View source for Bhuj

{{short description|City in Gujarat, India}}
{{for multi|the dagger|Bhuj (weapon)|the 2021 Indian film|Bhuj: The Pride of India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2018}}
<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Bhuj
| official_name      = 
| other_name         = 
| settlement_type    = City
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
| border      = infobox
| total_width = 280
| image_style =
| perrow      = 1/2/1 
| caption_align = center
| image1      = Pragmahal Bhuj Kutch Gujarat.jpg {{!}} Prag Mahal
| caption1    = [[Prag Mahal]]
| image2      = Damaged Ainamahal Bhuj Kutch Gujarat.jpg {{!}} Aina Mahal
| caption2    = [[Aina Mahal]]
| image3      = Dungar of bhuj.jpg {{!}} Bhujia Fort
| caption3    = [[Bhujia Fort]]
| image4      = Hamirsar.JPG {{!}} Hamirsar Lake
| caption4    = [[Hamirsar Lake]]
}}
| image_alt          = 
| image_caption      = 
| nickname           = 
| map_alt            = 
| map_caption        = 
| pushpin_map        = India Gujarat#India
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt    = 
| pushpin_map_caption = 
| pushpin_relief     = yes
| coordinates        = {{coord|23.25|N|69.67|E|display=it}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_type3  = 
| subdivision_name1  = [[Gujarat]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Kutch district|Kutch]]
| subdivision_name3  = 
| established_title  = <!-- Established -->
| established_date   = 1549
| founder            = Rao Hamirji Jadeja
| named_for          = 
| government_type    = [[Municipal Council (India)|Municipal Council]]
| governing_body     = Bhuj Municipal Council
| leader_party       = [[BJP]]
| leader_title       = Chairman
| leader_name        = Rashmi Solanki
| unit_pref          = Metric
| area_footnotes     = 
| area_total_km2     = 56
| area_rank          = 
| elevation_footnotes = 
| elevation_m        = 110
| population_total   = 188,236
| population_as_of   = 2011
| population_footnotes = 
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_rank    = 
| population_demonym = 
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]]
| demographics1_title2 = Regional
| demographics1_info2 = [[Kutchi language|Kutchi]]
| timezone1          = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1        = +5:30
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code        = 370001
| area_code          = +912832xxxxxx
| area_code_type     = Telephone code
| registration_plate = GJ-12
| blank1_name_sec1   = [[Human sex ratio|Sex ratio]]
| blank1_info_sec1   = 0.97 [[female|♀]]/[[male|♂]]
| website            = {{URL|http://www.bhujnagarpalika.org|Bhuj Municipal Council}}
| footnotes          = 
}}

'''Bhuj''' ({{ipa|gu|bʰudʒ|lang|Bhuj.ogg}}) is a city and the headquarters of [[Kutch district]] in the [[Indian state]] of [[Gujarat]]. It was the capital of [[Cutch State]], which was a princely state before it was merged into the [[Dominion of India|Indian Union]] in 1947.

==Etymology==
According to legend, Kutch (Kachchh) was ruled by the [[Nāga]] chieftains in the past. Sagai, a queen of Sheshapattana, who was married to King Bheria Kumar, rose up against Bhujanga, the last chieftain of Naga. After the battle, Bheria was defeated and Queen Sagai committed [[Sati (practice)|sati]]. The hill where they lived later came to be known as [[Bhujia Hill]] and the town at the foothill as Bhuj. Bhujang was later worshiped by the people as snake god, ''[[Nāga|Bhujanga]]'', and a temple was constructed to revere him.<ref name="Ward1998">{{cite book|author=Ward|title=Gujarat–Daman–Diu: A Travel Guide|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P7EHTBl_pyQC&pg=PA316|date=1 January 1998|publisher=Orient Longman Limited|isbn=978-81-250-1383-9|pages=316–317}}</ref>

==History==
{{main|Cutch State}}
[[File:Jadeja Chief.JPG|320x240px|thumbnail|left|A Jadeja Chief in Kutchi attire during reign of Deshalji II : A sketch drawn in 1838]]
Bhuj City and [[Kutch]] Region were established by Maharaja of [[Parmar (Rajput clan)|Parmar]] [[Rajput|Rajputs]], and deterred invasions for centuries. Bhuj City was occupied by Rao Hamir in 1510 and made the capital of [[Kutch]] (kachchh) by Rao [[Khengarji I]] in 1549.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bhujonline.in/city-guide/bhuj-history|title=History of Bhuj|publisher=Bhuj Online|access-date=31 October 2018 }}</ref> Its foundation stone as state capital was formally laid on [[Vikram Samvat]] 1604 [[Maagha]] 5th (approx. 25 January 1548). From 1590 onwards, when Rao was forced to acknowledge the [[Mughal Empire|Mughal supremacy]], Bhuj came to be known as Suleiman Nagar amongst Muslims. The city's walls were built by Rao [[Godji I]] in 1723{{dubious|date=October 2015}}, and the [[Bhujia Fort]] by Devkaran Seth in Rao [[Deshalji I]]'s time (1718 - 1741).<ref name=dgg>{{cite book|title=Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency: Cutch, Palanpur, and Mahi Kantha|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dLUBAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA210|year=1880|publisher=Printed at the Government Central Press|pages=215–216}}</ref>

Bhuj has been attacked six times. In two instances, the defense was successful and in four other instances, the defense failed. In 1728, an attack by Sarbuland Khan, Mughal Viceroy of Gujarat, was repulsed by Rao [[Deshalji I]], and, in 1765 [[Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro]] was, by a timely display of the strength of the fortifications, induced to withdraw. During the civil troubles of the reign of the Rao [[Rayadhan III]], Bhuj was thrice taken, by Meghji Seth in 1786, by Hansraj in 1801, and by [[Fateh Muhammad]] in 1808. On 26 March 1819, the hill fort of Bhujia was captured by a British detachment under Sir William Keir.<ref name=dgg/>

In 1818, Bhuj had a population of 20,000 people. The [[1819 Rann of Kutch earthquake|earthquake on 16 June 1819]] destroyed nearly 7000 houses with a loss of an estimated 1140 human lives. About one-third of the buildings that escaped ruin were heavily damaged, and the north face of the town wall was leveled with the ground.

The British garrison at Bhuj peaked in 1826 with nearly 1400 British troops (685 infantry, 543 dragoons, 90 foot artillery and 74 horse artillery)<ref>''Sikunder Burnes'', by [[Craig Murray]], p36</ref> supported by over 5000 Indian soldiers. Amongst the highest profile British figures during this time was [[Alexander Burnes]] who was based here between 1826 and 1829.

In 1837, Bhuj is said to have had a population of 30,000, including 6,000 Muslims.<ref name=dgg/>

After independence of India in 1947, [[Kutch State]] acceded unto the [[dominion of India]] and was constituted an independent [[commissionaire]], [[Kutch State]]. In 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 state as Kutch district. Bhuj is the district headquarters of [[Kutch District]], the largest district in India.

On [[1956 Anjar earthquake|21 July 1956]]<ref name=h>{{cite news|title=Quake rocks Kutch|url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/07/24/stories/2006072400940900.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824132322/http://www.hindu.com/2006/07/24/stories/2006072400940900.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 August 2011|access-date=16 December 2013|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=24 July 1956}}</ref> as well as on [[2001 Gujarat earthquake|26 January 2001]], the city suffered great losses of life and property due to earthquakes. Many parts of Bhuj were demolished due to the extensive damage, whilst others were repaired. There has been great progress in rebuilding the City since the 2001 earthquake, with considerable improvements to roads, transportation, and infrastructure.

Bhuj is home to one of the first [[Swaminarayan Sampraday]] temples, built in 1822. Bhuj temple is one of the six original temples built during the earthly presence of the Lord Swaminarayan. The devotees living in Bhuj including Gangaram Mull, Sundarji Suthar and Hirji Suthar requested Lord to construct a temple at Bhuj. Lord instructed Vaishnavanand Swami to construct the temple, and Lord himself installed the murti of Lord NarNarayan Dev in Bhuj on VS 1879 on the 5th day of the bright half of the month of Vaishakh (Friday 15 May 1823 AD).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bhujmandir.org |title = Swaminarayan.faith - Home of Shree Swaminarayan Bhagwan}}</ref>

==Geography==
Bhuj has an average elevation of {{convert|110|m|ft|-1|disp=or}}. On the eastern side of the city is a hill known as [[Bhujia Hill]], on which there is a Bhujia Fort, that separates Bhuj city and [[Madhapar]] town (considered one of the richest villages in Asia). It has two lakes namely [[Hamirsar Lake]] and Deshadsar (દેેેશળસર).

{{Wide image|Bhuj skyline from Bhujia Fort on Bhujia Hill Bhuj Kutch Gujarat.jpg|2400px|Skyline of Bhuj from [[Bhujia Fort]] atop [[Bhujia Hill]]}}

===Climate===
Bhuj has a [[hot arid climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]] ''BWh''), a little too dry overall to qualify as a [[hot semi-arid climate]] (''BSh''). Although annual rainfall "averages" around {{convert|370|mm|in|0|disp=or}} the variability is among the highest in the world with [[coefficient of variation]] of around sixty per cent<ref>{{cite journal|last=Van Etten|first=Eddie J.B.|title=Inter-annual Rainfall Variability of Arid Australia: greater than elsewhere?|journal=[[Australian Geographer]]|volume=40 |year=2009|pages=109-120}}</ref> – among the few comparably variable climates in the world being the [[Line Islands]] of Kiribati, the [[Pilbara]] coast of Western Australia, the [[sertão]] of Northeastern Brazil, and the [[Cape Verde]] islands.<ref>{{cite journal|year=1999|last1=Dewar|first1=Robert E.|last2=Wallis|first2=James R|title=Geographical patterning of interannual rainfall variability in the tropics and near tropics: An L-moments approach|journal=[[Journal of Climate]]|volume=12|pages=3457-3466}}</ref> Typically half of each year's rainfall will occur in three hours, while during the median year rain actually falls for a total of fewer than fifteen hours.<ref>{{cite conference|title=The Fluid Mosaic: Water Governance in the Context of Variability, Uncertainty and Change – A Synthesis Paper|first1=Marcus|last1=Moench|first2=Ajaya|last2=Dixit|first3=S.|last3=Janakarajan|first4=M. S.|last4=Rathore|first5=Srinivas|last5=Mudrakartha|page=38|publisher=Nepal Water Conservation Foundation|location=[[Kathmandu]]}}</ref> Recorded annual rainfall has been as low as {{convert|9.6|mm|in|2|disp=or}} in 1987 and  {{convert|21.9|mm|in|2|disp=or}} in 1899. Contrariwise, in 1926 a total of {{convert|1177.1|mm|in|2|disp=or}} fell and in 1959 rainfall reached {{convert|1311.4|mm|in|2|disp=or}}. {{convert|730.6|mm|in|2|disp=or}} fell during Bhuj's wettest month of July 1959, of which {{convert|467.9|mm|in|2|disp=or}} was recorded on 15 July alone, with over {{convert|15|in|mm|-1|disp=or}} during less than six hours on the night of 14–15 July.<ref>{{cite news |title=Fourteen Dead, 15,000 Rendered Homeless: Floods Convert Arid Kutch Into Vast Lake |work=The Times of India |date=22 July 1959 |page=1}}</ref>

Apart from the cool mornings of the "winter" season from December to February, temperatures are very warm to sweltering throughout the year, which further reduces the effectiveness of the erratic [[Monsoon of South Asia|monsoonal]] rainfall. During the "hot" season from mid-March to mid-June, temperatures of {{convert|40|C|F|disp=or}} are frequent, whilst during the monsoon season they exceed {{convert|34|C|F|1|disp=or}} with high humidity except during rainy spells accompanied by cooler temperatures but oppressive humidity.
{{weather box|location = Bhuj ([[Bhuj Airport]]) 1991–2020, extremes 1963–present
|metric first = yes
|single line = yes
|Jan record high C = 37.0
|Feb record high C = 40.3
|Mar record high C = 43.9
|Apr record high C = 45.8
|May record high C = 47.8
|Jun record high C = 47.0
|Jul record high C = 41.3
|Aug record high C = 41.2
|Sep record high C = 42.8
|Oct record high C = 44.0
|Nov record high C = 40.0
|Dec record high C = 36.3
|year record high C = 47.8
|Jan high C = 27.5
|Feb high C = 30.7
|Mar high C = 35.5
|Apr high C = 38.9
|May high C = 39.3
|Jun high C = 37.5
|Jul high C = 34.1
|Aug high C = 32.7
|Sep high C = 34.4
|Oct high C = 36.7
|Nov high C = 33.3
|Dec high C = 29.1
|year high C = 34.1
|Jan low C = 11.3
|Feb low C = 14.1
|Mar low C = 18.9
|Apr low C = 22.8
|May low C = 25.7
|Jun low C = 27.2
|Jul low C = 26.4
|Aug low C = 25.3
|Sep low C = 24.4
|Oct low C = 22.6
|Nov low C = 17.7
|Dec low C = 12.8
|year low C = 20.8
|Jan record low C = −0.2
|Feb record low C = 0.3
|Mar record low C = 5.5
|Apr record low C = 12.7
|May record low C = 16.6
|Jun record low C = 16.1
|Jul record low C = 19.4
|Aug record low C = 20.0
|Sep record low C = 17.8
|Oct record low C = 11.1
|Nov record low C = 6.0
|Dec record low C = 0.6
|year record low C = -0.2
|rain colour = green
|Jan rain mm = 1.3
|Feb rain mm = 0.3
|Mar rain mm = 1.1
|Apr rain mm = 0.2
|May rain mm = 1.1
|Jun rain mm = 36.3
|Jul rain mm = 141.1
|Aug rain mm = 108.1
|Sep rain mm = 71.7
|Oct rain mm = 7.6
|Nov rain mm = 1.4
|Dec rain mm = 0.1
|year rain mm = 370.2
|Jan rain days = 0.2
|Feb rain days = 0.0
|Mar rain days = 0.1
|Apr rain days = 0.1
|May rain days = 0.2
|Jun rain days = 2.1
|Jul rain days = 5.3
|Aug rain days = 4.2
|Sep rain days = 2.9
|Oct rain days = 0.6
|Nov rain days = 0.1
|Dec rain days = 0.0
|year rain days = 15.8
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| Jan humidity = 33
| Feb humidity = 30
| Mar humidity = 27
| Apr humidity = 28
| May humidity = 40
| Jun humidity = 52
| Jul humidity = 65
| Aug humidity = 67
| Sep humidity = 56
| Oct humidity = 34
| Nov humidity = 31
| Dec humidity = 33
|year humidity = 41
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf
| title = Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020
| publisher = [[India Meteorological Department]]
| access-date = April 8, 2024
}}</ref><ref name=IMDnormals>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205040301/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| archive-date = 5 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/1981-2010%20CLIM%20NORMALS%20%28STATWISE%29.pdf
| title = Station: Bhuj (Rudramata)(A) Climatological Table 1981–2010
| work = Climatological Normals 1981–2010
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = January 2015
| pages = 143–144
| access-date = 28 September 2020}}</ref><ref name=IMDextremes>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| archive-date = 5 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| title = Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = December 2016
| page = M50
| access-date = 28 September 2020}}</ref><ref name= IMD >{{cite web
| url = http://www.imd.gov.in/section/climate/extreme/bhuj2.htm
| title = Bhuj Climatological Table Period: 1981–2010
| publisher = [[India Meteorological Department]]
| access-date = 10 April 2015
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150414113236/http://www.imd.gov.in/section/climate/extreme/bhuj2.htm
| archive-date = 14 April 2015
| url-status = dead
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ogimet.com/cgi-bin/gsynres?ind=42634&ano=2023&mes=2&day=16&hora=12&min=0&ndays=30|title= 42634: Bhuj-Rudramata (India)|author=<!--Not stated--> |date= 15 February 2023|website=ogimet.com |publisher=OGIMET |access-date= 16 February 2023|quote=}}</ref>
|date=May 2012}}

==Places of interest==
{{expand section|date=April 2016}}
[[File:Hamirsar Lake Bhuj 2013-08-01 00-20.jpg|thumb|center|1055x1500px|Hamirsar Lake]]

*The Fort: The old city was surrounded by a fort wall with five major gates (Mahadev, Patvadi, Sarpat, Bhid and Vaniya Vad) and one small gate known as ''Chhathi Bari'' (sixth window). The fort wall is 35 feet high and four feet thick, and during its use was armed with fifty-one guns.<ref name=dgg/> Much of the fort wall has either fallen down or been demolished, due to the damage sustained in the 2001 earthquake and the city's redevelopment.
* [[Hamirsar Lake]]
* [[Kutch Museum]]
* [[Prag Mahal]]
* [[Aina Mahal]]
* Sharadbaug Palace
* Chhatardi
* Ramkund
* Mohammad Pannah Masjid
* Bharatiya Sanskriti Darshan Museum
* [[Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhuj|Swaminarayan temple]]
* [[Bhujia Fort]] and Smritivan on [[Bhujia Hill]]
* '''Regional Science Centre Bhuj''':  The Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST) was established in 1986 with the objective of “bringing science to people’s doorsteps.” GUJCOST has since developed a network of community science centres across the state through public–private partnerships, creating facilities that integrate scientific education with local culture. GUJCOST has established regional science centres across [[Gujarat]] through public-private partnerships and so far a total of 4 Regional Science Centres (RSC) have been established at [[Patan, Gujarat|Patan]], [[Rajkot]], [[Bhavnagar]], and Bhuj.'''<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Hariyani |first=Bindu |date=2024-02-23 |title=elliptical stone-clad galleries by ini design studio compose science center in india |url=https://www.designboom.com/architecture/elliptical-stone-clad-galleries-ini-design-studio-regional-science-center-india-02-23-2024/ |access-date=2025-07-29 |website=designboom {{!}} architecture & design magazine |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lomholt |first=Isabelle |date=2024-12-01 |title=Regional Science Centre, Gujarat, India |url=https://www.e-architect.com/india/regional-science-centre-gujarat-india |access-date=2025-07-29 |website=e-architect |language=en-us}}</ref>  India’s largest public [[observatory]]''' is in Bhuj Regional science centre and has attracted over 1,500 visitors in just 30 days after its inauguration on December 25, 2024.The observatory is equipped with a 24-inch telescope, allowing visitors to witness [[Celestial (comics)|celestial]] phenomena such as [[Nebula|nebulae]], planets, and distant galaxies. Beyond the observatory, RSC Bhuj boasts six captivating science-themed galleries, including [[Marine navigation|Marine Navigation]], [[Energy Sciences Network|Energy Science]], Fields Medal, [[Bonsai]], [[Nanotechnology]], and [[Space Science]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=Building Material |title=Discovering Gujarat's Regional Science Centre |url=https://www.buildingmaterialreporter.com/influencers/projects/institute/discovering-gujarats-regional-science-centre |access-date=2025-07-29 |website=Building Material Reporter |language=en}}</ref>   The Regional Science Centre, is situated to the north of a hillock known locally as Bhujiyo Dungar. The North-South axis acts as a pedestrian path and connects with the East-West axis along which all the galleries are located. Designed by INI Design Studio the centre integrates traditional design principles with innovative strategies. The design reflects the immediate context of [[Smritivan Earthquake Memorial and Museum|Smriti Van]], a memorial to the devastating 2001 earthquake.<ref name=":1" />Drawing from the region’s vernacular architecture, the centre incorporates cultural heritage, addressing challenges such as rural access to science education. The use of cylindrical galleries, locally sourced materials, and interactive exhibits, emphasizes inclusivity and community engagement. Considering the climate and seismic conditions of the desert region, the traditional style of Bhunga houses of the [[Kutch district|Kutch]] region, characterized by mud-plastered, bamboo-framed cylindrical forms has been adapted into these structures, promoting easy airflow, diverting winds, and creating shaded spaces for public use.<ref name=":0" />
* Hill Garden
* Trimandir 
* [[Tapkeshwari Temple]]
* Vande Mataram Memorial at village Bhujodi near Bhuj
* Living and Learning Design Centre at Bhuj - Bhachau Hwy Opp. Anchor Company, Ajarakhpur, Bhuj
* [[Smritivan Earthquake Memorial and Museum]]

<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
File:Prag Mahal Palace Bhuj.jpg|[[Prag Mahal]]
File:Aina Mahal.jpg|[[Aina Mahal]]
File:Sharad Baugh Palace Bhuj Kutch Gujarat.jpg|Sharadbaugh Palace
File:Kutch Museum Bhuj Kutch Gujarat India.jpg|[[Kutch Museum]]
File:Ramkund Bhuj Kutch Gujarat.jpg|Ramkund
File:Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhuj, Gujarat.jpg|[[Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhuj|Swaminarayan temple]]
File:Chhatedi of Bhuj.jpg|Chhatedi of Bhuj
File:Hamirsar.JPG|[[Hamirsar Lake]]
File:Mahadev Gate.jpg|Mahadev Gate near [[Hamirsar Lake]]
File:Darbargadh Fort.jpg|Darbargadh Fort
File:Smritivan 2001 Gujarat earthquake memorial garden in Bhuj, Gujarat, India.jpg|[[Bhujia Fort]] and Smritivan on Bhujia Hill
File:Tapakeshwari Devi Temple near Bhuj Kutch Gujarat Indua.jpg|Tapakeshwari Devi Temple near Bhuj
File:Fairground near Bhuj - panoramio.jpg|Hill Garden
File:Vandemataram Memorial.jpg|The Vande Mataram Memorial is located at Village - Bhujodi near Bhuj
</gallery>

==Demographics==
{{bar box
|title = Religion in Bhuj (2011)
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|float=left
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism]]|darkorange|68.62}}
{{bar percent|[[Islam]]|green|25.64}}
{{bar percent|[[Jainism]]|pink|4.02}}
{{bar percent|[[Sikhism]]|darkkhaki|0.59}}
{{bar percent|[[Christianity]]|blue|0.45}}
{{bar percent|Other or not stated|black|0.68}}
}}
In 2011 the population of Bhuj was 213,514, which consisted of 111,146 males and 102,368 females.<ref name=census>{{cite web
  | title = Census of India
  | publisher = The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India, New Delhi, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
  | date = 2007-06-26
  | url = http://censusindia.gov.in/pca/cdb_pca_census/Houselisting-housing-Gujarat.html
  | access-date = 2015-09-03
 }}</ref>

===Language===
According to the 2011 Census, Gujarati speakers are a majority in Bhuj, followed by Kachchhi, Hindi and others.<ref name="language">{{cite web |title=Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Gujarat |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10203/download/13315/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-2400.XLSX |website=censusindia.gov.in|publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>

{{Pie chart
| thumb = right
| caption = Languages of Kutch district (2011)<ref name="language"/>
| label1 = [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] | value1 = 48.90 | color1 = blue
| label2 = [[Kutchi language|Kachchhi]] | value2 = 36.54 | color2 = orange
| label3 = [[Hindi language|Hindi]] | value3 = 7.86 | color3 = pink
| label4 = others | value4 = 6.70 | color4 = grey
}}

==Culture==
[[File:Sindhi shoes.jpg|thumb|A pair of shoes]]
Bhuj is a famous destination within India for observing the historic craftsmanship of the Kutch region, including the textile crafts of bandhni (tie-dye), embroidery, Rogan art<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kansara |first=Ashish |date=2023-08-19 |title=Ancient intellectual Indian rogan art by Ashish Kansara |url=https://roganart.com/rogan-art-painting-by-ashish-kansara/ |access-date=2023-12-22 |website=Kansara Rogan Art |language=en-US}}</ref> and leatherwork. Artists of nearby villages bring their artwork for sale in 'Bhuj Haat', which is situated near Jubilee Ground. Locals often visit [[Hamirsar Lake]] for relaxation in natural surroundings.

Bhuj is also famous for its regional cuisine, especially Pakvans, [https://kishanamrutchikiwala.business.site/ chikki], Kutchhi Dabeli, (a vegetarian burger made with mashed potato, cooked with masala curry and chutneys), and regional Gujarati sweets.

==Media and communications==
State-owned [[All India Radio]] has a local station in Bhuj which transmits various programmes. Local TV channels and newspapers are the most popular media.

==Education==
[[File:Krantiguru Shyamji Krishna Varma Kutch University Main Gate Bhuj.jpg|thumb|Main Gate of Kutch University]]
[[File:GEC-Bhuj..jpg|thumb|GEC-Bhuj]]
[[File:Gujarat adani institute of medical sciences bhuj..jpg|thumb|Gujarat adani institute of medical sciences]]

[[Alfred High School, Bhuj|Alfred High School]], the first high school of Kutch, established in 1870, is also an architectural heritage of the town.

[[Krantiguru Shyamji Krishna Verma Kachchh University]] is located in Bhuj. The university has 41 colleges affiliated, nineteen of which are in Bhuj. The university grants degrees in arts, science, commerce, law education, management, pharmacy, social welfare, medicine and engineering.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kskvku.digitaluniversity.ac/Content.aspx?ID=7 |title=ક્રાંતિગુરુ શ્યામજી કૃષ્ણ વર્મા કચ્છ યુનિવર્સિટી |publisher=Kskvku.digitaluniversity.ac |access-date=2012-08-05 |archive-date=5 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905031222/http://kskvku.digitaluniversity.ac/Content.aspx?ID=7 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Little Steps Montessori School is the first Montessori School in Kutch established in the year 2000 by the royal family of Tera-Kutch.

===Primary and secondary===
Matruchhaya Kanya Vidyalay Little Steps Montessori School Bhuj 
*[[St. Xavier's High School, Bhuj]]
*[[Alfred High School, Bhuj|Alfred High School]]
*[[Indian Army Public Schools|Army Public School]]
*Sheth V.D. High School 
*Indira Bai Girls High School
*Hope Foundation School near Ashapura Nagar
*[https://www.swaminarayan.faith/temples/bhuj-swaminarayan-vidhyalaya Shree Swaminarayan Vidhyalaya]
*[http://sisbhuj.org/ Shishukunj International School]
*White House Public School
*Matrushree R.D. Varsani high school
*Kendriya Vidyalaya No.1, Airforce Station Bhuj
*Kendriya Vidyalaya No.2, Army Cantt. Bhuj
*Bhuj English School
*Kiddy's Campus Nursery and Playhouse.
*Shree Kutchi Leva Patel Kanya Vidhyamandir.
*Chanakya Academy

===Higher education===
*[http://www.gaims.ac.in Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Science] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331190715/http://gaims.ac.in/ |date=31 March 2023 }}

=== [[Government Engineering College, Bhuj]] ===

*[http://www.gpbj.cteguj.in Government Polytechnic]
*[http://www.rrlalancollege.edu.in Shri R. R. Lalan College]
*[https://m.facebook.com/DLLCB/ Sheth D. L. Law College]
*[[Industrial Training Institute]]
*[http://www.jbthackercollegebhuj.org J B Thacker Commerce College]
*[[MEWS College of Management & IT]]
*[http://www.sanskareducation.org Sanskar Institute of Management] & IT

==Radio Station & Television==
Bhuj has its own Radio Station with Studio. Prasar Bharati under Information and Broadcasting Ministry is operating Radio Studio. MW is available on 1314&nbsp;kHz and FM is available on 103.7&nbsp;MHz. There is also terrestrial DD channel available. DD National and DD Girnar available.

==Transportation==

{{multiple image
| perrow            = 1/1/1/1
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| image1            = Bhuj railway station - Main Building.jpg
| caption1          = Bhuj Railway Station - Main Building
| width1            = 180
| image2            = 19132 Kutch Express at Bhuj railway station.jpg
| caption2          = 19132 Kutch Express at Bhuj railway station
| width2            = 180
| image3            = Jet Airways aircraft at Bhuj Airport.jpg
| caption3          = Aircraft at [[Bhuj Airport]]
| width3            = 200
| header_align      = centre
}}

Bhuj is connected to [[Ahmedabad]], [[Vadodara]], [[Surat]] [[Mumbai]], [[Delhi]], [[Kolkata]], [[Pune]], [[Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh|Gaziabad]], [[Jaipur]], [[Ajmer]], [[Hapur Junction railway station|Hapur]], [[Moradabad]], [[Bareilly]], [[Kharagpur]], [[Ujjain]] and other cities within India by railway.  The city has a [[Bhuj Airport|domestic airport]], from which daily flights connect to Mumbai with flights operated by [[Air India]]. State Transport buses are available from the ST stand in the middle of the town to various places in Gujarat. Additionally, many private tour operators also run frequent buses to major cities within and outside of the state of Gujarat. [[Kandla Airport]] is 53&nbsp;km from Bhuj. The city may be navigated by the city bus and [[auto rickshaw]].

===Trains===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Train no.
! Train Name
! Runs From 
! Destination
! Departure Days
! Arrival Days
|-
| 11091-11092
| [[Bhuj–Pune Express|Bhuj-Pune express]]
| Bhuj
| [[Pune]]
| Wednesday 
| Tuesday
|-
| 14312-14311 via [[Ahmedabad]] & 14322-14321 via [[Bhildi]]
| [[Ala Hazrat Express]]
| Bhuj
| [[Bareilly]]
| Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday for 14312. Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday for 14322
| Friday, Saturday, Monday for 14311. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday for 14321
|-
| 22829-22830
| [[Shalimar - Bhuj Weekly SF Express]]
| Bhuj
| [[Shalimar Station|Shalimar]]
| Tuesday
| Monday
|-
| 22904-22903
| Bandra Terminus Bhuj AC Superfast Express
| Bhuj
| [[Bandra]]
| Monday, Thursday, Saturday 
| Thursday, Saturday, Monday
|-
| 12960-12959
| [[Bhuj Dadar Superfast Express]]
| Bhuj
| [[Dadar]]
| Monday, Thursday
| Wednesday, Saturday
|-
| 19132-19131
| [[Kutch Express]]
| Bhuj
| [[Bandra]]
|Daily
| Daily
|-
| 19116-19115
|[[Sayajinagari Express|Shayajinagari Express]]
| Bhuj
| [[Dadar]]
| Daily
| Daily
|}

==See also==
* [[Rann of Kutch]]
* [[2001 Gujarat earthquake]]
* [[Kutchi language]]
* [[List of cities in India]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

* This article incorporates [[Public Domain]] text from {{cite book|title=Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency: Cutch, Palanpur, and Mahi Kantha |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dLUBAAAAYAAJ|year=1880|publisher=Printed at the Government Central Press|pages=216}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070708232241/http://www.kskvkachchhuniversity.org/ Kachchh University]
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20200219025000/http://www.bhujbolechhe.org/ Bhuj Bole Chhe - Website maintained by the citizens of Bhuj about their city]}}
* [http://www.facebook.com/bhuj.samachar.31 Official Facebook page for Bhuj]
* [http://www.facebook.com/bhujbolechhe Facebook page of Bhuj Bole Chhe - Voice of Bhuj Citizens]
* [http://anandofoods.com/ Anando restaurant - Bhuj]
* [https://www.craftcentres.com/post/ashish-kansara-reviving-rogan-painting-in-madhapar-bhuj-kachchh Rogan Art Bhuj]

{{Navbox
|name  = Bhuj
| title = [[Taluka]] of Bhuj
| image = [[File:Map Gujarat state and districts.png|150px|left]]
| group1 = Capital Town
|  list1 = Bhuj
| group2 = Major&nbsp;cities
|  list2 = [[Anjar, India|Anjar]]{{·}} [[Adipur]]{{·}} [[Gandhidham]]{{·}} [[Mundra]]{{·}} Bhuj{{·}} [[Khedoi]]
| group3 = Villages of Bhuj taluka
|  list3 = [[Sapeda]]{{·}} [[Kukma]]{{·}} [[Madhapar]]{{·}} [[Mamuara]]{{·}} [[Mangwana]]{{·}} [[Mindiyana]]{{·}} [[Chandiya]]{{·}} [[Chandroda]]{{·}} [[Khedoi]]{{·}} [[Pantiya]]{{·}} [[Nadapa]]
| group4 = Topics
|  list4 = [[Sarpanch]]{{·}} [[List of Chief Ministers of Gujarat|Taluka Head]]{{·}} [[:Category:History of Gujarat|History]]{{·}} [[List of people from Gujarat|Notable people]]{{·}} [[:Category:Cities and towns in Gujarat|Cities and Towns]]{{·}} [[:Category:Education in Gujarat|Education institutes]]{{·}} [[List of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of Gujarat, India|National parks & Sanctuaries]]
}}
{{Gujarat}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Bhuj| ]]
[[Category:Former capital cities in India]]
[[Category:1510 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1510]]
[[Category:Populated places destroyed by earthquakes]]