Bhuj pronunciation (helpinfo)() is a city and a municipality in Kutch district in the state of Gujarat, India. It was established by Rao Hamirji in 1510 and was made the state capital by Rao Khengarji I in 1549. Its foundation stone as state capital laid formally on Vikram Samvat 1604 Maagha 5th (Approx. 25 January 1548). Currently it is the district headquarters of Kachchh District, the second largest district in India. Bhuj is home to one of the first Swaminarayan Sampraday temples, built in 1822. In January 2001, the city was struck by a major earthquake which caused a great deal of damage and loss of life. The total population of Bhuj was 136,429 in the year 2008, which consisted of 71,056 males and 65,373 females. The total number of houses was 27,999. Bhuj has an average elevation of 110metres (360feet). On the eastern side of the town is a hill known as Bhujiyo Dungar, on which there is Bhujia Fort, that separates Bhuj city and Madhapar town. It has one big lake named...
