Bhuj – A City That Rose Again

Perched on Bhujia Hill, the fort is hard to miss—and harder to forget. It was started in 1715 by Rao Godji I and later strengthened by Deshalji I as a strategic outpost to shield Bhuj from outside invasions. The fort witnessed six major battles, mostly against Mughal and Sindhi forces. One particular story still lives in local memory. During an invasion by Mughal viceroy Sher Buland Khan, a group of Naga Bawas, ascetics with a warrior past, entered the fort under the guise of temple worship. Once inside, they turned their devotion into defense—fighting alongside the Kutch army. That act is remembered today with a Nag Panchamiprocession held annually. After the British takeover in 1819, Bhujia Fort remained a military post until 2001, when the Indian Army vacated it post-earthquake. Even in ruins, the fort commands respect. 🔹 Summary: This hilltop guardian tells of Bhuj’s grit and the surprising ways faith and defense often crossed paths. Some cities show you beauty. Some show you strength. But very few show you both at the same time. Bhuj is one of them. “Some cities show you beauty. Some show you strength. But very few show you both at the same time. Bhuj is one of them.”