Dhaneti

History

About the history of Dhaneti, the village holds a special place in annals of Kutch Gurjar Kshatriyas or Mistris of Kutch, who entered Kutch and fought a battle on the land of the Dhaneti village in late 12th Century around 1177–78 A.D. (V.S. 1234) and got themselves established and settled at this village under leadership of Patel Ganga Maru.

Even today, intricate paliyas or memorial stones of their dadas or shurapuras (the ancestors who died while fighting) and deris (pyre alters) of their Satis are standing there near village pond and other areas of village, as a mute witness to the war that was fought on this land by these Gurjar Kshatriyas, who are known as Mistris of Kutch. Today almost a thousand years after the war, the community people visit Dhaneti to pay respect to these memorial stones, built in memory of their forefathers, who gave up their lives fighting to defend their next generations.

Later during 14th to 15th century Mistris in course of time left Dhaneti and went on to establish other eighteen villages in Kutch, which were granted to them by the king. They were master craftsmen and architects and have played major role in erection and construction of majority of forts, palaces and architect of Kutch. It was because of their this quality they came to be known as Mistris in Kutch.

Present Status

At present, majority of people who live in this village are Sorathia, Ahirs and Rabari. Dhaneti today is famous for special Ahir & Rabari embroidery done by women of this community, and has developed as major centre for this art and tourist attraction.

Ramakrishna Mission is running a School, Students Home and other activities in Dhaneti since 1992.