Kutch

Kutch, or Kachchh, is a district in the western Indian state of Gujarat. It encompasses the Great Rann of Kutch, a seasonal salt marsh, and a semi-arid interior. The administrative center is Bhuj, and Mundra hosts a major port. The district is one of the largest in India by area.

Its landscape combines salt flats, scrubby deserts and a long coastline along the Arabian Sea. The Great and Little Rann of Kutch flood in the monsoon and recede in the dry season, creating habitat for migratory birds. The area includes protected areas such as the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary and the Little Rann of Kutch Reserve, important for species like the Indian wild ass and flamingos.

Historically, Kutch has links with the Indus Valley Civilization; Dholavira, one of its major urban centers, lies in the district and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. In modern times, the 2001 Bhuj earthquake caused extensive damage and led to a long period of reconstruction.

Cultural traditions include a rich repertoire of handicrafts, notably bandhani dyeing, embroidery, mirror work, and leatherwork. The economy blends pastoralism and agriculture with mining, industry around Mundra Port, salt production on the flats, and tourism, including the Rann Utsav festival held in winter at Dhordo and the historic towns such as Bhuj and Lakhpat.

Administratively, Kutch district is divided into several talukas. The population includes Kutchi-speaking communities and Gujaratis, among others, with Hindu and Muslim groups forming major religious communities. The region is notable for its resilience to drought, seismic events, and seasonal environmental extremes.