Alfred High School (Bhuj)

23°14′54″N 69°40′1″E Alfred High School in Bhuj, Kutch is one of the oldest educational institution of Gujarat and first high school of Kutch. It was founded by Rao of Cutch, Pragmalji II in year 1870 at cost of ₹150,000 (US$1,800). The school was named Alfred High School, after Prince Alfred, the Duke of Edinburgh.^[1][2][3]

The school building, was further, expanded during reign of Maharao Khengarji III of Cutch and foundation of present-day building was laid by Governor of Bombay, Sir James Fergusson in 1882.^[4] The two-story building is designed in colonial style and constructed with unique trap stones. The arched opening are richly decorated and highlighted with marble. The school building located near Hamirsar Lake is one of the heritage structures of Kutch.^[5] The Mistris of Kutch were involved in erection of this majestic building; under supervision of the state Gaidher, Jairam Ruda Gajdhar.^[6]

The school was badly damaged in 2001 earthquake, however, the building has been restored to its old glory^[5][7] and at present runs as an education institution as boys High School, teaching in Gujarati medium, run by government of Gujarat.^[2][8]

The centenary celebrations were held in 1970 and it was noted that it is difficult to assume the notable pupils, spread all over India over a century.^[9] Among notable alumni are - J. K. Dholakia - Mining Engineer, Premji Bhavanji Thacker - Congress politician and advocate.^[10]

See also

• The White Eagle School
• Government Engineering College, Bhuj
• Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Sciences
• Krantiguru Shyamji Krishna Verma Kachchh University

References

1. Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency: Cutch, Pálanpur, and Mahi Kántha. Government Central Press. 1880.
2. Alfred High School, Near Mahadev Gate Bhuj is First highschool in Kutch, 134 years old, Gujarati medium, boys high school, government high school and higher secondary school
3. Alfred High School,Bhuj established in 1870
4. REPORT ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE BOMBAY PRESIDENCY FOR THE YEAR 1881-82. 1882.
5. Masonry, Alfred High School, Page 12
6. Kutch Gurjar Kshatriya: A brief History : by Raja Pawan Jethwa, Calcutta, 2007. Page:63. Jairam Ruda Gajdhar of Mistri community was the Gaidher of the State during reign of Pragmulji II and part of reign Khengwarji Bawa, when Prag Mahal, Alfred High School, Fergusson Museum, embankment of Hamirsar Lake, etc. were constructed.
7. The gothic structures of Alfred High school and the local museum makes you feel as if you are in South Bombay. It’s hard to believe that an earthquake of horrific intensity had annihilated the whole town, just seven years back.
8. "Sir Alfred High School, Gujarat State, Address : Near Hamirsar Lake, Bhuj. Affiliated to Gujarat State. Board : Gujarat State". Archived from the original on 8 October 2011. Retrieved 14 May 2011.
9. Thought. Siddhartha Publications. 1971. p. 12.
10. India. Parliament. Rajya Sabha (1952). Who's who. Rajya Sabha Secretariat. p. 194.