~~*~Cultural Haritage of Chamba

CULTURAL AND TOURISM HERITAGE OF THE DISTRICT

 

HISTORY

Maru Verman who is said to have migrated from Ayodhya founded the erstwhile state with capital at Brahampura, presently known as Bharmour in the 6th century. Later, another king namely Sahil Verman shifted the capital from Bharmour to Chamba during the 10th century.

It is believed that the name of Chamba has been derived from Champavati, the daughter of Sahil Verman.

This princely state was merged in Himachal Pradesh on 15th April, 1948 and thereafter as a result of reorganization of erstwhile Punjab state, the hill pockets of Dalhousie and Bakloh cantt. were merged with this district.

GEOGRAPHIC SITUATION

Chamba district is situated in the north-east of Himachal Pradesh. Boundaries of district touches Jammu- Kashmir, Punjab and Kangra and Lahaul Spiti districts of the state. Ravi and Chandra-Bhaga are the major rivers flowing through this district besides a number of tributaries. The entire district is mountaneous with altitude ranging between 2000 to 21,000 feet from mean sea-level.

TOURISM ATTRACTIONS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

Rich cultural heritage and splendid scenic beauty of entire district attract the domestic and foreign tourists equally. Ancient temples, beautiful metal and wooden craft, handloom items and traditional fairs and festivals make the Chamba district as exciting and thrilling tourist destination. Major places of tourists’ interest are as under:

CHAMBA TOWN

Chamba situated on the banks of river Ravi is a historical town. It is very much well-known for century old shikhra-styled temples, royal family palace, traditional art and craft besides Minjar and Suhi fairs. Bhuri Singh museum founded in 1908 has completed its 100 years. This museum provides an opportunity to witness historical aspects of the then Chamba riyasat.

DALHOUSIE

Dalhousie, termed as the Queen of Hills needs no words for its introduction. This is the place where nature speaks through its serenity. Situated in the lap of dense forests of oak and deodar, Dalhousie offers unforgettable stay during summer and winter seasons. In the peak winter days it becomes rendezvous for the newly-wedded couples.

BHARMOUR

Bharmour, once known as Brahampura, the capital of Verman dynasty is a place where chaurasi-temple complex is situated. About 65 kms. from Chamba town, Bharmour is a tribal belt. It is also known for Manimahesh pilgrimage. This valley is full of adventurous tourism potential. Mountaineering Institute of Bharmour organizes various activities. On way to Bharmour one can visit famous Chhatrari temple.

KHAJJIAR

Named as Mini Switzerland,Khajjiar is the spot that can bring ecstasy to any one. Situated at the equally distance of 23-23 kms. from Chamba and Dalhousie, Khajjiar is a tremendous picnic spot also. It is famous for Khajji Nag temple.

BHALEI TEMPLE

Bhalei temple is dedicated to goddess Kali. This is one of the famous Shaktipeeth of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Jammu-Kashmir. Thousands of devotees visit this temple every year. Panormic view of Chamera reservoir can be had from the temple premises.

OTHER TOURIST SPOTS

Jamuhar, Saho, Mehla, Jot, Salooni, Holi and Bhandal also have the potential to attract the tourists fond of trekking and sight-seing. Bhandal and Holi are well-known for trout fish.

_____________________

KIMONGSHAW

````ABC...YZ of Navratri

~~~"BHADRA KALI SHRI BHALEI MATA, CHAMBA"~~~

A: - AMBE

B: - BHAWANI

C: - CHAMUNDA

D: - DURGA

E: - EKRUPI

F: - FARSADHARNI

G: - GAYATRI

H: - HINGLAAJ

I: - INDRANI

J: - JAGADAMBA

K: - KALI

L: - LUXMI

M: - MAHAMAYA

N: - NARAYANI

O: - OMKARINI

P: - PADMA

Q: - QATYAYANI

R: - RATNAPRIYA

S: - SHITLA

T: - TRIPURA SUNDRI

U: - UMA

V: - VAISHNAVI

W: - WARAHI

Y: - YATI

Z: - ZYANA

"JAI MATA DI"

KIMONG SHAW

*ks*

~~Gaddi Tribe_Episode1

Who were the original inhabitants of this mountains area of Himalayas, i.e. in District of Chamba is of great concern.

While going back to the Harappa period and coming to the Aryans we find that the RAVI VALLEY was must have been inhabited by the people called Dravidians during Harappa period and thereafter the Aryans overtook them.

It seems not improbable that the aborigines of this area now represented to a large extent by the various low caste tribes, which form a very considerable proportion of the population. They are included under the names of "KOLI, HALI, SIPI, CHAMAR, DUMNA, BARWALA, MEGH, DARAIN, REHARA, SARARA, LOHAR, BHATWAL, and DHAUGRI" and some others.

at the present time the four principal caste subdivisions are BRAHMIN, RAJPUT, THAKUR, AND RATHIS, of which the two latter may be regarded as one caste, and they included the great bulk of the high caste population. They represent the three sections of the ancient Aryan community. Viz. BRAHMIN, KSHTRIYA and VAISHYA. It is certain that all of them have received large accessories from the plains of the previous periods as the result of invasion and immigration.

Gaddi Brahmins have a tradition that their ancestors came from Delhi side to Brhmour probably from KANNOUJ in the reign of RAJA AJIA VERMAN 757-776. Many of the Rajput are the descendent of the invaders from the plains. the Gaddi Rajputs have the same tradition as the Gaddi Brahmins at to their original home, while the Gaddi Khatrio say that their ancestors’ fled from LAHORE to escape persecution, probably at the time of early Mohammedan invasions.

There is a popular saying that ": UJJDYA LAHORE TE BASIA BHARMOUR" it is doubtless many of the all castes came to this region for the same reason during the mohammedan rule and also even prior to this during Greek and Persian invasions.

The thakur and rathis are certainly of ancient origin, and are regarded as indigenous to the hills. in chamba they number more thanm one half of the high caste ionhabitants, there is common saying in the area which is, "CHANAL JETHA; RATHI KNETHA", the chanal is elder the Rathi the younger. The meaning attached to this saying by the people is that the high caste are dependent on the chanals, just younger brother is on an elder one. No ceremony of any importance can take place without their presence and help.

The gaddi is a separate clan, the term Gaddi is a generic name and under it are BRAHMINS, RAJPUTS and KHATRIS, THAKURS and RATHIS. The majority however are KHATRIS. In Sanskrit the word GADDAR means sheep and the GADDARI means shepherd and GADDARAN means country of shepherds.

The Brahmins of harsar and ranas of ulansa do not consider themselves to be gaddis and even today they have not been ascribed the status of ST, which goes to prove that gaddi is a separate clan.

gaddi brahmin, rajput and khatris wear yagyopwit, thakur and rathis do not wear this. the lower castes "KOLI, HALI, SIPI, CHAMAR, DUMNA, BARWALA, MEGH, DARAIN, REHARA, SARARA, LOHAR, BHATWAL, DHAUGRI and other some are not considered to be gaddis. People from outside, consider them to be the gaddi being inhabitant of the bharmour. Even the status of ST has been given to them.

Prior to the founding of bharmour kingdom by RAJA MARU VERMAN 548-567 this region was under the rule of petty chiefs who bore the title of thakur and ranas. These chiefs owned status of very diminutive size and were called RUNHU. They are said to have been constantly at war with one another, and their RUNHU boundaries were in consequence unsettled.

Ranas were Rajputs and thakurs were between the Ranas and Rathis. ranas used to marry the daughters of thakurs but did not marry their daughters to the Thakurs. In the same manner the Thakurs used to marry the daughter of Rathis but did not marry their daughters to the Rathis.

Their descendants stills resides in the same areas and their influence did not diminished even during the reign of Suryavanshi verman Dynasty of Brahmpur and Chamba kingdom.

continues......

*ks*

```Beauty of Himachal_Jujurana

The Beauty Of Himachal Pradesh: - Jujurana (western Tragopan)




and... here's Beautiful sweet MONAL-Phesant...
*ks*

*View of Chamba_09

Lahal Valley in District Chamba,

taken by Raaju

Beautiful stills of Chamba from the Historical Ravi River's Sitla Bridge.

image originally taken by S. Jasveer Singh (preetphoto_chamba@yahoo.com)

*ks*

*Beautiful Chamba