offshoots of kangra

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hamirpur

Historical Relevance of Key Battles in Hamirpur

  • Battle of Nadaun (1690): Fought between the allied forces of Guru Gobind Singh and Raja Bhim Chand of Kahlur against the Mughal forces led by Alif Khan. The allied hill chiefs secured a decisive victory, temporarily halting Mughal expansion in the hills.
  • Battle of Mahalmorian (1806): A turning point in hill history where the Gurkha forces under Amar Singh Thapa defeated Raja Sansar Chand II. This defeat forced Sansar Chand to take refuge in Kangra Fort, eventually leading to the intervention of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (Treaty of Jawalamukhi, 1809) and the decline of Katoch supremacy.

Architectural Relevance of Major Forts

  • Sujanpur Tihra Fort: The fortification (Tihra) was initially built by Raja Abhaya Chand in 1748 (not Sansar Chand II). However, it was Raja Sansar Chand II who later made it his capital and transformed it into a cultural hub.
  • Amtar Fort (Nadaun): Associated with the Nadaun jagir. This jagir was granted to Jodhbir Chand (the illegitimate son of Sansar Chand II) by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
  • Taal Fort (Hamirpur Fort): Built by Raja Hamir Chand, who ruled from 1700 to 1740. This fortification laid the foundational settlement for the modern town of Hamirpur.

Chronological Relevance of Katoch Rulers and Contributions

  • Alam Chand (1697): Founded the town of Alampur.
  • Hamir Chand (1700–1740): Founded Hamirpur and built the Hamirpur (Taal) Fort.
  • Abhaya Chand (1748): Constructed the Tihra Fort.
  • Ghamand Chand (1761): Founded the town of Sujanpur. He was appointed the Nazim (Governor) of the Jalandhar Doab by Ahmad Shah Abdali.
  • Sansar Chand II (1775–1823): Shifted the capital to Sujanpur Tihra. He built the Baradari Hall (for holding court) and the Gauri Shankar Temple (in 1793) within the fort complex. He was the greatest patron of the Kangra School of Miniature Painting.
  • Succession Crisis: * Anirudh Chand: The legitimate son of Sansar Chand. He fled his territory and sought refuge with the British to avoid Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s demand that Anirudh’s sister marry the son of Dhian Singh (Ranjit Singh’s minister).
    • Jodhbir Chand: The illegitimate son, who stayed behind and gave his sister’s hand in marriage to Maharaja Ranjit Singh. In return, the Sikhs granted him the jagir of Nadaun.

Relevance of Administrative Evolution

  • 1846: Following the First Anglo-Sikh War, the territory was annexed by the British. Nadaun was initially made the tehsil headquarters.
  • 1868: The tehsil headquarters were formally shifted from Nadaun to Hamirpur.
  • 1888: Palampur tehsil was created by carving out parts of Hamirpur and Kangra tehsils. Hamirpur firmly remained a tehsil within the Kangra district of the Punjab Province.
  • 1st November 1966: Under the Punjab Reorganization Act, Kangra district (including Hamirpur) was merged into Himachal Pradesh.
  • 1st September 1972: Hamirpur was successfully carved out of Kangra to become a separate, independent district of Himachal Pradesh.

GULER STATE: COMPREHENSIVE FINAL NOTES

1. Origins and Foundation

  • Original Name & Etymology: The state’s original name was Gwalior, from which “Guler” is derived. The name comes from the word ‘Gopala’ or ‘Gwala’, meaning ‘cowherd’.
  • Foundation Legend: Tradition dictates that a Gwala pointed out a site to Hari Chand where a tiger and a goat were seen drinking water together, marking it as a suitable capital. Following customs of the time, the cowherd was offered as a sacrifice, and his head was buried in the foundation to ensure the fort’s stability.
  • Establishment: Hari Chand, who was the ruler of Kangra, founded the state in 1405 A.D.. The clan name was Guleria.
  • Capital & Forts: Hari Chand founded the Haripur fort on the ridge overhanging the Banganga river, as well as the town of Haripur on the flat below it. In addition to Haripur, there were six other frontier forts: ‘Mastagrah’, ‘Kotla’, ‘Nehklonok’, ‘Gandharp’, ‘Ramgarh’, and ‘Mastgarh’.

2. The Mughal Era (1540–1730)

  • Raja Ram Chand (A.D. 1540): The 15th Raja in direct succession, likely referenced in the Tarikh-i-Daudil during the reign of Islam Shah.
  • Raja Jagdish Chand (A.D. 1570): Remained loyal to the Mughals by not participating in the 1572 hill revolt. Akbar restored part of Guler state seized by Kangra as a mark of generosity. He also stayed out of subsequent revolts in 1588–89 and 1594–95.
  • Raja Rup Chand (A.D. 1610): The most notable Guleria chief. He actively participated in the final seize of Kangra fort in 1620 A.D. and helped suppress Jagat Singh’s rebellion in 1623–24, receiving the title of ‘Bahadur’ from Jahangir. He died in A.D. 1634 while standing firm in battle during an expedition into Garhwal.
  • Raja Man Chand Singh (A.D. 1635): By order of Shah Jahan, the family suffix was changed to “Singh”. Admired for his valour, Shah Jahan called him ‘Sher Afghan’. He built the fort of Mangarh, conquered Mandi, Suket, Kullu, and Bushahr, and eventually abdicated to retire in ‘Banares’, dying in 1661.
  • Raja Bikram Singh (A.D. 1661): Famous for immense physical strength, he could break a coconut into pieces with his fingers. Mortally wounded fighting Yusufzai Pathan tribes on the North-West frontier, he died at ‘Chauntra’.
  • Raja Raj Singh (A.D. 1675): Combined forces with Chamba, Jammu, and Basholi against the Viceroy of Lahore to recover lost territories. He also defeated Mughal forces led by Hussain Khan to save Mandi and Kahlur.
  • Raja Dalip Singh (A.D. 1695): Ascended at age seven; Raja Udai Singh of Chamba was appointed his guardian. Udai Singh successfully repulsed invasions from Jammu and Basholi during Dalip’s minority.

3. Decline and Annexation (1730–1820)

  • Raja Govardhan Singh (A.D. 1730): Defeated Adina Beg Khan, Governor of Jallandhara Doab, in a quarrel over a horse.
  • Raja Prakash Singh (A.D. 1760): Guler fell under the control of Ghamand Chand in 1758 and later the Sikhs, but maintained its separate identity. In 1785, Guler’s Wazir, Dhian Singh, captured the ‘Kotla ilaqa’, made himself sovereign, and repulsed Raja Sansar Chand.
  • Raja Bhup Singh (A.D. 1790): The last ruling chief of Guler. He allied with Kahlur and the Gurkhas against Sansar Chand. In 1811 A.D., Guler became the first state annexed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and Desa Singh Majithia captured Kotla fort. Bhup Singh died in 1820.

4. Post-Annexation Lineage (1826–Present)

  • Raja Shamsher Singh (1826–1877): The 26th Raja; he liberated Haripur fort from the Sikhs in the first Sikh war. Having only a daughter, the state lapsed to the British empire upon his death in 1877.
  • Raja Jai Singh (1878–1884): Succeeded his brother and was granted the title of ‘raja’ in 1878.
  • Raja Raghunath Singh (1884–1920): Conferred the title of ‘raja’ as a hereditary distinction on March 15, 1909, by Lord Minto, the Viceroy of India.
  • Raja Baldev Chand / Baldeo Singh (1920–1959): The 29th Raja, he was the 1st Viceregal Darbari in the Kangra district and exercised criminal and civil powers within his jagir. The Haripur fort remained in his possession.

JASWAN STATE: COMPLETE FINAL NOTES

1. Foundation and Geography

  • Foundation: The state was founded around A.D. 1170 by a cadet of the Katoch family named ‘Purab Chand’.
  • Significance: Until then, the Kangra state had remained one and undivided, making Jaswan the very first offshoot from the parent stem.
  • Capital and Clan: The capital of the state was situated at ‘Rajpura’, and the clan name is Jaswal.
  • Geographical Location: Jaswan state occupied a fertile tract in the Jaswan Dun of the outer Hills, which is now in the Una district of Himachal Pradesh.
  • Boundaries: It is bounded on the South and West by the Shivalik Hills and the Punjab plains, on the North by Siba and Datarpur, and on the East by Kangra, Kutlehr, and Kahlur.
  • Topography: It is a rich and fertile vale that is drained by the river Swan and flanked on either side by sleeping hills.

2. Mughal Relations and Rebellions

  • Mughal Subjection: Like other hill states, Jaswan was subject to the Mughals from the time of Akbar.
  • Defense of Kangra (1572 A.D.): When Jai Chand, the Raja of Kangra, was arrested and sent to Delhi, he put his minor son, Bidhi Chand, in the charge of Raja Gobind Chand of Jaswan. Gobind Chand successfully defended the fort of Kangra until a handsome offer from a Mughal commander led to its surrender.
  • First Rebellion (1588–89 A.D.): Anirudh Chand of Jaswan, the grandson of Gobind Chand, joined a rebellion led by Bidhi Chand of Kangra that embraced almost all hill states between the Chenab and the Satluj. The revolt was suppressed, and upon their submission, they were all pardoned.
  • Second Rebellion (1594–95 A.D.): Jaswan was also involved in another rebellion during this period.

3.The Sikh Annexation and British Era

  • Shift of Power: Jaswan remained loyal to the Imperial Darbar, but upon its decline, the state came under the control of the Sikhs.
  • Gurkha Alliance: In 1786, Raja Sansar Chand acquired paramount power in the hills. When the Gurkhas later invaded Kangra, Jaswan (under the power of Umed Chand) gave them a helping hand against Sansar Chand.
  • Annexation (1815 A.D.): After Maharaja Ranjit Singh acquired the Kangra fort in 1809, the Jaswan state was officially annexed to the Sikh kingdom in 1815 A.D..
  • Loss of State: In 1815 A.D., the Maharaja summoned all his forces and tributaries to assemble at Sialkot. The Rajas of Jaswan and Nurpur failed to obey and were fined beyond their capacity. Raja Umed Singh quietly submitted, resigned his state, and accepted a Jagir of Rs. 12,000/- annual value.
  • Deportation (1848 A.D.): During the second Sikh war, Umed Singh joined hands against British authority. Consequently, he and his son, Jai Singh, were deported to Almora, where they both died.

4. Post-Annexation Rulers & Modern Era

  • Raja Ran Singh (1863–1892): Following his marriage to the Princess of Jammu, and at the request of Maharaja Ranbir Singh of Jammu and Kashmir, a Jagir of 21 villages in the Jaswan Dun was restored to him in 1877.
  • Raja Raghunath Singh (1892–1918): The 30th Raja, who was granted the personal, non-inheritable title of “Raja” due to his ancient lineage and marital connections with Jammu & Kashmir. Notably, his son Rajkumar Shivdev Singh served in the Jammu & Kashmir administration and later retired as the Chairman of independent India’s Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
  • Raja Lakshman Singh (1918–1945): The 31st Raja and head of the Jaswan royal family, who resided at Ramkot.
  • Raja Chain Singh (1945–1948): The 32nd Raja of Jaswan, educated at Aitchison Chiefs’ College in Lahore. During the 1947 partition, he moved to Amb, leaving the royal palaces at Ramkot empty. He died in 2014 and was succeeded by his son, Raja Nagendra Singh.

SIBA STATE: COMPREHENSIVE FINAL NOTES

1. Origins and Foundation

  • Foundation: Siba was founded in A.D. 1450 by Sibarn Chand (also known as Sibram Chand), who was a younger brother of the ruling chief of Guler.
  • Clan: The clan name is ‘Sibaia’.
  • Geography: It was a small state, bounded on the South by Jaswan, on the South-West and West by the Punjab plains, on the North by Guler, and on the East by Datarpur and Kangra.
  • Topography: It consisted of somewhat rough country, girdled on the North by the wide stream of the Beas river and bounded to the South by a steep ridge, raddled with dried-up water-courses and strewn with boulders.

2. Historical Development

  • Mughal Period: The state is mentioned in Jahangir’s Memories, noting that Emperor Jahangir and Empress Noor Jahan visited Siba in A.D. 1622. Siba appears to have preserved its independence throughout the Mughal period.
  • Sikh and Kangra Influence: Siba was subjected to the Sikhs like other hill states and remained under the control of Sansar Chand of Kangra from 1786 until the Gurkha invasion in 1806.
  • Tributary Status: Between 1830 and 1845, Siba State was tributary to the Sikh Army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
  • Annexation and Restoration: Raja Bhup Singh of Guler invaded and annexed Siba in 1808. In 1809, it came under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who restored the state to Raja Gobind Singh in 1830.

3. Administrative Division (Koi and Kotla Branches)

  • Internal Division: The territory was divided into two parts: Siba State (1/3 of the territory), ruled by Raja Gobind Singh, and Siba Jagir (1/4 of the territory), ruled by Mian Devi Singh.
  • Branches: This division created two branches: the Koi Branch and the Kotla Branch.
  • British Incorporation: In 1848, the English rulers incorporated Siba Jagir along with sister states, including Datarpur, Jaswan, and Guler, into the British district of Kangra.
  • Dada-Siba: The English rulers linked Datarpur to Siba Jagir under the joint name “Dadu-Siba,” presently known as Dada-Siba.

4. Lineage and Succession

  • Raja Ram Singh: He succeeded his father, Raja Gobind Singh, and fought against the Sikhs during the second Sikh war, successfully reclaiming the Siba Fort and ousting his cousin, Mian Devi Singh, from the Kotla jagir. He restored the Radha Krishan Temple in Siba and built a palace on the hilltop. He died in A.D. 1874 without a direct heir.
  • Dada-Siba Lineage: Following Raja Ram Singh’s death, his jagir was transferred to Bijai Singh (son of Mian Devi Singh). The subsequent succession included:

Here are your final, streamlined notes on Datarpur State, formatted specifically for easy memorization and quick review:

DATARPUR STATE: QUICK MEMORY NOTES

1. The Basics (Geography & Origin)

  • Foundation: Founded around A.D. 1550 by Datar Chand.
  • Origin: It is an offshoot of Siba State. Datar Chand’s grandfather (Lakhudah Chand) was the 3rd son of Manak Chand, Raja of Siba.
  • Clan Name: ‘Dadwal’, derived from their original residence in ‘Dada’.
  • Geography: A “midget state” consisting of round, undulating hills. It was about half the size of Jaswan and less fertile.
  • Borders: Jaswan (South), Siba and Punjab Plains (West), Guler (North), and Kangra (North-East).

2. Key Historical Timeline

  • 1550–1785: Ten Rajas ruled in succession; history is largely unknown.
  • 1786: Came under the control of Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra.
  • 1806: Raja Gobind Chand allied with the invading Gurkhas against Kangra.
  • 1809: Came under Maharaja Ranjit Singh and was reduced to a Jagir (fiefdom).
  • 1818: Raja Gobind Chand died, and Ranjit Singh formally annexed the territory.

3. The Later Rulers (11th to 17th Rajas)

  • 11th Raja – Jagat Chand (1818–1877):
    • Surrendered the state in 1818 for a Jagir of Rs 4,600/year.
    • Revolted in 1848 with Katoch princes, was deported to Almora by the British, and died there in 1877.
  • 12th Raja – Devi Chand (b. 1838, acceded 1883):
    • Had two prominent sons: Mian Surma Chand and Raghbir Chand (who received a Rs 420/year British pension).
  • 13th Raja – Mian Surma Chand:
    • Settled in Jammu and served as a General in the Maharaja of Jammu’s army.

KUTLEHR STATE: QUICK MEMORY NOTES

1. Origins and Basic Facts

  • Size: It was the ‘smallest’ of all the principalities in the Kangra area.
  • Progenitor: The founder of the family was originally a ‘Brahman’, but upon acquiring regal power, he was recognized as a Rajput.
  • Founder & Capital: In about the 10th or 11th century, Jas Pal (the head of the family) conquered the taluqas of ‘Talhati’ and ‘Kutlehr’. He established his capital at ‘Kot Kutlehr’.
  • Clan Name: Kutlehria.
  • Offshoot States: The states of Bhajji and Koti in the Shimla hills were founded by Jas Pal’s son and grandson, respectively.

2. Historical Timeline & Conflicts

  • Early Records: There is no mention of Kutlehr state in the Mohammedan histories of the era.
  • 1758: Ghamand Chand of Kangra annexed ‘Chauki’, the Northern province of the state.
  • 1786: While on the throne of Kangra, Sansar Chand completely seized the state.
  • Gurkha Invasion: During this invasion, the Raja of Kutlehr was successfully restored along with his territory.
  • 1809: The state became subjected to the Sikhs.

3. Sikh Annexation & Later Rulers

  • The 1825 Siege: Ranjit Singh decided to fully annex the territory and laid siege to the fort of ‘Kotwalbah’.
  • Raja Narain Pal: He personally conducted the defense of the fort, stalling the siege for two months. He eventually agreed to surrender the fort after being promised a Jagir of Rs. 10,000/-.
  • The Jagir: This original Jagir was located in Hoshiarpur, but it was later exchanged for villages within the Kutlehr taluqa.
  • Succession: Raja Narain Pal died in 1864 and was succeeded by his son, Raja ‘Rajendra Pal’.
  • Last Known Head: The last known head of the Kutlehr family was Raja ‘Brijmohan Pal’.

BANGAHAL STATE: COMPREHENSIVE FINAL NOTES

1. Geography and Origins

  • Territories: The state included ‘Bara Bangahal’, ‘Chhota Bangahal’, ‘Paprolo’, ‘Landoh’, and ‘Rajjer’.
  • Capital: The capital was located at Bir in Bir Bangahal.
  • Lineage & Clan: The rulers belonged to the ‘Chandravanshi’ race, and the clan name is ‘Bangahalia’. The early Rajas used the suffix ‘Pal’ with their names.
  • Foundation: The founder was a Brahmin who was ranked as a Rajput upon becoming a Raja. His descendants ruled for twenty generations before Prithi Pal.

2. Early History and Encroachments

  • Vulnerability: The state’s proximity to Kangra, Mandi, and Kullu made it a constant target for territorial encroachment.
  • C.A.D. 1240: The state was likely annexed by Raja ‘Madan Sen’ of Suket.
  • A.D. 1554: The state was likely annexed by Raja ‘Sahib Sen’ of Mandi.
  • A.D. 1637: Suraj Sen of Mandi invaded Bangahal but was driven back by Jagat Singh of Kullu. As the price for his help, Jagat Singh seized a portion of Bangahal adjoining his own territory.

3. Reign of Prithi Pal (A.D. 1710) and His Murder

  • Family Ties: Prithi Pal was the son-in-law of Sidh Sen of Mandi, and his sister was married to Man Singh of Kullu.
  • The Betrayal (c. A.D. 1720): Sidh Sen coveted Bangahal and invited Prithi Pal to Mandi with great honor. Within a month, Prithi Pal was taken into the ‘Damdama Palace’ and murdered.
  • Aftermath: His body was burnt, and his head was buried in front of the palace. Sidh Sen then attacked Bangahal.
  • Kullu’s Intervention: Prithi Pal’s mother appealed to Man Singh of Kullu for help. Mandi forces were repulsed, but Raja Man Singh kept a large portion of the territory under his own control.

4. Raghunath Pal (A.D. 1720) to Dalel Pal (A.D. 1735)

  • Raghunath Pal’s Defense: Succeeding his father, Raghunath Pal repelled Sidh Sen’s attempts to seize ‘Karanpur’ and drove him back from ‘Kotharlu Galu’ with Kullu’s help.
  • Loss of Karanpur: Sidh Sen eventually seized Karanpur while Raghunath Pal was away in Punjab meeting the Mughal Viceroy.
  • Dalel Pal (A.D. 1735): Succeeded Raghunath Pal and successfully repelled a massive combined attack by Mandi, Kullu, Kahlur, Nalagarh, Guler, and Jaswan, though the state suffered heavy losses.
  • Loss of Territory: When Dalel Pal died in 1749, Mandi and Kullu took most of his territory.

5. Man Pal (A.D. 1749) and The Fall of Bangahal

  • The Last Ruling Chief: Man Pal succeeded only to the remaining taluqas of ‘Landoh’, ‘Paprola’, and ‘Rajjer’.
  • Death and Capture: He died on his way to Delhi to seek assistance from the Mughal emperor. In his absence, Kangra captured Landoh and Paprola, while Guler took the remaining territory.
  • Refuge: Man Pal’s widow and infant son, ‘Nihal Pal’, were given refuge by Raja Raj Singh of Chamba.

6. Final Heirs and End of Lineage

  • Sansar Chand’s Involvement: In 1785, Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra married Man Pal’s daughter and lent a force to Uchal Pal (Man Pal’s son) to recover his patrimony from Mandi, but the attempt failed.
  • The Buyout: The Rajas of Kullu and Mandi paid five lakh rupees to Sansar Chand to secure their occupation of Bangahal.
  • The End of the Mainline: Uchal Pal died leaving a daughter (who married the Raja of Siba) and three sons. The eldest son, Ram Pal, died childless in 1843. The younger brother, Bahadur Pal, tried in vain to recover the patrimony and died in 1854, marking the end of the mainline of heirs.

Here are your comprehensive and streamlined notes on Nurpur State, synthesized from all the provided documents and structured specifically for easy memorization and quick review:

NURPUR STATE: COMPREHENSIVE STUDY NOTES

1. Geography & Boundaries

  • Dimensions: Roughly 48 km long and 20 miles wide.
  • Borders: Chamba (North-East), Guler (East & South-East), Gurdaspur (South), Basholi (North-West).
  • Territorial Extent: Historically included Pathankot, Shahpur, Kandi (now in Gurdaspur), and Lakhanpur (west of the Ravi river, now in J&K).

2. Nomenclature & Evolution of Names

  • Audumbara: Ancient name for the entire district. Derived either from the abundant udumbara (fig) trees or the “copper-coloured” (audumbara) complexion of the inhabitants.
  • Pratishthana / Paithan: The ancient capital, which later became known as Pathankot.
  • Dhameri: The old Hindu name for Nurpur town. Also spelled Dhamal, Damal, Dahmari, and referred to as “Temmery” by early European travelers.
  • Nurpur: The name Dhameri was officially changed to Nurpur by Emperor Jahangir in honor of his wife, Noor Jahan, during the reign of Raja Jagat Singh.

3. Clan Lineage & Origins

  • Clan Name: Pathania, derived directly from the place name ‘Paithan’ (Pathankot).
  • Ancestry: They claim descent from the Tuar (Tomar) Rajputs of Delhi.
  • “Pandi” Lineage: The Rajas were referred to as ‘Pandi’, claiming descent from the Pandavas (a claim shared with royal families of Basholi, Kullu, Bhadu, Mandi, and Suket).
  • First Settlement: The migrating Tuars first settled at Pathankot, about 16 miles south of present-day Nurpur.

4. Archaeological & Numismatic Evidence (Pathankot)

  • Gateway to the Hills: Pathankot’s location between the Ravi and Beas rivers made it an ancient and vital trade hub.
  • Ancient Coins Discovered:
    • Local Coins: Thin copper (square/oblong). Obverse: Temple, Swastik, Dharama, snake. Reverse: Elephant, tree in a Buddhist railing. Featured legends in Kharosthi and Brahmi reading “ODUMBARA”.
    • Ruler Identified: “Dharaghosha” (Legend: “Mahadevasarjna Dharaghosha Audumbaras”).
    • Other Finds: Greek coins (Zoilus with Goudophares), Indo-Scythian (“Sri Vagamarisa”), Mohammadan coins (Ghazni to Shah Jahan), and Kangra Raja coins.

5. Key Historical Timeline & Rulers

  • Pre-1556 (Conjectural History): The early history is heavily debated, with differing lists by Sir Alexander Cunningham and Mian Raghunath Singh (Twarikh-i-Rajan-i-Pathania).
  • A.D. 1000 – Jhet Pal (The Founder): Younger brother of the Raja of Delhi, he left home and founded the state.
  • A.D. 1313–1337 – Jas Pal: A contemporary of the Delhi Sultan Ala-ud-din Khilji.
  • A.D. 1353–1397 – Kailash Pal:
    • Defeated and wounded Tatar Khan, the powerful Mohammedan Governor of Khorasan.
    • Constructed a major irrigation channel from the Ravi river to Pathankot.
  • Akbar’s Reign: The capital was officially transferred from Pathankot to Dhameri (Nurpur).
  • A.D. 1556 – Raja Bakht Mal: From his reign onward (during Akbar’s time), the history of Nurpur becomes much clearer and less conjectural.

6. Status During the Mughal Era

  • 17th Century (Shah Jahan’s Era): The territory was referred to collectively as “Mau and Paithan”.
  • Administration: It formed a district pargana of the Bari Doab.
  • Military & Revenue: It yielded a massive revenue of 7,29,7,015 dams (40 dams = 1 Akbari rupee) and furnished 250 horses and 2,000 foot soldiers to the empire.

Kings Contemporary to the Delhi Sultanate

  • Jas Pal (A.D. 1313–1337):
    • Ruled as a contemporary of the Delhi Sultan Ala-ud-din Khilji.
    • He was the father of nine sons.
  • Kailash Pal (A.D. 1353–1397):
    • Credited with defeating and wounding ‘Tatar Khan’, a famous Mohammedan General and Governor of Khorasan who had invaded the Punjab.
    • Constructed a significant irrigation channel connecting the Ravi river to Pathankot.
  • Nag Pal (A.D. 1397–1438):
    • He was the eldest son of Kailash Pal.
    • He allegedly received his name because a snake (Nag) was born alongside him.
    • The snake was placed in a well (baoli) and is still revered as the Kulaj (family Deity) of the Pathania clan.
  • Prithi or Phato Pal (A.D. 1438–1473):
    • Very little historical information is available regarding his reign.
  • Bhil Pal (A.D. 1473–1513):
    • A contemporary of Sultan Sikandar Lodhi of Delhi (A.D. 1488–1516).
    • It is said that he assisted the Sultan in his military wars.

Kings Contemporary to the Early Mughals & Sur Dynasty

  • Bakht Mal (A.D. 1513–1558):
    • His reign is referenced in the Akbarnama, and he initially attached himself to the Lodhi dynasty, much like his father.
    • The state likely fell under Mughal control following Babar’s conquests in A.D. 1526.
    • He shifted his allegiance to the Sur dynasty following Humayun’s flight and the accession of Sher Shah Suri in A.D. 1540.
    • During his reign, Salim Shah Sur (son of Sher Shah Sur) erected the famous fortress of ‘Maukot’ within the state.
    • In A.D. 1557, when Akbar came to power, Bakht Mal supported Sikandar Shah Sur, who had taken refuge in the Maukot fortress.
    • Muhammadan chroniclers referred to the Pathaniyas at this time as the “Zamindars of Mau and Pathan”.
    • Bakht Mal ultimately had to surrender to the powerful Mughal forces.
    • He was taken as a prisoner to Lahore and put to death by Bairam Khan in A.D. 1558.
    • He is credited with building the ‘Shahpur’ fort on the river Ravi, naming it after the Shah Sur family.
  • Pahari Mal / Takht Mal (A.D. 1558–1580):
    • He was the brother of Bakht Mal and was placed on the throne following Bakht Mal’s execution.
    • Cunningham refers to him as ‘Bihari Mal’, while Mohammedan histories refer to him as ‘Takht Mal’.
    • His rule was noted as being quite peaceful and trouble-free.
    • He was the first ruler to recognize the strategic danger of maintaining the capital at Pathankot, given its proximity to the plains.
    • He passed away before he could officially transfer the capital to Dhameri (Nurpur).

Raja Bas Dev (Basu) (A.D. 1580–1613): Comprehensive Notes

1. Governance and Capital

  • Accession: He succeeded Pahari Mal (Takht Mal).
  • Capital Transfer: Following his father’s design, he transferred the capital from Pathankot to Dhameri.
  • Public Works:
    • He built the fort of Nurpur.
    • He constructed a canal from the river Ravi to Pathankot.
    • He planted a mango garden known as ‘Raja ka Bagh’.

2. Relationship with the Mughals

  • Revolts against Akbar: He revolted against Emperor Akbar multiple times (A.D. 1585, 1589–90, 1594–95, 1602–03, and 1603–04), mostly instigated by Prince Salim (later Jahangir) against his father.
  • Akbar’s Response:
    • In his first revolt, Akbar sent Commander-in-chief Hassan Beg Umri to discipline the Raja, but the Raja secured mercy through Todar Mal.
    • In a second revolt, Akbar dispatched Mirza Rustam and Asif Khan, who refused to engage the Raja due to their personal friendship.
  • Capture of Mau Fort: In 1597, Jagat Singh (son of Raja Man Singh) captured ‘Mau fort’ (built by Islam Shah Sur) from the fugitive Raja Basu.
  • Alliance with Jahangir:
    • Raja Basu maintained a close relationship with Jahangir, even during the latter’s time as a prince.
    • In March A.D. 1606, Jahangir deputed the Raja to capture the fugitive Khurram (Shah Jahan).

3. Military Service and Death

  • Akbar’s Reign: He was not employed in any military expeditions during Akbar’s reign.
  • Jahangir’s Expedition: In A.D. 1611, at the recommendation of Abdullah Khan, Jahangir sent Raja Basu to lead an army against the Rana of Mewar.
  • Death: He died in A.D. 1613.
    • One version states he died in the thana of Shahbad before defeating the Rana.
    • Another version claims he died in Dakhan while on an expedition ordered by Jahangir.
  • Family: He had three sons: Suraj Mal, Jagat Singh, and Madho Singh.

Here are your comprehensive and streamlined notes on Raja Suraj Mal, compiled from the provided texts and structured for easy review:

SURAJ MAL (A.D. 1613–1618): COMPREHENSIVE NOTES

1. Accession and Early Campaigns

  • Succession: Among Raja Basu’s three sons, Jahangir initially considered none capable, but Suraj Mal was ultimately favored to succeed his father.
  • First Kangra Assignment: He was ordered to join Mughal commanders ‘Murtaza Khan’ and ‘Shaikh Farid’ with his contingent for the ongoing siege of Kangra fort.

2. Disloyalty and Shifting Alliances

  • Trouble in the Camp: Proving ungrateful for his position, Suraj Mal began stirring up trouble within the Mughal camp.
  • Murtaza Khan’s Complaint: This disloyalty prompted Murtaza Khan to send a formal complaint to Emperor Jahangir.
  • Prince Khurram’s Protection: In response, Suraj Mal successfully petitioned Prince Khurram (later Shah Jahan) to protect his life in the imperial court.
  • Movements (1616–1617):
    • Following Murtaza Khan’s death at Pathankot in A.D. 1616, the Kangra siege was temporarily abandoned.
    • Suraj Mal was recalled and attached to the prince’s force, traveling to the Dakhan (Deccan) in October A.D. 1616.
    • He returned from the Dakhan in A.D. 1617 and was dispatched with Shah Quli Khan and Mohammed Taqi to resume the siege of Kangra fort.

3. The Major Revolt

  • Engineering an Advantage: Back in the hills, Suraj Mal successfully plotted to stir up trouble by quarreling with his co-commanders, eventually getting Mohammed Taqi recalled on his request.
  • Open Rebellion: Finding himself in a favorable position, he openly revolted against Imperial authority.
  • Ravaging the Plains: He ravaged most of the praganas at the foot of the hills, which at the time formed the Jagir of Ghiyas Beg (Itmad-ul-daula), the father of Noor Jahan.

4. Suppression by the Mughals

  • Mughal Retaliation: Jahangir dispatched a force under Sunder Das Rai Raiyan (Raja Bikram Jit) to suppress the rebellion.
  • Jagat Singh’s Involvement: Suraj Mal’s younger brother, Jagat Singh, was called from Bengal to join the Mughal campaign and was promised his father’s territory if he remained loyal.
  • Fall of Forts: Rai Raiyan speedily captured smaller forts in the territory. The last to fall was the fort of Kotla, held by Suraj Mal’s youngest brother, Madho Singh, which was taken after three days of fighting.

5. The Fate of Suraj Mal and Madho Singh

  • Version 1 (Flight and Death in Chamba):
    • After showing initial courage, Suraj Mal fled and took refuge in Chamba state, where he died soon after.
    • Madho Singh also escaped to Chamba but eventually surrendered.
    • The Raja of Chamba returned all property and money belonging to Suraj Mal to the Mughal commander.
  • Version 2 (Capture and Execution):
    • According to another historical account, Bikramjit captured Mau, Nurpur, and Kangra in 1618, forcing Suraj Mal to flee to the higher hills.
    • In 1619, both Suraj Mal and his younger brother Madho Singh were captured by Bikramjit.
    • Mughal Emperor Jahangir awarded them both the death penalty.

RAJA JAGAT SINGH (A.D. 1619–1646): COMPREHENSIVE STUDY NOTES

1. Early Career & Rise to Power

  • Mughal Service: Jagat Singh initially served in the Mughal court in Bengal.
  • Rise to Prominence: He was recalled from Bengal to assist Mughal commander Rai Raiyan in suppressing the rebellion of his own elder brother, Raja Suraj Mal.
  • Kangra Campaign: He was subsequently ordered to assist in the seizure of the Kangra fort, which officially capitulated in November A.D. 1620.
  • Royal Visit: After the fall of Kangra, he established his residence at Nurpur and hosted Emperor Jahangir and his consort, Noor Jahan, during their visit to the valley in A.D. 1622.

2. Regional Conquests & Rivalries

  • War with Chamba (A.D. 1613–1623): Engaged in a twelve-year conflict with Chamba, culminating in a final invasion assisted by Mughal troops in A.D. 1623.
  • Battle of Dahlog: Fought a decisive battle at ‘Dahlog’ near Dalhousie, forcing Janardhan (acting Raja of Chamba) to flee. Jagat Singh later killed Janardhan under the false pretext of holding a conference.
  • Subjugation of Basholi: Basholi became the first state to fall under Jagat Singh’s control in A.D. 1614–15 after he had its ruler, Bhupat Pal, arrested on false accusations.
  • Assassination of Bhupat Pal: Although Bhupat Pal temporarily recovered Basholi in A.D. 1627, Jagat Singh had him assassinated when Bhupat Pal traveled to Delhi to pay respects to the Emperor.

3. Dynamics with the Mughal Empire

  • The 1623 Khurram Rebellion: Jagat Singh allied himself with Prince Khurram (future Shah Jahan) during his A.D. 1623 rebellion against Jahangir. This revolt was suppressed by Sadiq Khan (Viceroy of Punjab), who was assisted by Jagat Singh’s younger brother, Madho Singh, and Raja Rup Chand of Guler.so Jahangir made madho Singh raja . then nur Jahan intervened and JAGAT Singh again made raja because name change of dhameri to nurpur
  • Service to Shah Jahan: Upon Shah Jahan’s accession in A.D. 1627, Jagat Singh regained favor by rendering valuable services in various military expeditions.
  • 1634 : JAGAT Singh made fauzdar of bangash in kurram valley and kohat (Afghanistan and pakistan)
  • The 1640 Revolt: Attempting to establish undisputed regional authority, Jagat Singh and his son Rajrup revolted against Shah Jahan in A.D. 1640.
  • Suppression & Pardon: Shah Jahan deployed his youngest son, Murad Baksh, to crush the rebellion. man Singh of guler also helped.After mounting a brave resistance from his fortified strongholds, Jagat Singh surrendered, appeared in the royal court (Darbar) with halters around his neck, and was ultimately forgiven with his honors restored.

4. Final Military Expeditions & Death

  • Quandhar (1642): Accompanied Prince Dara Shikoh on his expedition to Quandhar (modern Afghanistan) in A.D. 1642.
  • Bakh & Badakhshan (1645): Appointed to reinforce ‘Amir-ul-Umara’ (Ali Mardan Khan) for the conquest of Bakh and Badakhshan, accompanied by his younger son, Bhau Singh. He received wide acclaim for his achievements during this campaign.
  • Death: Died shortly afterward in Peshawar in A.D. 1646 while on his return journey.

5. Administration, Legacy & Forts

  • Peak of Power: Nurpur State reached the zenith of its prosperity under Jagat Singh’s strong leadership.
  • Court Influence: Commanded immense influence in the Mughal court, famously addressing Noor Jahan Begum as beti (daughter).
  • Cultural Legacy: His warlike exploits were immortalized in the poem The Rhapsodies of Gambir Rai—the Nurpur bard, written in A.D. 1650.
  • Temple Construction: Around A.D. 1646, he built a temple in the ‘Dhampal Ashram’ (founded by a Brahmin named Narain in Gurdaspur).
  • Fate of His Strongholds:
    • Taragarh Fort: Erected by Jagat Singh on a high mountain summit. It was held by state troops until 1863–64 and finally dismantled in 1872.
    • Maukot Fort: Completely demolished by Mughal forces.
    • Nurpur Fort: Continued to be used until after the 1857 revolt, after which it was dismantled by government order.

LATER NURPUR RULERS & THE FALL OF THE STATE

1. Rajrup Singh (A.D. 1646–1661)

  • Succession: Following the death of Raja Jagat Singh, his son Rajrup was granted the title of Raja by Shah Jahan.
  • Mughal Service: His status was periodically enhanced with additional personnel and horses, and he was attached to multiple expeditions alongside Mughal generals and princes.
  • Later Years: During the 1657 conflict among Shah Jahan’s four sons, Rajrup’s attachments varied, but he undoubtedly spent his final years serving Aurangzeb. He died in A.D. 1661.

2. Bhau Singh (Younger Brother of Rajrup Singh)

  • Military Service: He rendered commendable service in the Badakhshan campaign, continuing even after his father’s death.
  • Fiefdom: In A.D. 1650, Shah Jahan granted him a fief consisting of a portion of Nurpur state (including the taluqas of ‘Shahpur’, ‘Palahi’, and ‘Kandi’), with Shahpur as its capital.
  • Conversion: In A.D. 1686, he embraced Islam and received the name ‘Murid Khan’ from the emperor.
  • Fate of Fief: The state was annexed by the Sikhs in A.D. 1781, and his descendants relocated to Sujanpur near Madhopur.

3. Mandhata (A.D. 1661–1700)

  • Accession & Office: Son of Rajrup Singh, he was recognized as Raja by the emperor and held high offices under the Mughals.
  • Literary Contribution: He authored half of the ‘Rhapsodies’ written in praise of his grandfather, Jagat Singh.
  • Significance: He was the last Pathania Raja to hold office under the Mughal emperors or receive distinction from them.

4. Dayadhata (A.D. 1700–1735)

  • Reign: There is a lack of detailed historical records regarding his reign..

5. Prithvi Singh (A.D. 1735–1789)

  • Context of Reign: He became Raja as the Mughal power was in dissolution; in 1752, the Punjab was ceded to Ahmad Shah Durrani.
  • Shifting Control: Encouraged by plains disorder, hill chiefs asserted independence. ‘Adina Beg Khan’ (appointed Viceroy during the 1758 Maratha invasion) briefly controlled the hill states until his death. In A.D. 1770, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia made several states his tributary, and upon his 1775 defeat, supremacy passed to Jai Singh Kanheya until 1786.
  • Territorial Gain: Around 1785, Nurpur acquired ‘Lakhanpur’ (west of the river Ravi) from Basholi, which remained Nurpur territory until 1846-47.
  • Succession: His son Feteh Singh predeceased him, leading to his grandson Bir Singh succeeding him in 1789.

6. Bir Singh (A.D. 1789–1846) – The Last Ruling Chief

  • Sikh Threat: Born in 1785, Bir Singh was fated to be the last ruling chief of Nurpur. In A.D. 1809, Maharaja Ranjit Singh acquired supremacy over the hill states.
  • Loss of State (1815): After failing to attend an 1815 military assembly at Sialkot, Ranjit Singh deliberately imposed an impossible fine on Bir Singh. Despite selling household goods to pay, he failed and was forced to make over his state, declining a Jagir.
  • Plots & Exile: Expelled from Ludhiana in A.D. 1816 for plotting with ‘Shah Shuja’ against Ranjit Singh, he lived in ‘Arki’ for ten years.
  • Revolt & Imprisonment (1826): He returned in disguise to Nurpur in 1826 and raised a revolt. Maharaja Ranjit Singh sent ‘Dessa Singh Majithia’, forcing Bir Singh to flee to Chamba, where the chief surrendered him to Ranjit Singh. He was imprisoned in Govindgarh fort for seven years.
  • Release & Death: Ransomed for Rs. 85,000 by his brother-in-law, Raja Charhat Singh of Chamba. He raised the standard of revolt again in 1846 and died in battle before the walls of Nurpur.
  • Alliances: Married daughters of Raja Jit Singh of Chamba, Raja Sansar Chand II of Kangra, and Raja Bikram Sen II of Suket.

7. Jaswant Singh & The End of Nurpur (1846–1898)

  • British Annexation: Bir Singh left behind a minor son, Jaswant Singh (born 1836). In 1846, the East India Company captured the Kangra valley, merged Nurpur state with Kangra, and granted Jaswant Singh an annual Jagir of Rs. 5,000 as compensation.
  • Ram Singh’s Rebellion: Nurpur was the first to rise in rebellion against the British. Ram Singh (son of the last Wazir, Shyam Singh) occupied Shahpur fort in 1848, proclaiming Jaswant Singh as Raja and himself as Wazir, but fled upon the British army’s arrival.
  • Battle of Dalle ka Dhar (1849): Ram Singh fought a pitched battle where John Peel (nephew of British PM Sir Robert Peel) was killed. Betrayed by a Brahmin friend named Pahar Chand, Ram Singh was captured and banished to Singapore or Rangoon, where he died.
  • Aftermath: For his loyalty during the 1857 revolt, minor Raja Jaswant Singh’s Jagir was doubled in A.D. 1861. Jaswant Singh died in 1898, leaving two sons, and their residence remained near the town of Nurpur.

summary of nurpur :

  • Jas Pal (A.D. 1313–1337): Contemporary of the Delhi Sultan Ala-ud-din Khilji.
  • Kailash Pal (A.D. 1353–1397): Defeated Tatar Khan, the Mohammedan General and Governor of Khorasan.
  • Nag Pal (A.D. 1397–1438): Associated with the snake (Nag) revered as the Kulaj (family Deity) of the Pathania clan.
  • Bhil Pal (A.D. 1473–1513): Contemporary of Sultan Sikandar Lodhi of Delhi.
  • Bakht Mal (A.D. 1513–1558): Built the ‘Shahpur’ fort on the Ravi river and was executed by Bairam Khan.
  • Pahari Mal / Takht Mal (A.D. 1558–1580): First to realize the danger of keeping the capital at Pathankot.
  • Bas Dev / Basu (A.D. 1580–1613): Executed the transfer of the capital to Dhameri.
  • Suraj Mal (A.D. 1613–1618): Revolted against Jahangir and ravaged the Jagir of Noor Jahan’s father.
  • Jagat Singh (A.D. 1619–1646): Renamed the capital from Dhameri to Nurpur in honor of Jahangir’s visit in 1622.
  • Rajrup Singh (A.D. 1646–1661): Spent the final years of his life in the direct service of Aurangzeb.
  • Mandhata (A.D. 1661–1700): The last Pathania Raja to hold office under the Mughal emperors.
  • Dayadhata (A.D. 1700–1735): His son Indar Singh became the ancestor of the ‘Reh’ branch of the family.
  • Prithvi Singh (A.D. 1735–1789): Asserted independence during Mughal decline and acquired ‘Lakhanpur’ from Basholi.
  • Bir Singh (A.D. 1789–1846): The absolute last ruling chief of Nurpur; lost his state to Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1815.
  • Jaswant Singh (A.D. 1846–1898): Became a titular Raja with a British Jagir while his Wazir, Ram Singh, led the 1848 rebellion.

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