Archeology in Gujarat-Tomb of Jesal Toral

Tomb of Jesal Toral Anjar
About Tomb of Jesal Toral:
Anjar, which is one of the most beautiful cities in Gujarat, houses some of the most attractive forts and monuments. The Tomb of Jesal Toral is one of the famed tourist attractions in Anjar. It is basically a samadhi of Jesal Toral. There is also a bungalow of James Mcmurdo here. It has now been converted into a veritable museum that displays Kutch art.Anjar is also famed for its beautiful block printing work, scissors, nutcrackers and penknives. These are some of the artworks which you will come across in the museum at the Tomb of Jesal Toral in Anjar. On your visit to the city, a tour to Jesal Toral Tomb is highly recommended as it is one of the premier attractions of Gujarat. The tomb is also a centre for fairs. Bhuj is distinguished by its brightly decorated Hindu temples, beautiful palaces and intricately carved wooden pavilions. It is a paradise for handicraft lovers. The houses here are decorated both from inside as well as outside with linear reliefs made from mud and mirrors. Bhuj is famous for embroidery. The oldest museum of Gujarat is situated in Bhuj.
Be it the bandhni (tie and dye) and batik textiles, or the intricate silk embroidery done on leather, each artifact is a labour of love for the craftspersons. The colorful thread embroidery on cloth is done by different castes and communities in their own distinct way. The region was also known for the enamel work done on gold and silver jewelry, lacquered wood, seashell toys and metal bells.
Location info Tomb of Jesal Toral:
Address:Tomb of Jesal Toral,Anjar,Kutchh,Gujrat,India
District: Kutchh
Nearest City: Bhuj
Language: Gujarati, Hindi, and local dialects like Kutchi
Best time to visit: November to April
Climate/Weather:
Weather of Kutch is tropical monsoon with an average annual rainfall of approximately 14 inches. In Summer temperature can reach up to 48°c. In Winter temperature ranges from 12 °c to 27 °c.
History of Tomb of Jesal Toral:
The old, walled city of Bhuj is the most important town in Kachchh and also the district headquarters. Bhuj was founded in 1548 AD by Rao Khengarji of the Jadeja dynasty, which ruled over Kachchh for more than 400 years.
Interesting things to do:
Kutch Mahotsav:
The Kutch Mahotsava is usually organised during February and March each year. Kutch, with its colourful people, historic towns and remarkable handicrafts, has much of interest to offer visitors. Kutch Utsav:
Kutch Utsav ia a journey into history. One visits India’s oldest traditional and cultural icons. For the children of urbania, an almost spiritual experience away from the stress, strife and claustrophobia of modern life.
Interesting things to Visit:
Aina Mahal:
The Aina Mahal in Bhuj, India, is an old Palace that was built in the 18th century. The erstwhile palace which belonged to Maharao Lakhpatji has now been transformed into a Museum that is one of the chief Tourist Attractions in Bhuj. The Aina Mahal is famous for a housing an awesome Hall of Mirrors from which the palace get its name (Aina in Hindi means mirror).The Aina Mahal was constructed by Rao Lakhpatji in the year 1750. Its creator had a passion for music, art, architecture, and literature. The layout, design and decorations of Bhuj Aina Mahal were highly influenced by a royal dream that had eventually been converted into reality by an extremely deft craftsman whose name was Ramsinh Malam. Durbar Gadh:
The Durbar Gadh in Bhuj, India, is one of the most visited Tourist Attractions in Bhuj. This Durbar Gadh houses the famous Aina Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) which delights the visitors by displaying the unique blend of Indian and European architecture with its fountains and two storied royal residences.Built in the 18th century by Rao Lakhpatji, Durbar Gadh, Bhuj is a perfect example of an enclosed area of the royal family which exhibited a drastic change in the style of architecture and the layout that resembled those of Europe to a large extent.Durbar Gadh is also the name given to the place located in the center of the old town of Bhuj. It was at this place that that the Maharaja of Nawanagar held his meetings with the masses.Folk Museum:
The Folk Museum in Bhuj, India, is also known as Bharatiya Sanskruti Darshan, Bhuj. The Bhuj Folk Museum is situated in proximity to the office of the collector of Bhuj which makes it easily accessible by a variety of modes of transport. These include the services of the luxury coaches, auto-rickshaws, and taxis.One of the chief attractions of Folk Museum, Bhuj which you will hardly find in any of the other Museums in Bhuj, is a rare fossil of a Crocodilian which is which is an extinct species of the crocodile of the modern age. This creature was double the size of a crocodile of today measuring as much as 9 meters as compared to the modern species which measures only 3 to 4 meters in length.Kachchh Museum:
The Kachchh Museum in Bhuj, India, is one of the famous Tourist Attractions in Bhuj. Built during the period of British Rule in India, the Museum of Kachchh in Bhuj is the most significant among all other Museums in Bhuj as it displays the articles that take the visitors to those ages to which they belonged.The Kutch Museum was established in the year 1877 by the British Governor of Mumbai known as Sir James Fergusson. It was because of the name of its founder that Kachchh Museum, Bhuj was initially named as Fergusson Museum.he Kutch Museum remains closed only on Wednesdays and on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month. On all days other than these, Kutch Museum is open from 9.00 to 11.30 in the morning and from 3.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.Jama Masjid:
Jama Masjid in Bhuj is held auspicious by the people of the Muslim religion. The edifice is equally respected by people of any other caste or creed. The intricate designs on the walls of the mosque are worth seeing. All people who follow the Islamic religion come to the Jama Masjid at Bhuj to offer their prayers. People from all other caste can also come here to offer prayers or just to visit the mosque and get a glimpse of the beautiful design and the intricate patterns that are made on the wall. The Jama Masjid stands as a demonstration of the Islamic architecture. The Jama Masjid in Bhuj is noted for its beautifully designed minaret, the dome and the large prayer hall. The Jama Masjid of Bhuj also offers lessons on Islamic religion.Swaminarayan Temple:
The Swaminarayan Temple, Bhuj is famous all over the world as one of the most spiritually highlighted temple in Bhuj. The Swaminarayan Temple was set by the BAPS, Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha as it is known. BAPS is an organization which operates by the philosophies of Swaminarayan. BAPS as an organization was established in the year 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj.The Swaminarayan Temple, Bhuj operates in the same way as all other temples which belong to the same organization. The Swaminarayan Temple of Bhuj is recognized for spiritual value, social work and the humanitarian service that they offer to the world. As all other temples that operate under BAPS, Swaminarayan Temple in Bhuj is also known for the beautifully carved stone temples.Bharatiya Sanskruti Darshan:
Mr Ramsinhji K Rathod a scholar of the folk art of Kutch and winner of many state Government awards has created an excellent museum in Bhuj which is called Bharatiya Sanskruti Darshan. The museum epitomizes the rustic life styles of the Kutchi villager containing around 4500 exhibits. Also, there are more than 1500 rare books on art and culture.
The Little Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary: 93 kms from Ahmedabad and on an important route.It has salt plains, caused by flooding of the Rann by sea, river and rain water; punctuated by highlands called beyts, above the monsoon flood mark where scrub flora and grasslands offer a refuge to wildlife. This is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India, spanning some 4950 sq ft in area, and comprising a range habitats from saline desert plains, arid grasslands, rocky and thorn scrub to lakes and marshes. This is the only home for the endangered Asiatic Wild Ass, which is the member of wild horse family.Mata Nu Madh:
The 1,200 years old temple with unique architectural expositions of dimensions and space.
Mobile range info:
How to reach Tomb of Jesal Toral?
Nearest Railway Station:Bhuj railway station, Mumbai to Gandhidham via Ahmedabad.
Nearest Airport:Indian Airlines flies daily to Bhuj from Bombay
Road Transport:State transport buses and private luxury coaches connects various centres of Gujarat. There are direct trains between Bhuj-Ahmedabad on meter guage line and or Bombay on the broad gauge line from Gandhidham Road.
Nearest Visiting places Tomb of Jesal Toral:
Bhuj:
The historic city of Bhuj derives its name from the Bhujiyo Dungar a hill, overlooking the present day Bhuj town. Rao Khengarji of the Jadeja dynasty, which ruled over Kutch for more than 400 years, founded Bhuj in 1548 AD. The oldest museum in Gujarat is situated in Bhuj. Bhuj is known for its small, meandering streets, palaces and temples. Lakhpat:
Lakhpat is the last town situated at the western end of India. This ghost town is 151 Kms. from Bhuj airport and boasts a beautiful landscape. Lakhpat is fortified town with high walls, several gates and bastions made out of hard stone. Due to the harsh climatic conditions, most people have deserted the town. The town has a few old temples, gurudwaras and mosques. The interesting structures at Lakhpat are tomb of Gosh Muhammad and Sikh Gurudwaras. Gosh Muhammad did Hindus and Muslims revere a famous saint equally. A beautiful tomb was constructed using local hard black stoneMandvi:
Mandvi, founded in 1581 A.D. is an ancient seaport. The town has a very pleasant climate throughout the year and was a summer retreat of the Kutch Maharaos. Mandvi is situated about 78 Kms. from Bhuj. Mandvi Hawa Mahal is also imposing, and is reminiscent of similar palaces of royal traditions of Rajasthan. Mandvi is also a 400-year-old shipbuilding center. The Vijay Vilas Palace has its own private, maintained in an eco-friendly manner to preserve its pristine beauty. This palace has been used as the setting in many Hindi pictures and has now become a popular tourist destination.Prag Palace:
The Prag Mahal, across the courtyard from the Aina Mahal, is a new marble and sandstone palace built at the end of the 19th century. Tourists can visit the Durbar Hall and the clock tower. There are paintings of former maharajas in the Durbar Hall. The Prag Mahal is a magnificent building made of ornate Italian marble and sandstone.

Narayan Sarovar:
A few kilometers away from the Narayan Sarovar is the Chin Kara Sanctuary. It is about 210 Kms. from Bhuj. This sanctuary is the home of the Chin Kara or the Indian gazelle. Other animals found in this sanctuary are blue bull, spotted deer, wild boar and a rich variety of smaller wildlife. Main Attractions are Blue Bull, Wild Boar.Koteshwar:
Koteshwar, an important pilgrimage center for the Hindu religion, is at a short distance from Narayan Sarovar. Koteshwar-the western most tip of the country housing an ancient Shiva temple. It stands as a sentinel on the seashore, rising boldly from the sea that washes its western parts. The view of the sunset is excellent from here. The brass Nandi of the temple is an exquisite piece of art.Dhrang:
It is famous for its rural fair and for the handicrafts, traditional objects, and hand-printed and embroidered fabrics, jewellery made and sold there.Dholavira:
It is one of the two largest settlements in India and the fourth of fifth largest in the subcontinent. It enjoys the unique distinction of yielding an inscription of ten large sized of the Harappan script; indeed the oldest signboard of the world. Dholavira Known for its large Indus settlement, Dholavira (discovered in 1967) lies in the northwest corner of Khadir, a large island surrounded by the Rann of Kutch. The first settlers arrived here from the Indus valley more than 5000 years ago. There are several bare Harappan houses and silent cenotaphs, which remain mute spectators to a once glorious past. The most interesting discovery of Dholavira is the large inscription, comprising of ten letters in the Indus script, each letter engraved on slices of crystalline material.Banni/Khavda:
Desert lands of infinite dimensions. Here you will come across mater craft person’s expositioning in their traditional art. Banni is the last village on the border is a desert land of infinite dimensions, and in its midst, quaint little villages suspended in time. Here, will. The flamingo colony can be approached from Khavda by road and they’re after on camel back. Banni villages to experience tribal life of Kutch in various types like Meghawal, Harijans, Jat, and Mutva etc. the villages are visit here hodhka, dhoido, Khavda, ludia, bhindiarana, nirona, jurah, sumrasar etc.Bhadreshwar:
One of the holiest pilgrim centres of Jain religion, here you will encounter some of the world’s truly unique architectural marvels. The tour will also cover stepwell, Sol Thambhi Mosque, Jagdu Shah Palace, Lal Shabhar Mosque, Chokunda Mahadev Temple and Kera temple – a visit that will expose you to many religious traditions of India, congregated in one region.Kanthkot:
Kanthkot is an old fort about 5 km circularly situated on the top of an isolated rocky hill. This place was the capital of Kathis in 8th century and it was taken from them by the Chavdas. After the Chavdas, the Solankis came and after them the Vaghelas. Mod befriended Vaghela who not only gave Kanthkot but also his daughter in marriage to Mod’s son Sad. Sad lived in Kanthkot and made it his capital. Sad’s son Ful named the fort Kanthadurg. Bhimdev sought shelter from Mahmud of Ghazni in 11th century at Kanthkot. In 1816 it surrendered to the British who razed it to the ground. On the hill are remains of three temples of which one is dedicated to the ascetic Kanthadnath, the second a Jain temple and the third a temple of the sun.Roha Fort:
Roha fort is situated on the hillock of the same name, 50 km from Bhuj. It’s height is 500 feet from the ground level and 800 feet from the sea level. Roha was the leading Jagir of Kutch state and there were 52 villages under this Jagir. Rao Khengarji I (1510-1585) established Kutch and became a ruler of Kutch. His brother Sahebji set up Roha village and died after a battle with Raysinhji Zala of Halvad. After his death his successor Jiyaji built two big tanks on the Roha Hill. His son built a fort on Roha hill. Thakore Kalapi was famous poet in Gujrat. He wrote romantic poems at Roha hill because atmosphere of Roha was peaceful and close to the nature with many peacocks and other birds which can be seen here even now. Roha is called Sumari Roha after the princesses of the Sumara state Umarkot in Sindh. Fleeing Allaudin Khilji the princesses sought asylum with Abda, who died fighting Allaudin. Consequently the princesses took Samadhi at Roha. The present Thakore of Roha, Thakore Virensinhji Saheb lives in Bhuj and would like to develop the Roha hill as a tourist point.Tera Fort:
lies 85 km west of the town of Bhuj. Tera castle on the western edge of the state of Gujrat dominates the plains of Kutch from its position on the banks of Tretara (Three lakes) namely Chattasar, Sumerasar and Chatasar. Tera Jagir consisted of 41 villages and was one of the largest Jagirs of Kutch state. There are Ramayan wall paintings in the Tera castle. There are elaborate carved and beautiful paintings on glass in the Jain temple. Bandhani (tie & dye), Block printing, mirror work, Jats embroidery are the main crafts of this town. There are many of wild life animals chinkara, Blue Bull, Wild Boar, Hyena, The Great Indian Bustard, Peacock, Black partridge, etc. A very famous Mahadev temple Pinglaswar is 35 km far from Tera.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
lalji bechar “bharat petroleum” petrol pump:Gandhidham,Kutch,Gujarat,India,niranjan yadav 9427568195 IBP Petrol Pump:Gandhidham,Kutch,Gujarat,India
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation nearby Tomb of Jesal Toral:
Hotel Guddi:Anjar, Kutch, Gujarat,India,Ph:02836 242368 Midtown Hotel:Gandhidham,Kutch,Gujarat,IndiaHotel Shiv Regency:Gandhidham,Kutch,Gujarat,IndiaHotel PrinceC:ollege Road, Mirzapar Highway,Bhuj,Gujrat,India
Things to carry:
Tips & Suggestions for Tomb of Jesal Toral:
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:100
Nearest Hospital:
Mental Hospital:Bhuj,Kutch,Gujarat,India
Velani Hospital:Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat
Society/Community Phone Number:
Links:www.gujaratguideonline.com