Bhuj is the district headquarters of Kutch District, the largest district in India. The district Kutch has a sex ratio of 908. The literacy rate is 70.59 per cent, covering a population of 21 lac in a total area of 45,674 sq. km. On July 21st 1956 as well as on January 26th 2001 the city suffered great losses of life and property by the occurrence of Earthquakes, making Bhuj a heavily Earthquake prone region. Many parts of Bhuj were demolished due to the extensive damage, whilst others were repaired. There has been great progress in rebuilding the City since the 2001 earthquake, with considerable improvements to roads, transportation, and infrastructure. The total population of Bhuj as per Census 2011 was 2,13,514 which consisted of 1,11,146 males and 1,02,368 females.
Bhuj has an average elevation of 110 metres (360 feet). On the Eastern side of the city is a hill known as Bhujia Hill, on which there is a Bhujia Fort that separates Bhuj city and Madhapar town (considered one of the richest villages in Asia). It has two lakes namely Hamirsar and Deshadsar. The climate in Bhuj is called a desert climate. During the year, there is virtually no rainfall. The average rainfall here is 358 mm. Bhuj has a borderline hot desert climate. Apart from the cool mornings of the “winter” season from December to February, temperatures are very warm to sweltering throughout the year, which further reduces the effectiveness of the erratic monsoonal rainfall.
Bhuj is a famous destination within India for observing the historic craftsmanship of the Kutch region, including the textile crafts of bandhni (tie-dye), embroidery, and leatherwork. Bhuj is also famous for its regional cuisine, especially Pakvans, Kutchhi Dabeli and regional Gujarati sweets. State-owned All India Radio has a local station in Bhuj which transmits various programs of mass interest. Local TV Channels and Newspapers are most used media.
According to legend, Kutch was ruled by the Nāga chieftains in the past. Sagai, a queen of Sheshapattana, who was married to King Bheria Kumar, rose up against Bhujanga, the last chieftain of Naga. After the battle, Bheria was defeated and Queen Sagai committed sati. The hill where they lived later came to be known as Bhujia Hill and the town at the foothill as Bhuj. Bhujang was later worshiped by the people as snake god, Bhujanga, and a temple was constructed to revere him.
