Siddharth Tataria Article on Historic Urban Settings of Bhuj Published on 26th January,2010 in Kutch Mitra Gujarati Daily Newspaper in Bhuj, Kutch (Gujarat)
When people build, they create a habitat where generative forces are culture and context. While a ‘culture’ is the sum total of human understanding, values and accomplishments, ‘context’ represents the constraints and potentials that a physical environment has to offer. A traditional habitat today is not the result of a one-time effort but is the culmination of hundreds of years of understanding and responses to a particular context. The history of Bhuj's development begins with a nod to popular legend. It is said that Rao Khengarji 1 (1510-1585) arrived at the periphery of present day Hamirsar Lake.The Hamirsar lake built over 450 years ago, continues to be central to the social and cultural consciousness of the people of Bhuj. Today, the Hamirsar assumes a central place in the city's cultural activities and events. The historical Hamirsar Lake, in the heart of Bhuj town is also a migratory bird sanctuary. The cultural and historical roots which constitute a city’s heritage make it a unique place to live and work. Historic buildings in the city reflect different aspirations and mark important events down the centuries. Therefore ,the process of acknowledging them , restoring them and integrating them into new development would be an important step in project of reconstruction of city’s cultural heritage. The conservation of Bhuj’s heritage structures must remind citizen of their past , instill a sense of confidence and civic pride in their new city , and open new avenues for tourism as an important economic activity . Bhuj’s historic urban settings have a distinct identity to themselves. They are a reflection of the past, the present and the future possibilities. The architectural heritage of Bhuj is not only enormously rich but also extremely varied. Manifestations of this unique heritage can be seen in all their diversity in different parts of the city. Unfortunately historic urban areas in general - the communities of people who live around and in these historic buildings - do not receive the attention or support they deserve to maintain a vitality and quality characteristic of historic areas, to protect the integrity of their structures, and to stimulate local economies as populations. The earthquake of Bhuj, is the event that need not have happened as it did. Had there been a recognition of the vulnerabilities of these historic places, actions might have been taken to save lives, property and local ways of living. How many more historic areas will we need to lose before national and local governments and the international community provide support for their retrofitting and their continued existence?
How many more unique places will disappear and with them the examples of past skills, details and configurations which store lessons for the future? Historic places cannot be ‘frozen’ in time, nor can we pretend that they remain constantly ‘alive’. As they change, they must be encouraged to adapt within a set of guidelines that will recognize them as assets and resources for the future. Bhuj’s habitat is threatened by the stresses of ‘development’. This process is difficult to stop even when the change is not necessarily for the better. The question arises: If change must come, what form should it take? Should it relate to the traditional form of the habitat? What should change and what should continue? So what is needed today is, Cultural space that will provide a common platform for the people to interact and be aware of their of their cultural and architecture heritage and give exposure to the rich architectural and cultural heritage of their region. Opportunity to the local artisans to showcase their art and handicraft, since like architecture, art is also generated by various layers-physical as well as cultural. Make use of local materials and technology, and create architectural designs that will respond to the site conditions and context of the region. Involvement of local citizens in the programme and day to day functioning of the cultural district. Incorporation of a feeling of accountability towards the cultural and architectural heritage among the citizens of Bhuj and local authorities.
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Bhuj, Art, Architecture & History: Azhar Tyabji
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Draft Development Plan, 2011 AD, BHADA: EPC (Environmental Planning Collaborative), Babtie Consultants (India), JPS Associates, Theotech Engineers.
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Mud Architecture of Indian Desert: Kulbhushan Jain & Minakshi Jain
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The Black Hills : Rushbrook Williams