Kangra, Himachal Pradesh: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|City in Himachal Pradesh, India}}
{{short description|City in Himachal Pradesh, India}}
{{About|the municipality now in India|its namesake district|Kangra district}}
{{About|the municipality in India|its namesake district|Kangra district}}
{{More citations needed|date=August 2019}}
{{More citations needed|date=August 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2017}}
<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                    = Kangra City
| name                    = Kangra
| religion                = Hindu
| settlement_type        = City
| settlement_type        = City
| image_skyline          = Kangra.jpg
| image_skyline          = Kangra Fort Front Wide view.jpg
| image_alt              =  
| image_alt              =  
| image_caption          =  
| image_caption          =  
Line 17: Line 15:
| pushpin_map_alt        =  
| pushpin_map_alt        =  
| pushpin_map_caption    = Location in Himachal Pradesh, India
| pushpin_map_caption    = Location in Himachal Pradesh, India
| coordinates            = {{coord|32.1|N|76.27|E|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates            = {{coord|32|06|11|N|76|16|24|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type        = Country
| subdivision_type        = Country
| subdivision_name        = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_name        = India
| subdivision_type1      = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type1      = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type2      = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_type2      = [[List of districts of India|District]]
Line 25: Line 23:
| subdivision_name2      = [[Kangra district|Kangra]]
| subdivision_name2      = [[Kangra district|Kangra]]
| established_title      = <!-- Established -->
| established_title      = <!-- Established -->
| established_date        =  
| established_date        = 1500 B.C
| founder                =  
| founder                = Susharma Chand (234th ruler) in 1500 BC
| named_for              =  
| named_for              =  
| government_type        = Municipality
| government_type        = Municipality
Line 36: Line 34:
| elevation_footnotes    =  
| elevation_footnotes    =  
| elevation_m            = 733
| elevation_m            = 733
| population_total        = 9528
| population_total        = 9528 [[Urban area|Urban]]
| population_as_of        = 2018
| population_as_of        = 2011
| population_footnotes    =  
| population_footnotes    =  
| population_density_km2  = auto
| population_density_km2  = auto
Line 44: Line 42:
| demographics_type1      = Languages
| demographics_type1      = Languages
| demographics1_title1    = Official
| demographics1_title1    = Official
| demographics1_info1    = [[Hindi]]<ref name=langoff>{{cite web |url = http://www.nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf |title = Report of the Commissioner for linguistic minorities: 52nd report (July 2014 to June 2015) |pages = 33–34 |publisher = Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India |access-date = 16 February 2016 |df = dmy-all |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171228171523/http://www.nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf |archive-date = 28 December 2017}}</ref>
| demographics1_info1    = [[Hindi]]<ref name=langoff>{{cite web |url=http://www.nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf |title=Report of the Commissioner for linguistic minorities: 52nd report (July 2014 to June 2015) |pages=33–34 |publisher=Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India |access-date=16 February 2016 |df=dmy-all |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228171523/http://www.nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf |archive-date=28 December 2017}}</ref>
| demographics1_title2    = Additional&nbsp;official
| demographics1_title2    = Additional&nbsp;official
| demographics1_info2    = [[Sanskrit]]<ref name="Sanskrit">{{cite news |title=Bill to make Sanskrit second official language of HP passed |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/bill-to-make-sanskrit-second-official-language-of-hp-passed/730075.html |date=17 February 2019 |access-date=18 February 2019 |work=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]] |author=Pratibha Chauhan |location=Shimla |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218081810/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/bill-to-make-sanskrit-second-official-language-of-hp-passed/730075.html |archive-date=18 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| demographics1_info2    = [[Sanskrit]]<ref name="Sanskrit">{{cite news |title=Bill to make Sanskrit second official language of HP passed |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/bill-to-make-sanskrit-second-official-language-of-hp-passed/730075.html |date=17 February 2019 |access-date=18 February 2019 |work=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]] |author=Pratibha Chauhan |location=Shimla |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218081810/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/bill-to-make-sanskrit-second-official-language-of-hp-passed/730075.html |archive-date=18 February 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| timezone1              = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| timezone1              = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1            = +5:30
| utc_offset1            = +5:30
| postal_code_type        = <!-- [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] -->
| postal_code_type        = <!-- [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] -->
| postal_code            = 176001
| postal_code            = 176001
| registration_plate      = HP-40, HP-68, HP-04
| registration_plate      = '''HP-36, HP-37, HP-38, HP-39, HP-40, HP-53, HP-54, HP-56, HP-68, HP-83, HP-88, HP-90, HP-94, HP-96,
HP-97'''
| website                =  
| website                =  
| footnotes              =  
| other_name              = Nagarkot
 
 
}}
}}


'''Kangra''' is a city and a [[municipal council]] in [[Kangra district]] in the [[India]]n [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[Himachal Pradesh]]. Historically it was known as ''Nagarkot''.<ref name=ka/>
'''Kangra''' is a city and a [[municipal council]] in [[Kangra district]] in the [[India]]n [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[Himachal Pradesh]]. It is also known as ''Nagarkot''.<ref name=ka/>
[[File:Kangra airport 1.jpg|alt=Palampur|thumb|Kangra]]
[[File:Kangra airport 1.jpg|alt=Palampur|thumb|Kangra]]


==Meaning of Kangra==
==Meaning of Kangra==
Kangra is a composite word made out of Kaann (meaning ear) + gaddha (create/mold).
Kangri word in Ladakh/Lahaul means snow on top of mountain. Since snow capped mountains are visible from the city of Kangra, therefore it is named Kangra (town of snow laden peaks).
 
=== British documentation of ancient and medieval plastic surgery ===
 
The British archaeologist and historian [[Alexander Cunningham]] documented and brought to light the tradition of Kangra proto plastic operations.


==History==
==History==
Line 72: Line 65:
Historically known as '''Kiraj''' and '''Trigarta''',<ref name="Blankinship, Khalid Y pp132">Blankinship, Khalid Y,  "The End of Jihad State ", pp132</ref><ref>Misra, Shyam, Manohar, "Yasoverman of Kanau "pp56</ref> the town of Kangra was founded by [[Katoch]] [[Kshatriya]] [[Rajput]]s of [[Chandervanshi]] Lineage. The Katoch [[Raja]]s had a stronghold here, with a fort and lavish [[temples]].
Historically known as '''Kiraj''' and '''Trigarta''',<ref name="Blankinship, Khalid Y pp132">Blankinship, Khalid Y,  "The End of Jihad State ", pp132</ref><ref>Misra, Shyam, Manohar, "Yasoverman of Kanau "pp56</ref> the town of Kangra was founded by [[Katoch]] [[Kshatriya]] [[Rajput]]s of [[Chandervanshi]] Lineage. The Katoch [[Raja]]s had a stronghold here, with a fort and lavish [[temples]].


Another ancient name of the city is Bhimagar<ref>Early Aryans to Swaraj
Another ancient name of the city is Bhimagar<ref>Early Aryans to Swaraj by S.R. Bakshi, page 40</ref> and it was supposedly founded by Raja Bhim, younger brother of Kuru Emperor [[Yudhishthira]] of Indraprastha (now Delhi).
By S.R. Bakshi, page 40</ref> and it was supposedly founded by Raja Bhim, younger brother of Kuru Emperor [[Yudhishthira]] of Indraprastha (now Delhi).


The temple of [[Devi]] Vajreshwari was one of the oldest and wealthiest in northern India. It was destroyed, together with the fort and the town, by [[1905 Kangra earthquake]] on 4 April 1905, when 1339 lives were lost in this place alone, and about 20,000 elsewhere. In 1855 the headquarters of the district were removed to the [[cantonment]] of [[Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh|Dharmsala]], which was established in 1849.<ref name=ka>[https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V14_403.gif Kangra Town] ''[[The Imperial Gazetteer of India]]'', v. 14, ''p. 397.''</ref><ref>[https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V14_386.gif Kangra District] ''[[The Imperial Gazetteer of India]]'', v. 14, ''p. 380.'' .</ref><ref>[https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V11_307.gif Dharamsala] ''[[The Imperial Gazetteer of India]]'', v. 11, ''p. 301.''</ref>
The temple of [[Devi]] Vajreshwari was one of the oldest and wealthiest in northern India. It was destroyed, together with the fort and the town, by [[1905 Kangra earthquake]] on 4 April 1905, when 1339 people died in this place alone, and about 20,000 elsewhere. In 1855 the headquarters of the district were removed to the [[cantonment]] of [[Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh|Dharmsala]], which was established in 1849.<ref name="ka">[https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V14_403.gif Kangra Town] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001124348/http://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V14_403.gif |date=1 October 2018 }} ''[[The Imperial Gazetteer of India]]'', v. 14, ''p. 397.''</ref><ref>[https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V14_386.gif Kangra District] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510040509/http://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V14_386.gif |date=10 May 2021 }} ''[[The Imperial Gazetteer of India]]'', v. 14, ''p. 380.'' .</ref><ref>[https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V11_307.gif Dharamsala] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414135425/https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V11_307.gif |date=14 April 2021 }} ''[[The Imperial Gazetteer of India]]'', v. 11, ''p. 301.''</ref>


=== Invasions on Nagarkot ===
===Invasions of Nagarkot===
It is said that [[Mahmud of Ghazni]] looted a fort in the region in 1009, but whether the fort of Kangra was taken or not is not yet historically verified. There were hundreds of well-defended forts that lay between Ghazni and Nagarkot fort, and so it highly unlikely that his looting expedition ever reached Kangra. Also, this claim is negated by historians who have cited various sources to say that the fort was impregnable and remained unconquered until the conquest by Emperor [[Jehangir]] in 1622.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hpkangra.nic.in/abtus_history.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=23 August 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151101045227/http://hpkangra.nic.in/abtus_history.html |archive-date=1 November 2015 }} ''[[Official historical account of Kangra]]''</ref>
It is said that [[Mahmud of Ghazni]] looted the [[Bajreshwari Mata Temple, Kangra|Shri Bajreshwari Mata Mandir]](Temple). He also looted a fort in the region in 1009, but whether the fort of Kangra was taken or not is not yet historically verified. There were hundreds of well-defended forts that lay between Ghazni and Nagarkot fort, and so it highly unlikely that his looting expedition ever reached Kangra. Also, this claim is negated by historians who have cited various sources to say that the fort was impregnable and remained unconquered until the conquest by Emperor [[Jehangir]] in 1622.<ref>{{Cite web |title=An Official Web Site of District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh |url=http://hpkangra.nic.in/abtus_history.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151101045227/http://hpkangra.nic.in/abtus_history.html |archive-date=1 November 2015 |access-date=23 August 2015}}</ref>


=== The Katoch-Sikh battles and alliances against the Kingdom of Nepal ===
===The Katoch-Sikh battles and alliances against the Kingdom of Nepal===
The fort was recaptured by the Katoch Kings after Jehangir's death. Multiple battles ensued between the Sikh king [[Ranjit Singh|Maharaja Ranjit Singh]] and the Katoch King [[Sansar Chand]] Katoch. But, while the war between the Sikhs and Katochs was taking place, the gates of Kangra fort were left open. The [[Gurkha]] army entered the opened gates of Nagarkot fort in 1806. This forced an alliance between the battling Sikhs and Katochs, and both the armies re-captured the fort after a battle in 1809. Kangra stayed with the Katoch Kings until 1828 when Maharaja Ranjit Singh annexed it after Sansar Chand's death. Then after the [[Nepal]]ese Gorkha Captured the Kangra until the British Came theirs. The fort and city were then captured by the British in 1846 and remained occupied until India's independence. The [[princely state]] of Kangra was merged in India in 1948 by the then titled Raja of [[Kangra-Lambagraon]] namely Raja Druv Dev Chand Katoch. <ref>{{cite web|url= http://hpkangra.nic.in/aboutus.html|title= Official website|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120109080155/http://hpkangra.nic.in/aboutus.html|archive-date= 9 January 2012|df= dmy-all}}</ref>
The fort was recaptured by the Katoch Kings after Jehangir's death. Multiple battles ensued between the Sikh king [[Ranjit Singh|Maharaja Ranjit Singh]] and the Katoch King [[Sansar Chand]] Katoch. But, while the war between the Sikhs and Katochs was taking place, the gates of [[Kangra Fort]] were left open. The [[Gurkha]] army entered the opened gates of Nagarkot fort in 1806. This forced an alliance between the battling Sikhs and Katochs, and both the armies re-captured the fort after a battle in 1809. Kangra stayed with the Katoch Kings until 1828 when Maharaja Ranjit Singh annexed it after Sansar Chand's death. Then after the [[Nepal]]ese Gorkha Captured the Kangra until the British Came theirs. The fort and city were then captured by the British in 1846 and remained occupied until India's independence. The [[princely state]] of Kangra was merged in India in 1948 by the then titled Raja of [[Kangra-Lambagraon]] namely Raja Druv Dev Chand Katoch.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hpkangra.nic.in/aboutus.html |title=Official website|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109080155/http://hpkangra.nic.in/aboutus.html|archive-date=9 January 2012 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
[[File:Punjab map (topographic) with cities.png|thumb|right|253x253px|A map of the [[Punjab region]].]]
[[File:Punjab map (topographic) with cities.png|thumb|right|253x253px|A map of the [[Punjab region]].]]
Kangra is located at {{coord|32.1|N|76.27|E|}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/11/Kangra.html|title=Maps, Weather, and Airports for Kangra, India|website=www.fallingrain.com|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref> It has an average elevation of 733&nbsp;metres (2404&nbsp;ft). The district of Kangra extends from the [[Jalandhar Doab]] far into the southern ranges of the [[Himalaya]]. It is a town at the confluence of the Bener River and Majhi River, and [[Beas River|Beas]] is an important river here.
Kangra has an average elevation of 733&nbsp;metres (2404&nbsp;ft). The district of Kangra extends from the [[Jalandhar Doab]] far into the southern ranges of the [[Himalaya]]. It is a town at the confluence of the Baner River and Majhi River, and [[Beas River|Beas]] is an important river here.


==Economy==
==Economy==
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It is the home of [[Masroor Rock Cut Temple]] built by  the [[Pandava]]s, also known as [[Himalayas|Himalayan]] Pyramids and wonder of the world for being likely contender for the [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]].{{citation needed|date=August 2019}}
It is the home of [[Masroor Rock Cut Temple]] built by  the [[Pandava]]s, also known as [[Himalayas|Himalayan]] Pyramids and wonder of the world for being likely contender for the [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]].{{citation needed|date=August 2019}}


[[File:Summer Sun Basked Mountains.jpeg|center|thumb|463x463px|[[Dhauladhar]] Mountain Range from Kangra, Himachal Pradesh]]
Many ancient temples such as the [[Jawalamukhi|Jawalaji]], [[Chamunda#Temples|Chamunda Devi temple]], [[Hindu genealogy registers at Chintpurni, Himachal Pradesh|Chintapurni temple]], [[Baba Baroh]] and [[Baijnath Temple|Baijnath temple]] are located here.
Many ancient temples such as the [[Jawalamukhi|Jawalaji]], [[Chamunda#Temples|Chamunda Devi temple]], [[Hindu genealogy registers at Chintpurni, Himachal Pradesh|Chintapurni temple]], [[Baba Baroh]] and [[Baijnath Temple|Baijnath temple]] are located here.


Gopalpur Nature Park in Gopalpur village has [[tea garden]]s.
Gopalpur Nature Park in Gopalpur village has [[tea garden]]s.


[[Mcleodganj]] near [[Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh|Dharamshala]] is the home-in-exile to the [[Dalai Lama]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mcllo.com/|title=McLEODGANJ &#124; DHARAMSALA &#124; LITTLE LHASA&#124; HIMALAYAS &#124; DALAI LAMA &#124; DHARAMSALA INFORMATIVE AND COMMUNITY WEBSITE&#124; TRAVEL &#124;DHARAMSHALA&#124; kANGRA&#124; HIMACHAL PRADESH &#124; INDIA|website=www.mcllo.com|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref> The Bhagsunag Temple is located there. The [[Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium]] in Dharamshala is also an attraction because of its location in front of the snow-capped mountains and is the highest altitude international cricket ground in the world.{{citation needed|date=December 2018}}
[[Mcleodganj]] near [[Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh|Dharamshala]] is the home-in-exile to the [[Dalai Lama]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mcllo.com/ |title=McLEODGANJ &#124; DHARAMSALA &#124; LITTLE LHASA&#124; HIMALAYAS &#124; DALAI LAMA &#124; DHARAMSALA INFORMATIVE AND COMMUNITY WEBSITE&#124; TRAVEL &#124;DHARAMSHALA&#124; kANGRA&#124; HIMACHAL PRADESH &#124; INDIA |website=www.mcllo.com |access-date=4 February 2020 |archive-date=28 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928233208/http://www.mcllo.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Bhagsunag Temple is located there. The [[Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium]] in Dharamshala is also an attraction because of its location in front of the snow-capped mountains and is the highest altitude international cricket ground in the world.{{citation needed|date=December 2018}}


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
The 2001 India [[census]]<ref name="GR|India">{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-date=16 June 2004|title= Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)|access-date=1 November 2008|publisher= Census Commission of India}}</ref> states that Kangra had a population of 9,154. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Kangra has an average [[literacy]] rate of 83%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 85%, and female literacy is 81%. In Kangra, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.
The 2001 India [[census]]<ref name="GR|India">{{cite web |url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-date=16 June 2004 |title=Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)|access-date=1 November 2008 |publisher=Census Commission of India}}</ref> states that Kangra had a population of 9,154. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Kangra has an average [[literacy]] rate of 83%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 85%, and female literacy is 81%. In Kangra, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.


===Demographics===
===Demographics===
{{As of|2001}} India [[census]],<ref name="GR|India"/>
{{As of|2001}} India [[census]],<ref name="GR|India"/>
 
*Number of Households - 1,924
* Number of Households - 1,924
*Average Household Size(per Household) - 5.0
* Average Household Size(per Household) - 5.0
*Population-Total - 10,185
* Population-Total - 10,185
*Population-Urban - 10,185
* Population-Urban - 10,185
*Proportion of Urban Population (%) - 100
* Proportion of Urban Population (%) - 100
*Population-Rural - 0
* Population-Rural - 0
*Sex Ratio - 997
* Sex Ratio - 997
*Population (0-6 Years) - 902
* Population (0-6 Years) - 902
*Sex Ratio (0-6 Years) - 797
* Sex Ratio (0-6 Years) - 797
*SC Population - 660
* SC Population - 660
*Sex Ratio (SC) - 1050
* Sex Ratio (SC) - 1050
*Proportion of SC (%) - 7.0
* Proportion of SC (%) - 7.0
*ST Population - 10
* ST Population - 10
*Sex Ratio (ST) -150 0
* Sex Ratio (ST) -150 0
*Proportion of ST (%) - 0
* Proportion of ST (%) - 0
*Literates - 7,567
* Literates - 7,567
*Illiterates - 1,589
* Illiterates - 1,589
*Literacy Rate (%) - 92.0
* Literacy Rate (%) - 92.0


==Transport==
==Transport==
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==See also==
==See also==
* [[Kangra Valley Railway]]
*[[Kangra Valley Railway]]
* [[Kangra Fort]]
*[[Kangra painting]]
*[[Kangra State]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
Kangra Fort legend of Mahabharta times. Himachal Pradesh [https://www.masroortemple.com/kangra-fort-himachal-pradesh/ Kangra Fort]


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
Line 144: Line 134:


==External links==
==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
 
* {{Wikivoyage-inline|Kangra}}
*
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20131231073245/http://kangra.org/ Kangra photo gallery]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20131231073245/http://kangra.org/ Kangra photo gallery]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20151101045227/http://hpkangra.nic.in/abtus_history.html Official Website of Kangra]  
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20151101045227/http://hpkangra.nic.in/abtus_history.html Official Website of Kangra]  
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160104051138/http://www.vigyanprasar.gov.in/dream/jan2000/article2.htm Plastic]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20160104051138/http://www.vigyanprasar.gov.in/dream/jan2000/article2.htm Plastic]
{{Authority control}}
 
{{Authority control}}
{{Kangra district}}


[[Category:Kangra, Himachal Pradesh| ]]
[[Category:Kangra, Himachal Pradesh| ]]

Latest revision as of 06:27, 22 July 2023


This article is about the municipality in India. For its namesake district, see Kangra district.
Kangra
Nagarkot
City
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Kangra is located in Himachal Pradesh
Kangra
Kangra
Location in Himachal Pradesh, India
Kangra is located in India
Kangra
Kangra
Kangra (India)
Coordinates: 32°06′11″N 76°16′24″E / 32.10306°N 76.27333°E / 32.10306; 76.27333
CountryIndia
StateHimachal Pradesh
DistrictKangra
Founded bySusharma Chand (234th ruler) in 1500 BC
Government
 • TypeMunicipality
Area
 • Total15 km2 (6 sq mi)
Elevation
733 m (2,405 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total9,528 Urban
 • Rank17 in HP
Languages
 • OfficialHindi[1]
 • Additional officialSanskrit[2]
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Vehicle registrationHP-36, HP-37, HP-38, HP-39, HP-40, HP-53, HP-54, HP-56, HP-68, HP-83, HP-88, HP-90, HP-94, HP-96, HP-97

Kangra is a city and a municipal council in Kangra district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is also known as Nagarkot.[3]

Palampur
Kangra

Meaning of Kangra[edit | edit source]

Kangri word in Ladakh/Lahaul means snow on top of mountain. Since snow capped mountains are visible from the city of Kangra, therefore it is named Kangra (town of snow laden peaks).

History[edit | edit source]

See also: Kangra-Lambagraon and History of the Punjab

Historically known as Kiraj and Trigarta,[4][5] the town of Kangra was founded by Katoch Kshatriya Rajputs of Chandervanshi Lineage. The Katoch Rajas had a stronghold here, with a fort and lavish temples.

Another ancient name of the city is Bhimagar[6] and it was supposedly founded by Raja Bhim, younger brother of Kuru Emperor Yudhishthira of Indraprastha (now Delhi).

The temple of Devi Vajreshwari was one of the oldest and wealthiest in northern India. It was destroyed, together with the fort and the town, by 1905 Kangra earthquake on 4 April 1905, when 1339 people died in this place alone, and about 20,000 elsewhere. In 1855 the headquarters of the district were removed to the cantonment of Dharmsala, which was established in 1849.[3][7][8]

Invasions of Nagarkot[edit | edit source]

It is said that Mahmud of Ghazni looted the Shri Bajreshwari Mata Mandir(Temple). He also looted a fort in the region in 1009, but whether the fort of Kangra was taken or not is not yet historically verified. There were hundreds of well-defended forts that lay between Ghazni and Nagarkot fort, and so it highly unlikely that his looting expedition ever reached Kangra. Also, this claim is negated by historians who have cited various sources to say that the fort was impregnable and remained unconquered until the conquest by Emperor Jehangir in 1622.[9]

The Katoch-Sikh battles and alliances against the Kingdom of Nepal[edit | edit source]

The fort was recaptured by the Katoch Kings after Jehangir's death. Multiple battles ensued between the Sikh king Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the Katoch King Sansar Chand Katoch. But, while the war between the Sikhs and Katochs was taking place, the gates of Kangra Fort were left open. The Gurkha army entered the opened gates of Nagarkot fort in 1806. This forced an alliance between the battling Sikhs and Katochs, and both the armies re-captured the fort after a battle in 1809. Kangra stayed with the Katoch Kings until 1828 when Maharaja Ranjit Singh annexed it after Sansar Chand's death. Then after the Nepalese Gorkha Captured the Kangra until the British Came theirs. The fort and city were then captured by the British in 1846 and remained occupied until India's independence. The princely state of Kangra was merged in India in 1948 by the then titled Raja of Kangra-Lambagraon namely Raja Druv Dev Chand Katoch.[10]

Geography[edit | edit source]

A map of the Punjab region.

Kangra has an average elevation of 733 metres (2404 ft). The district of Kangra extends from the Jalandhar Doab far into the southern ranges of the Himalaya. It is a town at the confluence of the Baner River and Majhi River, and Beas is an important river here.

Economy[edit | edit source]

Tea cultivation was introduced into Kangra valley about 1850. The Palampur fair, established by the government with a view to fostering commerce with central Asia, attracts a small concourse of Yarkandi merchants. The Lahulis carry on an enterprising trade with Ladakh and countries beyond the frontier, by means of the pack sheep and goats. Rice, tea, potatoes, spices, wool and honey are the chief exports.

Visitor attractions[edit | edit source]

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Ambika Mata temple, Kangra Fort

The Kangra Fort is also a popular tourist attraction. It is one of the oldest forts in India as well as the oldest in Himachal Pradesh.

Rock Cut Temple, Masroor

It is the home of Masroor Rock Cut Temple built by the Pandavas, also known as Himalayan Pyramids and wonder of the world for being likely contender for the UNESCO World Heritage Site.[citation needed]

Many ancient temples such as the Jawalaji, Chamunda Devi temple, Chintapurni temple, Baba Baroh and Baijnath temple are located here.

Gopalpur Nature Park in Gopalpur village has tea gardens.

Mcleodganj near Dharamshala is the home-in-exile to the Dalai Lama.[11] The Bhagsunag Temple is located there. The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala is also an attraction because of its location in front of the snow-capped mountains and is the highest altitude international cricket ground in the world.[citation needed]

Demographics[edit | edit source]

The 2001 India census[12] states that Kangra had a population of 9,154. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Kangra has an average literacy rate of 83%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 85%, and female literacy is 81%. In Kangra, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

As of 2001 India census,[12]

  • Number of Households - 1,924
  • Average Household Size(per Household) - 5.0
  • Population-Total - 10,185
  • Population-Urban - 10,185
  • Proportion of Urban Population (%) - 100
  • Population-Rural - 0
  • Sex Ratio - 997
  • Population (0-6 Years) - 902
  • Sex Ratio (0-6 Years) - 797
  • SC Population - 660
  • Sex Ratio (SC) - 1050
  • Proportion of SC (%) - 7.0
  • ST Population - 10
  • Sex Ratio (ST) -150 0
  • Proportion of ST (%) - 0
  • Literates - 7,567
  • Illiterates - 1,589
  • Literacy Rate (%) - 92.0

Transport[edit | edit source]

Kangra Airport (IATA airport code DHM) is 10 km to the city's north. It is served by Kangra Valley Railway line from Pathankot 94 km away. It is connected by road with other cities in Himachal Pradesh and India. It is 450 km from Delhi, 36 km from Palampur and 15 km from Dharamshala, 220 km from Chandigarh.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Report of the Commissioner for linguistic minorities: 52nd report (July 2014 to June 2015)" (PDF). Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India. pp. 33–34. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 December 2017. Retrieved 16 February 2016.
  2. ↑ Pratibha Chauhan (17 February 2019). "Bill to make Sanskrit second official language of HP passed". The Tribune. Shimla. Archived from the original on 18 February 2019. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Kangra Town Archived 1 October 2018 at the Wayback Machine The Imperial Gazetteer of India, v. 14, p. 397.
  4. ↑ Blankinship, Khalid Y, "The End of Jihad State ", pp132
  5. ↑ Misra, Shyam, Manohar, "Yasoverman of Kanau "pp56
  6. ↑ Early Aryans to Swaraj by S.R. Bakshi, page 40
  7. ↑ Kangra District Archived 10 May 2021 at the Wayback Machine The Imperial Gazetteer of India, v. 14, p. 380. .
  8. ↑ Dharamsala Archived 14 April 2021 at the Wayback Machine The Imperial Gazetteer of India, v. 11, p. 301.
  9. ↑ "An Official Web Site of District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh". Archived from the original on 1 November 2015. Retrieved 23 August 2015.
  10. ↑ "Official website". Archived from the original on 9 January 2012.
  11. ↑ "McLEODGANJ | DHARAMSALA | LITTLE LHASA| HIMALAYAS | DALAI LAMA | DHARAMSALA INFORMATIVE AND COMMUNITY WEBSITE| TRAVEL |DHARAMSHALA| kANGRA| HIMACHAL PRADESH | INDIA". www.mcllo.com. Archived from the original on 28 September 2019. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2004. Retrieved 1 November 2008.

Further reading[edit | edit source]

  • Chakrabarti D.K. (1984). The Antiquities of Kangra. Delhi: Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Private Limited.

External links[edit | edit source]


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