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Gujarati Culture, Gujarati Collection, Kutchi Collection
Friday, January 7, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
rann of kutch
The Great Rann of Kutch, along with the Little Rann of Kutch and the Banni grasslands on its southern edge, is situated in the district of Kutch and comprises some 30,000 square kilometres (10,000 sq mi) between the Gulf of Kutch and the mouth of the Indus River in southern Pakistan. The marsh can be accessed from the village of Kharaghoda in Surendranagar District.
In India's summer monsoon, the flat desert of salty clay and mudflats, averaging 15 meters above sea level, fills with standing waters, interspersed with sandy islets of thorny scrub, breeding grounds for some of the largest flocks of Greater and Lesser Flamingoes, and is a wildlife sanctuary [7]. At its greatest extent, the Gulf of Kutch on the west and the Gulf of Cambay on the east are both united during the monsoon.
During the flooding wildlife including the Indian Wild Ass shelters on islands of higher ground called bets.
The area was a vast shallows of the Arabian Sea until continuing geological uplift closed off the connection with the sea, creating a vast lake that was still navigable during the time of Alexander the Great. The Ghaggar River, which presently empties into the desert of northern Rajasthan, formerly emptied into the Rann of Kutch, but the lower reaches of the river dried up as its upstream tributaries were captured by the Indus and Ganges thousands of years ago. Traces of the delta and its distributary channels on the northern boundary of the Rann of Kutch were documented by the Geological Survey of India in 2000.
The Luni River, which originates in Rajasthan, drains into the desert in the northeast corner of the Rann and other rivers fedding into the marsh include the Rupen from the east and the West Banas River from the northeast.
This is one of the hottest areas of India.
In India's summer monsoon, the flat desert of salty clay and mudflats, averaging 15 meters above sea level, fills with standing waters, interspersed with sandy islets of thorny scrub, breeding grounds for some of the largest flocks of Greater and Lesser Flamingoes, and is a wildlife sanctuary [7]. At its greatest extent, the Gulf of Kutch on the west and the Gulf of Cambay on the east are both united during the monsoon.
During the flooding wildlife including the Indian Wild Ass shelters on islands of higher ground called bets.
The area was a vast shallows of the Arabian Sea until continuing geological uplift closed off the connection with the sea, creating a vast lake that was still navigable during the time of Alexander the Great. The Ghaggar River, which presently empties into the desert of northern Rajasthan, formerly emptied into the Rann of Kutch, but the lower reaches of the river dried up as its upstream tributaries were captured by the Indus and Ganges thousands of years ago. Traces of the delta and its distributary channels on the northern boundary of the Rann of Kutch were documented by the Geological Survey of India in 2000.
The Luni River, which originates in Rajasthan, drains into the desert in the northeast corner of the Rann and other rivers fedding into the marsh include the Rupen from the east and the West Banas River from the northeast.
This is one of the hottest areas of India.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Diwali Kachchhi Recipe : BAAJAR JA MOTHIA
Saamagri: 2 vaadko bajar jo atto
1 vaadko jowar jo atto
1 vaadko finely chopped kaanda(dungri/onion)
3 tbsp. radheli bhaat(cooked rice)
meetho swad anusaar(salt)
3 tbsp. tel (oil)
1 1/2 tsp.aadu-mercheji paste
1/2 tsp. hing
mothia baafela paani/cooker
Mothia Vagharela kare:
1 tsp. rai
1 tsp. ter(til/sesame seeds)
chapti hing
1 1/2 tbsp. tel(oil)
kothmari
khamnelo nariyel
Mothia bhanayji reet :
Vaghareji chiju chade ne baaki made hekde bowl me /taahri me mix kareji.madhyam naram atto badhejo.kadak lage ta paani/grated doodhi vaji sako.8 inch long ane 1? inch jaado roll bhanayjo.tel lageli thaari me hi roll rakheja.hekde tapele me adadhe sudhi paani bhare,rollwari thaari rakheji ane bai thaari se dhake vajejo. 20 miniute baafela rakhejo.thai vane ta chaake thi check karejo ke kacchaa ta nai.baar kadhi thadha thela danejo.1 “inch size ja piece kareja.
vaghar la kare:
kadai me tel garam thiye ta rai,ter(til),hing vajejo .mothia vajeja.10 minute sekeja ane otaare kare kothmari ,nariyel thi sajayjo.
Tip: Variation la kare methi/doodhi/palak/gajar vaji sako.
Posted in: Food, Recipes.Proud to be an INDIAN
The name `India’ is derived from the River Indus, the valleys around which were the home of the early settlers. The Aryan worshippers referred to the river Indus as the Sindhu.
The Persian invaders converted it into Hindu. The name `Hindustan’ combines Sindhu and Hindu and thus refers to the land of the Hindus.
The number system was invented by India. Aryabhatta was the scientist who invented the digit zero.
Sanskrit is considered as the mother of all higher languages. This is because it is the most precise, and therefore suitable language for computer software. ( a report in Forbes magazine, July 1987 ).
Chess was invented in India.
Algebra, Trigonometry and Calculus are studies which originated in India.
The’ place value system’ and the ‘decimal system’ were developed in 100 BC in India.
The first six Mogul Emperor’s of India ruled in an unbroken succession from father to son for two hundred years, from 1526 to 1707.
The World’s First Granite Temple is the Brihadeswara temple at Tanjavur in Tamil Nadu. The shikhara is made from a single ‘ 80-tonne ‘ piece of granite. Also, this magnificient temple was built in just five years, (between 1004 AD and 1009 AD) during the reign of Rajaraja Chola
India is…….the Largest democracy in the world, the 6th largest country in the world AND one of the most ancient and living civilizations (at least 10, 000 years old).
The game of snakes & ladders was created by the 13th century poet saint Gyandev. It was originally called ‘Mokshapat.’ The ladders in the game represented virtues and the snakes indicated vices. The game was played with cowrie shells and dices. Later through time, the game underwent several modifications but the meaning is the same i.e good deeds take us to heaven and evil to a cycle of re-births.
The world’s highest cricket ground is in Chail, Himachal Pradesh.
Built in 1893 after levelling a hilltop, this cricket pitch is 2444 meters above sea level.
India has the most post offices in the world !
The largest employer in the world is the Indian railway system, employing over a million people !.
The World’s first university was established in Takshila in 700 BC. More than 10,500 students from all over the world studied more than 60 subjects. The University of Nalanda built in the 4th century was one of the greatest achievements of ancient India in the field of education.
Ayurveda is the earliest school of medicine known to mankind. The father of medicine, Charaka, consolidated Ayurveda 2500 years ago.
Although modern images & descriptions of India often show poverty, India was one of the richest countries till the time of British in the early 17th Century. Christopher Columbus was attracted by India’s wealth and was looking for route to India when he discovered America by mistake.
The art of Navigation & Navigating was born in the river Sindh 6000 over years ago. The very word ‘Navigation’ is derived from the Sanskrit word NAVGATIH. The word navy is also derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Nou’.
Bhaskaracharya rightly calculated the time taken by the earth to orbit the sun hundreds of years before the astronomer Smart. His calculations was – Time taken by earth to orbit the sun: ( 5th century ) 365.258756484 days.
The value of “pi” was first calculated by the Indian Mathematician Budhayana, and he explained the concept of what is known as the Pythagorean Theorem. He discovered this in the 6th century, which was long before the European mathematicians.
Algebra, trigonometry and calculus also orignated from India. Quadratic equations were used by Sridharacharya in the 11th century. The largest numbers the Greeks and the Romans used were 106 whereas Hindus used numbers as big as 10*53 ( i.e 10 to the power of 53 ) with specific names as early as 5000 B.C. during the Vedic period. Even today, the largest used number is Tera: 10*12( 10 to the power of 12 ).
Until 1896, India was the only source for diamonds to the world. ( Source . Gemological Institute of America )
The Baily Bridge is the highest bridge in the world. It is located in the Ladakh valley between the Dras and Suru rivers in the Himalayan mountains. It was built by the Indian Army in August 1982.
Sushruta is regarded as the father of surgery. Over 2600 years ago Sushrata & his team conducted complicated surgeries like cataract, artificial limbs, cesareans, fractures, urinary stones and also plastic surgery and brain surgeries.
Usage of anesthesia was well known in ancient India medicine. Detailed knowledge of anatomy, embryology, digestion, metabolism, physiology, etiology, genetics and immunity is also found in many ancient Indian texts.
Hence, when talking of a nation, it becomes very imperative that the past should also be talked about. And the past of India is as fascinating and interesting as it is momentous.
Proud to be Indian !
Jai Hind !
Inflation at 13-year high; soars to 11.05%
Fuelled by the sharp increase in fuel and cooking gas prices, the inflation shot to a 13-year high of over 11 per cent.
Coupled with increase in petrol product prices, the food prices put the pressure on inflation that touched 11.05 per cent on week ending June 7, a development that could cause a major worry for the government.
But for the common man, it is an even bigger worry. With prices of all commodities going through the roof, people are finding it impossible to make two ends meet.
The central government’s decision to hike petrol prices by Rs 5 a litre, diesel by Rs 3 a litre and domestic cooking gas by Rs 50 a cylinder has led to the spurt in inflation.
And the government, despite its assurances, is finding it impossible to control runaway price rise. It is also proving to be a major challenge for both the finance ministry and the Reserve Bank of India.
Meanwhile, the Bombay Stock Exchange’s benchmark Sensex tumbled by over 345 points at midsession soon after the release of inflation rate, which rose to a 13-year high of 11.05 per cent.
Inflation was 8.75 per cent for the week ended May 31 mainly on account of rising food, vegetable and fruit prices.
Within a minute of release of the government data on price movement in the country, the sensitive Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex dipped by over 200 points, reflecting the concern of the investing community.
In India, the demand for crude oil is rising by 7 per cent, while imports are rising by over 9 per cent. The government hiked the prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas by a huge margin on June 4. We’re paying more for petrol (and diesel, and LPG) — but does anyone know why? So, okay, oil prices have doubled in just over a year. Here’s why:
Speculative trading: Traders bet on future prices of oil through commodity exchanges. If there is a natural calamity, or if a country’s president or the boss of a global oil company makes a statement which could be linked to oil, the traders at the exchanges bet on a higher price in the future.
The record high price of nearly $140 per barrel is the July futures price of oil in the New York Mercantile Exchange.
Geo-political tensions, leading to supply disruptions: Caused by war, terrorist attacks or military warfare in oil rich countries, which could affect oil supply. The US sanctions on Libya, Iran and the war in Iraq have all affected oil prices.
Confronted with spiralling aviation turbine fuel prices, which account for half an airline’s operating costs in India, several low-cost and full-service carriers will go for a steep increase in fares that could vary from 5 to 20 per cent, from June 20.
The announcement comes three weeks after fares were raised 8 to 10 per cent following a rise in ATF prices (which increased 18 per cent last month).
Earlier this week, state governments had raised serious issues on the airlines’ request to lower sales tax, which could be as high as 30 per cent in some states, as a means of reducing cost.
Executives of low-cost carriers SpiceJet and IndiGo said they had increased fuel surcharge by Rs 300 for distances below 750 km and by Rs 550 for sectors over 750 km. The earlier surcharges stood at Rs 1,950 and Rs 2,250 for below 750-km and above 750-km sectors, respectively.
GoAir executives said they would take a decision on an increase in the fuel surcharge on Friday.
Jet Airways, the country’s largest airline, has increased basic fares instead of fuel surcharge, calibrating increases to distances.
Jet Airways CEO Wolfgang Prock Schauer said: “While the basic fare will increase 10 per cent, the overall increase in fare would not be more than 5 per cent since we have kept the fuel surcharge intact.”
For distances less than 750 km Jet Airways will have a minimum basic fare of Rs 1,000 and for sectors between 750 km and 1,000 km the minimum basic fare will be Rs 2,250.
For distances above 1,000 km the basic fare will be Rs 3,000. This is an increase anywhere between Rs 100 and Rs 1,000.
Jet Airways’ subsidiary value carrier JetLite, formerly Air Sahara, which was acquired last year, will have minimum fares of Rs 500 for distances below 750 km, Rs 1,500 for distances between 750 km and 1,000 km and Rs 2,000 for distances above 1,000 km. Its earlier minimum basic fare started from Rs 100. — Business Standard
Photographic Reminiscence of Krantiguru Pandit Shyamaji Krishnavarma
This is a photographic biography in tribute to the great revolutionary Indian freedom fighter, Pandit Shyamaji Krishnavarma. He began India’s Freedom movement in London, twenty years before Gandhiji entered into the arena of Indian Freedom movement. Due to a political conspiracy, Pandit Shyamaji’s name is not as well-known as Gandhiji. However, his sacrifice for his Motherland was far greater than any other famous Indian freedom fighters, who were exalted after Indian Independence. Pandit Shyamaji established “Indian Home Rule Society”, published “Indian Sociologist” a beacon for Indian Independence and established “India House”, a hostel for Indian students to reside in London from 1905.
He pioneered the Non-cooperation Movement, who demanded, Sampurna Swarajya, complete freedom of India twenty-four years before Gandghiji necessitated it in 1929. Pandit Shyamaji was the first person to contest against the British salt policy and called it “a grievous salt monopoly” twenty-five years before Gandhiji launched ”Salt Satyagrah” at Dandi in 1930.
This publication is a sincere dedication by the author, to revive the memories of Pandit Shyamaji Krishnavarma, a very real but forgotten hero of Indian Independence.
He pioneered the Non-cooperation Movement, who demanded, Sampurna Swarajya, complete freedom of India twenty-four years before Gandghiji necessitated it in 1929. Pandit Shyamaji was the first person to contest against the British salt policy and called it “a grievous salt monopoly” twenty-five years before Gandhiji launched ”Salt Satyagrah” at Dandi in 1930.
This publication is a sincere dedication by the author, to revive the memories of Pandit Shyamaji Krishnavarma, a very real but forgotten hero of Indian Independence.
Hemantkumar Gajanan Padhya was born at Khattalwada, Gujarat state. He has resided in the UK for thirty-four years, promoting Indian Arts, Culture and Vedic Religion.
Mr Padhya has actively dedicated himself to research and revive the memory of Pandit Shyamaji Krishnavarma, since the Golden Jubilee year of Indian Independence. He established an organisation called, Hindu Swatantryavir Smruti Sansthanam in that year and took up the task of fulfilling the desire and last wishes of Pandit Shyamaji and his wife, to send their asthis (ashes) to Independent India. Mr Padhya has played a vital role in the process of sending the urns with the ashes of Pandit Shyamaji and his wife from Geneva, Switzerland to Mandavi, Bharat in 2003. This took place seventy-three years after Shyamji’s passing and fifty-six years after Independence of Bharat. This would not have been possible without Mr Padhya’s determination and contribution to the cause
Photographic Reminiscence of Krantiguru Pandit Shyamaji Krishnavarma
This is a photographic biography in tribute to the great revolutionary Indian freedom fighter, Pandit Shyamaji Krishnavarma. He began India’s Freedom movement in London, twenty years before Gandhiji entered into the arena of Indian Freedom movement. Due to a political conspiracy, Pandit Shyamaji’s name is not as well-known as Gandhiji. However, his sacrifice for his Motherland was far greater than any other famous Indian freedom fighters, who were exalted after Indian Independence. Pandit Shyamaji established “Indian Home Rule Society”, published “Indian Sociologist” a beacon for Indian Independence and established “India House”, a hostel for Indian students to reside in London from 1905.
He pioneered the Non-cooperation Movement, who demanded, Sampurna Swarajya, complete freedom of India twenty-four years before Gandghiji necessitated it in 1929. Pandit Shyamaji was the first person to contest against the British salt policy and called it “a grievous salt monopoly” twenty-five years before Gandhiji launched ”Salt Satyagrah” at Dandi in 1930.
This publication is a sincere dedication by the author, to revive the memories of Pandit Shyamaji Krishnavarma, a very real but forgotten hero of Indian Independence.
He pioneered the Non-cooperation Movement, who demanded, Sampurna Swarajya, complete freedom of India twenty-four years before Gandghiji necessitated it in 1929. Pandit Shyamaji was the first person to contest against the British salt policy and called it “a grievous salt monopoly” twenty-five years before Gandhiji launched ”Salt Satyagrah” at Dandi in 1930.
This publication is a sincere dedication by the author, to revive the memories of Pandit Shyamaji Krishnavarma, a very real but forgotten hero of Indian Independence.
Hemantkumar Gajanan Padhya was born at Khattalwada, Gujarat state. He has resided in the UK for thirty-four years, promoting Indian Arts, Culture and Vedic Religion.
Mr Padhya has actively dedicated himself to research and revive the memory of Pandit Shyamaji Krishnavarma, since the Golden Jubilee year of Indian Independence. He established an organisation called, Hindu Swatantryavir Smruti Sansthanam in that year and took up the task of fulfilling the desire and last wishes of Pandit Shyamaji and his wife, to send their asthis (ashes) to Independent India. Mr Padhya has played a vital role in the process of sending the urns with the ashes of Pandit Shyamaji and his wife from Geneva, Switzerland to Mandavi, Bharat in 2003. This took place seventy-three years after Shyamji’s passing and fifty-six years after Independence of Bharat. This would not have been possible without Mr Padhya’s determination and contribution to the cause
Kutch Fishworkers' Issues in the press
The situation at Bhadreshwar village in Mundra taluka of Kutch district remains tense after 30 fishermen were arrested by the local police on charges of rioting a few days ago. The issue concerns the persistent protest by the local fishermen against the proposed 300 MW thermal power plant by OPG Power Plant at the village. The locals fear the proposed plant will harm the environment in the area and will lead to the loss of livelihood for nearly 20,000 fishermen, salt-pan workers, pastoralists and farmers in Bhadreshwar, Luni, Hatdi, Pavdiara, Sangad and other neighbouring villages.
They allege that the OPG has made several attempts to start the construction work since July this year, even before obtaining the mandatory environment clearance. The attempt by the company on August 23 led to clashes between the private security guards hired by the company and the local fishing community. C M Jadeja, Sub-Inspector, Coastal police station, Mundra, said, ?The fishermen were arrested under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and have been sent to the district jail after their two-day police remand got over.? Kaushik Ayachi, president, Bhadreshwar Salt Association, confirmed the fishermen?s contention and said, ?The OPG has increased its activities on the proposed site especially in August, leading to escalation in the situation. The district administration has done nothing to resolve the issue.? Earlier, the public hearing conducted by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) for environment clearance of the proposed project on May 29 had witnessed strong opposition by the affected community. Earlier, Ayachi had told Newsline, ?Nearly 4,000 acres of salt pans in the area within 10 km radius of the proposed power plant, affecting at least 1,500 families, will become unsuitable for pursuing our traditional livelihood.?
... contd.Page from www.agrocel.co.in
The different tribal groups that now live in Kutch have migrated there from countries as diverse as present day Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, Turkey, Iran, and other areas in the Middle East and Central Asia. There is even some evidence to show that the Jat community may have originated in Greece or Germany.
The textiles of each of these groups evolved through necessity as portable vessels, furnishings, and items of clothing. Each community and tribal group has it's own lexicon of motifs and embroidery stitches. Other craft techniques, such as batik and beading, have been imported into Kutch through sea trade with other countries.
The textiles of each of these groups evolved through necessity as portable vessels, furnishings, and items of clothing. Each community and tribal group has it's own lexicon of motifs and embroidery stitches. Other craft techniques, such as batik and beading, have been imported into Kutch through sea trade with other countries.
As far as Religion goes, remarkable amity amongst different religions groups has been traditional in Kutch. This openness to all religious faiths goes back to the common roots of the Jadejas and Sammas of Sindh. Such cohesion turned out to be of great politic value also and even though Muhammaden armies crossed the country, Kutch was never considered ripe for a Jihad.
| The Kutch rulers paid equal reverence at temples, mosques and dargahs and though being Hindu, a good portion of their army was Muslim. The Kutch durbar also gave protection and facilities to pilgrims going to Mecca. This cross-worship by different religious groups continues to this day. More interesting is the fact that apart from the orthodox streams, what prevails can best be described as popular religion - the worship of saints, mystics and heroes. | |
Kutch - an arid wasteland rich with culture and craft
On the fringes of India’s border with Pakistan is the vast marshland called Kutch, a wasteland of breathtaking beauty that is home to a hardy, creative people who are not only rewriting rules of gender and hierarchy but have made it the region with the highest density of craftspeople anywhere in the country. Often called “Nature’s most hated child”, Kutch never fails to amaze visitors with its dried wells and arid beauty. A vast swathe of the 45,612 km district with 966 villages forms the Rann of Kutch, the great salt marsh.
Geological evidence cites that the Arabian Sea scooped out massive hollows of brine in the region that mingled with the arid topography to form intermittent salt flats that broadened inland into a shallow arid basin. It is said Kutch was once under water.
As one travels through Kutch, the dry grass and sparse crop of castor seeds and peanuts give way to the pristine white deserts of the Rann of Kutch.
Somewhere en route to the last village in the region, Kaladungar, which is nearly 120 km from the town called Bhuj, a strange sight captivates. The endless white desert that stretches into the horizon suddenly seems to melt into the sky to form a plain sheet.
“This sight baffles everyone. It’s amazing isn’t it? Pity, one cannot do full justice to it with cameras. The best of the best have tried, the Discovery channel and the National Geographic to name a few, but everyone failed,” said Pavitran Vittal, an official in the state tourism department.
Kutch is a survivor, it has stood the test of time since the Jurassic age when dinosaurs roamed its desolate terrain and the first civilisation fanned out along an ancient delta at the mouth of the Kutch basin.
Archaeologists have discovered the biggest Harappan civilisation site in a village called Kuran in the Pachcham island of Kutch.
Located strategically along the India-Pakistan border, Kutch has survived two skirmishes with Pakistan and several earthquakes, including one that almost razed the town of Bhuj. But hardships have tempered Kutch with steel.
It is one of the upcoming tourist destinations in the state. For more than a decade now, the Rann Utsav, an annual cultural festival, has been luring tourists with three-day packages that include tent homes, camel cart rides on full moon nights and outdoor soirees of traditional Kutchi and Gujarati folk arts.
“The desert almost comes alive on the full moon night with the colours of ethnic Gujarat,” says a senior tourism official. The crowd is a mix of Indian and foreigners.
The Gujarat government is planning to celebrate the festival next year in a bigger way to increase the number of footfalls in the state and build a fossil park following the discovery of dinosaur fossils in Kaladungar.
Another rural tourism project, Shaam-e-Sarhad, gives tourists a feel of rural Kutch. It remains packed with visitors between October and March, the best time to visit Kutch.
The mostly Muslim dominated region is sparsely populated. Thirteen of the 18 tribes, which reside in this semi-desert, semi salt marsh land, are Muslims. Each tribe occupies a pocket of the region with 15-20 families.
A striking feature in the villages of the region is the attire of the people. The Kutchi people love adorning themselves in bright and colourful outfits with lots of mirror work, and ample heavy jewellery.
Kutch prides itself in its strong tradition of crafts and embroidery like Kharek, Paako, Rabaari and Mutuwa; and not surprisingly has the highest density of craftspeople in the country.
The embroidery, mostly done by the women, maintains the gender balance at home.
“We take equal part in household decisions with our husbands,” said 20-year-old weaver Natha Behn in her tiny home in Ludiya village.
“It takes me a month to make a kanjari (long blouse), complete with the embroidery and the mirror work. It costs me about Rs.200 (approx $5) and I sell it for about three times more. I also make bags, blankets, dolls, cushion covers and other items,” Natha Behn told IANS.
Natha Behn makes about $20 a month. “My husband herds cattle. But more often than not, I earn more than him.”
Anjuri Kaya, well into her 50s, said: “Things become difficult during monsoons. The region is waterlogged and we have to sell our wares at a much cheaper rate to the middlemen. Otherwise things are pretty good.”
The women also make sure that the young girls of the village go to school, along with the boys. Considering Kutch’s literacy rate, 64.06 percent for men and 40.89 percent for women according to the 1991 census - this initiative by women is considered a big step ahead by many.
“The people have to understand that it’s important for girls to complete their education. Considering that women have an important say in the family, this initiative by them is a ray of hope.
“Moreover, they make sure that their daughters are capable of earning their own bread and butter. They are empowered,” said Pavitran Vittal, an official of the Gujarat tourism department.
Women of the region have also played a major role in pulling Kutch out of the debris left behind by the devastating earthquake back in 2001.
Ludiya, a Dalit village, one of the many villages in Bhuj district destroyed by an earthquake in 2001 is now a pretty hamlet with beautifully painted mud huts and a bustling school.
“After the earthquake, we thought that it was the end. But then some NGOs came forward to help us and we started rebuilding our village,” said Khaju Kaya.
“The women brought money with their handicrafts and made all this possible,” he added.
Kutch is a storehouse of treasures. A hill in Kaladungar has become the latest hunting ground for archaeologists who have discovered fossil remains of dinosaurs in the region.
Atanu Chakrabarty, secretary of the state’s tourism and small-scale industries department, said numerous dinosaur fossils have been found in the region. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have authenticated them.
“The fossilised eggs of dinosaurs and their body, embedded in rocks, were discovered in the hills of Kaladungar and they have been authenticated by the GSI and ZSI officials. It dates back to 65 million years ago,” Chakrabarty said.
Plans, still at a preliminary stage, are on to develop the place into a dinosaur fossil park.
Geological evidence cites that the Arabian Sea scooped out massive hollows of brine in the region that mingled with the arid topography to form intermittent salt flats that broadened inland into a shallow arid basin. It is said Kutch was once under water.
As one travels through Kutch, the dry grass and sparse crop of castor seeds and peanuts give way to the pristine white deserts of the Rann of Kutch.
Somewhere en route to the last village in the region, Kaladungar, which is nearly 120 km from the town called Bhuj, a strange sight captivates. The endless white desert that stretches into the horizon suddenly seems to melt into the sky to form a plain sheet.
“This sight baffles everyone. It’s amazing isn’t it? Pity, one cannot do full justice to it with cameras. The best of the best have tried, the Discovery channel and the National Geographic to name a few, but everyone failed,” said Pavitran Vittal, an official in the state tourism department.
Kutch is a survivor, it has stood the test of time since the Jurassic age when dinosaurs roamed its desolate terrain and the first civilisation fanned out along an ancient delta at the mouth of the Kutch basin.
Archaeologists have discovered the biggest Harappan civilisation site in a village called Kuran in the Pachcham island of Kutch.
Located strategically along the India-Pakistan border, Kutch has survived two skirmishes with Pakistan and several earthquakes, including one that almost razed the town of Bhuj. But hardships have tempered Kutch with steel.
It is one of the upcoming tourist destinations in the state. For more than a decade now, the Rann Utsav, an annual cultural festival, has been luring tourists with three-day packages that include tent homes, camel cart rides on full moon nights and outdoor soirees of traditional Kutchi and Gujarati folk arts.
“The desert almost comes alive on the full moon night with the colours of ethnic Gujarat,” says a senior tourism official. The crowd is a mix of Indian and foreigners.
The Gujarat government is planning to celebrate the festival next year in a bigger way to increase the number of footfalls in the state and build a fossil park following the discovery of dinosaur fossils in Kaladungar.
Another rural tourism project, Shaam-e-Sarhad, gives tourists a feel of rural Kutch. It remains packed with visitors between October and March, the best time to visit Kutch.
The mostly Muslim dominated region is sparsely populated. Thirteen of the 18 tribes, which reside in this semi-desert, semi salt marsh land, are Muslims. Each tribe occupies a pocket of the region with 15-20 families.
A striking feature in the villages of the region is the attire of the people. The Kutchi people love adorning themselves in bright and colourful outfits with lots of mirror work, and ample heavy jewellery.
Kutch prides itself in its strong tradition of crafts and embroidery like Kharek, Paako, Rabaari and Mutuwa; and not surprisingly has the highest density of craftspeople in the country.
The embroidery, mostly done by the women, maintains the gender balance at home.
“We take equal part in household decisions with our husbands,” said 20-year-old weaver Natha Behn in her tiny home in Ludiya village.
“It takes me a month to make a kanjari (long blouse), complete with the embroidery and the mirror work. It costs me about Rs.200 (approx $5) and I sell it for about three times more. I also make bags, blankets, dolls, cushion covers and other items,” Natha Behn told IANS.
Natha Behn makes about $20 a month. “My husband herds cattle. But more often than not, I earn more than him.”
Anjuri Kaya, well into her 50s, said: “Things become difficult during monsoons. The region is waterlogged and we have to sell our wares at a much cheaper rate to the middlemen. Otherwise things are pretty good.”
The women also make sure that the young girls of the village go to school, along with the boys. Considering Kutch’s literacy rate, 64.06 percent for men and 40.89 percent for women according to the 1991 census - this initiative by women is considered a big step ahead by many.
“The people have to understand that it’s important for girls to complete their education. Considering that women have an important say in the family, this initiative by them is a ray of hope.
“Moreover, they make sure that their daughters are capable of earning their own bread and butter. They are empowered,” said Pavitran Vittal, an official of the Gujarat tourism department.
Women of the region have also played a major role in pulling Kutch out of the debris left behind by the devastating earthquake back in 2001.
Ludiya, a Dalit village, one of the many villages in Bhuj district destroyed by an earthquake in 2001 is now a pretty hamlet with beautifully painted mud huts and a bustling school.
“After the earthquake, we thought that it was the end. But then some NGOs came forward to help us and we started rebuilding our village,” said Khaju Kaya.
“The women brought money with their handicrafts and made all this possible,” he added.
Kutch is a storehouse of treasures. A hill in Kaladungar has become the latest hunting ground for archaeologists who have discovered fossil remains of dinosaurs in the region.
Atanu Chakrabarty, secretary of the state’s tourism and small-scale industries department, said numerous dinosaur fossils have been found in the region. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have authenticated them.
“The fossilised eggs of dinosaurs and their body, embedded in rocks, were discovered in the hills of Kaladungar and they have been authenticated by the GSI and ZSI officials. It dates back to 65 million years ago,” Chakrabarty said.
Plans, still at a preliminary stage, are on to develop the place into a dinosaur fossil park.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Another Culture View of Kutch
Culture of Kutch
Sea, desert, farming and cattle raising are included in Kutch's culture. It also includes people's dress ups, their festivals, their habits and their artistic side.
The clothes worn by Kutchis are more similar to the people of Rajasthan and Sindh. The old style Kutchi clothes really depicts its culture. Villagers here wear 'Cheni'. On 'Cheni', they ware black, yellow and red border thin 'Khes', and on 'Cheni' they wear 'Abho' and put 'Ajrakh' on their shoulders. In old times people (men) used to wear a cap called 'Paagh'. They wear it with different styles. Man without 'Paagh' was considered shameful. If they don't wear 'Cheni', they wear 'Dhoti' made out of thick cloths. Men wear high heel, sharp pointed embroiders shoes. Rabari women wear hot 'Comdi'. Charan women wear 'Dhibdo' that is a blouse fully open from backside. They call Charan women 'Matama' or 'Fui'.
 | Jewelry of Kutch's Jat, Rabari, Aahir and Charan women depict their culture. Aahir women and children wear 'Haydi' whereas Jat women's women wear 'Vadlo' or 'Mkoda Chakkar' around their neck. 'Huldo' is wear by all women of Kutch. |
Muslim women wear artistic ankle bangals called 'Ghunla'. Rabari women's main jewel is 'Akota' that they wear in their nose. It is too heavy and so is supported by a look of hair. Men also wear 'Kadku' in ear.
Many God and Goddess cultural festivals are included in Kutch's life. They believe in 'Mataji's different 'Avatars'. They also worship pirs and Jakkhas. Religion and religious fairs are co-connected in Kutch's culture. One of such fair is at the time of Navratri. Is Navaratri they have fair in Mata's Madh. People come walking for this fair. Among the biggest religious fairs, one is of Jakkha's fair that is the center of Kutch's culture. People from all over the Kutch come here in their traditional dresses.
| They all sing songs in fair in night times. In Hajipir's fair not only Muslims but all kinds of people participates in here. Among other religious fair is Bhujya's fair on the day of Nagpachami. Talvana's Ruknshapir's fair, Dhangadra's Dada Mekan's fair and Ramdevpir's fair near Vongh. |  |
 | Mandvi's Ravadi fair is held on the day of Janamasthami. On the second day they have 'Rathyatra' and at the end of the fair they have a big Rath'. There is one more Ravadi fair of Kharvar. Both of these are famous for Kutch's rural culture. |
People do aerobatics shifts, wrestling , play dandiya raas and other kinds of sports.
On the day before Janmasthmi Dhebaias, Rabaris, Machoya, and Aahir casts' people organized Gokulia Weddings. The atmosphere becomes like a festival. The wedding ceremony is held during 11 to 12 in the morning and is performed by Pandit or the elders of the family. In the afternoon, after the wedding they start celebrating Janamasthmi.
| The groom is dressed up like a king. He wears traditional dress which is embroider and with the embroider sword in his had. |  |
Fishermen in Kutch do not have fairs, since they have to work most of the time in sea; they sing songs of courage and hard work when they leave for their jobs. Their wives farewells their husbands and breaks coconut as a good omen, and asks sea to protect their husbands. Even the Maldharis that are a kind of gypsies can't fix a fair, as they have to move from one place to another. Any guest to their place is time of festival for them. They cook good food for guests, sings, dance and merry whole night.
People in Kutch have different religious, different occupations and different beliefs, but they are one as Kutchis. Through their culture they remain together. Almost all people of Kutch believe in Brahmans and start any new work, on the advice of Brahman. If anyone breaks rule of its community is severely punished. And if injustice happens, they won't hesitate to fight against it. Kutchis can give their lives to fulfil their promise.
Whenever a new village is established or a place is bought for new building, in Kutch, the people so Puja of that land. After the puja only, they start building new buildings. They also do puja by Brahmin when farmers buy new farm or buy cows. In Kutch's culture they also worship and so puja of trees like banyan, pipal, and Tulsi. They also worship cows and snakes.
Almost every part of Kutch, you come across the cremated stones called 'Palia' that are the symbol of bravery of the people around that area. Here they protect women and if any problems or crisis occurs, then they mostly solved with the help of their elders instead of going in court. In many casts of Kutch, cattle are more important than education. There is religion in the base of Kutchi culture. People keep fasts on many religious days and festivals. They also feed cows on such occasions. Many people in Kutch believe in ghosts and supernatural beings. If somebody falls sick without any particular reason then they go to phycic for help.
 | In Kutch we find many places and buildings that are the examples of local cultures and artistry. It includes religious places, forts, God and Goddesses' place, etc. |
In religious places, Lakhpat's Pir Gosh Mahommad's Kuba and Lakhpat's Pir's dargah are the examples of art and it also dipicted in Nakhatrana's Vadi Medi . Lakhpat's fort is also an example of an artistic architecture. Bhuj's Bhjiya Hill's fort is built for the protective reasons. There is also artistic work done in the fort.
In contrast to Dargahs and forts and other religious places, the Sthanks of God and Goddesses' are quiet simple. With these Sthanks wells are also connected. Mata's Madh's architecture is similar to that of well with stairs. Jakkhas' places are built on high hills or on a high terrace and their statues are made along with their horses. In every village of Kutch we find Kuldevi's Deris and that are built for the protection of the village.
| In the West Side of any village resides Hanuman's Deri and out of village we find Vachradada's Sthanaks. At the entrance we find Nagdev's Deri. Among Dargahs, Hajipir's dargah is very famous. Other is Murdapir's Dargah. In old times when Kings died, they used to build their Chatardis. |  |
Kutch's civilizations and their architectures of houses are also very different and artistic. There are basically 3 kinds of habitats. First is Maldharis' habitat; second is farmers' habitat, fishermen's habitat.
Maldharis have huts made out of clay with the help of bamboo. These huts are made in such a way that it keeps it cool in summer and protects it from rain and cold. There huts' ceilings are made out of bamboo and artistically designed. Farmers' architecture is like any little village. They have lanes and their houses on the side of the lanes. They call their houses "Delis". In Banni and farmers' habitat, the architecture of kitchen is almost similar. They are artistic and well defined. Fishermen's habitats have their houses built in sands that they call "Dhango". Kharva, Bhdalas, and Muslims Vadheros resides here.
The main feature of Kutchi culture is tattoo. Kutchi women of Banni, Harijan, Aahir, Rabari, Bhunashli casts have tattoos done on their hands, on the back side of palm, between their eye brows, neck, chest, legs, etc. They tattoo any kinds of shapes and figures.
Another feature of Kutchi culture is its musical instruments. Dhol is a kind of an instrument like drum that has an important place in the culture. They are used for many reasons and in many events like fairs, wars, in announcing a public meeting, etc. There are also instruments that are used in religious songs called Bhjans like Ramsagar, Zaz-Pakhvaj, Manjira and Dholak. Maldharis have their own kinds of musical instruments like Morchang, Nalvadan and Algoza .
| In Kutch the painter is called "Kamangar" and the painting is called "Kamagari". In this type of artistry they paint walls with brushes made out of Khajuri's leaves. Instead of boring life of everyday people here have artistic features in every aspect of their lives like their houses, their clothes and paintings |  |
Kutchi Culture
Simple living yet dynamic in thoughts, raring to move forward this the strong belief of the Kutchis. Sturdy in their vision yet completely invaginates. Not afraid to think out of the box and experiment, but firmly anchored to their traditional roots. The Culture of Kutch is so prosperous, vibrant and authentic that will surely mesmerize you in everyway, this is Kutch, weaved in its colourful dream.
Sea, desert, farming and cattle raising are included in Kutch`s culture. It also includes people`s dress ups, their festivals, their habits and their artistic side.
The clothes worn by Kutchis are more similar to the people of Rajasthan and Sindh. The old style Kutchi clothes really depict its culture. Villagers here wear `Cheni`. On `Cheni`, they ware black, yellow and red border thin `Khes`, and on `Cheni` they wear `Abho` and put `Ajrakh` on their shoulders. In old times people (men) used to wear a cap called `Paagh`. They wear it with different styles. Man without `Paagh` was considered shameful. If they don`t wear `Cheni`, they wear `Dhoti` made out of thick cloths. Men wear high heel, sharp pointed embroidery shoes. Rabari women wear hot `Comdi`. Charan women wear `Dhibdo` that is a blouse fully open from backside. They call Charan women `Matama` or `Fui`.
Jewelry of Kutch`s Jat, Rabari, Aahir and Charan women depict their culture. Aahir women and children wear `Haydi` whereas Jat women wear `Vadlo` or `Mkoda Chakkar` around their neck. `Huldo` is wear by all women of Kutch. Muslim women wear artistic ankle bangals called `Ghunla`. Rabari women`s main jewel is `Akota` that they wear in their nose. It is too heavy and so is supported by a look of hair. Men also wear `Kadku` in ear.
Many cultural festivals are included in Kutch`s life. They believe in `Mataji`s different `Avatars`. They also worship pirs and Jakkhas. Religion and religious fairs are co-connected in Kutch`s culture. One of such fair is at the time of Navratri. In Navaratri they have fair in Mata`s Madh. People come walking for this fair. Among the biggest religious fairs, one is of Jakkha`s fair that is the center of Kutch`s culture. People from all over the Kutch come here in their traditional dresses.
They all sing songs in fair in night times. In Hajipir`s fair not only Muslims but all kinds of people participate here. Among other religious fair is Bhujya`s fair on the day of Nagpachami. Talvana`s Ruknshapir`s fair, Dhangadra`s Dada Mekan`s fair and Ramdevpir`s fair near Vongh.
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Sea, desert, farming and cattle raising are included in Kutch`s culture. It also includes people`s dress ups, their festivals, their habits and their artistic side.
The clothes worn by Kutchis are more similar to the people of Rajasthan and Sindh. The old style Kutchi clothes really depict its culture. Villagers here wear `Cheni`. On `Cheni`, they ware black, yellow and red border thin `Khes`, and on `Cheni` they wear `Abho` and put `Ajrakh` on their shoulders. In old times people (men) used to wear a cap called `Paagh`. They wear it with different styles. Man without `Paagh` was considered shameful. If they don`t wear `Cheni`, they wear `Dhoti` made out of thick cloths. Men wear high heel, sharp pointed embroidery shoes. Rabari women wear hot `Comdi`. Charan women wear `Dhibdo` that is a blouse fully open from backside. They call Charan women `Matama` or `Fui`.
Jewelry of Kutch`s Jat, Rabari, Aahir and Charan women depict their culture. Aahir women and children wear `Haydi` whereas Jat women wear `Vadlo` or `Mkoda Chakkar` around their neck. `Huldo` is wear by all women of Kutch. Muslim women wear artistic ankle bangals called `Ghunla`. Rabari women`s main jewel is `Akota` that they wear in their nose. It is too heavy and so is supported by a look of hair. Men also wear `Kadku` in ear.
Many cultural festivals are included in Kutch`s life. They believe in `Mataji`s different `Avatars`. They also worship pirs and Jakkhas. Religion and religious fairs are co-connected in Kutch`s culture. One of such fair is at the time of Navratri. In Navaratri they have fair in Mata`s Madh. People come walking for this fair. Among the biggest religious fairs, one is of Jakkha`s fair that is the center of Kutch`s culture. People from all over the Kutch come here in their traditional dresses.
They all sing songs in fair in night times. In Hajipir`s fair not only Muslims but all kinds of people participate here. Among other religious fair is Bhujya`s fair on the day of Nagpachami. Talvana`s Ruknshapir`s fair, Dhangadra`s Dada Mekan`s fair and Ramdevpir`s fair near Vongh.
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Kutchi History
Kachhi is related to Sindhi, spoken in neighboring Sindh, Pakistan and parts of India, and Gujarati, because the Kutch District is geographically between Sindh and Gujarat.
Kachhi is often thought to be a mixture of Sindhi, Gujarati and Rajasthani. Its lexical content shows the very large extent to which the language is a complex combination of Sindhi and Gujarati. It is likely that such linguistic similarities are the result of migrations over the centuries across the desert stretching from present-day Sindh to Saurashtra and Kutchh to the east, and Rajasthan.
Most Kachhis living in India are bilingual or trilingual, due to exposure to closely-related neighbouring languages such as Gujarati. Many Pakistanis are also bilingual or trilingual; many residents of Karachi speak Kutchi. Kutchi can not be written in Urdu script but it can be written in Sindhi or Gujarati scripts.
In addition, Kutchi is also understood by speakers of the Memoni dialect, spoken by individual belonging to the Memoni ethnicity within Pakistan and India, so much so that they could have an entire conversation with only a few words of difference.
Basic Kutchi Wording
Kachhi is often thought to be a mixture of Sindhi, Gujarati and Rajasthani. Its lexical content shows the very large extent to which the language is a complex combination of Sindhi and Gujarati. It is likely that such linguistic similarities are the result of migrations over the centuries across the desert stretching from present-day Sindh to Saurashtra and Kutchh to the east, and Rajasthan.
Most Kachhis living in India are bilingual or trilingual, due to exposure to closely-related neighbouring languages such as Gujarati. Many Pakistanis are also bilingual or trilingual; many residents of Karachi speak Kutchi. Kutchi can not be written in Urdu script but it can be written in Sindhi or Gujarati scripts.
In addition, Kutchi is also understood by speakers of the Memoni dialect, spoken by individual belonging to the Memoni ethnicity within Pakistan and India, so much so that they could have an entire conversation with only a few words of difference.
Basic Kutchi Wording
- Kan - which
- Koro - કોરો - what
- Barobar - ભરોભર - Ok
- Saro - લાટ - nice
- Khapey - ખપે - want
- Mukay dE - મુકે ડે - give (it to) me
- Jaga - જગા - place
- BhOOkh -ભોખ - hunger
- Kadaa - કડા - where
- acho- હલ્યા - welcome
- Maaru - માડુ - man
- Chhokro - છોરો - boy
- Naam - નાલો - name
- Kutoo - કોત્તો- dog
- Minnee - મન્ની - cat
- Undar - અંદર - mouse
- Udha - અંદર - there
- Achi ja - અચીજા - goodbye
- Sanjo kenjo - ચોવિયાર - dinner before sunset
- Kii aiyo - કિં અહિયે - how are you?
- Paan-jo - પાંજો - our
- Gaal-yu - ગાલ્યું - talk (as in 'Talk is cheap')
- Dil - ધીલ - heart
- mujjo/munjoo - my
- tojo - your
- paanjo - our
- maylo - dirty
- Khaali - ખાલી - empty
- kear - કેર - who
- maani - માની - Chapati
- katra - કતરા - how much
- khabar - ખબર - news
- tamacho - slap
- gando - crazy
- sachi - really
- malyo - got/acquired
- poi/pachi - later
- thik aai/barobar aai - it is fine
- rakh - keep it
- dayyo - well behaved
- magaj - mind
- koro aai: What is....
- khano aai - want to eat
Famous Kutchi speakers
- Great Revolutionary,Freedom Fighter and founder of non cooperation movement Pandit Shyamji Krishna Verma
- Fahmida Mirza, first female Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan.
- Famous music duo Kalyanjibhai Anandjibhai
- Bollywood Choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant
- Disco Dandia founder Babla
- Music director Viju Shah
- Keshav Dutia
- Bollywood Director and Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah
- Child Model Hajra Nabila Karbani
Sunday, January 2, 2011
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