Hamirpur

• Association: Hamirpur was part of the ancient Jallandhar-Trigarta empire during the Mahabharata period.
• Panini’s “Ashtadhyai”: Referred to the people of this kingdom as formidable warriors and fighters, a characteristic that persists in the region’s strong representation in Indian Defence Forces.
• Significance: Establishes historical antiquity and integration into a larger, recognized ancient North Indian political/cultural entity. The enduring martial tradition highlights a core element of Hamirpur’s historical identity, likely shaped by the rugged terrain and conflicts.

 Rule of the Ranas and Early Chieftaincies (Pre-Katoch Consolidation)

• Political Landscape: Characterized by local feudal chiefs known as ‘Ranas’.
• Prominent Ranas: Mewa, Mehalta, Dhatwal.
• Conflicts: Marked by frequent internecine conflicts among these feudal chiefs, leading to fragmentation.
• Gupta Dynasty: Historical conjecture suggests the Gupta dynasty might have extended sovereignty over this area, though details are elusive.
• Significance: Decentralized power structure made the region susceptible to external pressures, paving the way for the Katoch dynasty’s consolidation of power.

II. The Rise and Zenith of the Katoch Dynasty

 Consolidation of Katoch Power

• Lineage: Chandravanshi Rajput clan, one of the oldest surviving royal dynasties, intrinsically linked to the legendary Trigarta Kingdom.
• Process: Systematically brought numerous warring local ‘Ranas’ under their suzerainty, transforming a fragmented political landscape into a unified, orderly society.
• Factors in Success: Superior military organization, strategic acumen, diplomatic skill, effective administration, and a claim to ancient, noble Kshatriya lineage (from Mahabharata-era Trigarta kingdom).
• Significance: Established centralized authority and laid the foundation for a more stable region.

 Raja Hamir Chand (1700-1747 AD): The Foundation of Hamirpur

• Reign: 1700 AD to 1747 AD.
• Key Contribution: Constructed a fort at the present-day Hamirpur town.
• Legacy: The town (and subsequently the district) derives its name from him.
• Significance: A clear assertion of his authority and intention to create a lasting legacy. Coincided with the weakening of the Mughal Empire, allowing for greater regional independence.

 Raja Sansar Chand II (1775-1823 AD): A Golden Era and Its Challenges

• Reign: 1775 AD to 1823 AD (ascended at age 10).
• Ambition: Dreamed of re-establishing the ancient Katoch empire of Jallandhar-Trigarta.
• Military Achievements:
  • Captured Kangra fort in 1787 AD, becoming paramount ruler of the hills for ~2 decades.
  • Held Raja Ishwari Sen of Mandi captive at Nadaun for 12 years.
  • Compelled other hill chiefs to acknowledge his supremacy.
• Capital: Developed Sujanpur Tira as his principal capital, building palaces and temples.
• Sujanpur Tira:
  • Initially founded by Raja Abhay Chand Katoch in 1748 AD.
  • Transformed by Sansar Chand II into a vibrant political and cultural hub.
  • Notable Temples:
    • Gauri Shankar Temple: Built 1793 AD, in memory of his mother.
    • Murli Manohar Temple: Built 1790 AD; dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha; Shikar style, unique wood carvings.
    • Narbadeshwar Temple: Built 1823 AD by his Suketi Rani, Pransani Devi; renowned for Bhitti (wall painting) style depicting Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata Purana, local flora/fauna. Contains shrines to Surya, Durga, Ganesha, Lakshmi-Narayana, Mahishasuramardini. (Monument of National Importance)
  • Fort Complex: Included a Baradari, reportedly with fine wall paintings.
• Military Campaigns and Ambitions:
  • Attempts to expand into plains repulsed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Sikh Empire (invaded Hoshiarpur and Bajwara twice).
  • Aggressive policy towards hill states (e.g., Kahlur/Bilaspur) led to a coalition against him.
• Patronage of Art:
  • Foremost patron of the Kangra School of miniature painting.
  • Attracted artists from Guler (Manku, Khushala, Kishan Lal, Basia, Purkhoo, Fattoo) to his court at Sujanpur Tira.
  • Themes: Hindu epics, Puranic legends, romantic poetry (Gita Govinda, Sat Sai, Bhagavata Purana, Nala and Damayanti, Rasikapriya, Kavipriya).
  • Sujanpur Tira became a principal hub for the Kangra kalam (style).
• Challenges:
  • His expansionism fostered resentment among hill chiefs, who invited Gurkhas.
  • Battle of Mahal Morian (1806 AD):
    • Initial success against combined forces of hill chiefs.
    • Strategic Error: Replaced experienced troops with Rohilla mercenaries to economize.
    • Decisive Defeat (Second Battle of Mahal Morian, 1806 AD): Crushing defeat by combined Gurkha and allied hill chief forces.
    • Gurkhas besieged Kangra fort for three years and extensively looted territories between Kangra and Mahal Morian.
    • Liberation of Ishwari Sen: Gurkhas liberated Raja Ishwari Sen from Nadaun jail.
• Significance: Peak of Katoch power and cultural flourishing. His ambition ultimately led to the decline of undisputed Katoch dominance, opening the door for Gurkha, Sikh, and British intervention.

 Architectural Legacy: Forts and Temples of the Katoch Era

• Hamirpur Fort (Raja Hamir Chand Fort/Dulehra Fort): Built by Raja Hamir Chand, gave the town its name. (Archaeological heritage site).
• Sujanpur Fort (Tira Sujanpur): Built by Raja Abhay Chand (1758 AD), further developed by Sansar Chand II. (Archaeological heritage site). Contains Gauri Shankar, Murli Manohar, and Narbadeshwar Temples.
• Katoch Palace (Tira Sujanpur): Monument of National Importance by ASI.
• Mahal Morian-Tal Fort (Tehsil Bhoranj): Scene of crucial battles. (Archaeological heritage site).
• Amtar Palace (Nadaun): Historical association with Sansar Chand’s summer court and imprisonment of Ishwari Sen. Reportedly has historical paintings. (Archaeological heritage site).
• Sujanpur Palace: Separately listed archaeological heritage site.
• Significance: Physical evidence of political/military past, architectural styles, and artistic patronage. Forts underscore military importance. Temples reflect religious beliefs, political power, and synergy between architecture and visual arts (e.g., Narbadeshwar murals).

Table: Key Katoch Rulers and Contributions

III. Era of Invasions and Political Transition

1. The Gurkha Wars and Impact on Katoch Dominance

• Context: Sansar Chand’s expansionism led to a coalition of hill chiefs inviting Gurkhas (Amar Singh Thapa).
• First Battle of Mahal Morian (Hamirpur): Sansar Chand initially repelled combined forces.
• Strategic Error: Sansar Chand replaced experienced troops with Rohilla mercenaries for economy.
• Second Battle of Mahal Morian (1806 AD): Gurkhas and allied hill chiefs inflicted a crushing defeat on Sansar Chand.
• Aftermath: Gurkhas besieged Kangra fort for three years, extensively looted territories between Kangra and Mahal Morian, and liberated Raja Ishwari Sen of Mandi from Nadaun jail.
• Significance: Broke Katoch paramountcy, introduced Gurkhas as a dominant external force, and led to instability, paving the way for Sikh and British interventions.

. Sikh Ascendancy and Rule in the Hamirpur Region

• Sansar Chand’s Appeal: Raja Sansar Chand II sought aid from Maharaja Ranjit Singh (Sikh Empire) to lift the Gurkha siege.
• Sikh Intervention (1809 AD): Ranjit Singh defeated Gurkhas and lifted the siege of Kangra.
• Cost to Sansar Chand: Lost Kangra fort and 66 villages to the Sikhs.
• Sikh Dominance: Sikh Empire established suzerainty over Kangra (including Hamirpur) until 1846.
• Nature of Rule: Likely involved tribute and administrative oversight, but local Katoch chieftains may have retained some authority.
• Significance: Pyrrhic victory for Sansar Chand, as it resulted in loss of sovereignty and subjugation to the Sikh Empire.

IV. The British Colonial Period (1846-1947)

. Annexation and Integration into Kangra District

• First Anglo-Sikh War (1845-1846): Defeat of Sikh Empire led to cession of territories between Sutlej and Beas rivers to British East India Company.
• Annexation (1846): Kangra (including Hamirpur) was formally annexed by the British.
• Administrative Merger: Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti were also merged into the newly formed Kangra district.
• Significance: End of indigenous rule in Hamirpur, beginning of nearly a century of colonial governance. Shift to centralized, bureaucratic administration, diminishing traditional autonomy.

. Administrative Structure and Changes under British Rule

• Initial Tehsil Headquarters: Nadaun (1846).
• Relocation of Tehsil Headquarters: To Hamirpur town in 1868 (reflecting its growing importance).
• Creation of Palampur Tehsil (1888): Formed by amalgamating parts of Hamirpur and Kangra tehsils.
• Provincial Status: Hamirpur remained part of the Punjab province under British rule.
• Infrastructural Development: Tehsil complex, Boys’ School Building, and Old Hospital building in Hamirpur town.
• Significance: British restructuring aimed for efficiency, revenue collection, and strategic control, reconfiguring traditional territorial affiliations.

V. Hamirpur in the Indian Freedom Struggle

. The Influence of National Movements

• Participation: Hamirpur, though geographically secluded, participated in the Indian independence movement.
• Indian National Congress: Established presence and was active in the broader Kangra region.
• Revolutionary Influence: Ghadar Party influenced events like the Mandi conspiracy (1914-1915), impacting adjoining hill areas.
• Major Campaigns: Quit India Movement (1942) found echoes (e.g., Pajhota movement in Sirmour).
• Channels of Dissemination: Returning soldiers, educated students, and organizational activities of political parties spread nationalist consciousness.
• Significance: Martial tradition contributed to a spirit of resistance against colonial authority.

. Notable Freedom Fighters from the Hamirpur Region

• Yashpal (1903-1976):
  • Origin: Village Bhumpal, Hamirpur district.
  • Role: Prominent revolutionary, celebrated Hindi writer.
  • Affiliations: Hindustan Socialist Republican Army (HSRA); associate of Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev Thapar.
  • Activities: Involved in attempt to bomb Lord Irwin’s train. Sought refuge in Samhoon (Hamirpur) after 1929 police raid.
  • Imprisonment: Arrested 1932, jailed for six years.
  • Post-Release: Acclaimed writer (“Jhutha Sach,” “Simhabalokan”). Honored with Sahitya Akademi Award and Padma Bhushan.
• Amin Chand Kalia (Comrade Saab) (1916 -?):
  • Origin: Bhareri village, Hamirpur district.
  • Role: Dedicated freedom fighter.
  • Influences: Mahatma Gandhi (gave him title ‘Comrade’, inspired Swadeshi/Khadi), Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (appointed him President of Forward Bloc), Lala Jagat Narayan.
  • Activities: Anti-British activities (alleged arms delivery).
  • Imprisonment: Multiple times (1936, 1939, 1942, 1945) in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan jails.
  • Post-Independence: Deputy Speaker of Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha (1967-1972) from Nadaunta constituency.
• Narain Chand Parashar (1934-2001):
  • Origin: Sera village, Hamirpur district.
  • Role: Distinguished parliamentarian, academic, linguist, writer.
  • Contributions: Promoted legacy of Himachali freedom fighters (e.g., biography of Pahari Gandhi Baba Kanshi Ram), admired Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
  • Significance: Reflected diverse ideologies (revolutionary, Gandhian, Forward Bloc). Post-independence careers indicate public standing gained from freedom struggle.

. Praja Mandal Activities in the Broader Hill Region and their Resonance

• Praja Mandal Movements: Aimed at democratic rights, social/political reforms in princely states.
• Himalayan Riasti Praja Mandal: Coordinated activities across various hill states.
• Hamirpur’s Status: During colonial period, Hamirpur was a tehsil within British-controlled Kangra district (not a princely state).
• Influence: While no distinct “Hamirpur Praja Mandal” is mentioned, the region was influenced by the broader demand for reforms in surrounding princely states. People’s aspirations for self-rule and just governance were strong, channeled through national movements like the Indian National Congress.
• Significance: The underlying spirit and goals of Praja Mandal movements would have influenced the political consciousness of Hamirpur’s people.

. Post-Independence: Formation and Development of Hamirpur District

1. Merger with Himachal Pradesh (1966)

• Context: After India’s independence (1947), Hamirpur remained a tehsil of Kangra district, Punjab province.
• Key Event: On November 1, 1966, as part of Punjab reorganization, hill areas including Hamirpur merged with Himachal Pradesh (then a Union Territory).
• Reason: Linguistic and cultural contiguity principles.
• Significance: Pivotal administrative shift, bringing Hamirpur under HP governance, setting the stage for district formation.

. Establishment as a Separate District (1972) and Subsequent Administrative Framework

• Statehood: Himachal Pradesh attained full statehood in 1971.
• District Formation: On September 1, 1972, Hamirpur was carved out as a separate district during district re-arrangement within HP.
• Initial Tehsils: Hamirpur and Barsar.
• District Headquarters: Hamirpur town (upgraded from tehsil headquarters).
• Further Reorganization (1980): Three more tehsils created: Tira Sujanpur, Nadaun, and Bhoranj.
• Current Framework (as per various sources):
  • Tehsils: Hamirpur, Barsar, Bhoranj, Nadaun, Sujanpur Tihra, Bamson (at Tauni Devi), Dhatwal (at Bijhari), Galore.
  • Sub-Tehsils: Kangoo, Bhota.
  • Revenue Sub-Divisions: Hamirpur, Barsar, Nadaun, Bhoranj, Sujanpur Tihra.
  • Development Blocks: Hamirpur, Bijhari, Bhoranj, Nadaun, Sujanpur, Bamsan (at Touni Devi).
• Significance: Progressive decentralization, bringing administration closer to people, enabling targeted development, and ensuring better accessibility of public services.

• Sujanpur Tira Temples:
  • Narbadeshwar Temple:
    • Builder: Maharani Pransani Devi (Suketi queen of Sansar Chand II).
    • Year: 1823 AD.
    • Features: Bhitti style (wall paintings) depicting Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata Purana, local wildlife. Smaller shrines dedicated to Surya, Durga, Ganesha, Lakshmi-Narayana, Mahishasuramardini.
    • Significance: Monument of National Importance.
  • Murli Manohar Temple:
    • Builder: Raja Sansar Chand II.
    • Year: 1790 AD.
    • Features: Shikar (curvilinear tower) style, unique wood carvings. Dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha.
  • Gauri Shankar Temple:
    • Builder: Raja Sansar Chand II.
    • Year: 1793 AD.
    • Significance: Built in memory of his mother. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
• Tauni Devi Temple:
  • Location: Hamirpur-Awah Devi road, 12 km from Hamirpur.
  • Deity: Goddess Tauni Devi (sister of Goddess Durga).
  • Significance: Over 200 years old. Belief that worship offers relief from rainy season ailments. Fair held in Asharh (June-July).
• Blikleshwar Mahadev Temple:
  • Location: Nadaun.
  • Significance: Believed to have been founded by the Pandavas.
• Markanda:
  • Location: Near Dera Parol (on Kunah Khad bank), 6 km from Dera Parol.
  • Significance: Associated with Markandeya Rishi (idol installed here). Features a natural water spring. Markanda Fair held on Baisakhi (April 13) annually..

Archaeological Heritage

 Forts and Palaces

• Sujanpur Fort (Tira Sujanpur):
  • Builder: Raja Abhay Chand (1758 AD), further developed by Raja Sansar Chand II.
  • Significance: Principal capital and royal residence of Sansar Chand II. Contains Gauri Shankar, Murli Manohar, and Narbadeshwar Temples. (Archaeological heritage site).
• Katoch Palace (Tira Sujanpur): Monument of National Importance by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
• Mahal Morian-Tal Fort (Tehsil Bhoranj): Site of crucial battles involving Sansar Chand, Gurkhas, Sikhs. (Archaeological heritage site).
• Hamirpur Fort (Raja Hamir Chand Fort/Dulehra Fort):
  • Builder: Raja Hamir Chand (1700-1747 AD).
  • Significance: Town and district named after him. (Archaeological heritage site).
• Amtar Palace (Nadaun): Historical associations with Sansar Chand’s summer court and imprisonment of Raja Ishwari Sen. Reportedly has historical paintings. (Archaeological heritage site).
• Sujanpur Palace: Separately listed archaeological heritage site.
• Significance: Physical evidence of political/military past, architectural styles, and artistic patronage. Underscore military significance and key historical events. Official recognition ensures preservation