Anjar, India

Anjar
—  town  —
Anjar Location of Anjar in Gujarat and India
Coordinates	23°08′N 70°01′E
Country	India
State	Gujarat
District(s)	Kutch
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Area • Elevation	• 81 metres (266 ft)

Anjar (Gujarati: અંજાર) is a town and a municipality in Kutch district in the state of Gujarat, India. The country is dry and sandy, and entirely depends on well irrigation for its water supply. The town is situated nearly 10 miles from the Gulf of Kutch. The town was third time made capital of Kachchh on Vikram Sawant Magsar vad 2, 1602 (Approx. 1545 CE) by Maharao Khengarji.Previously two time it was capital in Vikram Samvant 862. In Vikram Samvant 1061 by Kathis. It has history for more than 1400 years. It is the oldest city of Kachchh.

History

Anjar is named after by Kshatriya - Chauhan King Ajepal (Ajay Pal). The city was originally known as Ajay Vas after him but over the years name changed to Anjar. Chauhan Ajepal brother of King of Ajmer, Rajasthan came and settled here to protect the country and defend against the invasion of Khalifa across the sea. He established the first coastal security center in Kutch. He died due to a mortal wound suffered while fighting Khalifas in Vikram Samvat 741 equivalent to around 685 A.D. He is worshiped as a Peer and his Samadhi and temple is located on Road to Anjar Railway Station and worshiped by all the communities of town. This clearly shows that Anjar is most senior town of Kachchh.

The first ones to arrive with Chauhan Ajeypal were Rajput clans like Chauhan, Chawda, Chudasama, Jethwa, Rathod, Vadher, Vaghela, Sawaria, Solanki, Khodiyar, Vegad, etc. entered Kutch from 7th to 12th Century a major group of whom entered in 12th century AD and established themselves at Dhaneti. Later from 7th Century to 12th century onwards they moved out of Dhaneti to settle themselves between Anjar and Bhuj.

Among these after decline of Chauhan rule later Solanki, Vaghela and Chawda dynasties came to rule Kutch before arrivals of Jadeja Rulers. Further, Kathi Rajputs also became ruler of Kutch in 1000 AD and they also declared Anjar as it's capital.

Some of them were skilled masons, expert in building forts apart from being warriors and most of historical architecture was built under their supervision. Though being Rajputs they came to be known as Mistris later in 1550 AD onwards because of these architect skills because Mistry means Master Builder in Gujarati. They were granted eighteen/nineteen villages by the erstwhile rulers. The names of the villages are Anjar, Sinugra, Chandiya, Khambhra, Khedoi, Nagalpar, Reha, Vidi, Hajapar, Madhapar, Jambudi, Kukma, Ratnal, Nagor, Galpadar, Kumbharia, Devaliya, Meghpar and Lovaria. They are today known as Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas. Later from 12th century onwards they moved to settle themselves between Anjar and Bhuj and founded the villages of Anjar, Sinugra, Khambhra, Nagalpar, Khedoi, Madhapar, Hajapar, Kukma, Galpadar, Reha, Vidi, Ratnal, Jambudi, Devaliya, Lovaria, Nagor, Chandiya, Meghpar and Kumbharia.

The Brahmins, Kathi, Ahir, Rabaris, Darbar, Jadeja, Lohana, Patidar, Muslims, arrived respectively in later centuries.

Even today the "parias" of these all community are there in outskirts of city and in the compound wall of Jesal-Toral Samadhi and Ajeypal Dada Mandir etc. are standing as a mute witness to history of the war they must have fought for defense of this land and their community. The Kuldevis of these communities are also located within different areas of city.

The town was declared Capital of Kutch Raj again on Vikram Sawant Magsar vad 8, SUNDAY (RAVI, Iit vaar) 1602 (Approx. 1545 CE) by Maharao Khengarji-I. Anjar Has a history of more than 1400 years. It was announced capital four times. First in Vikram samvat 721 (Chauhan Ajaypal), then in 862, then in Vikram Samvat 1062 by Kathis and there after that in Vikram Samvat 1602 by the Maharao shri Khengarji Jadeja.

Kutch Anjar suffered severely from an earthquake in 1819, which destroyed a large number of houses, and occasioned the loss of several lives. In 1901 the population was 18,014. The town and district of Anjar were both ceded to the British in 1816, but in 1822 they were again transferred to the Kutch government in consideration of an annual money payment. Subsequently it was discovered that this obligation pressed heavily upon the resources of the native state, and in 1832 the pecuniary equivalent for Anjar, both prospectively and inclusive of the arrears which had accrued to that date, was wholly remitted by the British government.

Anjar experienced significant quakes also on 21 July 1956, which had its epicenter near the city and another one on 26 January 2001, which caused major destruction to the houses & population of the city. As per records more than 1350 houses were flattened. The most damage was caused in old area of Anjar town, that is the area within the old fortified town. and human casualty running in to more than 1500 and many more injured.

Community

There are many communities like Kshatriya, Rajputs, Jadeja, Darbar, Jains, Mohmadden, Brahmins, Nandwana, Nagar Brahmins, Kutch Gurjar Kshatriya, Kathi, Mistris, Khatri, Vohra, Ahirs, Rabaris, Sorathia, Kanabi, Patidar, Vaania, Lohana, Miyana, Kapadi, etc. living co-exsistantly since many centuries and all of them have contributed to the growth and prosperity of Anjar & Kutch over many centuries.

Geography

Anjar is located at 23.13°N 70.02°E / 23.13; 70.02. It has an average elevation of 81 metres (265 feet).

Anjar was a fortified town, before the Earthquake of 26 January 2001 the ruins of the wall could be seen around this town, but after this Earthquake the ruins are near non-existent. Around the town there are three lakes.

City of Temples

The Anjar town is a main city near Bhuj and located in the Kutch district of Gujarat state, India. The Anjar city was established before 1400 years ago as there one the oldest Bhareswar Mahadev Temple (about 1200 years old). Anjar is famous for many temples. Among them one Shree Swaminarayan Temple at Sawaser Naka, Bhid Bhanjan Mahadev Temple Near Sorathia Naka, Bhareswar Mahadev Mandir at Devaliya Naka and Jesal-Toral Samadhi, near Ajepal Dada Mandir.

God Swaminarayan came in Anjar at Samvat 1863 i.e. before 200 years. He stayed here for many days with great saints and taught the real lesson of life to many backward class people. Today Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Anjar is quite a sight in Kutch district in Gujarat.

Before that i.e. before 500 yrs there is story of Jesal and Sati Toral. Anjar is known for this. Jesal Jadeja was a Great robber and Sati Toral was a lady saint. Toral showed the path of spiritualism to Jesal. Jesal admitted and became saint. Both took their last breath at Anjar by taking live Samadhi. Every year so many pilgrims perform their pilgrimage at Anjar. It said that Torale thran nar tariya, sasatiyo ne sadhir, jesal jagno chorato, tene palma& kidho pir.i.e. Sati Toral showed path of spiritualism to three gents- Sasatiyo & Sadhir and the third Jesal whom she made saint in short time.^{[citation needed]}

Cuisine & Drinks

Anjar is also well known for its cuisine, specifically Bhikha ni Dabeli. This Dabeli is so revered that its fans stretch out all the way to the state of Maharashtra and beyond even from out of India like Persian Gulf countries. Moreover, one can find the real taste of Kesar Keri called Kesar Hagu in Anjar. Anjar is also well known for the Kharek. Local people love to drink Tea, Chhash and eat ice-cream. Other local famous items are Kutchi Pakwan, Kutchi Khaja, Pedas and farsan, etc. Pedha, Gulab Paak and Kharibhat are famous in local as well Mumbai region.

Economy

The town has strong trade and social links with neighbouring Adipur, Bhuj, Gandhidham and Kandla. The diversity of trade is similar to that of Bhuj-Kutch. Serving the Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Industries. Business Life in Anjar has changed drastically after the Earthquake, the development of new roads has forced long running businesses to shut down without any compensation. The GIDC (Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation) has extended the towns borders making it look like a city. The GIDC has attracted many big name businesses to set up in Anjar and throughout Kutch, this is turn has created thousands of new jobs in the area. And also anjar like many other large towns in India has a high growth rate. Many new houses and buildings are being constructed, a construction of a huge water pipe-line network is underway serving the communities of Gujarat as well as Kutch. Construction of major roads into Anjar is underway, with planned roads starting soon. The borders of Anjar are getting closer to those of Adipur, where the land in between them has been granted planning permission effectively making the future Cities of Anjar, Adipur and Gandhidham one Major Indian city. Anjar is also very well known for its ethnic clothes & handicrafts & metal-crafts. Swords & knife made in Anjar & near-by villages are very famous & are exported even out side India.

Culture

The people of Anjar come from many different backgrounds and have lived side by side in peace for centuries. culture programs held many times in Anjar.In Swaminarayn Mandir at sawaser naka every year on The Hindola Mahotsava celebrated with great devotion for month. Chaitra panchmi is main day of Pratishtha of Ghansyam Maharaj so that on that day thousands of people come there and enjoy Mahabhishek of Ghansyam Maharaj. Annakutt Mahotsav that is Diwali Mahotsav on that day more than ten thousands kg sweets and many kind of items prepared for God Ghansyam and then served to all holy Bhakatas all over Anjar Taluka. During festivals many people come here to enjoy the festivals. same way at many temples different kind of festivals are celebrated with real enjoyment. Temples like Jesal Toral Samadhi, Bhareswar Mahadev, Madhavray Mandir, Sachchidanand mandir where festivals celebrated with real devotion. Sharad Purnima festival and Diwali, Eid.

Notable Persons

Mr Meghaji Sheth who took leadership during princely state and when Kachchh was administered by Rao Raydhan i.e. in 1786 A.D. Rao Raydhan was keen to covert all Hindus. At that time Meghaji Sheth went to Bhuj and imprisoned Rao and gave administration in the hands of 12 persons called Barbhaya Raj i.e. first Democracy in India.

Among, the many persons of Kutch Gurjar Kshatriya or Mistri community of Anjar, who were noted for Sea-trading, architect & Railway Contracts. Manji Daya Vegad of Anjar and Lakhu Devji Vegad of Anjar during 1887-1912 built Pamban Bridge & lines from Rameshwaram. Similarly, other big Railway Contractors in decade of 1890-1920 of Anjar were Moti Murji, Jagmal Ruda, Kunwarjee Vasta, Shamjee Kheta, Triku Narayan & Ratna Govind. Bechar Hardas, Ranchhod Hardas, Jeram Hardas, Hirji Hardas, Shamjee Bechar & Narshi Bechar Khodiyar. Narshi Bechar Khodiyar son of Bechar Hardas of town was given title of Rai Sahib by British for Railway Engineering in 1920.

Jagmal Pitambar Rathod of Kutch Gurjar Kshatriya of Anjar was Gaidher of Kutch Raaj in 1750. His son Gajdhar Jagmal Rathod & his son Ruda Gajdhar Rathod & his son Jairam Ruda Gajdhar Rathod all of Anjar were for four generations Gaidher for the Kingdom of Kutch and all constructions of Kutch Raaj the forts of Anjar, Bhuj, Mandvi, Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal, Vijay Vilas Palace, Sharad Bag Palace, Ashapura Temple, Dhrang Temple, Suralbhit Mahadev Temple, etc. have been done by Mistris of Kutch under their super-vision. The Assistant Gaidher to them were from Khedoi.

Mr. Chhaganlal Parekh alias Chhagan Bapa was also a social worker, today K.K.M.S. Girls High School is the best gift given to Anjar by him.

Mr. Vrajlal R. Vora was a great astrologer of Kachchh. He has deep knowledge in astrology. He written two books on astrology. Sheth Khatau Makanji Sethia, one of the founder of Khatau Gourp also hailed from city.

Education

The most known Schools in Anjar is "Swami Vivekananda Vidhyalaya", "Smt. K. G. Manek School", "Sheth D. V. High School", Sheth Khatu Mavji Sethia H.S. School. There is also a different school for girls' higher education named 'K. K. M. S. Girls' high school Welspun Vidya mandir,Muralidhar High school,Dungrasi Gangaji Thacker vidyalay,Rabari samaj school. St. Elizabeth's School is an English medium school, which is affiliated to Gujarat State Board and is situated in Nagalpar village way to Mundra. There are 20 primary schools handled by Municipal Corporation of Anjar. And Shree Sahyog Sarswati Vidyamandir. Recently Govt. Started an I.T.I. in Anjar City. Anjar Education society has started one college named Smt Hiraben Bhanukant Pala college of arts and commerce. Second college for P.G.D.H.R.M. Moreover Cdec center and M.Sc. I.T. Jamiyate ulema e hind has started college of pharmacy anda P.T.C. college for girls. SRK institute of Management and Computer Science ( BBA , BCA , MSW , MLW, MBA , Msc(IT) )

Anjar as Taluka

Following villages belong to this taluka: Nagalpar, Sinugra, Pantiya, Khedoi, Lovariya, Chandiya, Chandroda, Mindiyana, khambhra, Sinugra, Devaliya, Vidi, Meghpar, Bhadroi, Varsamedi,Chandaroda,Bhalot,Lovariya, Pantiya,Didhai, Lakhapar,Satapar,Ambapar,Tappar,Bhimasar,Modvadar,Ajapar,Bhadroi,Ratnal,Modsar,Sugaria Jaru,Khokhara,Chandarani,Vidi,naga,Bita and Vira valadia,Devaliya,Kumbhariya, Joganinar,Sanghad,RAmpar,Tuna,Sapeda,Maringana,Ningal,Kotada,Hirapar,Navagam,Amarapar,Dhamadaka, etc.Total there are 67 Villages.

See also

• Nagalpar
• Khambhra
• Sinugra
• Pantiya
• Khedoi
• Lovariya
• Chandiya
• Chandroda
• Mindiyana
• Shinai
• Adipur
• Gandhidham
• Bhuj
• Kandla
• Mundra
• Bhuvad
• Healthcare in India
• Primary Health Centre
• Modvadar
• Devaliya
• Ratnal
• Sanghad

External links

• Direct View Of Anjar