history of hamirpur district

Here is a set of well-articulated notes based on the text you provided.

Notes: Hamirpur District

1. Overview & Vitals

  • Headquarters: Hamirpur
  • Altitude (HQ): 786 Metres
  • Total Area: 1,118 sq. km
  • Languages Spoken: Pahari (specifically Himachali or Kangri) and Hindi

2. Geography & Topography

  • Coordinates:
    • Longitude: 76° 18′ to 76° 44′ East
    • Latitude: 31° 25′ to 31° 52′ North
  • Geographic Zone: The tract is hilly and entirely covered by the Shivalik Range.
  • Elevation: The district’s elevation varies significantly, from 400 metres to 1100 metres.
  • Land Configuration: The landscape ranges from nearly flat lands bordering the River Beas to the lofty cliffs, crags, and precipitous slopes of the hill ranges.

3. Principal Hill Ranges

The district features three principal ranges, all running in a South-Easterly direction.

  • Jakh Dhar:
    • A continuation of the ‘Kali Dhar’ range from the Kangra district.
    • It enters Hamirpur near ‘Nadaun’.
    • The town of Hamirpur is situated to the east of this range.
    • Characteristics: The hills are described as bare, rugged, and full of deep ravines.
  • Chabutra Hills:
    • This range shares the same dip and strike as the Jakh Dhar.
    • It is characterized as a mass of rugged and broken hills.
  • Sola Singhi Dhar:
    • This is the longest range in the district.
    • It is known by various names in adjoining areas, including ‘Chintpurni’ and ‘Jaswan Dhar’ in Una district.

4. Boundaries & Administrative Divisions

  • Geographical Boundaries:
    • North: Bounded by the River Beas, which separates it from Kangra district.
    • West: Bounded by Una district.
    • South: Bounded by Bilaspur district.
    • East: Bounded by the Seer Khad (stream), which separates it from Mandi district.
  • Tehsil Locations (Relative):
    • Sujanpur Tira: North
    • Nadaun: North-West
    • Barsar: South-West
    • Bhoranj: East

5. River System (Drainage)

The district’s drainage flows into two major river systems.

  • Beas River System:
    • The majority of streams drain into the River Beas.
    • Main Streams (Khads): Bekar Khad, Pung Khad, Sundran Khad, Kunah Khad, Hathali Khad, and Maan Khad.
  • Satluj River System:
    • Main Streams (Khads): Sukar Khad and Mundkhar Khad.
    • These two khads first drain into the Seer Khad, which in turn ultimately drains into the River Satluj.

6. Geology

  • Main Formations: The geology is primarily composed of:
    1. Middle and Upper Shivalik formations.
    2. Comparatively recent deposits.
  • Shivalik Composition:
    • Comprises conglomerates, friable (easily crumbled) micaceous sandstone, siltstone, and claystone.
    • The conglomerates are generally poorly cemented but can be very hard in places. They mainly consist of quartzite pebbles and cobbles.
  • Shivalik Origin: This formation represents a 6,000-metre layered sequence of sandy rocks deposited 2 to 2.5 million years ago in a floodplain.
  • Recent Deposits:
    • Includes alluvial fans and terraces containing unassorted sand, silt, clay, and rock fragments.
    • These fertile deposits are found in the wide valleys and are the primary lands for cultivation.

7. History

  • Dynastic Association: The history of Hamirpur is intimately associated with the Katoch dynasty.
  • Ancient Region: The Katoch dynasty ruled the region between the Ravi and Satluj rivers, which was historically known as ‘Trigerta‘.
  • Origin of Name: The district derives its name from Raja Hamir Chand (a Katoch ruler), who ruled this area from 1700 AD to 1740 AD.

Here are the well-articulated notes from the history section you provided.

History of Hamirpur

1. Ancient Origins (Mahabharta Period)

  • Core Association: The history of Hamirpur is fundamentally linked to the Katoch dynasty, which was the ruling family of the ancient Trigerta kingdom (the area between the Ravi and Satluj rivers).
  • Ancient References: Evidence from the Puranas and Panini’s Ashtadya confirms that during the Mahabharta period, Hamirpur was part of the old Jalandhar-Trigarta empire.
  • Local Reputation: Panini noted the people of this kingdom as “great warriors and fighters,” a tradition that the text suggests continues with high representation in the Indian defence forces.
  • Early Sovereignty: It is believed that the Gupta dynasty also established control over this region in the ancient period.

2. Medieval Period & Rise of Feudalism

  • External Rulers: During the middle ages, the area presumably fell under the control of various external powers, including Mohammed Gazni, Timurlang, and the Mughals.
  • Era of the ‘Ranas’: As external influence faded, the region fragmented and fell under the control of local feudal hill chiefs known as ‘Ranas’ (e.g., Ranas of Mewa, Mehalta, and Dhatwal). This period was marked by political instability and constant conflict among these chiefs.

3. The Katoch Ascendancy

  • Raja Hamir Chand (1700-1740 AD):
    • The Katoch dynasty rose to prominence by unifying the region and bringing the warring Ranas under its control, establishing an “orderly society.”
    • Raja Hamir Chand built the fort at Hamirpur, and the modern town is named after him.
  • Raja Sansar Chand II (1775-1823 AD):
    • The region reached its peak of prominence under Raja Sansar Chand II.
    • Capital: He established his capital at Sujanpur Tira, constructing palaces and temples.
    • Ambition: He aimed to restore the old Jalandhar-Trigarta empire. His ambitions were ultimately checked by the rising power of Raja Ranjit Singh of the Sikh Empire.
    • Subjugation of Hill States: Unable to expand elsewhere, Sansar Chand turned on other hill chiefs. He famously attacked Mandi, imprisoning its ruler, Raja Ishwar Sen, at Nadaun for 12 years. He also forced Suket to pay tribute and annexed parts of Bilaspur.

4. The Gurkha War & Sikh Intervention

  • The Gurkha Invitation: Alarmed by Sansar Chand’s aggression, the allied hill chiefs invited the Gurkhas to intervene.
  • Battle of Mahal Morian (1806 AD):
    • Sansar Chand’s forces initially defeated the combined armies.
    • A “Self-Defeating Folly”: On the advice of his General Gulam Mohammed, Sansar Chand tried to economize by replacing his army with Rohillas.
    • Learning of this weakness, the allied forces attacked again at Mahal Morian in 1806, inflicting a crushing defeat on the Katoch army.
  • The Gurkha Siege (1806-1809 AD):
    • Sansar Chand and his family took shelter in the Kangra fort.
    • The Gurkhas laid siege to the fort for three years, liberating Raja Ishwar Sen and ruthlessly looting the region between Kangra and Mahal Morian.
  • Sikh Intervention (1809 AD):
    • In desperation, Sansar Chand sought help from his rival, Raja Ranjit Singh.
    • The Sikh army defeated the Gurkhas in 1809.
    • Cost of Aid: Sansar Chand paid a heavy price, ceding the strategic Kangra fort and 66 villages to Ranjit Singh.

5. British Annexation & Administrative Changes

  • Sikh Rule (1809-1846): The Sikhs maintained sovereignty over the Kangra-Hamirpur region until their defeat by the British.
  • British Annexation (1846):
    • Following the First Anglo-Sikh War (1846), the territory was annexed by the British and became part of the British Empire.
    • Sansar Chand’s grandson, Raja Pramudh Chand, allied with the Sikhs in a vain attempt to dislodge the British.
  • Administrative Structure:
    • The British made Kangra a district, which included Hamirpur, Kullu, and Lahaul-Spiti.
    • 1846: Nadaun was made the tehsil headquarters.
    • 1868: The tehsil headquarters was moved from Nadaun to Hamirpur.
    • 1888: Palampur tehsil was created from parts of Hamirpur and Kangra tehsils.

HAMIRPUR HISTORY

Here is the complete history of Hamirpur, synthesized from the information you provided.

2 BATTLES : BATTLE OF NADAUN AND BATTLE OFMAHAL MORIAN-TAL

📜 Ancient Origins (Jalandhar-Trigarta Empire)

The history of Hamirpur is inseparably linked with the Katoch dynasty, which ruled the region between the Ravi and Satluj rivers in ancient times. Evidence from the “Puranas” and Panini’s “Ashtadhyai” indicates that during the Mahabharata period, Hamirpur was a part of the old Jalandhar-Trigarta empire.

Panini referred to the people of this kingdom as “great warriors and fighters.” This tradition is noted to have continued, as evidenced by the large number of people from the region who serve in the Indian defence forces.

👑 Medieval Period & Katoch Resurgence

In the ancient period, it is believed that rulers of the Gupta dynasty established sovereignty over the land.

During the Middle Ages, the area presumably fell under the control of various outside powers, including Mohammed Gazani, Taimur-Lang, Mughal Nawabs, and other Sultans. As their influence faded, the region came under the control of several local feudal hill chiefs known as ‘Ranas’.

  • Prominent among these were the Ranas of Mewa, Mehalta, and Dhatwal.
  • These chiefs were in a state of constant quarrel with one another.

It was the Katoch dynasty that eventually subdued these Ranas, bringing a more orderly society to the area.

Key Katoch Rulers

The Katoch dynasty became predominant, particularly under two key rulers:

Raja Hamir Chand (1700–1747 A.D.)

  • He is credited with building the fort at Hamirpur.
  • The present-day town of Hamirpur derives its name from him.

Raja Sansar Chand-II (1775–1823 A.D.)

  • Hamirpur gained significant prominence during his reign.
  • He made ‘Sujanpur Tira’ his capital, constructing palaces and temples.
  • He harbored ambitions of re-establishing the old Jalandhar-Trigarta empire, an effort he reportedly tried twice, unsuccessfully.
  • The rise of Raja Ranjit Singh proved a major hurdle to his ambitions.
  • He diverted his attention to local hill chiefs, attacking the Mandi state and holding its ruler, Raja Ishwar Sen, a prisoner at Nadaun for 12 years.

⚔️ The Gurkha War & Sikh Intervention

Sansar Chand’s aggressive expansion alarmed other hill chiefs and led to a major conflict.

  • Sansar Chand’s Aggression: He forced the Suket ruler to pay tribute and annexed parts of Bilaspur state on the right bank of the Satluj.
  • The Hill Chiefs’ Alliance: The alarmed hill chiefs united and invited the Gurkhas to stop Sansar Chand’s “uncontrolled might.”
  • Battle of Mahal Morian (First): The combined armies fought Sansar Chand’s forces at Mahal Morian (in Bhoranj tehsil). Sansar Chand won a crushing victory, forcing them to retreat.
  • A “Self-Defeating Folly”: After his victory, Sansar Chand—on the advice of his General Gulam Mohammed—tried to economize by replacing his army with Rohillas.
  • Battle of Mahal Morian (Second, 1806 A.D.): Hearing of this weakness, the combined forces attacked again at the same location. This time, they inflicted a crushing defeat on Sansar Chand.

The Siege of Kangra Fort

  • Raja Sansar Chand and his family were forced to take shelter in the Kangra fort.
  • The Gurkhas sieged the fort for three years, ruthlessly looting the area between Kangra and Mahal Morian and destroying villages.
  • During this time, the Gurkhas also liberated Raja Ishwari Sen from the Nadaun jail.
  • Sikh Intervention (1809 A.D.): Sansar Chand requested help from Raja Ranjit Singh, whose forces defeated the Gurkhas.
  • The Price of Help: Sansar Chand had to pay heavily, losing the Kangra fort and 66 villages to the Sikhs.

🇬🇧 British Rule & Administrative Changes

  • End of Sikh Rule: The Sikhs maintained sovereignty over Kangra and Hamirpur until 1846.
  • First Anglo-Sikh War (1846): The Sikhs were defeated by the British army, and the area became part of the British empire.
  • End of an Era: Raja Sansar Chand “died as a most disillusioned man.” His grandson, Raja Pramudh Chand, allied with the Sikhs and other rulers in a vain attempt to dislodge the British.
  • Formation of Kangra District: In 1846, the British created the Kangra district. Hamirpur became a part of it, along with Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
  • Shifting Headquarters:
    • 1846: After annexation, Nadaun was made the tehsil headquarters.
    • 1868: Following a settlement revision, the tehsil headquarters was moved from Nadaun to Hamirpur.
    • 1888: The Palampur tehsil was created, merging parts of the Hamirpur and Kangra tehsils.

Nadaun Fief

  • Historical Context: Nadaun is currently a part of the Hamirpur district. In the past, it was part of the Kangra princely state.
  • Jagir Grant: The jagir of Nadaun was granted to the son of Raja Sansar Chand II in 1823 by the British.
  • Location: Nadaun is located at 31°47′ to 31°78′ North latitude and 76°21′ to 76°35′ East longitude.
  • Cultural Reference:
    • The poet Bulleh Shah mentions Nadaun as a “city of Innocent.”
    • He is said to have written the famous saying: “Aaye Nadaun Jaaye Kaun” (Who come to Nadaun would never want to go back).
    • His famous poem “Bulla ki Janna mein kaun” also mentions Nadaun as “Na main rehnda vich Nadaun.”

Raja Sir Jodhbir Chand (1815 – 1873)

  • Title: He was the 1st Raja of Nadaun, a title he held from 1823 to 1873.
  • Lineage: He was the son of Raja Sansar Chand II of Kangra and was granted the Nadaun Jagir for his family’s maintenance.
  • Relationship with the British:
    • 1846 (First Sikh War): As a result of the war, the territory came under British dominion. The British granted a sanad (a deed or grant) to Jodhbir Chand in recognition of his services.
    • 1848 (Second Sikh War): After this war, he was granted a fresh sanad by the British in respect of the Jagir of Nadaun.
  • Administrative Change: During his tenure, in 1858 (after the revolt of 1857), the administration of the country was transferred from the East India Company to the Crown of Britain.
  • Descendants: He had seven sons:
    1. Raja Amar Chand (b. 1837)

Raja Amar Chand (Reign: 1873–1890)

  • Born: 1837
  • Succession: Succeeded his father, Raja Jodhbir Chand, in 1873.
  • Marriage: He was married to the niece of the Raja of Jasrota.
  • Heir: Had a son named Narendra Chand.
  • Death: Died in 1890.

👑 Raja Narendra Chand (Reign: 1890–1924)

  • Born: 1860
  • Title: The third Raja of Nadaun.
  • Honors:
    • Conferred C.S.I (Companion of the Order of the Star of India) in 1907.
    • Granted the title of Raja as a hereditary distinction on March 15, 1909, by the Viceroy of India, Lord Minto.
  • Marriages:
    1. First (1873): The daughter of Rana Karam Chand of Jubbal.
    2. Second: A Rani from Mankot.
  • Children (Five Sons):
    • Raja Mahendra Chand (b. 1888)
    • Kanwar Devi Chand (b. 1892)
    • Kanwar Nawal Kishore Chand (b. 1895)
    • Kanwar Khargendra Chand (b. 1897)
    • Kanwar Bhim Chand (b. 1898)
  • Death: Died in 1924.

👑 Raja Mahendra Chand (Reign: 1924–1935)

  • Born: 1888
  • Title: The fourth Raja of Nadaun.
  • Marriages:
    1. First: A princess of Nalagarh.
    2. Second & Third: Two daughters of Raja Durga Singh of Bhajji.
  • Children (Four Sons & Two Daughters):
    • Raja Rajendra Chand (b. 1908) – His successor, known as the Tikka.

🗺️ Formation of Hamirpur District

  • Until November 1, 1966: Hamirpur was a part of the Punjab province.
  • November 1, 1966: Consequent upon the reorganization of Punjab, the area was merged into Himachal Pradesh.
  • September 1, 1972: As a result of the rearrangement of districts, Hamirpur was created as a separate district.
    • It was initially formed with two tehsils: Hamirpur and Barsar.
  • 1980: Three more tehsils were created through further reorganization:
    • Tira Sujanpur
    • Nadaun
    • Bhoranj

History & Landmarks : TIRA SUJANPUR

  • Founding: Founded in 1748 A.D. by Raja Abhay Chand, a king of the Katoch dynasty of Kangra.
  • Tombs: The tomb of Nawab Gulam Mohammad of Rampur is located here.
  • The Chaugan: The main ground (Chaugan) is famous for the ‘Holi Mela’ held every year in March.
  • Other Landmarks: The grave of Obreen’s horse (Obreen was Raja Sansar Chand’s commander) is also located in Sujanpur.
  • Historical Visitors:
    • A German traveller named ‘Traveck’.
    • A British traveller named ‘Moorcraft’.

⛪ Temples of Tira Sujanpur

The text notes there are “five old temples” in the town.

  • Gauri Shankar Temple:
    • Built in 1793 A.D. during the time of Raja Sansar Chand.
    • It was built in the sacred memory of his mother.
  • Murli Manohar Temple:
    • Built in 1790 A.D. by Prasani Devi (the Suketi Rani of Raja Sansar Chand).
  • Narbadeshwar Temple:
    • Built in 1823 A.D., also by Prasani Devi.

Deotsidh Temple

  • Deity: A famous cave temple dedicated to Baba Balak Nath, who is also considered an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
  • Significance: It is one of the most renowned shrines in Northern India and an important center of worship.
  • Baba Balak Nath: He was a SPIRITUAL reformer during the Shakti movement, revered for his acts of philanthropy.
  • Location: Situated in the scenic terrains of the Dhaulagiri Hills, atop the Deotsidh Dhar Range (part of the Shivalik Hills).
  • Nearby Towns: It is bordered by Hamirpur (45 km away) and Bilaspur (40 km away).
  • Access for Women: The holy shrine itself (the cave) is inaccessible to women. They are barred from entering but can view the deity from a raised platform located in front of the cave.

☀️ Nadaun

  • Historical Role: In princely days, Nadaun served as the headquarters of the Nadaun Jagir.
  • Raja Sansar Chand’s Court: Maharaja Sansar Chand of Kangra famously used to hold his court here during the summer months.
  • Temples & Shrines:
    • It is known for the Blikleshwar Mahadev temple, which is said to have been founded by the Pandavas.
    • A Gurudwara was founded here in A.D. 1929.
  • Reputation & Lore:
    • The text describes it as famous for its “beautiful people” and as having been a “gay place” during Sansar Chand’s reign.
    • A popular saying in the Kangra hill was: “आए नादौन तो जाए कौन!” (Who that comes to Nadaun, will not go away).
    • Ghulam Mohiuddin, in Tarikh-i Punjab, explains this saying by stating “there were two hundred singing and dancing girls at Nadaun” and “whoever came under the spell of these enchantresses never thought of leaving.”

🏞️ Markanda

  • Location: Located in Hamirpur district, 6 km from Dera Parol, on the bank of the Kunah Khad.
  • Religious Significance:
    • It is known as the place of Markandya Rishi.
    • According to the Puranas, the idol of Rishi Markandya was installed here.
  • Features:
    • A natural water spring is also located at the site.
    • The Markanda drinking water scheme originates from here, supplying water to many surrounding villages.
  • Event: The Fair of Markanda is held here every year on Baisakhi (April 13).

🏰 Forts and Palaces

The Hamirpur district features several significant archaeological and historical monuments, primarily dating back to the Katoch era. These structures served as centers of Katoch power, defensive strongholds, and administrative hubs, witnessing key historical events, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Sujanpur Fort (Tira Sujanpur)

  • Founder: Originally built by Raja Abhay Chand of Kangra in 1758 AD.
  • Key Ruler: It was further developed by the illustrious Raja Sansar Chand II, serving as his principal capital and royal residence.
  • Status:
    • The Katoch Palace within the fort is recognized as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.
    • The Sujanpur Fort itself is listed as an archaeological heritage site.
  • Temples within Precincts:
    • Gauri Shankar Temple
    • Murli Manohar Temple
    • Narbadeshwar Temple

Mahal Morian-Tal Fort

  • Location: Situated in Tehsil Bhoranj.
  • Historical Significance: This fort was the scene of crucial battles involving Raja Sansar Chand, the Gurkhas, and the Sikh forces, which marked a turning point in the region’s history.
  • Status: Listed as an archaeological heritage site.

Hamirpur Fort

  • Location: Located in Tehsil Hamirpur.
  • Alternative Names: Also known as Raja Hamir Chand Fort or Dulehra Fort.
  • Founder: Constructed by Raja Hamir Chand (1700-1740 AD), the ruler from whom the town and district derive their name.
  • Status: Recognized as an archaeological heritage site.

Palaces in Nadaun

Amlar Palace

  • Status: Listed as an archaeological heritage site.
  • Historical Associations:
    • Associated with Raja Sansar Chand, who held his summer court here.
    • Famous as the place where Raja Sansar Chand imprisoned Raja Ishwari Sen of Mandi.
  • Features: The palace building reportedly still houses some historical paintings.

Sujanpur Palace

  • Status: This palace is listed separately from the Amlar Palace as an archaeological heritage site, indicating its own significant palatial structure.

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