Primus BooksFlowers of the Sun: The People and Land of Kutch, c.17402020

Flowers of the Sun: The People and Land of Kutch, c.1740-2020 examines Kutchs rich and fascinating history, spanning nearly three centuries. It highlights the strong Sufi tradition of Kutch, the shared love of the land and the awareness that survival in the harsh environment requires cooperation and innovation, mil and mithas, friendship and sweetness. The early years of the nineteenth century witnessed efforts by the British to establish political and military control over Kutch, Sindh and north-west India. Thwarted by effective Kutchi resistance under the able leadership of military commander Jamadar Fateh Mahomed, this period constitutes a significant marker in Kutchs history. His death in 1813 was followed by increasing British domination over the princely state, until India (and Kutch) gained Independence in 1947. Special attention is paid to Kutchs participation in the Indian national movement, hitherto almost absent from history books. The role of important leaders, notably, Yusuf Meherally, K.T. Shah, M.M Mehta, Jilubha Jadeja among others, reveal the dominant concerns of the people of Kutch. This historical study concludes with the devastating earthquake of 26 January 2001 and the significant changes that have taken place thereafter.