Kajaria, Varmora, Somany, Ajanta, Oreva and Anjali are household names in India when one talks about ceramics and clocks. And Morbi in Saurashtra region is where all these are headquartered.
Historically a princely state founded around 1698 by Kanyoji, Morbi merged with Kathiyawad (Saurashtra). Considered to be the ceramic capital of the world with 13 per cent total ceramic production coming from Morbi, its clocks and LED lights are also well-known all over the country. Though ceramics and clocks are the mainstay of the economy in this town, there are ancillary industries like paper mills and a section of the people also depend on agriculture.
Time and again, both the ceramic and clock sectors have faced problems due to various tariffs and taxes and, reducing international demand. However, they have managed to stay afloat. During Covid-19, several industries diversified and started making toys and mosquito rackets.
Unfortunately, Morbi, located nearly 200 kilometres from Ahmedabad, this town of 3,58,000 plus people) is also now known for two disasters, both over the Machhu river.
In 1979, a dam on the river failed leading to water sweeping away over 14,000 people. On Sunday, the clock stopped after 43 years when the hanging bridge over Machchu river collapsed, taking the lives of 133 persons.
In fact, the hanging bridge finds a mention in one of the places to visit while in Morbi. Inaugurated in 1879, the bridge was 230 metre long. The Oreva Company, whose Trust runs the bridge and had gotten into an agreement with the Morbi Municipality, charges a nominal fee for using the bridge.
It was under repair for about seven months and was reopened on the Gujarati New Year Day last week.
Morbi also has an Art Deco Palace, Wellington Secretariat and a Green Tower. These are the structures built during the British type and depict European style of architecture.
Lakhdirji Waghji was the last ruler of Morbi.
Politically, both the MLA and MP are from the BJP in Morbi. While Brijesh Merja is the MLA, Mohanbhai Kundariya is the MP.