Khamir

Brief History

Located about 4 km beyond Bhujodi, in the Anjar direction, Khamir is a space for engagement and development of Kutch’s craft heritage. It stands for Kutch heritage, art, music, information and resources. Khamir means ‘intrinsic pride’ in the local language and in Hindi it means ‘to ferment.’ The name lends itself to constant fermentation of ideas and activity within the organisation and in the Kutch region. This umbrella organisation is dedicated to preserving and encouraging Kutch crafts in all their diversity. At the Kukma centre you can see demonstrations and buy some of the artisans’ products. Khamir focused on printed textiles, woven textiles, leather art, lacquered wood, metal bells, pottery and other local craft skills.

Khamir was conceived after the devastating earthquake in Bhuj in 2001, where many lives were lost, and infrastructure was razed to the ground. This was a massive impediment in the lives of local artisans who live in the Kutch area. Prof Neelkanth Chhaya designed the Khamir Campus, Hunnarshala, using rammed earth technology