CHAPTER 4

BHARUKACHCHHA

Bharuch / Broach (22°44’; 72°50’), the headquarters of the district of the

same name, ancient “Bharukachchha” or’Bhrugukaccha and Barygaza of the
classical geographers is situated on the northern bank of river Narmada. It is
a town of hoary antiquity noted in the Buddhist, Hindu and Jain literature.
The antiquity of its settlement goes back to the chalcolithic period. Ceramics
and other antiquities unearthed from the local Law College site (which is
near the Jayendrapuri Arts College1 and Lallubhai Chakla) are showing
affinities to the chalcolithic cultures of Western India.

The plain of Lata region developed by river Narmada is significant in

many respects, being much smaller in extent and being a coastal plain open
to direct sea contact. This has helped to make it as a centre of trade and
agriculture. It is quite possible that there may have been a certain degree of
continuity of settlement, i.e., right from Harappan Urbanism to that of Iron
Age2.

According to the tradition preserved in Avasyakacurni, Bharukachcha

was included in the kingdom of Ujjain which was ruled by king Chanda
Pradyot (c.528 BC)3. By inclusion in the Mauryan empire and by the
development of India’s Mediterranean trade Bharukaccha attained a new
stage of economic prosperity and became a port par excellence. Its
immediate hinterland was fertile by producing wheat, rice, cotton and also
its connection was stretched to Ujjain in Central India and Pratisthana in
Deccan, by touching the arterial routes of Inner India. The evidence of

62
Priplus is most explicit and gives an elaborate list of imports and exports
through this port4. However, it did not cater only to the Mediterranean trade,
but in some Jatakas it is said to have had connections with Srilanka and
South East Asia.

The maritime activity through Bharukachchha has been vividly

narrated in the Bharu-Jataka, Supparaka Jataka and Sussonate Jataka5. These

Jatakas have preserved memories of voyages of daring Indian merchants

voyaging from the great western seaports to Srilanka, Burma, Malaya
Penninsula (Southeast Asian countries) and several Mediterranean countries.
The author of the Periplus also speaks of later Indo-Greek rulers such as
Appollodotus and Menander whose coins were in use in his time at
Barygaza or Bharukachchha6.

Since the bulk of goods supplied to Rome was precious forest

products and specially the trade in raw forest products which fetched the
highest prices was concentrated along the west coast with Bharuch as the
main port, it was necessary for the Satvahana economy to gain control over
Bharuch. Since Bharuch lay in a strategic location as far as trade routes are
concerned, it controlled the trade of goods coming from northern India via
Bharuch which was very lucrative. It provided an outlet for the settlement of
the Deccan and South India also7. Therefore by controlling Bharuch the
Satavahanas could conrol almost the entire incoming and outgoing trade of
India. This is why the Satavahanas invaded Bharukaccha, killed Nahapana
and covetted the nucleus of trading emporium8.

63
 The early reference of Bharach we have as an international trading
emporium and the most prominent port is from the Periplus of the Erythrean
Sea9 and Ptolemey’s Geography10. Both the aforesaid sources state that this
town was one of the chief seats of trade between India and the markets .of
Western Asia. Barygaza was more easily approachable straight by river
Narmada and “by a better passage through the left” (sec 43). In the book of
Periplus, it is said that five district trade routes seem to have converged at
Barygaza at which two were by sea and three were by land.

The Nasik cave inscription of the time of Nahapana records donations

made by his son in law Usavdatt at Bhrgutirtha (Bharakaccha). Several
Pauranic accounts also describe it as Tirtha and holy place11.

The area around Bharach was an agricultural land as well as

manufacturing and trade centre. The tribals of this area during early historic
period were considered as people beyond the social pole in aryan society but
they were called the main spokes in this type of trade. Large amounts of
beads of semi precious stones were manufactured in Bharach . Ratanpura,
Zagadia and Rajpipla hills area is rich in different types of agate. The author
of the Periplus of Erythrean sea observed that agate and other type of gems
were extremely popular in Rome. Moreover the tribals provided medicinal
substances, wild animals, birds, honey kher etc.

During the regime of King Dadda Bahusahaya(c.677AD),

Bharakaccha was elevated as the capital city of the Gurjaras13. The Chinese
pilgrim Hiuen -T-Sang (640-41AD) referred Bharakaccha as Po-iu-kie-che-
po. This port town was 201i in size. There were some ten sangharamas with

64
about 300 believers of Mahayan sect and ten Dev temples. During the
regime of the Gurjaras and the Rashtrakutas it enjoyed the position of a
capital city. The Sakunika Vihar (a Jain shrine) at Bharukaccha was built
during Solanki period iS.

Large scale excavations at Bharuch were not possible owing to the

fact that the modern city lies over the older settlement. The city is made up
of more or less deltaic and alluvial sediments in the north, south west and
west. The configuration of the land is more or less flat with gentle slope
towards the sea, i.e., towards the west. The Narmada river provides a
perennial source of water for agriculture (i.e., wheat, rice, cotton). Therefore
it was an agricultural area as well as a manufacturing trade centre.

Excavation (IAR 1958-59) by K.V.Sundararajan of the

Archaeological Survey of India has revealed deposits of several periods.
Period-I (Chalcolithic)- Chalcolithic pottery and antiquities not found in the
main excavation but obtained through salvage archaeology from
Jayendrapuri Arts College and Lallubhai chakla at Bharuch. Period II (Later
half of the first millenium BC). The lowest strata from the town site have
yielded the Black and Red ware, NBP ware and many plain types. Ring
wells in clusters of five have been found in one of the cuttings on the inner
fringe of the mud rampart, beads and shell bangles. Period III (c.7th to c.5th
cen.AD). The period is characterised by Red polished ware, Kshatrap coins
and a miniature Siva linga. Period IV (Late Historical and medieval c.6thAD-
13th cent AD). This period yielded Maitraka coins, medieval pottery
sculptural and architectural fragments. Thus archaeological excavations
revealed that this metropolis as well as nucleus of maritime activities of

65
Western India was protected by mud rampart and fortifications in different
periods. The mud rampart associated with moat possibly dates from c.3rd

cent.BC(IAR 1959-60,p. 19). During Kshatrap-Gupta period the mud rampart

appears to have been provided with heavy brick revertment. Being a capital
it was a well fortified place for its ramparts are reffered to in a Grant of
Dadda II. Again a ribbon form fort was built (4500’- 00’) average in length
east-west and 600’-O’ average breadth north-south) during medieval period.

The salvage archaeological study conducted by R.N.Mehta has pushed

back the antiquity of Bharuch to Harappan period. Interestingly ancient
Bharakachcha and Nagal on the south bank of river Narmada opposite
Broach were involved in maritime activity right from C.800BC. The
Wqjf
archaeological materials of Harappan period indicate that Broach^not only a
major chalcolithic settlement but, perhaps a settlement in formative
1st urbanisation. Thus, Broach had a continuity of settlement right from c.3rd
anv/dVcls
millenium BC.JThe salvage archaeological observation reveales that right
from its earliest settlement during 1st urbanisation J. upto medieval period
the growth of the city has extended along the river front on its east and west
side. This indicates the linear pattern of its growth. Interestingly it has
maintained this the city growth maintaining its traditional linear pattern even
upto this date.

TOPOGRAPHY
The town Bharuch developed on a high cliff on the right bank of river
Narmada. The land area contain black cotton soil. The cliff runs parallel to
the river from east to west. The southern side of town is protected by large
river in natural topography while the northern eastern and western sides are

66
protected by a moat, which is developed due to natural features like rain
gullies. The town can be divided into low lands and high prominences. The
main highland area of Bharuch is marked in Soneri Mahal and tower areas.
Soneri Mahal area starts from north eastern comer of the Indus muhalla and
ends at western boarder of Hanuman tekra. The begum wadi and hospital
area is developed on the high mound sloping towards the east and south west
of Bharuch. Area like Lallubhai ehakla, lalbazar, Kothi muhalla are
comparatively on high lands. The eastward part of the town fall toward
Narmada river where rain gullies of that areas made some place into low
lands. The outskirts and suburbs of Bharuch are comprised of comparitively
low lands. Outside of the fortification the area between Ratan talav and Fata
talav is cut by erosion and is not suitable for habitation. The name of the
town Bharukachchha (Bharuch) means “a cliff near the coast” is an example
of a name based on geographic placement. It grew in size and was restricted
on one side of river Narmada and developed into ribbon type plan.

The Malbari darwaja was a gate through which commercial goods

were channeled. The explanation of the name is based on the tradition that
merchant vessels from Malabar anchord here and thereby the name gate of
Malabar darwaja was Haji pir Kirman darwaja(?). Bharuch was centre of
international trade and commerce. Many foreigners were settled at Bharuch.
Muslim saint who came from Kirman and settled here. Hence this gate was
named after him. Soneri Mahal darwaja was named after golden coloured
building where main administrator of town was living. Zadeswari darwaja
was named after a place zadeswar in which direction the gate opened.
Malbari darwaja and Hurja darwaja functioned as the importing and
exporting centers. The embracation(?) for and other tolls were collected

67
BHARUKACCHA (BHARUCH)

FIS'; 34-
from out goers. It is also entry point from the sea. The place names are
influenced by historical, social, geographical, trade and commerce and
language. Soneri Mahal Brugumuni temple, Kanchi plinth etc. are historical
name. Somnath-no-tekro, Nanimoti dungri, Fata talav, Jagasheth tekro,
pholigui no tekro are geographical name. Bhatwad, multhani vad, Vaniya
vad, Bhorvad, Hanuman sheri, Reasi Faliya, Patidar Khadki, Lallubhai
chakla, Narandev-ni-Khadki are social name. Lalbazar, Haji Khan Nagar,
Gandhi Bazar, Vansfod Mohalla Kumbhahar vad are suggesting commercial
place name. Ganuman sheri, Limdichok, Piplichock, Bava chakla, Kunjari
vad etc. are place name. Every names of town indicates various activities of
various areas.

TOWN PLANNING (Fig: 34)

An extensive exploration was undertaken by the investigator, in and

around the town in order to map out the archaeological and architectural
antiquities and show their proper relationship within townscape. Presume the
ancient town-planning as present town has developed over the ancient site,
however the medieval fort with nine gates and its topographical and
toponomical study provide some information regard to its townscape.

The town was fortified and was provided with nine gates. They were
Furja or Makka Darwaja, Malbari darwaja, Hajipor Kirmani Darwaja,
Navachok darwaja, Bhangkot darwaja, Undai darwaja, Zadeswar darwaja,
Soneri mahal darwaja, Katapor darwaja. From first to sixth gate were on
southern fort wall facing' river Narmada. Zadesvari gate was on east .side
wall while Soneri Mahal and Katapor gates were on northern side. All gates

68
bear the strategic forsightness of the builder. We have to presume ancient
town on existing fortline which reveals topographical features natural
protection on opposite side on north outside fort 20 meter deep valley
existed. Right from earlier period due to topographical character it was a
natural port. Due to maritime trade, Bharukachcha attained a new stage of
prosperity. Moreover, its immediate hinterland was fertile, production of
Wheat, rice and cotton were in quantities. Its connection starts Ujjain in
central India, Pratisthanana in Deccan area thus connecting Mahapathas
(Highways) of inner India18. Moreover it only had well establish merchantile
/
relation with Srilanka and south east Asia. This factor made Bharukachha as
nucleus of maritime activity of western India. Zadeswara gate was main
entry gate from land routes while Furja gate was entry gate through water
routes. Furja gate and Malabari gate were functioned as the exporting and
importing centre.

Regarding fortification to Bharukaccha following facts are

noteworthy.
Fort I : A mud rampart associated with a moat was constructed possibly
dates from 3rd Cent. BC(IAR 1959-60, p.19).

Fort II : In Kashatrap-Gupta period the mud rampart appears to have been

provided with heavy brick revertment.

Fort III: During the regime of King Dada II, Bharuch was capital city of
Gurjaras and it was well fortified town mentioned in grant of Dada
II(c.677AD).

69
Fort IV: In Solanki period of King Siddhraj Jaisinha (1094AD to 1134 AD)
strong fort was constructed around Bharuch.

Area around Bharuch was fertile crescent and with river water
facilities, the bulk quantities of agricultural production(i.e., rice, wheat and
cotton) created more surplus economy. Bharuch had granaries (Kasak) of
agricultural products, being a trade centre surplus products were reported.
Growth of best quality of cotton of this area provided raw material for textile
industries. Strong and rough cotton cloth manufactured to hoist a sail for
ships, vessels and armors. Best quality of fine cloth of cotton and silk were
manufactured for garments and exported ware-houses were established near
by gates and bazars founded on the main roads. Evidently the same tradition
were continued and existed. Many warehouses existed near Furja, Malbari
and Zadeswari gates. Fine thread, ropes, string and cord were manufactured
in Bharuch.

Large quantities of forest products, herbal products, birds, animals and

timber were brought to Bharuch from inner part of the countries and Malbar
region. Around Bharuch wood craft industry was also dominant. Large size
armors, war ships, vessels, cargo, ferry ships and boats were manufactured at
this place and exported also. Availability of quality woods, cords, ropes and
cloth to hoist a sail brought the name of ship manufacturing at international
level of that period. Warship named^Gurab’was famous. Sultan Mahmud III
of Gujarat had placed order for Gujarat warships at Bharuch, Surat and
Cambay19.

70
 Precious stone jewellery manufacturing and exporting was also a
prominent bussiness and trade of Bharuch. Large quantities of precious,
semiprecious stones and agates were brought from inner land area like
Rajpipla hills, Ratanpura and Zagadia.

Survival of few families concerned with above industries and

community areas in town planning is quite significant regarding heritage of
Bharukachcha. The principle road pattern found systematic though the land
area is uneven. Main roads of town from south to north and road from east to
west were dividing the town into irregular sectors of areas, streets and
narrow lanes. From Adeswar gate to Furja gate, east west principle road was
historical road which connected ancient land route and water route which
had establish Bharukachcha as an international port town of Western India.
Principle roads from riverside gates, from south to north and were meeting
the main east west road in the town. Bazars were existed on such roads.
Inner part of the sectors were used for community habitation. In north
eastern comer of the town, the area called “Kasak” (granary) is found, which
was one of the agricultural divisions on the outskirt of the town. To the
north, the areas called Dangarwada. Dangars were those people who used a
wooden instrument with iron teeth to husk rice. Fuza gate was also known as
Makka gate, through which muslim pilgrims used to visit. Makka, road
through Katapor and Soneri mahal gates of north fort wall lead towards
suburbs indicate lower class service people and labourer community areas.
Jal bazar, Juna bazar, Hajikhan bazar and Gheekodia are market places and
evenly distributed out side the fort town.

71
 This international port and nucleus of maritime activity of western
India was approachable by two ways, i.e., by land routes as well as by water
routes through river or sea. Hence this type of port town has been described
as “Dronamukha”. Moreover due to its linear pattern development as per
Visvakarma Vastusastra20, Aparajtapruccha and Rajvallabha texts has been
described as “Dandaka Nagar”.

72
 REFERENCES

1. Gosh, A, 1989, An encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology, New Delhi.

P.67
2. Allchin, F.R., 1995, The Archaeology of early Historic South Asia.
Cambridge University Press, p.20.
3. Majumdar, M.R., 1960. Historical and Cultural chronology of Gujarat.
M.S.University of Baroda. P.26
4. Schoff, W.H., 1912, Periplus of the Erythrean Sea, Logman Green and
Co. London.p.39.
5. Chakraborti, H, 1966, Trade and Commerce in Ancient India, Calcutta,
p.92. See also Majumdar M.R. op.cit. p.112.
6. Majumdar, M.R. ibid, p.41,48. See also Motichandra. Trade and Trade
routesin ancient India.p.91-92.
7. Deshpande, M.N., 1981, Trade routes in Ancient India, In Science
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8. Jayswal,K.P. 1930, The problems of Saka-Satavahana History in Journal
of Bihar and Orissa Research Journal, Vol.16. p.227-316. See also
Majumdar, M.R.op.cit.p.54.
9. Schoff, W.H., 1912, op.cit.
10. M.C.CrideJ.W. 1927, Ancient India as described by ptolemy, Calcutta.
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and Kathiawad. Reprinted from Indian Antiquity. Vol.LHI-LIV.
12. Chakraborti, D.K., 1995, The Archaeology of Ancient> Indian Cities.
Oxford University Press, Bombay, p.227.
13. Parikh, R.C. and Shastri, H.G. 1974, Gujaratno Rajkiya Aue Samskritik
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14. Indian Archaeology-A Review, 1958-59. P.69, 1959-60.p.l9.
15. Ibid, 1961-62.p.l 1-12.
16. Motichandra, 1977, Trade and Trade routes in Ancient India, Abhinav
Publications. New Delhi. P.91.
17. Valand, Narottam. Bharuchanu Bandar-Guj. Rajkiya Ane Sanskritik
Itihas, Vol.4, Solanki Kal. p.265.
18. Sastri, K.V., and Garde, N E., 1958, Vaisvakarma Vastusastra, Tanjore
and Saraswatimahal series, No.85, T.M.M.S.S.Library, Tanjore. P.VII to
X.

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