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Once known as an important seat of administration, Kangra the capital city of
Chand dynasty tells a story of glory, which has faded into history. One of the
most picturesque valley of lower Himalayas, the valley, sheltered by the
sublime Dhauladhar hills, is green and luxuriant. The temple of Brajeshwari
Devi is very famous in the area. It is believed that in the bygone era this
temple was very rich and each time it was plundered it was always able to
restore itself. The valley also comprises of the famous Kangra fort, which was
taken over by the British in 1846 on clause of a treaty. In 1905 an earthquake
destroyed both the temple and the fort, but the temple was rebuilt.
The town was attacked by Mohammed Ghaznavi and conquered by Emperor Feroz
Tuglak and Maharaja Rant Singh. Prior to this episode, Kangra was the capital
of the great Hill State, its renowned ruler being Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch,
a great patron of arts. It was during his reign that the Miniature and Rajpur
Schools of hill paintings flourished. Close to Kangra is Nagarkot a beautiful
area with the fort perched on top of a ridge overlooking the confluence of
Manjhi and Baner rivers. Kangra valley provides a tremendous contrast in
nature of places to be visited. Dharamshala is full of Buddhist air whereas
ancient Hindu Temples such as Brajeshwari, Baijnath, Jawalamukhi and Chamunda
Devi dot the countryside.
Places of Interest
Brajeshwari Devi Temple (Bajeshwari Devi Temple): Known once for its legendary
wealth of diamonds and pearls, this temple was subject to successive
depredation by invaders from the North. Mohammed of Ghazni is known to have
departed with a king's ransom in gold, silver and jewels in 1009. Earthquake
of 1905 destroyed it completely. Rebuilt in the present form in 1920, it
continues to be a busy place of pilgrimage.
Sujanpur Tira: Just 30-km away from Nadaun, situated on the banks of the
foaming Beas, the historical town Sujanpur Tira was built by Raja Sansar Chand,
who had ascended to the throne when he was only ten years old. The palace was
the winter residence of Sansar Chand and the Alampur palace on the other side
of the river Beas was his summer resort.
Nadaun: Nadaun is a pretty town situated on the left bank of river Beas and is
13-km from Jawalamukhi. It was the favourite residence of Raja Sansar Chand
who built himself a palace at Amtar on the riverbank 2-km from the town. This
historic town, which was once the capital of the Kotch rulers, derives its
name from demon Nandan.
Jawalamukhi: 30-km from Kangra, 56-km from Dharamsala, near the Beas river and
on the side of cliff, is one of Hindu dome most famous shrines. Built against
the side of a rocky spur, the temple is dedicated to the manifestation of the
Devi of fire also called the "Flaming Goddess". A blue flame fed by natural
gas, shoots out of the rock in the sanctum in which the goddess, Jawalamukhi,
manifests herself.
Kangra Fort: The remains of the fort of the Kotch Raja's of Kangra are located
on a strategic height, overlooking the Ban Ganga and Manjhi rivers. At the top
of the fort there was also a place of the Kotch kings. The earthquake of 1905
in Kangra destroyed both the palace and the fort. It is now in its ruins.
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