Trivedi Anjani Suryakantbhai

HR4002

This essay explores the funerary landscapes of Bhuj, a city in the Kutch region of India. By examining various memorial sites, including royal cenotaphs, Islamic tombs, and communal burial grounds, the study delves into the ways in which death has been commemorated and remembered over centuries. Drawing inspiration from Pierre Nora's concept of lieux de mémoire (sites of memory), the essay analyses how these funerary sites serve as focal points for the collective memory of Bhuj. The study investigates the evolution of memorial practices, from ancient hero stones to the more elaborate tombs of the medieval and colonial periods. Through archival research, field observations, and interviews with local historians, the essay uncovers the diverse cultural and religious influences that have shaped Bhuj's funerary landscapes.