location
Ratnal is a village near the town Anjar and the taluka of Kutch district in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is located at a distance of about 15 km from Anjar.
History
Ratnal, the village was founded by Rabaris. The most influential person among them or the one who came at this place was named as "Ratna" and thus the name Ratnal. The village was about 0.5 km South-East to its current center. Rabaris were first to live here then after a sister of Kutchi Royal family who was married to a Jethwa royal family outside Kutch was donated to rule this village among others. They also lived here with Rabaris. Today Jethwa Khsatriya people are found only at this village in whole Kutch region. About 500 years agoYaduvanshi Ahirs people are believed to enter Ratnal for the first time. Ahirs are majority in Ratnal now.
[edit]Present Status
The village was almost completely destroyed in the earthquake of 26 January 2000 and about 175 people died that day[1]. Bill Clinton visited the village[2]. Some part is relocated as Radha Krishna Nagar, original village site is still very populated. However, civic facilities bus stand and public amenities at road side near railway station is lacking. Most important political posts in the region belong to Ratnal natives.
There are five schools in village
1. Ratnal Panchayati Prathamik Shala (Ratnal Primary School for Boys)
2. Shri Krishna Pranami Kanya Vidyalay (Ratnal Primary School for Girls)
3. Vidya Bharati (Primary School managed by Vidya Bharati)
4. Peta Para Shala (Ratnal Primary School for Boys and Girls of Northern side of village)
5. Ratnal Highschool (Teaches 9, 10 ,Arts, Commerece students)
1. Ratnal Panchayati Prathamik Shala (Ratnal Primary School for Boys)
2. Shri Krishna Pranami Kanya Vidyalay (Ratnal Primary School for Girls)
3. Vidya Bharati (Primary School managed by Vidya Bharati)
4. Peta Para Shala (Ratnal Primary School for Boys and Girls of Northern side of village)
5. Ratnal Highschool (Teaches 9, 10 ,Arts, Commerece students)
But the level of education among girl children is considerably low. The reason is limiting traditions of Ahir community. Child marriage is prominent in the village [3]
Banks in Ratnal
1. Bank of Baroda
2. Kutch District Development Bank
There is no ATM facility here.
1. Bank of Baroda
2. Kutch District Development Bank
There is no ATM facility here.
[edit]Economy
The people are mainly involved in agriculture and transportation. Ahir women of Ratnal are famous for their embroidery and patch-work. People are in very good condition now. According to an India Today survey Ratnal is the only village in world having more than 1000 trucks[4]. The daily consumption of diesel here is more than 15,000 liters. To benefit from it every oil company in India[citation needed] has its stations in the village including Reliance, Essar, BPCL, HPCL, IOCL and IBP.
[edit]Places to Visit
Ratnal is itself very beautiful by its people. You can visit Hanuman Tekri, Village lake, Kankeshwar Mahadev, Vatahn Chowk, Choro and St. Shri Vallabh Dasji Stadium where KPL is hold every year[5].
[edit]Attractions
Never ever leave the place without touching the great embroidery work of women here. If you come in the month of May you may get a chance to be a part of marriage ceremonies!
