Mundra

Mundra is a census town in Kutch district in the Indian state of Gujarat. Mundra Port is the largest private port in India.

History

Old Mundra town was walled and fortified with the masonry from the ruins of ancient town of Bhadresar, twenty seven kilometre to the north-east. The town was associated with Cutch State. Fortified in 1728 by Devkaran Seth, Mundra was in 1755 held and defended by Godji II when in revolt from his father. In 1801 it was given by Fateh Muhammad to Dosal Ven, and in 1815, when held by Muhammad Sota, was unsuccessfully attacked by Rao Bharmalji II. In 1818 it is said to had a population of 1200 souls and to have yielded a revenue of £3000 (Rs 30,000). In 1855 it was in good repair and contained 1500 houses. In 1861, it was noted for petty carpets of stamped cotton. In 1879, there was a considerable trade with Kathiawar, Khambhat, Surat, and Bombay, the chief exports being cotton, castor seed, pulse, wool and dyed cloth and the chief imports were metals, timber, grain, dates, grocery , and piece goods. In 1872, it had population of 7952.