Nagor or Nagher is a village in Bhuj Taluka of Kutch at a distance of about 8 km from Bhuj town, the capital of Kachchh District of Gujarat in India.[1]
Nagor
Nagher | |
|---|---|
village | |
  Nagor Location in Gujarat, India  Nagor Nagor (India) | |
| Coordinates: 23°17′35″N 69°43′26″E / 23.293°N 69.724°E | |
| Country |  India |
| State | Gujarat |
| District | Kachchh |
| Government | |
| • Body | gram panchayat |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Gujarati, Hindi |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| Vehicle registration | GJ-12 |
History
editNagor is one of the 18 villages founded by the Mistri community of Kutch in late 12th century. This group of warriors were also skilled architects and have contributed to the erection of many historical monuments of Kutch.[2][3][4][5]
During the years of the laying of railway lines in British India between around 1850 and 1930, many members of Mistris moved out and made themselves into big railway contractors throughout British India. Some of them entered into the coal mine business as well. The Mistris of these villages built and developed the old infrastructure around the villages in late 1890 from their earnings.[2][3][4][6][5] However, a majority of old houses of Mistris with unique architect, were destroyed in the earthquake of 26 January 2001.
Notable people
editThe most noted person to hail from this village was Rai Bahadur Jagmal Raja Chauhan(1887–1974), a railway contractor who built Bally Bridge, an industrialist and also founder of Ambica Airlines, who also served as ADC to Sir Khengarji, Maharao of Cutch.
Present status
editIn present times, Nagor is famous for Ahir Embroidery and one of the main centers for this Kutchi hand embroidery. Sorathiya Ahirs live in Nagor. It is one of five main centers for Sorathiya ahir in kutch. It is said that Ahirs were shepherds who originated from the Gokul-Mathura region and are associated with Lord Krishna. They migrated to Kutch and Saurashtra in Gujarat. The other communities are mistri, muslim, Rabari, prathaliya Ahirs, vaghari, koli, harijan, goswami.
After, the devastating earthquake in 2001, many of the century-old houses were damaged.
The Bhuj-Nagor Road that connects the village has an industrial area on both sides.
Essar Petrol Pump is established in Nagor for petrol distribution. There are nearly 10 companies in GIDC, Nagor including Mira Packaging, Disha Tyers etc. ITI is also established by Prakhsal Academy with the help of the government (of Gujarat). In the election of 2022, Jerambhai bhachabhai Katriya (Sorathiya) was selected as surpanch . 'Panchvati Bag' is also associated with Gram Panchayat and Nagor temples of god such as Rama, Shiva, Hanumanji, Khodiyar Mataji, Randal ma, Brahmani ma, Parmeswar Dada, etc..
In primary school in Nagor, there are nearly 250 students. In Rushey Mead School (secondary education), there are 100 students.
Nagor has emerged as a central hub for nearby villages such as Trambau, Saraspar, Raydhanpar, Zikdi, and Varnora. It hosts facilities like Baroda Gramin Bank for banking services and a post office. Nagor is renowned for its skilled workforce in fields like carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and tailoring (kadiya). While most people are engaged in farming or as farm laborers, women typically earn around Rs. 300 per day from agricultural work. During the marriage season, women also cater to nearby villages.
In recent years, girls from Nagor have started working in firms, companies, malls, and banks in Bhuj, thanks to their education from Bhuj colleges. Nagor is also famous for its unique food offerings: Pankajbhai's bhajikon and Dabeli, Maraj's Vagapau and samosas, and Rinku's panipuri, dahipuri, and sevpuri, all located near the bus stand. Popular recreational spots in Nagor include Talav Ni Pal, Ram Chauk, Bhatahan, Derani Jethani Ni Tekri, and Khari Nadi No Pul, where locals gather for leisure activities and relaxation. Additionally, Nagor boasts Ayushman Mandir, established by the health department, and Bhanushali Nu Davakhanu, which provides healthcare services to the community.
School
editIn 2004, the Rushey Mead Foundation, a UK based charity opened a School in Nagor, which has now become a famous landmark of Nagor. The Co-founder of Foundation is Bhasker Solanki of BBC, London.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ Reports of National Panchayat Directory
- ^ a b "Kutch Gujar Kshatriyas, History & names of their 18 Villages". Archived from the original on 3 March 2011. Retrieved 28 October 2009.
- ^ a b Press Report after earthquake Giving details of Villages, Art & Skills of Mistris of Kutch Archived 2012-09-30 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b Press Report on Houses, History of Mistiris of Kutch Archived 2012-12-20 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b Gurjar Kshatriyas, also known as Mistris, came to Kutch from Rajasthan. They are skilled in building construction. They first established themselves at Dhaneti and were granted 18 villages by the rulers of Kutch. They are famous designers and developers of buildings and bridges
- ^ Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas Archived 2011-07-10 at the Wayback Machine