Narrated by: Kuldip Gadhvi
(Cultural tour organizer for Kutch Adventures, Bhuj)
Banni region is located almost in the middle of the Great Rann of Kutch, making isle of (approx.) 3700 sq. km, merging 40 hamlets, surrounded by the great Rann of Kutch covering (approx.) 12000 sq. km of India’s second largest district Kutch (45612 sq. km)
The history of Banni is very old and has been remain always interesting. Geographically Banni was one of the most fertile grassland in Asia where more than 33 spices of grasses used to grow and some of them were above 10 meters high. It was all because of rich water of river Indus flowing through this region and merging Arabian Sea. In Banni area thousands of wild animals lived such as Leopard, Hyeana, Foxes, Wild Boar, Bluebulls, Chinkara (gazelle) etc.
As the area was vast and fertile, people from Sindh (now province of Pakistan), (Marwar) Rajasthan and some from Persia (Iran) moved down into Kutch during different time scale. The major migration took place in 15th and 16th Century when Bhuj (as a capital of Kutch) established as Kingdom by Jadeja rulers and people in mass settled in Kutch.
Banni region was “Heaven” for Maldharies” (cattle herders) who have been living with their cows and buffalos in small hamlets, living in “Bhunga” traditional hut made of wood, grass and mud. Well decorated by mud and mirror work. Women were skilled embroiders, making colourful handmade quilts and women top (known as “Kanjiri”) using various stitches, colourful threads and plenty of mirrors to make them look elegant.
Some people were cultivating Rise-one another identity of Sindh region.
This how Banni remained geographically, culturally and traditionally rich area for many years until the great Earthquake in 1819 hit this region badly and changed the course of river Indus permanently from Kutch. This disaster become main reason for the great changes happened ever since in Banni. Gradually water from Arabian Sea started entering in the river bed and continually added salinity into the fertile soil of Banni and The Great Rann of Kutch came to life. In the last century Kutch, particularly northern area suffered badly from frequent Droughts and cattle herders were forced to migrate with their cattle in different part of Kutch and Gujarat, in search of grass and water.
However this migration was only for couple of dry summer months. It was difficult time of the year but it didn’t affect tradition of Banni which can still be seen even today when the region is well linked by roads, electricity, phones. Modern education is still in first phase but yet Banni is number one in tourist site seeing. The Culture and Tradition of Banni, what made this region famous, are still exists in here and every year thousands of visitors are happily enjoying their visits.
Fortunately since the year 2003, Kutch is receiving plenty of rainfalls and it has notably boosted flora-fauna and also local economy. Every year, Government of Gujarat organizing Desert Festival in December, to promote tourism and support local crafts. Banni region is still leading with its pride, beauty and traditions and there is no doubt if one be fascinated by harmonious existence of people in Banni between two countries that are struggling to keep historical friendship and bounding.
For more details you can visit sites.google.com/site/kutchadventures
Or email me on desert_adventures@yahoo.com
Thanks!
Kuldip Gadhvi
“Desert Adventures Kutch”
