Avichal Heritage Initiative is a movement that will implement engagement of the NRI diaspora and next generation through rebuilding and repurposing of Heritage Homes in Dharmaj, with Rhodesia House being the first example to tell the story of the Indo-African connection by conducting events to build cultural tourism.
AVICHAL HERITAGE FOUNDATION
We are telling the stories of migration and the depth of roots and culture to Dharmaj between those that moved 2-3 generations ago and how that sense of adventure is still relevant today in this small town of 11300 inhabitants.
Our Initiatives
DHARMAJ HERITAGE COLLABORATION
The Center for Heritage Conservation (CHC), part of the CEPT Research and Development Foundation (CRDF), Ahmedabad and the Avichal Heritage Foundation, Dharmaj have collaborated in an effort to safeguard the heritage of Dharmaj, a village in the Charotar region of Gujarat.
A series of four projects focusing on the conservation and regeneration of valuable heritage assets of the village has been proposed through educational, research, and outreach activities.
This launch event will give an overview of the initiative and potential projects planned as part of it while presenting opportunities for participants to get involved.
Rhodesia House
The site of Rhodesia house constructed by Somabhai Mooljibhai is a grand building standing in all its glory on the road from Dharmaj Railway Station into the Town Centre.
Viewing the house from the road it indeed looks like a large English country manor, but with distinctive Gujrati “Haveli” feel and ambience to it. The approach to the house is fronted by a gated archway over which are the accommodations for the security guards and the gatekeepers. The main house is composed of three separate but identical adjoining residences.
TRACING RO(U)TES
Cultural heritage is the legacy of physical artefacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations. Not all legacies of past generations are "heritage", rather heritage is a product of selection by society.
Given that we are in the year of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Gandhi, it is imperative to re-establish, re-visit and re-connect with the strong roots that the Patidars and Dharmajians have played in the development of the economies of their home state and their adopted countries. Dharmaj village and it’s immigrant residents have played a significant role in the Gandhian movement in South Africa and continue to uphold his values in India and abroad.
Tracing Ro(u)tes is thus expanding on the Dharmaj Day experience through the arts and crafts engagements in the town to enrich the heritage festival.
HERITAGE WALKS
The history regarding the settlement of Dharmaj is very ancient Some say it was settled by Dharma Rabari in 1130 A D Dharma Rabari found a Shiva Ling, while digging in the remote area of the jungle He used to take his cows there for grazing The name of the town Dharmaj refers to Dharma and In 1155 A D Narsinhbhai Patel, originally from Jargal came to Dharmaj to settle down.
Through curated Heritage Walks we would be Mapping the early Patridars, their homes and their journeys in the Dharmaj village.
Upcoming Events
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Be Part of The Change
An effort made to bring back our heritage
