Lakhpat, a journey into a ghost town

New Delhi: Lakhpat is a small town and sub-district in Kachchh district in the Indian state of Gujarat.The town is within the fort walls of the 18th-century Lakhpat fort. As of 2001 it had a population of 436 in 87 households.The literal meaning of Lakhpat is the city of millionaire, however today it is sparsely populated Ghost town, a city of ruins of buildings and a magnificent fort surrounding them. Historically it has been very important trading post connecting Gujarat to Sindh. Its decline started when an earthquake diverted the flow of the Sindhu river away from it. It has a scenic landscape with a fort in ruins along with tomb and a mosque noted for their fine carvings. A nearby gurudwara is historically significant, as Guru Nanak is believed to have visited this site while he was on his way to Mecca. Few of his relics are retained here. During the period of Muslim invasion, the Khudabadi Sonara Community and other Hindus who had not converted to Islam under the Ghaznavids moved to Vegh Kot and Lakhpat (in Kutch) around 1028 AD, to avoid genocide at the hands of the invading Muslims and to live peacefully under Hindu Samma rulers.Lakhpat, the last frontier of Kutch, is an amazing sea fort situated in the mouth of Kori Creek. History says that the waters of Sindhu River used to flow into Lakhpat and further onto Deshalpar (Gunthli). Rice used to be cultivated and Lakhpat used to give an annual revenue of 800,000 Koris just from rice. It is also said that Lakhpat used to generate an income of 100,000 Koris everyday from maritime activities. All this changed with the earthquake of 1819. A natural dam known as the Allahbund was created and Sindhu changed its course of flow. The Sindhu river now drains into the sea. Lakhpat and the area around is very sparsely populated of not more than 400 persons. The Gosh Mohmad Kuba, Syed Pir Shah Dargah, Nani Mai Dargah, Hatkeshwar Temple amongst others in the old town are reminisces of the glorious past. BSF outposts keep a diligent vigil over the area. It is a delight to see the Chinkara and the Nilgai. One has to be very lucky to spot the caracal or the civet. The sight of peacocks and the call of the partridges follows one right up to the fort of Lakhpat. Located nearby is the Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary.