- Sirmaur District (Princely State)
- Geographical Context:
- Located between 77° 7′ 0″ E and 77° 49′ 40″ E longitude, and 30° 22′ 30″ N and 31° 1′ 30″ N latitude.
- Borders: North – River Tons and Yamuna; East – River Tons and Yamuna; South and West – Ambala district (Haryana); North-West – Solan district.
- Divided into three parts: Trans-Giri, Cis-Giri, and plains of ‘Kayar-Da-Dun’.
- Kayar-Da-Dun Valley: Fertile and economically useful.
- Place Name Origins:
- Sirmaur: Earliest name believed to be ‘Sulokina’. Traditional belief: State derived its name from Raja Rasaloo’s (son of Raja Malbahan of Jaisalmer) capital. Another tradition attributes it to “Sir Maur” (head/crown).
- Nahan: Believed to be formerly called ‘Nahar’ (meaning lion), named after a lion companion of a saint. City and fort founded by Raja Karam Parkash in 1621 AD.
- Jaitak Hills: Applied to a peak (or two peaks). Site of a major battle between British and Gurkhas. Hill fortress constructed by Ranjor Singh Thupa (Gurkha leader) around 1810. Jaitak Khel of Kanets derives its name from this village.
- Haripur Dhar: Mountain named Haripur, known as a high hilltop.
- Early History & Rulers:
- Inhabitants: ‘Kulindas’ or ‘Kunindas’ (identified with modern Kanets, forming bulk of population in Kullu, Shimla, Sirmaur hills).
- Origin Story (Flood & Jaisalmer Connection):
- Original capital devastated by a flood in Giri river (during reign of Badan Singh).
- State left without a ruler. Pandits consulted, advised to seek a just Raja from Jaisalmer.
- Raja of Jaisalmer sent one of his pregnant Ranis; she gave birth to ‘Badan Singh’ under a ‘dhak’ tree near the state boundary. This tree is still worshipped. This established an unbroken line of rulers.
- Another version: Messenger sent to Jaisalmer, Raja Sahvahan II sent his third son ‘Hasoo’. Hasoo died at Sirhi; his pregnant wife gave birth to ‘Plasso’ under a ‘dhak’ (plass) tree near Sirmauri Tal. Rulers thereafter called ‘Plassia’.
- Raja Prakash (No specific first name, possibly common to the dynasty): Ruled until 1198.
- Subhansh Parkash (1195-1199): Mentioned in list of Rajas, possibly overlapping or correcting an earlier entry.
- Udit Parkash (1217-1227): Ascended throne in 1217, shifted capital to ‘Kalsi’. Abdicated in favor of son Kaul Parkash in 1227.
- Kaul Parkash (1227-1239): Strengthened boundaries, brought rulers of Jubbal, Balsan, and Tharoche under his tributaries.
- Sumer Parkash (1239-1248): First mention in ‘TABAKAT-I-NASIRI’ (Muhammadan historians). Plundered and annexed Ratnesh in 1239.
- Suraj Parkash (1248-?): Ascended throne in 1248. Faced rebellion and devastation of capital at ‘Kalsi’.
- Padam Parkash (1259-1271):
- Jagat Parkash (1374-1386): Tributary to ‘Firoz Shah’ of Delhi. Famous for his administration. Died in 1388 (two years reign, contradicting 1374-1386).
- Veer Parkash (1388-1398): Son of Jagat Parkash. Came to power in 1388. Built temples dedicated to ‘Goddess Durga’ at Hatkoti (Shimla district). Built ‘Rawingarh’ fort. Defeated all chieftains. Died at Hatkoti in 1398.
- Dharm Parkash (1414-?): Shifted seat of government to ‘Neri’ (Shimla district).
- Raja Budhi Parkash (1605-1615): Mounted throne in 1605. Shifted residence and seat of government from ‘Kalsi’ to ‘Rajpura’. Died in 1615. (Also mentioned as ‘Bhupat Parkash’ in state head office list, omitted in Sahant’s list).
- Udai Parkash (1615-1616): Ruled for one year, died in 1616.
- Karam Parkash (1616-1630): Reigned from 1616. Resided at Kalsi for six years. Laid foundation of city and fort of ‘Nahan’ in 1621. Disciple of Baba Banwari Dass.
- Mandhata Parkash (1630-1647): Brother of Karam Parkash. Contemporary and favorite of Emperor Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan (8th year of reign) sent ‘Nijabat Khan’ to restore forts of Shergarh, Kalsi, Bairat to Mandhata Parkash. Died in 1647.
- Mahi Parkash (1647-1678): Brother of Mandhata Parkash. Also known as Mahi Parkash. Emperor Aurangzeb granted him ‘Pingaur Pargana’ (now part of Punjab) which formed part of the state. He tried to reclaim ‘Muzaffargarh’ (now in Ambala district, Haryana). Demanded daughter in marriage from Raja of Keonthal (refused). Attacked Hat-Koti, defeated Rup Chand (Raja of Hat-Koti) and got his sister in marriage. Died in 1678.
- Medni Parkash (1678-1713): Succeeded Budh Parkash in 1678. In 31st year of reign, Aurangzeb recognized him as ‘Raja of Sirmaur’ with title ‘Mast Parkash’. Sirmaur state completely under control of Delhi Emperors (previously independent).
- Visited by Guru Gobind Singh: Guru came to Sirmaur state due to rift with Raja Bhim Chand of Bilaspur. Guru camped in ‘Mirpur Gurudwara’ of Nahan tehsil. Medni Parkash invited Guru to Nahan. Guru migrated to Paonta Sahib in Kiarda Dun and stayed for four years.
- Battle of Bhangani (1688): Fought between Guru Gobind Singh and combined forces of Hill Rajas (including Fateh Shah of Garhwal and Raja Bhim Chand of Bilaspur) allied against Guru. Sirmaur Raja Medni Parkash was friend of Guru. Guru emerged victorious.
- Bhup Parkash (1713-?): Son of Medni Parkash. Died in 1713.
- Biji Parkash (?-1749): Son of Bhup Parkash. Married daughter of Kalyan Chand (ruler of Kumaon). Installed Kali idol (now ‘Kalistan’). Built a large tank and well at Nahan. Reigned 36 years, died in 1749.
- Pratap Parkash (1749-1757): Faced revolts by feudatories. Died in 1757, leaving four sons.
- Kirat Singh (1757-1773): Enthroned in 1757 while young. Put feudatories under control. Died at ‘Lakar Ghat’ on bank of Ganga at age 26 in 1773.
- Jagat Parkash (1773-?): Son of Kirat Parkash. Ascended throne in 1773. Appointed George Thomas to combat Sikhs (unsuccessful). Restored fort of Pinjaur. Helped Raja of Garhwal against Marathas.
- Dharam Parkash (?-1796): Son of Jagat Parkash. Allied with Raja of Patiala to help Jagat Parkash. Sent an army to help Raja Ram Singh of Hindur. Died in battle at ‘Bhanjraratu’ in 1796 against Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra. Ruled for four years.
- Karam Parkash (1796-?): Younger brother of Dharam Parkash. Ascended throne in 1796. Period of conspiracies and mal-administration. Patiala state helped him against rebellion in 1796. Wazir Mehta Prem Singh instigated invasion by Raja Ram Singh of Hindur and rebellion by Kanwar Kishan Singh.
- Gurkha Invasion (circa 1810-1815): Raja Karam Parkash sought help from Amar Singh Thapa (Gurkha military leader). Gurkhas invaded Sirmaur, expelled Kanwar Ratan Singh (who was temporarily seated on throne by mischief-mongers) and Kishan Singh, but set up their own government. Karam Parkash got no better position.
- Jaitak Battle (1810-1815): Amar Singh Thapa’s son, Ranjor Singh, became administrator and constructed a fort on ‘Jaitak’ hill. This led to conflict with British.
- British Intervention: Raja Karam Parkash sought refuge with British (George Birch, Political Agent) at Subathu. British helped restore him.
- Fateh Parkash (1827-1850): Son of Kanwar Gopal Singh (grandson of Karam Parkash). Born 1805. George Birch appointed administrator during his minority. Attained majority in 1827, British granted him full powers. Attended Durbar at Shimla. Died in 1850.
- Raghubir Parkash (1850-1856): Succeeded father in 1850. Instigated by courtiers to confiscate Jagirs of Raj Kumars. Lord Dalhousie intervened, restored villages. Died of piles on January 20, 1856, at age 27. Married five Ranis; second Rani bore heir-apparent Shamsher Singh (born 1845).
- Shamsher Singh (1856-1911): Born in 1845. Succeeded father in 1856. Committee of Mehta Devi Datta and Moti Ram Bhandari administered during his minority (incompetent). Superintendent of Shimla Hill States assumed direct management.
- 1857 Mutiny: Raja Shamsher Singh offered valuable services to British. Honored with Sanad, received land, and disciplined force for loyal service.
- Second Afghan War (1879): Offered invaluable services to British.
- Satyon-Ka-Pahar: Separate cantonment built in 1880.
- Imperial Service Troops: Raised a body of Imperial Service troops (infantry, sappers, pioneers) in 1888-89.
- Tirah Campaign (1897-98): Imperial Service Sappers and Miners served under Major Bir Bikram Singh (Raja’s younger son), who received Order of Indian Empire.
- Political Control Change (1896): Sirmaur State taken out of Shimla Hill State Superintendent’s control, placed under Commissioner of Delhi.
- Maharaja Amar Parkash (1911-1933): Succeeded father Shamsher Singh in 1911. Honored with K.C.S.I. in 1914.
- WWI Services: Sent well-equipped army to Mesopotamia. Provided friendly assistance.
- Powers: Invested with powers to pass death sentences.
- Contributions: Inaugurated ‘Mahima Library’. Died in May 1933 in Europe.
- Maharaja Rajinder Parkash (1933-1948): Born January 11, 1913. Succeeded father in 1933. Minority administration until 1941.
- Merger into Indian Union: Signed merger document on March 13, 1948, at Nahan. State legally recognized as merged from April 1, 1948.
- Praja Mandal Movement: ‘Praja Mandal Sirmaur’ formed in 1935-36, demanding public representation in ministry. Leaders (Parmar brothers) gave tough time to rulers. Regular Praja Mandal formed in 1937 under Shri Devi Singh. Movement suppressed, leaders imprisoned (Vaid Surat Singh, Kedar Singh, Devi Singh).
- Maharaja Udai Parkash (1948-present, but text from before 2000s): Succeeded Maharaja Rajinder Parkash. Married Padmini Devi.
- Succession Disputes: Had disputes with family grantees. Settled by mutual agreement in 1948.
- Family: Son Rajkumar Bir Bikram Singh (born 1949), grandson Lakshya.
- Other Princely States/Districts (mentioned in relation to Sirmaur)
- Jaisalmer (Princely State, Rajasthan):
- Significance: Ancestral home of Sirmaur’s ruling dynasty. Raja Sahvahan II sent his son ‘Hasoo’ to Sirmaur as a potential ruler.
- Ambala (District, Haryana):
- Significance: Borders Sirmaur to the south and west. ‘Muzaffargarh’ (now in Ambala district) was once reclaimed by Raja Mahi Parkash of Sirmaur. Markanda river flows into Ambala district at Kala Amb.
- Solan (District, Himachal Pradesh):
- Significance: Borders Sirmaur to the North-West.
- Jubbal (Princely State, Himachal Pradesh):
- Significance: Its rulers were tributaries to Kaul Parkash of Sirmaur (1227-1239). Thakurs of Jubbul were compelled to pay tribute to Raja Suraj Parkash of Sirmaur. Raja Veer Parkash built temples at Hatkoti in the area of Jubbal.
- Balsan (Princely State, Himachal Pradesh):
- Significance: Its rulers were tributaries to Kaul Parkash of Sirmaur (1227-1239). Thakurs of Balsan were compelled to pay tribute to Raja Suraj Parkash of Sirmaur.
- Tharoche (Princely State, Himachal Pradesh):
- Significance: Its rulers were tributaries to Kaul Parkash of Sirmaur (1227-1239).
- Kumaon (Princely State/Region, Uttarakhand):
- Significance: Raja Biji Parkash (Sirmaur) married the daughter of Kalyan Chand, ruler of Kumaon.
- Bilaspur (Kahlur) (Princely State, Himachal Pradesh):
- Significance: Raja Bidhi Chand of Bilaspur invaded Sirmaur. Raja Bhim Chand of Bilaspur had a rift with Guru Gobind Singh, leading to Guru’s presence in Sirmaur. Bhim Chand was also allied with Fateh Shah (Garhwal) against Guru Gobind Singh in the Battle of Bhangani.
- Bushahr (Rampur Bushahr) (Princely State, Himachal Pradesh):
- Significance: Raja of Sirmaur (Zorawar Singh’s ancestor) invaded Rampur Bushahr.
- Hindur (Nalagarh) (Princely State, Himachal Pradesh):
- Significance: Raja Ram Singh of Hindur was an ally of Raja Dharam Parkash of Sirmaur against Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra. Raja Ram Singh of Hindur also invaded Sirmaur, instigated by Mehta Prem Singh. Amar Singh Thapa conquered Hindur.
- Kangra (Princely State, Himachal Pradesh):
- Significance: Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra defeated Raja Dharam Parkash of Sirmaur in battle at ‘Bhanjraratu’ in 1796. Sansar Chand had a mission of integration of hill states with Kangra Kingdom. Amar Singh Thapa attacked Kangra.
- Patiala (Princely State, Punjab):
- Significance: Patiala state helped Raja Jagat Parkash of Sirmaur. Patiala state led an expedition to Nahan in 1796 to assist Raja Karam Parkash against rebellion.
- Kotaha (Princely State):
- Significance: State passed into possession of Mirs of Kotaha after Raja Mohan Murad Turki poisoned himself. Its chiefs threw off allegiance during Gurkha period.
- Ramgarh, Morni, Pinjaur, Jagatgarh, Loharpur (Areas/States):
- Significance: Their chiefs threw off allegiance to Sirmaur during Gurkha period, and these territories were lost forever. Raja Jagat Parkash attempted to recapture Pinjaur.
- Srinagar (Garhwal) (Princely State/Region, Uttarakhand):
- Significance: Raja Jagat Parkash helped the Raja of Srinagar against Marathas. Raja Mandhata Parkash of Sirmaur got forts of Shergarh, Kalsi, Bairat restored from Srinagar (Garhwal) by Nijabat Khan (Shah Jahan’s faujdar). Guru Gobind Singh’s friend Fateh Shah was Chief of Garhwal.