Devaria or Devaliya or Deoria is a village in Anjar Taluka of Kutch at a distance of about 3 km from Anjar town of Kachchh District of Gujarat in India.

Devaria
village
Devaria is located in Gujarat
Devaria
Devaria
Location in Gujarat, India
Devaria is located in India
Devaria
Devaria
Devaria (India)
Coordinates: 23°01′37″N 69°59′49″E / 23.027°N 69.997°E / 23.027; 69.997
Country India
StateGujarat
DistrictKachchh
Languages
 • OfficialGujarati, Hindi
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Vehicle registrationGJ-
Websitegujaratindia.com

History

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Devaria it is one of the 19 villages founded by Kutch Gurjar Kshatriya or Mistris, as they are known in Kutch. These group of warriors were also skilled architects and have contributed to the erection of many historical monuments of kutch.

These Mistris first moved into Saurashtra in early 7th century and later a major group entered Kutch in 12th century and established themselves at Dhaneti. Later from 12th century onwards they moved to settle themselves between Anjar and Bhuj and founded the villages of Anjar, Sinugra, Khambhra, Nagalpar, Khedoi, Madhapar, Hajapar, Kukma, Galpadar, Reha, Vidi, Ratnal, Jambudi, Devaliya, Lovaria, Nagor, Chandiya, Meghpar and Kumbharia. During the years of laying of railway lines in British India around 1850-1930 many members of Mistris of Kutch moved out and made themselves into big railway contractors throughout India. Some of them entered into Coal mines business as well. The Mistris of these villages have built and developed the old infrastructure around the villages in late 1890 from their earnings during those time.[1] [2] [3][4] However, majority of old houses of Mistris with unique architect were destroyed in the earthquake of 26 January 2001.

Temples

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At entrance of village is a very famous and big temple complex known as Khakchok Mandir. The main saint name is Shree Ramchandra Das Maharaj. At present time this temple is good for village peoples there all facility for water, food and rest-house in this temple. Every year on Guru Purnima celebration is held in this temple and many people form far and near, attain this celebration.

Kuldevi temples of many clans of the Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas communities can also be found in the village. The Kuldevi temples of Chamunda Mata of Chawdas, Taunks, Sikotar Mata of Marus are located in the village. Further, the Mistri community have also built a Hanuman temple, few years back from their personal donations. Also there are parias and deris of Dadas and Satis of their community in a walled compound in back side of village, where many members of different clans come to pay their respects. These parias are several centuries old.

References

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  1. ^ Press Report after Earthquake giving details of Villages of Mistris & their art Archived 2012-09-30 at the Wayback Machine
  2. ^ Report on Villages of Mistri, skills, art Archived 2012-12-20 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ "Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas - Dhaneti & 18 villages founded by them, their history, surnames". Archived from the original on 3 March 2011. Retrieved 29 October 2009.
  4. ^ Gurjar Kshatriyas, also known as Mistris, came to Kutch from Rajasthan. They are skilled in building construction. They first established themselves at Dhaneti and were granted 18 villages by the rulers of Kutch. They are famous designers and developers of buildings and bridges.