Nani Rayan

SR No.: 001481
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Pulin Vasa
Publisher: Kalikal Sarvagya Shri Hemchandracharya Navam Janmashatabdi Smruti Sanskar Shikshannidhi Ahmedabad
Total Pages: 66
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Art, & Culture
File Size: 9 MB

Page 12

Kutch in the ancient literature :
The first mention of the word Kutch is seen in the Gan chapter of Astadhyayi Vyakaran written by the great Panini. Along with this referance, one finds words like Anup, Sindhu, Varnu, Gandhar, Madhumat Kabob Kashmir Salve etc all of them are indicative of places. 13 A definite reference, is obtained from Matsya Puran and other purans where it is described as an adjoining area to Surastra as a part of Aparant.14 Scand Puran describes its economic prosperity. Named as Kutch Mandal it is believed to have 1422(or144) villages, 15 (Interestingly, Kutch, today has 1000 villages). Noted historian Shri Umashanker Joshi says that according to Bhavishya Puran, Sindh, Kutch and Bhuj were under a common dynastic rule. 16 However as this story is not supported by any other literature some authorities believe it to be more of a mythological reference.
The Shilalekh (rock edifice) of king Rudradama (150AD) found from Junagadh mentions Kutch.17 Other references : A According to Jain Anushruti King Bharat, during his campaign, had taken over Kutch.18 в Acharang sutra mentions presence of Abhirs as Jain followers and Jain monks in Kutch.19
Bruhad kalpa sutra indicates that Jain Monks were allowed to stay with their followers in Kutch.20 Yu En Sang, in his travel notes, has described Kutch to be a part of Sindh. In his conclusive remarks he has mentioned the two areas of O-Tin-Po-Chi-Lo. And Kit, the former being Aoudumbar, according to Cunningham this was Kutch. Other Authorities too confirm this
belief.21 E Periplus has curiously not mentioned Kutch despite of presence of shipping and trade. However
he does mention the Rann of Kutch as Irinon and the Gulf of Kutch as Baraka. He describes 7 islands in gulf of Baraka and says that the Irinon had two parts, a larger Irinon and a smaller
Irinon. (Large and Little Rann of Kutch).22 F Solanki period Literature (1029 to 1037 AD) describes Kutch mandal.23
13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Panini Upayukta 4-2-132 Matsya Puran 114-51,Brhamand puran 1-2-16-63 Markandey Puran 54-62, Vaman Puran 4-45-131 Vayu Puran 13-53 Skand Puran 1-2-39-145 PU.GU.page no.55, 56 Gu, Ai.Le. No 6 page 9 Jambudwip Pragnapti. page 128 Avashyak Churni Uttarbhag, page 291 Bruhad kalpa sutra2-384Ti Cunningham's Ancient Geography of India page 346 Periplus Gu.Ai.Le.No139 page 15
The Geographic And Historic Perspective of Kutch