Bhuj was founded in 1510 by Rao Hamir and Rao Khengarji I made it the capital of Kutch (kachchh) in 1549. The foundation stone as the state capital was formally laid at Vikram Samvat 1604 Maagha 5 (c. 25 January 1548) . From 1590, when Rao was forced to recognize Mughal supremacy, Bhuj became known among Muslims as Suleiman Nagar. The city walls were built by Rao Godji I in 1723 [doubt – discuss], and the Bhujia Fort by Devkaran Seth during the time of Rao Deshalji I (1718 – 1741).
Bhuj has been attacked six times. In two cases the defense was successful and in another four it failed. In 1728, an attack by Sarbuland Khan, Mughal viceroy of Gujarat, was repulsed by Rao Deshalji I, and in 1765, by a timely demonstration of the strength of the fortifications, Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro was induced to retreat. During the civil unrest during the reign of Rao Rayadhan III, Bhuj was captured three times: by Meghji Seth in 1786, by Hansraj in 1801 and by Fateh Muhammad in 1808. On 26 March 1819, the Bhujia hillfort was captured by a British detachment led by Sir William Keir.
