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The history of Kutch goes back to 3000 BC with the discovery of the traces of the Indus Valley civilization. Kutch was formerly an independent state, founded in the late 13th century by a samma rajput named Jada, from which name the J
adeja rajputs derive their patronymic. The Jadeja dynasty ruled not only Kutch but also much of neighbouring Kathiawar for several centuries until the independence of India in 1947. In 1815, Kutch became a British protectorate and ultimately a princely state, whose local ruler acknowledged British sovereignty in return for local autonomy. A beautiful mirror palace, one surviving relic of the princely era is the Aina Mahal ("mirror palace"), built in the 1760's at Bhuj for the Maharao of Kutch by Ram Singh Malam who had learnt glass, enamel and tile work from the Dutch. Upon the independence of India in 1947, Kutch acceded unto the dominion of India and was constituted as an independent commissionerate. It was created a state within the union of India in 1950. On November 1, 1956, Kutch was merged with Bombay state, which in 1960 was divided into the new linguistic states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. After the Partition of India in 1947, the province of Sindh, including the port of Karachi, ended up in Pakistan. The Indian Government constructed a modern port at Kandla in Kutch to serve as a port for western India in lieu of Karachi. Kutch has also experienced frequent earthquake since medieval times. Kutch has experienced over 90 earthquakes up till 2001. Much of Bhuj was destroyed or damaged as were many villages. Many of the attractions of Bhuj including the Aina Mahal have still not been restored. Kutch, India’s Wild West, is a geographic phenomenon, full of rustic beauty. What appears an endless desert plain running dead straight for the horizon, is in fact virtually `a seasonal island` resembling a "Katchua or Kachbo" meaning tortoise, surrounded by seawater. It is a land of colour, culture and chronicle is one of districts of Gujarat where all the country`s smiles and metaphor appear to have come in concert. Ancient temples, attractive architectured palaces and rugged fort, men and women in vibrant costumes, Flamingoes and wild Asses, harsh sunlight, moderate rainfall and the cool evening breeze - are all there in abundance. Kutch ladscapse is flat and dry, but the villages dotted throughout the dramatic, inhospitable landscape feel like pre-partition Pakistan, and the tribal villagers produce some of India’s finest folk textiles, glittering with exquisite embroidery and mirror work. The district is also famous for ecologically important Banni grasslands with their seasonal marshy wetlands which form the outer belt of the Rann of Kutch. Kachchh District is surrounded by the Gulf of Kachchh and the Arabian Sea in south and west, while northern and eastern parts are surrounded by the Great and Small Rann (seasonal wetlands) of Kachchh. When there were not many dams built on its rivers, the Rann of Kachchh remained wetlands for a large part of the year. Even today, the region remains wet for a significant part of year. The Rann of Kutch is divided into the Greater Rann Of Kutch and the Little Rann Of Kutch. The Greater Rann of Kutch: As the name suggests the Greater Rann Of Kutch spans an area of 7505.22 Sq. km and is comparatively larger than the Little Rann Of Kutch. The greater Rann of Kutch is home to a wide array of flora and fauna. Migratory birds deem it an abode during diverse weather conditions. The Little Rann of Kutch: The Little Rann Of Kutch occupies 4,953 sq. kms and is spread out in the districts of Surendranagar, Banasakantha, Patan, Kutch and Rajkot in Gujarat. It is well known as The Wild Ass Sanctuary, named after endangered Ghudkhur that is seen here in large numbers. Established in 1972 the sanctuary came under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1973
