[1819 Rann of Kutch earthquake|earthquake]]. The state stabilized and flourished in business under subsequent rulers.

Upon the [[independence of India]] in 1947, Kutch acceded unto the [[dominion of India]] and was constituted an independent [[commissionaire]]. It was made a [[states and territories of India|state]] within the union of India in 1950. The state witnessed an [[1956 Anjar earthquake|earthquake in 1956]]. On 1 November 1956, [[Kutch State]] was merged with [[Bombay state]], which in 1960 was divided into the new linguistic states of Gujarat and [[Maharashtra]], with Kutch becoming part of [[Gujarat]] as Kutch district. The district was affected by a tropical cyclone in 1998 and the [[2001 Gujarat earthquake|earthquake in 2001]]. The state saw rapid industrialization and growth in tourism in subsequent years.
<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
DHOLAVIRA SITE (24).jpg|[[Dholavira]], one of the largest cities of the Indus Valley Civilisation, with [[stepwell]] steps to reach the water level in artificially constructed reservoirs.<ref name=news>{{Cite web|first=Suichi|last=Takezawa|journal=The Diverse Architectural World of The Indian Sub-Continent|volume=III|url=http://news-sv.aij.or.jp/jabs/s1/jabs0208-019.pdf|title=Stepwells -Cosmology of Subterranean Architecture as seen in Adalaj|access-date=18 November 2009}}</ref>
The 'Ten Indus Scripts' discovered near the northern gateway of the Dholavira citadel.jpg|Ten [[Indus script|Indus characters]] from the northern gate of [[Dholavira]], dubbed the [[Dholavira Signboard]].
CoA Kutch 1893.png|Coat of Arms of [[Princely State of Cutch]] dating back to 1893 CE.
Kachchhflag.png|Flag of the [[Cutch State|Princely State of Cutch]]
</gallery>

== Geography ==
Kutch District, at {{Convert|45091.895|sqkm|sqmi}}, is the largest [[Districts in India|district in India]]. The administrative headquarters is the city of [[Bhuj]] which is geographically in the center of the district. Other main towns are [[Gandhidham]], [[Rapar]], [[Nakhatrana]], [[Anjar, India|Anjar]], [[Mandvi]], [[Madhapar]], [[Mundra]] and [[Bhachau]]. Kutch has 969 villages. Kala Dungar (Black Hill) is the highest point in Kutch at {{Convert|458|m|ft|0}}.
[[File:A state highway through the Rann of Kutch.jpg|thumb|A state highway through the Rann of Kutch]]
Kutch is virtually an island, as it is surrounded by the [[Arabian Sea]] in the west; the [[Gulf of Kutch]] in south and southeast and [[Rann of Kutch]] in north and northeast. The border with Pakistan lies along the northern edge of the Rann of Kutch, of the [[Sir Creek]]. The Kutch peninsula is an example of active [[Thrust fault|fold and thrust]] [[tectonism]]. In Central Kutch there are four major east-west hill ranges characterized by [[Fault (geology)|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 Kutch mainland [[Fault plane|fault]] and the [[epicentre]] of the earthquake of 2001 lying at the eastern extreme of Kutch mainland fault, it is suggested that the eastern part of the Kutch 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 earthquake|blind thrust]]. Villages situated on the blind [[thrust]] in the eastern part of the Kutch mainland hill range (viz. Jawaharnagar, Khirsara, Devisar, Amarsar and Bandhdi) were completely erased during the 2001 earthquake.<ref name="karanth">{{Cite journal |last1=Karanth |first1=R. V. |last2=Gadhavi |first2=M. S. |date=10 November 2007 |title=Structural intricacies: Emergent thrusts and blind thrusts of central kachchh, western india |journal=Current Science |issue=9 |pages=1271–1280 |url=http://www.ias.ac.in/currsci/nov102007/1271.pdf |volume=93 }}</ref>

=== Rivers and dams ===
There are ninety-seven small rivers in Kutch District, most of which flow into the [[Arabian Sea]], but some of which feed the Rann of Kutch.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rivers of Kachchh Region|url=http://guj-nwrws.gujarat.gov.in/images/Katch_big.jpg|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608032050/http://guj-nwrws.gujarat.gov.in/images/Katch_big.jpg|archive-date=8 June 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Twenty major dams,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Gujarat: Disaster Management Plan: Operation of gates and rule curve levels for Irrigation Projects|publisher=Narmada, Water Resources, Water Supply and Kalpsar Department|page=28|url=http://guj-nwrws.gujarat.gov.in/downloads/disaster_man_plan_1.8.pdf}}</ref> and numerous smaller dams, capture the rainy season runoff.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2001 Kutch Earthquake Gujarat State, India: Investigation into Damage to Civil Engineering Structures: Dams|publisher=The Japan Society of Civil Engineers (JSCE)|url=http://www.jsce.or.jp/report/12/Indian/Report/PDF/indo6.pdf}}</ref> While most of these dams do not affect the Ranns, as they are on rivers that feed directly into the Arabian Sea, storage of rainy season water upstream from Kutch and its use in irrigation has resulted in less fresh water coming into the Ranns of Kutch during the rainy season. This is true of the Great Rann, but particularly true of the Little Rann which is fed by the [[Luni River|Luni]], [[Rupen River|Rupen]], the Bambhan, the Malwan, the [[Kankawati River|Kankawati]], and the [[Sarasvati River|Saraswati]] rivers. However sea water from the Arabian Sea still continues to be driven into the Great Rann by storm tides aided by high winds.<ref>{{Cite book|author=Gupta, Vishal Jaishankar|year=2011|chapter=Chapter 2. Environmental Outlines of the little Rann of Kutch|title=Geomorphodynamics and morphoecological management in the little Rann of Kutch|publisher=Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda|url=http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/8899/9/09_chapter%202.pdf}}, [http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/8899 full document]</ref> Water remains a serious issue in Kutch.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Bhagat, Pamela|date=6 June 2004|title=A desert weeps|url=http://www.hindu.com/mag/2004/06/06/stories/2004060600140200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040627184933/http://www.hindu.com/mag/2004/06/06/stories/2004060600140200.htm|archive-date=27 June 2004|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kutch's thirst for water is satisfied by Narmada river flowing from Sardar Sarovar dam.
[[File:Rudramata Dam. A rain water reservoir that supplies water to deserted areas around capital city of Bhuj.jpg|thumb|Rudramata Dam. A rain water reservoir that supplies water to deserted areas around capital city of Bhuj|300x300px]]
[[File:Mandvi Rukmavati River1 - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Rukmavati River, Mandvi|300x300px]]
[[File:View from kala dunger kutch.JPG|thumb|Kalo dunger|300x300px]]

{| border="1" cellpadding="2" align="center" class=wikitable
|+ '''Dams in Kutch District'''
|-
! style="background: #efefef;" | Dam
! style="background: #efefef;" | Reservoir
! style="background: #efefef;" | River
! style="background: #efefef;" | depth in meters when full
! style="background: #efefef;" | near
|-
| Bhukhi Dam || || Bhukhi || 72.78 ||
|-
| Berachiya Dam || || Nyara || 70.40 ||
|-
| Chang Dam || || || 18.00 ||
|-
| Don Dam || || Kharod || 47.75 ||
|-
| Fatehgadh Dam || || Malan || 22.70 ||
|-
| Gajansar Dam || Gajansar || Panjora || 31.08 ||
|-
| Gajod Dam || || Nagmati || 90.82 ||
|-
| Godhatad Dam || || Mitiariwali || 23.00 ||
|-
| Goyala Dam || Goyala || Sugandhi || 8.00 ||
|-
| Jangadia Dam || Janghadia || Khari || 38.60 ||
|-
| Kaila Dam || || Kaila || 79.25 ||
|-
| Kalaghogha Dam || || Phot || 37.00 ||
|-
| Kankawati Dam || || Kankawati || 131.67 ||
|-
| Kaswati Dam || || Kaswati || 51.20 ||
|-
| Mathal Dam || || Dhadodh || 82.78 ||
|-
| [[Mitti Dam]] || Mitti || Mitti || 18.50 ||
|-
| Nara Dam || || Nara || 27.43 ||
|-
| Nirona Dam || || Bhurud || 43.58 ||
|-
| Rudramata Dam || || Rudramati (Khari) || 66.44 ||
|-
| Sanandro Dam || || Kali || 59.74 ||
|-
| Suvi Dam || || Suvi || 42.67 || Lilpar
|-
| Tappar (W.S) Dam || || Sakara || 40.85 ||
|-
|Vijay sagar Dam
|
|
|33.00
|
|}

=== Divisions ===

Kutch is divided into four zones, namely a. Wagad (Regional including Rapar and Bhachau Taluka and Little Rann), b. Kanthi (Sea Coast area, derived from Gujarati:કાંઠો) comprising Anjar Mundra and Mandvi Taluka, c. Banni Region with Pascham which includes Bhuj, Nakhatrana and surrounding areas and d. Maghpat which includes part of Nakhatrana and Lakhapat taluka.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4Cy_-FXW9BQC&pg=PA2|title=Gujarat|date=2003|publisher=Popular Prakashan|isbn=9788179911044|language=en}}</ref>
[[File:IndianWildAss.jpg|thumb|Indian wild ass]]
Under the [[Cutch State|Kutch]] [[princely state]], Kutch was divided into Bani, Abdasa, Anjar, Banni, Bhuvad Chovisi, Garado, [[Halar]] Chovisi, Kand, Kantho, Khadir, Modaso, Pranthal, Prawar, and Vagad.

Kutch District is divided into ten [[taluka]]s: [[Abdasa Taluka|Abdasa]] (Abdasa-Nalia), [[Anjar, India|Anjar]], [[Bhachau]], [[Bhuj]], [[Gandhidham]], [[Lakhpat]], [[Mandvi]], [[Mundra]], [[Nakhatrana]], and [[Rapar]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kachchh District Panchayat: Taluka Panchayat|publisher=Kutch District|url=http://kutchdp.gujarat.gov.in/kutch/english/panchayat/taluka-panchayat.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915111800/http://kutchdp.gujarat.gov.in/kutch/english/panchayat/taluka-panchayat.htm|archive-date=15 September 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Wildlife sanctuaries and reserves ===

From the city [[Bhuj]] various [[ecology|ecologically]] rich and [[wildlife conservation]] areas of the Kutch district can be visited such as [[Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary]], [[Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary]], [[Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary]], [[Kutch Bustard Sanctuary]], [[Banni Grasslands Reserve]] and [[Chari-Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve]].

== Demographics ==

According to the [[2011 census of India|2011 census]] Kutch District has a [[Demographics of India|population]] of 2,092,371 roughly equal to the nation of [[North Macedonia]]<ref name="cia">{{cite web | author = US Directorate of Intelligence | title = Country Comparison:Population | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html | access-date = 1 October 2011 | quote = Macedonia 2,077,328 July 2011 est.
}}</ref> or the US state of [[New Mexico]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/apportionment-pop-text.php |title=2010 Resident Population Data |publisher=U. S. Census Bureau |access-date=30 September 2011 |quote=New Mexico – 2,059,179 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019160532/http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/apportionment-pop-text.php |archive-date=19 October 2013 }}</ref> This gives it a ranking of 217th in India (out of a total of [[Districts of India|640]]).{{citation needed|date=November 2019}}The district has a population density of {{convert| 46 |PD/sqkm|PD/sqmi}}.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}}Its [[Family planning in India|population growth rate]] over the decade 2001–2011 was 32.16%.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} Kutch has a [[sex ratio]] of 908 [[Women in India|females]] for every 1000 males,{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} and a [[Literacy in India|literacy rate]] of 71.58%.
{{historical populations|11=1901|12=4,88,022|13=1911|14=5,13,429|15=1921|16=4,84,547|17=1931|18=5,20,496|19=1941|20=5,07,880|21=1951|22=5,67,606|23=1961|24=6,96,440|25=1971|26=8,49,769|27=1981|28=10,50,161|29=1991|30=12,62,507|31=2001|32=15,83,225|33=2011|34=20,92,371|percentages=pagr|footnote=source:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A2_Data_Table.html|title=Census of India Website : Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|website=www.censusindia.gov.in|access-date=19 August 2019}}</ref>|align=middle}}

== Education ==
[[File:Krantiguru Shyamji Krishna Varma Kutch University Main Gate Bhuj.jpg|thumb|Krantiguru [[Shyamji Krishna Varma]] [[Kachchh University]], Bhuj|300x300px]]
Higher education in Kutch has been regulated by [[Kachchh University]] since 2003.<ref>http://kskvku.digitaluniversity.ac/WebFiles/Kutch%20Uni%20Act%202003.pdf</ref> About 43 colleges in total are affiliated to the university, offering courses in humanities, science, commerce, medicine, nursing, education and computer science.<ref>http://kskvku.digitaluniversity.ac/WebFiles/List_of_Affiliated_Colleges%20-%2013-14_New.pdf</ref> Professional courses in engineering, pharmacy and management are regulated through the [[Gujarat Technological University]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gtu.ac.in/affiliatedInstitute.asp |title=Archived copy |access-date=25 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120421074116/http://www.gtu.ac.in/affiliatedInstitute.asp |archive-date=21 April 2012 }}</ref>

== Culture ==

=== Language ===
[[File:Megwhal woman.jpg|thumb|upright|A [[Meghwal]] woman in the Hodka village, north of [[Bhuj]].]]

{| class="wikitable"
!Language
!Total
!Percentage
|-
|[[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]
|1,148,992
|54.91
|-
|[[Kutchi language|Kachchhi]]
|700,880
|33.50
|-
|[[Hindi]]
|157,493
|7.53
|-
|[[Sindhi language|Sindhi]]
|29,810
|1.42
|-
|Others
|55,196
|2.64
|}

According to the 2011 Census, Kachchhi speakers are a majority in 5 out of the 10 tehsils: Abdasa (76.06%), Lakhpat (69.71%), Mandvi (62.48%), Nakhatrana (54.54%) and Mundra (50.66%). In addition, they are 43.39% in Bhuj, 18.06% in Anjar and 14.13% in Gandhidham. However in Rapar and Bhachau, they are only 0.14% and 1.05% respectively.

The language spoken predominantly in the Kutch district is [[Kutchi language|Kutchi]] classified as a dialect of [[Sindhi language|Sindhi]]. A common misconception is that it is a dialect of [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]. The script of the Kutchi language has become extinct. It is now mainly written in the [[Gujarati script]]. Samples of Kutch script are available in the [[Kutch Museum]]. The increased use of Gujarati language is mainly because of its being a medium of instruction in schools.

=== People ===
{{main|Kutchi people}}

Kutch district is inhabited by various groups and communities. One can find various nomadic, semi nomadic and artisan groups living in Kutch. [[Ahir]]s constitute a comparatively large group in Kutch.<ref>http://www.apnaorg.com/books/english/aboriginal-tribes/aboriginal-tribes.pdf</ref>

=== Food and drink ===
[[File:Dhamakedar Dabeli.jpg|thumb|left|Kutchi Dabeli]]
[[File:Kutchi thali.JPG|thumb|Kutchi thali]]

Because most of the population of the Kutch district is [[Hindu]] or [[Jain]], the food of the region is largely vegetarian. Jains also refrain from eating [[root vegetables]] (''kandmool'' in Hindi) such as [[potatoes]], [[garlic]], [[onion]]s, and [[Amorphophallus paeoniifolius|yams]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Food & Drink|url=https://kachchh.nic.in/food-drink/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-16|website=District Kachchh, Government of Gujarat|language=en-US}}</ref> The district also features a sizeable population of Muslims, who eat vegetables, chicken, mutton and occasionally camel meat.

In the villages of the district, staple foods include [[Khichri|kadi-khichdi]], milk, and [[Pearl millet|bajra]] (pearl millet). The latter of these was introduced to the region by a king named Lakho Fulani, who was himself introduced to the grain during his period of exile.<ref name=":0" /> Bajara na rotla with curd and buttermilk is also a staple among the Gujarati people.

In the region, milk is considered to be a sacred food; an offering of milk is considered a gesture of friendship and welcoming, and dispute settlements invariably involve the parties offering milk to each other. Similarly, in Kutchi engagement ceremonies, the bride's family offers milk to the groom's family as a symbol of accepting their relationship. They also extensively drink buttermilk during lunch.<ref name=":0" />

[[Tea]] is the most popular drink in this region.

== Economy ==
[[File:Kandla Port.jpg|thumb|[[Kandla Port]]|400x400px]]
Historically Kutch was always considered a backward region due to its location and submerged geography. The situation seemed to have worsened after the disastrous [[2001 Gujarat earthquake|Kutch earthquake]] in 2001. But in the next decade, the economy took an almost miraculous jump start due to the intense efforts of the Gujarat government. Kutch today 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 closest to the Gulf of Arabia (and thus to Europe by sea). The hinterland of north-western India hosts more than 50% of India's population.

Quality of roads is good in Kutch. The large part of the growth of Kutch came after intense development by the state government as part of 2001 earthquake relief.

Due to the existence of two major ports i.e. [[Kandla Port|Kandla]] and [[Mundra Port|Mundra]] transportation as a business has thrived. Since historical times the people of Kutch have formed the backbone of trade between Gujarat mainland and Sindh. After the formation of Pakistan this trade stopped for good, but due to the inception of the Kandla port, trade boomed again. Kandla port is also in Kutch. It is considered Gateway to India's North. It is managed by the Kandla Port trust.

=== Mineral ===
[[File:Lignite-coal.jpg|thumb|[[Lignite]]]]
Kutch is a mineral rich region with a very large reserve of [[Lignite]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/fline/fl2006/stories/20030328007012200.htm|title=The brown gold of Kutch – By tapping the huge mineral deposits of the Kutch region, Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd. plans to turn the backward area into a prosperous one|first=V.K.|last=Chakravarti|volume=20|issue=6|date=15–28 March 2003|publisher=Frontline Magazine|access-date=19 August 2019}}</ref> [[Bauxite]], Gypsum and other minerals. Kutch received tax break for industries for 15 years after the major earthquake on 26 January 2001.
Lignite is mined only by Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) at its two mines in Panandhro and [[Mata no Madh]]. The Panandaro mines has now been reserved for GEB and GMDC power plants and [[Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation|GMDC]] has stopped supplying other industries from there.<ref>http://steelguru.com/news/index/2008/08/10/NTgyNzg%3D/GMDC_to_soon_start_lignite_mining_at_4_locations_in_Gujarat.html{{Dead link|date=February 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

=== Cement and Power ===
Kutch also houses cement plants Gujarat Anjan Cement Limited promoted by infrastructure conglomerate Anjan Group<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20150801012635/http://anjangroup.com/</ref> and Sanghi Industries Ltd's promoted by Sanghi Group . The companies are now planning to increase the capacity at Abdasa location from 3–9 million tons per annum.<ref name=toi_1>{{cite news |title=SIL to set up cement plant in Kutch |url=http://www1.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2162629.cms |format=cms |work=[[The Times of India]]|location=Ahmedabad |date=30 June 2007|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103095250/http://www1.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2162629.cms|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 January 2013}}</ref> By 2015, the company plans to produce 20 million tons.<ref name=toi_1 />

Other major Industries in Kutch are Tata Power's first 4000 MW Ultra Mega Power Project (UMPP) of India. Adani Power expects to tie up funds for its 3300 MW plant by March 2012 and is on track to complete the installation of 10,000 MW projects by 2013.

=== Forestry ===
Kutch district has a scanty forest cover. Hence there is negligible risk of illegal cutting of forests. This coupled with the adequate facilities available at Kandla port has helped establish the timber market. In 1987, "Kandla Timber Association" was formed in order to resolve the specific problems of timber importers and timber allied industries coming up during the period. The timber industry is growing at a faster pace with 300 saw mills working in Gandhidham-Kandla Complex.

=== Salt ===
[[File:Salt worker in Rann of Kutch.jpg|thumb|Salt worker in Rann of Kutch]]
The Little Rann of Kutch is known for its traditional salt production and various references mention this to be a 600-year-old activity. During the British period, this activity increased manifold. It was used to fund a substantial part of the military expenses of the British government.

Communities involved in salt production are mainly Chunvaliya Koli, Ahir and Miyana (Muslim), residing in 107 villages in the periphery of Lesser Rann of Kutch. These communities are traditionally known to have the skills of salt production and are known as 'Agariyas'. Water quality in 107 villages of Lesser Rann of Kutch is saline, thus agriculture is not an option. Hence salt production is the only livelihood option for Agariyas. As per the Salt Commission's report there are 45000 Agariyas working in the salt pans of Kutch. Out of the estimated total annual production of India of about 18 million tonnes, Gujarat contributes 75% – mainly from Kutch and other parts of Saurashtra.

=== Textile Art ===
[[File:Antique Kutch Embroidery.jpg|thumb|An example of Kutch Embroidery – Antique Dowry Bag|300x300px]]
[[File:Ajrak.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ajrak]]]]
Kutch is one of the most prolific regions in India in the area of textile art. Kutch embroidery is dense with motifs, and a variation with mirrors sewn into the embroidery is one of the signature arts of this region.{{citation needed|date=March 2019}}

Within the category of Kutch embroidery there are several sub-categories as each tribe and sub-tribe produces a unique signature form of art.

Kutch embroidery is an evolving expression of the craft and textile traditions of the Rabaris, a nomadic tribe in Gujarat. Kutch embroidery is unique in the sense that a net is woven on a cloth using thread. The net is then filled in using the same thread by intricate interlocking stitches. The patterns are usually built around geometric shapes. This embroidery follows its own traditional design logic and juxtaposition of colours and motifs. The Rohanas tribals of Kutch specialise in skirt work. The Sodhas use a geometric style for their embroidery. The Garacia Jats are experts in tiny embroidery on the yoke, which intermingles with red, orange, blue and green threads. The Dhanetah Jats love embroidering broad pear-shaped mirrors using orange, black, yellow and red in chain stitch.

== Religion ==
{{bar box
| title = Religions in Kutch District
| titlebar = #FCD116
| left1 = Religion
| right1 = Percent
| float = right
| bars =
{{bar percent|[[Hindus|Hindu]]|orange|76.89}}
{{bar percent|[[Muslims|Muslim]]|green|22.6}}
{{bar percent|[[Jainism|Jain]]|pink|1.21}}
{{bar percent|Others|black|0.30}}
| caption = Distribution of religions 
{{small|Source: 2011 Census.}}
}}

{| class="wikitable"
!Religion
!Total
!Percentage (%)
|-
|[[Hinduism]]
|1,608,921
|76.88

|-
|[[Islam]]
|442,355
|22.6
|-
|[[Jainism]]
|25,312
|1.21
|-
|[[Sikhism]]
|6,353
|0.2
|}

*
* A related Sarswat Brahmin are called Kutchi Saraswat Brahmin.<ref>https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230281228_Lohana_et_brahmanes_Saraswat_du_Kutch_Leurs_rapports_et_reseaux_selon_leurs_publications</ref> [[Barmati Panth]] in [[Maheshwari]] (Maheshpanthi) [[Meghwal]] Shampraday.<ref>http://www.maheshpanthi.net/general-history</ref><ref>http://www.meghnet.in/2010/07/general-history-of-maheshwari-meghwars.html</ref> Many Kutchis follow Jainism. As per the [[2011 Census of India|2011 census]], the district's population was 2,092,371.
*[[Narayan Sarovar]] in Kutch is one of the most ancient and pious place for Hindus.
* [[Koteshwar, Kutch|Koteshwar Temple]]
* Ashapura Mata temple at [[Mata no Madh]]. The village is located about 100 km from Bhuj. Ashapura Mata is the household deity (Kuldevti) of former Jadeja rulers of Cutch State.
* The [[Swaminarayan Sampraday]] has a huge following in this Kutch region. Their main temple in this district is [[Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhuj]].
* The [[Muslims]] has a huge following in this Kutch region. Their main dargah-shrine in this district is Shah Zakariya Ali Akbar, Hajipir.
* [[Anjar, India|Anjar]] city also has a Swaminarayan Mandir
* [[Lakhpat]] has religious significance for three of India's most populous religions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gujarattourism.com/destination/details/10/346|title=Lakhpat, Islam, Sikhism, Kutch, Tourism Hubs, Gujarat, India|website=www.gujarattourism.com|access-date=19 August 2019}}</ref>
* [[Siyot Caves]]
* [[Mundra]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gujarattourism.com/destination/details/10/354|title=Mundra, Port Town, Kutch, Tourism Hubs, Gujarat, India|website=www.gujarattourism.com|access-date=19 August 2019}}</ref>
* Khetabapa, Vithon

Important Jain places of Pilgrimage are -
* [[Bhadreshwar|Shri Bhadreshwar Jain Tirth Derasar]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gujarattourism.com/destination/details/10/355|title=Bhadreshwar, Jainism, Mandvi, Kutch, Tourism Hubs, Gujarat, India|website=www.gujarattourism.com|access-date=19 August 2019}}</ref>
* Koday Jain tirth<ref>http://www.gujarattourism.com/destination/details/10/352</ref> (72 Jinalaya Jain Temple here is the most famous)
* Vanki Mahavir Jain Temple, Vaanki, Gujarat 370425
* [[Kothara, Kutch|Kothara Shantinath Jain Tirth]], Kothara, Abdasa Taluka
* [[Naliya]] Thirth Jain Derasar
* [[Jakhau]] Mahavirswami Sw. Jain Tirth
* Suthri Dhrutkallol Parshwanath Maha Tirth, [[Suthari]]

<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
File:Narayan Sarovar, awesome temple.JPG|[[Narayan Sarovar]] Temple
File:Ashapura Mata Tempe, Matano Madh, Kachchh.jpg|Ashapura Mata Temple, [[Mata no Madh]]
File:Kutch Bhadreshwar Jain Temple.jpg|[[Vasai Jain Temple]], [[Bhadreshwar]]
</gallery>

== In culture ==
[[File:White Rann of Kutch.jpg|thumb|White Rann of Kutch|300x300px]]
[[J. P. Dutta]]'s [[Bollywood]] film ''[[Refugee (2000 film)|Refugee]]'' is shot on location in the [[Great Rann of Kutch]] and other locations in the Kutch district of [[Gujarat]], India. This film is attributed to have been inspired by the famous story by [[Keki N. Daruwalla]] based around the Great Rann of Kutch titled ''Love Across the Salt Desert''<ref>[http://learnhub.com/lesson/8204-love-across-the-salt-desert Love Across the Salt Desert] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202222431/http://learnhub.com/lesson/8204-love-across-the-salt-desert |date=2 December 2013 }}; by Keki N. Daruwalla. Pdf of full story posted at [[Boston University]] at [http://cns.bu.edu/~sat/satblog/fotos/lasd.pdf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719155552/http://cns.bu.edu/~sat/satblog/fotos/lasd.pdf |date=19 July 2011 }}. [http://learnhub.com/lesson/8205-love-across-the-salt-desert-know-more Bollywood connection – J. P. Dutta's "Refugee" is said to be inspired by this story] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202231316/http://learnhub.com/lesson/8205-love-across-the-salt-desert-know-more |date=2 December 2013 }}; learnhub, [[University of Dundee]]</ref> which is also included as one of the short stories in the School Standard XII syllabus English text book of [[NCERT]] in India.<ref>[http://cicmanipur.nic.in/html/hr_c_syll_enggen.asp (iii) Supplementary Reader; Selected Pieces of General English for Class XII; English General – Class XII] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110129003324/http://cicmanipur.nic.in/html/hr_c_syll_enggen.asp |date=29 January 2011 }}; Curriculum and Syllabus for Classes XI & XII; [[NCERT]]. Also posted at [https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:7ntDKDdv7C8J:www.cisce.org/data/Syllabus%2520for%2520ISC%25202011/ISC%2520Appendix%2520-%2520I%2520-%2520List%2520of%2520Prescribed%2520Text%2520Books.pdf+love+across+the+salt+desert+school+book&hl=en&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgJ2u5Zn9VJb8UC3LXk1MDsfBERX-6E1YnXt26Zlk-U0eZUQUcI9sYBSYRsT0kWnjkODYtCiUrkQ5FFA0zNmU2iH6SusNqJp69XsZRKb9NGE5CbIDuH7jKqGHt-5Zq1ohU1Ese-&sig=AHIEtbTRkblCLszaeaAoijZrBVDt84XjRA] / [https://web.archive.org/web/20090902193543/http://www.cisce.org/data/Syllabus%20for%20ISC%202011/ISC%20Appendix%20-%20I%20-%20List%20of%20Prescribed%20Text%20Books.pdf], {{cite web|url=http://www.education.nic.in/cd50years/q/6J/B3/6JB30202.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=6 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410164431/http://www.education.nic.in/cd50years/q/6J/B3/6JB30202.htm |archive-date=10 April 2009 }}</ref> The [[film crew]] having traveled from [[Mumbai]] was based at the city of [[Bhuj]] and majority of the [[film shooting]] took place in various locations around in the Kutch District of the Indian state of [[Gujarat]] including the Great Rann of Kutch (also on BSF controlled "snow white" Rann within), Villages and [[Border Security Force]] (BSF) Posts in [[Banni grasslands]] and the Rann, Tera fort village, [[Lakhpat]] fort village, Khera fort village, a village in southern Kutch, some ancient temples of Kutch and with parts and a song filmed on set in Mumbai's Kamalistan Studio.

Just after the film shooting of ''Refugee'' finished, the film crew of another Bollywood film ''[[Lagaan]]'' descended on Bhuj in Kutch and shot the entire film in the region, employing local people and villagers from miles around. A set of a full period Village was constructed for the film with typical Kutch style mud houses or huts with thatched straw roofs called ''boongas''.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=LgyDSNoCLYEC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_navlinks_s#v=onepage&q=&f=false Google Books Preview: "The spirit of Lagaan – The extraordinary story of the creators of a classic"]; by Satyajit Bhatkal; Published by Popular Prakshan Pvt. Ltd.; {{ISBN|81-7991-003-2}} (3749)</ref>

== See also ==
* [[2001 Gujarat earthquake]]
* [[Rann of Kutch]]
* [[Banni grasslands]]
* [[Princely State of Cutch]]
* [[Cutch State]] / [[Kutch State]]
* [[Kutchi (disambiguation)|Kutchi]]
* [[Kutchi language]]
* [[Kutchi people]]
* [[Kachchh (Lok Sabha constituency)]]
* [[Bhuj]], [[Gandhidham]], [[Mandvi]], [[Mundra]]
* [[Nakhatrana]], [[Khavda]], [[Madhapar]]
* [[Dabeli]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Wikivoyage|Kutch}}
{{Commons category|Kutch district}}
* [https://www.rannutsav.com/ Official website]
*[https://kutch.gujarat.gov.in Katch District Collectorate]
*[https://kutchdp.gujarat.gov.in Katch District Panchayat]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110721162346/http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in/portal/page?_pageid=127,693641&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL of Kutch Peninsula and the Great Rann; The Geological Survey of India, Ministry of Mines, Government of India]

{{Geographic location
|Centre = Kutch district
|North = ''[[Badin District|Badin]] and [[Tharparkar District|Tharpakar]] districts, [[Sindh]]''
|Northeast = [[Barmer district]], [[Rajasthan]] [[Banaskantha district]]
|East = [[Patan district]]
|Southeast = [[Surendranagar district]] [[Morbi district]]
|South = ''[[Gulf of Kutch]]''
|Southwest =''[[Arabian Sea]]''
|West = ''[[Arabian Sea]]''
|Northwest = ''[[Thatta District]], [[Sindh]]''}}

{{Gujarat}}

{{Coord|23.915|N|70.367|E|display=title}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Kutch district| ]]
[[Category:Districts of Gujarat]]
[[Category:Thar Desert]]

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Kutch district