Bhuj was founded by Rao Hamir in 1510 and was made the capital of Kutch (kachchh) by Rao Khengarji I in 1549. Its foundation stone as state capital was formally laid on Vikram Samvat 1604 Maagha 5th (approx. 25 January 1548). From 1590 onwards, when Rao was forced to acknowledge the Mughal supremacy, Bhuj came to be known as Suleiman Nagar amongst Muslims. The city’s walls were built by Rao Godji I in 1723[dubious – discuss], and the Bhujia Fort by Devkaran Seth in Rao Deshalji I’s time (1718 – 1741).The British garrison at Bhuj peaked in 1826 with nearly 1400 British troops (685 infantry, 543 dragoons, 90 foot artillery and 74 horse artillery)[5] supported by over 5000 Indian soldiers. Amongst the highest profile British figures during this time was Alexander Burnes who was based here between 1826 and 1829.
