HPAS Notes: History of Chamba (Varman Dynasty)

Ganesh Varman (A.D. 1512)

• Plates from his era provide the earliest instances of the use of the suffix ‘Singh’ in the Chamba family.
• He built the fort of Ganeshgarh in the Mothila area to protect his frontier.
• Mughal influence had started making itself felt in Chamba before his death in A.D. 1559.

Pratap Singh Varman (A.D. 1559 – 1586)

• Son of Ganesh Varman and Sahib Devi.
• He was a contemporary of Emperor Akbar.
• It was during his time that the suffix ‘Singh’ began to be used with the name of the Raja (ruler) in the Chamba dynasty.
• The latest plates from his reign are dated A.D. 1586, and he probably died in the same year.

War with Kangra

• A war broke out between Chamba and Kangra (led by Raja Chandrapal).
• The war concluded with the defeat of the Katoch (Kangra) forces.
• Jit Chand, the younger brother of the Kangra Raja, was killed.
• During this conflict, Chamba forces also occupied Guler.
• Chamba annexed the small districts of ‘Chari’ and ‘Gharoh’ near the border.

Mughal Subjugation

• Early in his reign, the whole of the Hill States, including Chamba, became subject and tributary to the Mughal Empire.
• Akbar deputed Todar Mal to create landed property in the hill states.
• Chamba was compelled to surrender Rihlu and all its territory east of that province.
• Chamba was also forced to surrender the newly annexed districts of Chari and Gharoh to the Mughals.
• This event marked the beginning of nearly 200 years of Chamba’s subjection to the Mughal Empire.

HPAS Notes: Chamba (Balbhadra & Janardhan)

Balbhadra (A.D. 1589)

• Famous for extreme piety and generosity, earning him the nickname ‘Bali-Karna’.
• Gave profusely to Brahmins and made land grants to the Lakshmi Naryan Temple.
• Fact: At least 42 copper plates from his reign are known to be extant.
• His lavish spending caused a severe drain on the state treasury, embarrassing the administration.
• His eldest son, Janardhan, was urged by officials to intervene.
• Janardhan removed Balbhadra from power and deported him to the village of ‘Baraia’ across the Ravi river, assigning him a house and lands for his support.

Janardhan

War with Nurpur (Raja Suraj Mal)

• After assuming charge, Janardhan was involved in an indecisive war with Raja Suraj Mal of Nurpur for twelve years.
• A.D. 1618: Suraj Mal rebelled against the Mughals and took temporary refuge in a Chamba fort, joined by his brother ‘Madho Singh’.

Mughal Intervention & Kangra Fort

• Due to Suraj Mal’s rebellion, the Mughal Emperor sent Jagat Singh (Suraj Mal’s brother) from Bengal to assist in the siege of Kangra.
• Fact: The siege of Kangra fort ended in November 1620.
• Fact: Emperor Jahangir visited Kangra in January 1622 (travelling via Siba and returning via Nurpur).
• Raja Janardhan of Chamba and his brother, ‘Bishambar’, also visited the Emperor.

Death of Janardhan & Aftermath

• Hostilities resumed between Chamba and Nurpur (now led by Jagat Singh).
• A decisive battle was fought at Dhalog (on Sandhara road), where the Chamba army was defeated and Bishambar was killed.
• Later, around A.D. 1623, Jagat Singh killed Janardhan by treachery.

Chamba under Nurpur Rule

• Following Janardhan’s death, Chamba became subject to Jagat Singh of Nurpur.
• The state was ruled by Jagat Singh’s officials for twenty years.
• Jagat Singh built the fort of Taragarh within Chamba territory.
• This fort was used by Jagat Singh during his own rebellion against the Mughals in A.D. 1641.

HPAS Notes: Chamba (Prithvi Singh)

Prithvi Singh (A.D. 1641)

Recovery of Chamba (A.D. 1641)

• The recovery of Chamba was linked to the A.D. 1641 rebellion of Raja Jagat Singh of Nurpur (and his son Rajrup Singh) against Emperor Shahjahan.
• A Mughal army under Prince Murad Baksh was sent to suppress the revolt, assembling at Pathankot in August 1641.
• Jagat Singh had fortified three main strongholds: ‘Mankot’, ‘Nurpur’, and ‘Taragarh’.
• Prithvi Singh, who was in exile in Mandi, used this as an opportunity to reclaim his kingdom.
• He received assistance from the Raja of Mandi and Suket.
• He also received help from Raja Man Singh of Gwalior (Guler), who was a mortal enemy of Jagat Singh.
• To reach Chamba, Prithvi Singh travelled via Kullu, Rohtang pass, and Lahaul.

Aftermath of the Rebellion

• Jagat Singh, facing a massive army, surrendered to the Emperor and was pardoned.
• The fort of ‘Taragarh’, however, was taken over by the Mughals.
• Prithvi Singh formed a league with ‘Sangram Pal’ of Basholi to avenge himself on Jagat Singh.
• As part of this alliance, Prithvi Singh surrendered the ‘pargana’ of Bhalai to Sangram Pal.

Consolidation and Administration

• After recovering his kingdom, Prithvi Singh focused on consolidation.
• He was the first Raja to build state offices (Kothis) in the Northern provinces of Churah and Pangi.
• A dispute later arose between Prithvi Singh and Sangram Pal over the possession of the Bhalai pargana.
• The dispute was settled in A.D. 1648 by a Mughal officer, with the decision in favour of Chamba.

Cultural and Religious Contributions

• Prithvi Singh went on pilgrimage to Prayag, Kashi, and Gaya.
• He is noted to have visited Delhi nine times during the reign of Shahjahan.
• From his reign onwards, the old suffix ‘Varman’ was entirely dropped by the Chamba rulers.
• Several temples were built in his reign by ‘Batlu’ (the nurse who saved his life):
  • Khajinag at Khajiar
  • Hidimba at Mahal
  • Sita Ram at Chamba

HPAS Notes: Chamba (Chattar Singh)

Chattar Singh (A.D. 1664)

• His name appears as Shastru Singh on copper plates, but Chattar Singh is the name in common use.
• Upon accession, he appointed his brother, ‘Jai Singh’, to the office of Wazir.

Conflict with Basholi

• Chattar Singh sent his brother Jai Singh to Sangram Pal of Basholi to demand the return of the ‘Bhalai ilaqa’ (which his father had given away).
• When the demand was refused, Chattar Singh invaded Basholi and re-occupied Bhalai, annexing it to Chamba.

Defiance of Aurangzeb (A.D. 1678)

• In A.D. 1678, Emperor Aurangzeb issued an order for the demolition of all Hindu temples in the state.
• Raja Chattar Singh refused to obey the order.
• In an act of defiance, he ordered a gilt pinnacle (kalasha) to be placed on each of the chief temples in Chamba.
• When summoned to Delhi by the angered emperor, Chattar Singh sent his brother Shokat Singh instead.
• Shokat Singh was accompanied by Raj Singh of Guler, but they turned back from Bajwara before reaching Delhi.

Hill Rajas’ Confederation

• A confederation of hill rajas was formed to resist Mirza Rezia Beg, the Viceroy of the Punjab, who was making incursions into the hills.
• The confederation included:
  • Chattar Singh of Chamba
  • Raj Singh of Guler
  • Dhiraj Pal of Basohil
  • Kirpal Deo of Jammu

Expulsion of Ladakhis from Lahaul

• Ladakh, invaded in 1646-47 by Eastern Tibet, had gained a footing in Lahaul.
• Sometime around 1663-64, the combined forces of Chamba and Kullu expelled the invaders.
• After the victory, Chamba and Kullu divided the Lahaul country between them.
• Chattar Singh died in A.D. 1690.

HPAS Notes: Chamba (Udai Singh)

Udai Singh (A.D. 1690 – 1720)

Early Reign

• The state was prosperous at the time of his succession.
• Initially, governance was stable under the guidance of his uncle and Wazir, Jai Singh.
• After Jai Singh’s death, Udai Singh’s conduct deteriorated.

Misgovernance and Deposition

• He appointed a barber, whose daughter he was in love with, to the office of Wazir, giving him full authority.
• This act led officials to depose him from power.
• Ugar Singh (son of Mahipal Singh, a cousin) was appointed as regent.
• Udai Singh was restored to power but quickly relapsed into his former ways, causing Ugar Singh to flee to Jammu in fear.

Assassination (A.D. 1720)

• The officials formed a conspiracy with Udai Singh’s younger brother, Lakshman Singh, to assassinate the Raja.
• At the last moment, Lakshman Singh had a change of heart and stood beside his brother, Udai Singh, to defend him.
• The conspirators proceeded with the attack and killed both Udai Singh and Lakshman Singh.
• Udai Singh died in A.D. 1720.
• Both brothers died without children, leaving no direct heir to the throne of Chamba.

HPAS Notes: Chamba (Ugar Singh)

Ugar Singh (A.D. 1720)

Rise to Power

• After Udai Singh’s restoration, Ugar Singh had fled to Jammu.
• He entered the service of Raja Dhruv Dev of Jammu as a soldier, without revealing his identity.
• After news of Udai Singh’s murder, Dhruv Dev provided Ugar Singh with assistance and sent him to Chamba, where he was installed as Raja.

Reign and Downfall

• To appease the ghost of the murdered Udai Singh, Ugar Singh erected a temple at the spot of the killing.
• A small tax, known as ‘Tusera Udai Singhiana Auteriana’, was imposed for the temple’s maintenance.
• After a good start, Ugar Singh lost the favour of his officials.
• The officials conspired to depose him and install Dalel Singh (son of Raghunath Singh) as Raja.
• They secured Dalel Singh’s release from Mughal imprisonment by paying one lakh rupees and obtained a ‘sanad’ (order) appointing him Raja of Chamba.
• In response, Ugar Singh did not fight but broke down the bridge over the Ravi and set fire to the town.
• He retreated to the Chamunda temple and finally fled to Kangra, where he died.
• He had two sons: Umed Singh and Sher Singh.

HPAS Notes: Chamba (Dalel Singh)

Dalel Singh (A.D. 1735)

Reign and Abdication

• On securing the throne, his first act was to have Ugar Singh’s sons, Umed Singh and Sher Singh, imprisoned in Lahore.
• They remained imprisoned for thirteen years.
• Umed Singh was eventually helped by the Viceroy of Lahore to recover his territory.
• Umed Singh was married to the daughter of the Raja of Jasrota and Basholi states.
• Dalel Singh voluntarily abdicated the throne in favour of Umed Singh.
• After abdicating, Dalel Singh became a ‘Sadhu’ (hermit) and retired from active life. He died at Jawalamukhi.
• He had no sons. His daughter was married to the Abs Raja of Jammu, Bajai Deo.

Pathiyar Pargana Jagir (A.D. 1744)

• In A.D. 1744, the Pathiyar Pargana in Kangra was granted as a jagir to Raja Dalel Singh.
• This grant was given via a ‘Sanad’ (order) under the seal of Zakaria Khan (Governor of Punjab), acting for Emperor Mohammed Shah of Delhi.
• This jagir was later continued to Raja Umed Singh.

HPAS Notes: Chamba (Umed Singh)

Umed Singh (A.D. 1748 – 1764)

Political Context

• He succeeded to the throne during a momentous period:
  • The Mughal empire was dissolving.
  • Provincial Viceroys were assuming independence.
  • The Marathas and Afghans were struggling for mastery of India.

Territorial Expansion

• During his reign, Chamba’s territory was enlarged south of the Dhauladhar range, up to the border of Mandi.
• His troops garrisoned the fort of Pathiyar (near Palampur).
• Bir-Bangahal also came under his influence.

Architectural Contributions

• He erected the ‘Akhand Chand’ portion of the palace.
• He built a palace at ‘Nada’, which he named Rajnagar.
• His son, Raj Singh, was born at Rajnagar in A.D. 1755.
• He is also credited with laying the foundation of the ‘Rang Mahal of Chamba’.

Death and Legacy

• Umed Singh died on the 13th of Vaishakh, A.D. 1764, at the age of 39.
• This was the 16th year of his reign.
• He left specific orders that no Rani was to become ‘sati’ at his funeral.

HPAS Notes: Chamba (Raja Singh)

Raja Singh (A.D. 1764 – 1794)

Early Reign and Regency

• Succeeded his father, Umed Singh, at the age of nine.
• Taking advantage of his minority, Ghamand Chand of Kangra seized the fort of Pathiyar and drove Chamba troops from Bir-Bangahal.
• The Queen Regent (a Jammu princess) obtained help from Ranjit Deo of Jammu and recovered the lost territory.
• Ranjit Deo appointed his own official, ‘Aklu’, to the office of Wazir in Chamba, interfering heavily in state affairs.
• Soon after Raj Singh came of age, he removed Aklu from power and imprisoned him.

Conflicts and Military Campaigns

• War with Jammu (A.D. 1775):
  • Ranjit Deo, insulted by Aklu’s removal, sent an army under ‘Amrit Pal’ of Basholi to invade Chamba.
  • Raj Singh, who was away, secured help from the Ramgarhia Sardars and recovered his territory.
• Invasion of Bhadrawah (A.D. 1782):
  • Raj Singh invaded and conquered Bhadrawah, restoring it as a tributary state on payment of one lakh rupees.
• Invasion of Kishtwar (A.D. 1786):
  • An army was sent under his 11-year-old son, Jit Singh, at the invitation of Brij Raj Deo of Jammu.
  • Kishtwar was captured and held for six months.
• Conflict with Kangra (Raja Sansar Chand):
  • Raja Sansar Chand demanded the surrender of the ‘Rihlu’ area, claiming it as part of former Kangra ‘Kardari’.
  • Raj Singh refused this demand.
  • Sansar Chand formed a treaty with Dhian Singh, Wazir of Guler (who had seized Kotla).
  • Raj Singh obtained help from Nurpur.

Death at the Battle of Shahpur (A.D. 1794)

• A pitched battle took place near Shahpur between the Chamba-Nurpur forces and the Kangra-Guler forces.
• Raja Raj Singh was killed in the battle.
• He was struck from behind by Jit Singh Purbea (also mentioned as Amar Singh Hazuri).
• He died in A.D. 1794 at the age of 40, in the 30th year of his reign.
• Following his death, Basholi (aided by Jammu) attempted to recover the Churah area, which was a standing dispute.

Personal Details

• Married the daughter of ‘Sampat Pal’ of Bhadrawah.
• His son, Jit Singh, was born in A.D.1775.

HPAS Notes: Chamba (Jit Singh)

Jit Singh (A.D. 1794 – 1808)

War with Basholi

• Acceded to the throne at the age of nineteen.
• Soon after, he faced a war with the Basholi state.
• Basholi’s Raja, Bijai Pal, was making incursions into the ‘Jundh’ and ‘Bhalai’ areas of Chamba.
• A.D. 1800: Jit Singh retaliated by invading and conquering Basholi. He restored it, as his father had done, upon payment of a war indemnity.

Gurkha Invasion of Kangra (A.D. 1804-05)

• During this period, Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra was extending his domain over all hill states. By A.D. 1803, most were under his suzerainty.
• A.D. 1804-05: A coalition of hill rajas invited the Gurkhas of Nepal to invade Kangra.
  • The invitation was led by the Raja of Bilaspur (Mahan Chand), the states of the Jalandhara circle, and Basholi.
  • The Gurkhas were under the command of Amar Singh Thapa.
• The Chamba state also joined this coalition, sending troops under the command of Nathu Wazir to support the Gurkhas.

Sikh Suzerainty and Death

• A.D. 1809: Following the Gurkha-Sikh war, Kangra was reduced to a feudatory of the Sikhs.
• From A.D. 1809, Chamba, along with Kangra and its captured states, became tributary to Lahore (Sikh Empire).
• Jit Singh died in A.D. 1808, while the siege of Kangra fort was still in progress.
• He died in the 14th year of his reign, at 33 years of age.
• He had two sons: Charhat Singh and Zorawar Singh.

HPAS Notes: Chamba (Charhat Singh)

Charhat Singh (A.D. 1808 – 1844)

Regency (Minority of Charhat Singh)

• Installed as Raja at the age of six.
• During his minority, the administration was run by his mother, Rani Sharda (a Jammu princess), and Nathu Wazir.
• Rani Sharda erected the temple of ‘Radha-Krishna’, consecrated in A.D. 1825.

Conflicts and Territorial Changes

• Bhadrawah (A.D. 1821):
  • The chief of Bhadrawah, Pahar Chand, refused to pay tribute.
  • Wazir Nathu was initially defeated on the Padari Pass.
  • Nathu Wazir then obtained help from Maharaj Ranjit Singh, defeated Pahar Chand, and brought Bhadrawah under the direct control of Chamba.another attempt in 1836 by Zorawar Singh kahluria but in vain .. they finally annexed in 1845
• Zanskar (A.D. 1820-25):
  • Ratnu, the chief official of Paddar, invaded the Zanskar area and made it tributary to Chamba.
• Loss of Rihlu (A.D. 1821):
  • Dessa Singh Majithia, in the name of Maharaj Ranjit Singh, claimed and annexed the Rihlu fort and its adjoining area.
• Nurpur (A.D. 1815):
  • Charhat Singh’s brother-in-law, Bir Singh of Nurpur, was expelled by Maharaj Ranjit Singh.

Later Reign

• Wazir Nathu’s Death (c. 1838): Died after 40 years of service. He was succeeded by ‘Wazir Bhaga’ of the ‘Baratru family’.
• European Visitors (A.D. 1839):
  • Mr. Vigne became the first European to visit Chamba (Feb 1839).came via basholi and sandhara .departed by chawari and nurpur
  • General Cunningham visited later that year, becoming the first to examine the archaeological remains at Chamba and Bharmour.
• Diplomacy with Lahore: Charhat Singh never personally visited the Sikh court in Lahore. He always sent his younger brother, Zorawar Singh, as his representative.
• In A.D. 1833, zorawar Singh(bro) was raised to the dignity of Raja of Bhadrawah.

Death and Legacy (A.D. 1844)

• Charhat Singh died in 1844 at the age of 42, after a 36-year reign.
• His funeral marked the last occasion of ‘Sati’ in Chamba, with two Ranis and six concubines immolating themselves.
• He left three sons: Sri Singh, Gopal Singh, and Suchet Singh.

HPAS Notes: Chamba (Sri Singh)

Sri Singh (A.D. 1844 – 1870)

Regency and Internal Turmoil

• Acceded to the throne at the age of five.
• Authority remained with his mother, a Katoch princess.
• His uncle, Zorawar Singh, had shifted to Bhadrawah. After Zorawar’s death, his son ‘Prakim Singh’ became Raja of Bhadrawah in A.D. 1845, but Gulab Singh of Jammu soon annexed the state.
• The administration was heavily influenced by Pandit Lakar Shah, a Brahmin from Basholi and a relative of Pandit Jalla . pandit jalla and hira Singh was powerful in Lahore. hira Singh was son of dhian Singh of Jammu . dhian Singh was bro of gulab Singh
• By Lakar Shah’s orders, a new Chamba copper coin was issued, known as the ‘Lakar-Shahi’.
• State officials resented Lakar Shah’s arrogance and assassinated him in Bailj.

Sikh Invasion (A.D. 1844)

• In retaliation for the assassination, Hira Singh (son of Dhian Singh of Jammu) imprisoned Bhaga Wazir in Lahore and dispatched an army to invade Chamba.
• One division of the Sikh army advanced via Chun and Sandhara, looting the capital and forcing the Rani and Sri Singh to flee up the Ravi valley to Basu.
• A second division coming via Nurpur was stopped at Jajri, allowing the Taragarh fort to remain under Chamba’s control.
• The invading army withdrew immediately upon hearing the news that Hira Singh and Pandit Jalla had been assassinated by soldiery in Lahore (December 21, 1844).

Chamba and the British

• A.D. 1846: The British gained control of the Jalandhara Doab and the hill country between the Beas and Satluj.
• Treaty of March 16, 1846: The British transferred the hill country between the Ravi and Indus, *including* Chamba, to Gulab Singh of Jammu.
• Chamba was later excluded from this treaty, thanks to the “patriotic zeal” of Wazir Bhaga, who rushed to Lahore and secured the support of Sir Henry Lawrence to restore Chamba’s status. Bhadrawah, however, was lost forever.
• A Sanad dated 6th April 1848 was granted to Sri Singh, formally conferring the territory of Chamba upon him.

Creation of Dalhousie

• A.D. 1851: The British conveyed a desire to establish a sanatorium for Europeans in Chamba territory.
• A site on the western extremity of the Dhauladhar was selected by Lord Napier of Magdala (then Colonel Napier).
• A.D. 1853: A plateau comprising Katalagh, Potrain, Terah, Bakrota, and Bhangor was transferred to the British.
• This transfer resulted in a reduction of Rs. 2,000/- in Chamba’s annual tribute.
• On the recommendation of Sir Donald Macleed, the new sanatorium was named Dalhousie.
• A.D. 1866: The Bakloh plateau (for a Gurkha cantonment) was also taken over, with a further tribute reduction of Rs. 5,000/-.

Loyalty during 1857 Revolt

• During the First War of Independence (A.D. 1857), Sri Singh remained loyal to the British (Dalhousie).
• He sent troops to Dalhousie under the command of Mian Autar Singh.

British Administration and Reforms

• The state’s economy was “completely shattered” due to mismanagement and extravagance.
• The Raja requested an officer from the British Government to manage the services.
• Major Blair Reid was appointed Superintendent of the state in January 1863.
• Reforms under Major Reid:
  • The forts of Taragarh, Ganeshgarh, and Prithvigarh were withdrawn from state troops and handed to local state officials.
  • Developed internal resources.
  • A post office and a primary school were opened in the capital (A.D. 1863).
  • The State Forest Department was leased to the British Government for 99 years (A.D. 1864).
  • A hospital was opened under Doctor Elmslie of the Kashmir Medical Mission (Dec 1866).
  • New roads to Dalhousie via Kotri and Khajiar were constructed (1867-69).
  • Two Dak Bungalows were built.
  • ‘Jandrighat’, the Raja’s Dalhousie residence, was erected (1870-71).
• These reforms led to the state income reaching an all-time high of Rs. 1,73,000/- in 1870.

Death and Succession

• Sri Singh died in 1870 at the age of 32, in the 27th year of his reign.
• His only son died in infancy.
• His only daughter was married to the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir.

HPAS Notes: Chamba (Gopal Singh)

Gopal Singh (A.D. 1870 – 1873)

Accession and Administration

• Gopal Singh (brother of Sri Singh) was recognized as Raja in an open Darbar by Colonel Blair Reid on 25th October 1870.
• His youngest brother, Mian Suchet Singh, also claimed the throne and pressed his claim for years, dying in London in 1896.
• Like his brother, Gopal Singh had the assistance of a British political officer to continue reforms.
• On 5th January 1872, Colonel Blair Reid went on leave, and Colonel G.A. McAndrew was appointed superintendent.

Reforms and Developments

• Continued the reforms initiated during Sri Singh’s reign.
• New roads were constructed, and efforts were made to beautify the town.
• The primary school in Chamba was upgraded to a middle standard.
• The populace began to favour the state hospital over orthodox treatment methods.

Key Events

• On 13th November 1871, Chamba was visited by Lord Mayo, the Governor-General of India.

Abdication and Later Life

• Gopal Singh abdicated the throne in the spring of 1873, in favour of his eldest son, Sham Singh.
• He spent the remaining years of his life at Manjir.
• He died in March 1895.
• He had three sons: Sham Singh (b. 1866), Bhuri Singh (b. 1869), and Pratap Singh.

HPAS Notes: Chamba (Sham Singh)

Sham Singh (A.D. 1873 – 1904)

Accession and Regency

• Installed as Raja on 7th October 1873 at the age of seven.
• Installation was conducted by General Reynell Taylor (Commissioner of Amritsar).
• Mian Autar Singh was appointed Wazir (served until 1878).
• Sham Singh came of age in July 1884 and was invested with full ruling powers in October 1884 by Colonel C.A. McMohan.
• On 3rd November 1885, the British Superintendent was withdrawn, and the entire burden of administration was transferred to the Raja.
• Upon his investiture in 1884, Diwan Govind Chand was appointed Wazir.

British Superintendents & Tutors (During Regency)

• Colonel Blair Reid retired on 5th March 1877.
• He was succeeded by Mr. R.T. Burney, who built roads to the Chauri Pass and Khajiar.
• Mr. John Harvey was appointed tutor to the Raja in 1878, succeeded by Mr. G.W. Blaithwayt in 1881.
• Captain C.H.T. Marshall succeeded Burney as Superintendent (Oct 1879 – Nov 1885). A new Darbar Hall was built and named after him.

Royal Visits and Darbars

• Visited by Sir Henry Davies (Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab) in April 1874.
• Attended a Darbar in Lahore (March 1875) to meet the Prince of Wales.
• Attended the Imperial Darbar at Delhi in 1876.
• Participated in the Proclamation Darbar at Delhi on 1st January 1877.
• Visited by Sir Charles Aitchison (Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab) in 1883.
• September 1900: The state was visited by the Viceroy, Lord Curzon, and Lady Curzon.
• November 1901: Visited by Sir Mackworth Young (Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab).

Administrative & Economic Reforms

• A land revenue settlement begun in 1876 increased state finances to Rs. 2,00,000/- per annum.
• By May 1884, revenue had increased to Rs. 2,50,000/- per annum.
• By 1901, the revenue had reached Rs. 4,00,000/- per annum.
• Hop-growing was introduced in 1880 but abandoned in 1886.
• A Branch Dispensary was opened at Tissa in 1881.
• A Postal Convention in 1887 brought Chamba into direct relations with the Imperial postal system.
• Branch post offices were opened in 1887 at Bharmaur, Lil, Sihunta, Bathri, Tissa, Bhandal, and Pangi.
• A special surcharge stamp was introduced as a source of revenue.

Public Works and Construction

• The ‘Sham Singh Hospital’ (40-patient capacity) was built in 1891.
• Major new constructions included a Court House, Post Office, Kotwali, and Jail.
• The Chaughan (public promenade) was levelled and extended.
• The Sheetla bridge (damaged in 1894) was replaced by an iron suspension bridge.
• The judicial department and police force were reorganized on the British pattern.
• New schools were opened, and scholarships were offered.
• A small military force (300 infantry, 30 cavalry, 4 guns) was established.

Later Reign and Abdication

• 1895: An agrarian agitation arose in the Bhattiyat Wazarat, which later subsided.
• January 1898: Wazir Govind Chand retired. He was succeeded by the Raja’s brother, Mian Bhuri Singh.
• September 1902: Raja Sham Singh became seriously and permanently ill.
• 1904: Finding himself unable to rule, Sham Singh abdicated the throne in favour of his brother, Bhuri Singh.
• The abdication was formally notified in a Darbar on 22nd January 1904 by Mr. A. Anderson (Commissioner of Lahore).

HPAS Notes: Chamba (Bhuri Singh)

Raja Bhuri Singh (A.D. 1904 – 1919)

Accession and Administration

• Installed as Raja on 12th May 1904 by Sir Charles Rivaz, Lieutenant-Governor of the Punjab.
• He was already a C.I.E. and had wide administrative experience.
• Received the distinction of Knighthood from the King Emperor on 1st January 1906.
• Forest Lease (1908): Following negotiations, forest management was put back under the state’s jurisdiction.
• By the end of his reign, state revenue had risen to Rs. 7,00,000/- per annum.

Public Works and Development

• Took special interest in public works, including widening roads near Chamba town.
• A new Dak Bungalow was built (1906).
• A commodious guest house was constructed, with another in the suburb of Darogh.
• A public reading room and library were opened.
• The Chamba middle school was upgraded to a High School in 1905.
• The famous ‘Bhuri Singh Museum’ was inaugurated in 1908.
• A power house was installed on the River Sal in 1910, electrifying the town.
• A new water supply system was completed at a cost of Rs. 2,47,000/-.

Key Events

• 1907: Attended the Viceregal Darbar in Agra to meet the Amir of Afghanistan.
• World War-I: Rendered significant help to the British, for which he was honoured with Knighthood of the “most eminent order of the Indian empire.”

Death and Succession

• Raja Bhuri Singh died suddenly from a stroke on 18th September 1919.
• He was succeeded by his elder son, Tikka Ram Singh.
• He had two sons and two daughters.
  • The elder princess was married to Tikka Brijmohan Pal of Kutlehr.
  • The younger princess was married to Raja Sir Hari Singh of Kashmir (who later became Maharaja).

HPAS Notes: Chamba (Tikka Ram Singh)

Tikka Ram Singh (A.D. 1919 – 1935)

Accession and Administration

• Installed as Raja in March 1920 by Sir Edward Maclagan, Governor of the Punjab.
• Rai Bahadur Lala Madho Ram was appointed Private Secretary (later Chief Secretary).
• Mian Sahib Kesari Singh (the Raja’s brother) was appointed Wazir.

Education

• His own education was conducted at Chamba under Mr. E.M. Atkinson, followed by study at the Chief’s College, Lahore, and military training at Dehra Dun.
• After his accession, he gave a “great fillip to education.”
• Fifteen new village schools were opened.
• Physical education was also introduced.

Political and Infrastructural Developments

• On 1st November 1921, the state came under the direct political control of the Government of India.
• The road from Chamba to Nurpur was realigned and completed up to the state border.
• The Chamba-Bharmour road was completed up to ‘Kiani’, including a suspension bridge over the Ravi.
• A drainage system was provided in Chamba town to improve sanitation.
• A large water tank was built to overcome summer water scarcity.

State Finances and Personal Life

• State revenue rose to Rs. 9,00,000/- per annum.
• A sum of Rs. 75,000/- was spent on necessary charges for electric and water supply.
• A son, Tikka Lakshman Singh, was born on 8th December 1924.
• Raja Ram Singh died on 7th December 1935 in Lahore at the age of 45.

HPAS Notes: Chamba (Raja Lakshman Singh & Merger)

Raja Lakshman Singh (A.D. 1935)

Accession and Administration

• Born on 8th December 1924 and educated at Aitchison Chief’s College, Lahore.
• Succeeded his father, Raja Ram Singh, while still a minor.
• The state was managed by a council of administrators (three members), including a President, until the Raja came of age in 1945.
• Major Toulnim was the first President of this council.

Key Events

• World War II (1939): Chamba state contributed Rs. 1,09,992/- towards the war expenses and supplied 889 recruits.

Personal Life

• Married on 3rd May 1944 to Rani Devender Kumari, daughter of Maharawat Sir Ram Singhji Bahadur of Pratapgarh.
• He had five children.
• Raja Lakshman Singh died on 21st May 1971 at the age of 47.