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| image_caption = Chaughan, Tira Sujanpur viewed from Katoch Palace
| image_caption = Chaughan, Tira Sujanpur viewed from Katoch Palace
| nickname =
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| pushpin_map = India Himachal Pradesh
| pushpin_map = India#India Himachal Pradesh
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_relief = yes
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Himachal Pradesh, India
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Himachal Pradesh, India
| coordinates = {{coord|31.83|N|76.50|E|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|31.83|N|76.50|E|display=inline,title}}
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| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_title1 = Official
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| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 176110
| postal_code = 176110
| registration_plate =
| website =
| footnotes =
| demographics1_info1 = [[Hindi language|Hindi]]
| demographics1_info1 = [[Hindi language|Hindi]]
}}
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'''Tira Sujanpur''', also known as '''Sujanpur Tira''' or '''Sujanpur Tihra,''' is a town and [[municipal council]] in the [[Hamirpur District, Himachal Pradesh|Hamirpur district]] of the [[India]]n [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[Himachal Pradesh]]. The town is located on the bank of the [[Beas River]].
'''Tira Sujanpur''', also known as '''Sujanpur Tira''' or '''Sujanpur Tihra,''' is a town and [[municipal council]] in the [[Hamirpur District, Himachal Pradesh|Hamirpur district]] of [[Himachal Pradesh]]. Founded in the 18th-century by the Katoch dynasty, the town is located midst the Himalayan foothills on the southern bank of the [[Beas River]]. It was one of the centers of Kangra-style miniature paintings (a ''[[Chitra (art)|chitra]]kala'' school) and Hindu temples built in an unusual blend of conventional Nagara architecture shrines with Mughal architecture palace, the latter decorated with floral murals of legends from the ''Ramayana'' and the ''Mahabharata''.<ref name="Sharma">{{cite journal | last=Shree | first=Venu | last2=Sharma | first2=Puneet | title=Tira Sujanpur: An Adobe of Katoch Dynasty | journal=Journal of The Institution of Engineers: Series A | publisher=Springer Science | volume=96 | issue=2 | year=2015 | doi=10.1007/s40030-015-0111-5 | pages=161–168}}</ref>
 
==History==
The town was founded as "Sajjanpur" by Raja Sansar Chand Katoch in the 18th-century. Over time, it was referred to as Sujanpur. The Katoch dynasty developed it as a capital, adding a fort near it along a ''Tihra'' – a strip of the foothills. This led to the current name "Tihra Sujanpur".<ref name="Sharma"/> The king added several Hindu temples, a palace and square-shaped training center for warriors, locally called the "Chougan". It served the needs of its time where an alliance of Sikh and Hindu rulers were prone to plunder raids and invasion from the Mughal governors and Muslim tribes from Afghanistan and northwest Indian subcontinent. With the British rule, a period of relative peace arrived. The town and its historic buildings were damaged by the [[1905 Kangra earthquake]]. After the end of the colonial era, the Chougan evolved into a public square hosting cultural festivals and other public events.<ref name="Sharma"/>
 
=== Temples of Sujanpur Tira ===
Tira Sujanpur has several historic temples, all traced to 18th-century or afterwards. Sansar Chand Katoch built the Narvardeshwar temple (Shiva), the Murlimanohar temple (Krishna, Vishnu), and the Chamundi Devi temple (Shakti, a fierce form of the Hindu war goddess). The third group at Thakardwara and inside the palace was sponsored by his wife Pransani Devi-Suketi, a patron of arts. These are unusual, as some shrines include elements of Mughal architecture while innovating over the core square and circle principles of the Hindu sacred architecture. The Katoch dynasty championed the conventional north Indian [[Nagara architecture]] as well, thus creating a complex where the ancient traditions were hosted with a palatial temple that incorporated influences from the late [[Indo-Saracenic architecture]].<ref name="Sharma"/><ref>{{cite book | last=Sriraman | first=P.S. | last2=Singh | first2=R. | last3=Singh | first3=V. | title=Murals of Tira-Sujanpur | publisher=Director General, Archaeological Survey of India | year=2013 | isbn=978-93-5086-398-5 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=20U6e6zALlEC }}</ref>
 
The town and nearby region were one of the centers of arts and created many Kangra-style miniature paintings. This influential was incorporated in its Hindu temples where the pillars and ceilings have floral decorations that frame murals. These depict scenes of historic Hindu legends. Further, both iconic (anthropomorphic Shiva and Parvati) and aniconic (Shiva linga) statues were included in the Shaiva, Vaishnava and Shakti temples.<ref name="Sharma"/><ref>{{cite book | last=Sriraman | first=P.S. | last2=Singh | first2=R. | last3=Singh | first3=V. | title=Murals of Tira-Sujanpur | publisher=Director General, Archaeological Survey of India | year=2013 | isbn=978-93-5086-398-5 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=20U6e6zALlEC }}</ref>


== Climate and geographical location ==  
== Climate and geographical location ==  
Sujanpur has an average elevation of 562&nbsp;[[metre]]s (1,844&nbsp;[[foot (length)|feet]]).
The climate varies with hot summers and cold winters, but moderated by its Himalayan foothills location and being on the banks of Beas River. The temperature varies from {{cvt|38|C}} in the summer, to almost {{cvt|0|C}} in the winter. In the winter there are often areas of low-lying clouds.{{cn|date=September 2021}}
 
The climate varies with hot summers and cold winters. The winter is especially severe on the banks of Beas River. The temperature varies from {{cvt|38|C}} in the summer, to almost {{cvt|0|C}} in the winter. In the winter there are often areas of low-lying clouds.


Sujanpur is connected by road to all of the major towns in Himachal Pradesh, as well as the rest of the country. Its neighboring towns include Hamirpur, [[Palampur]], [[Joginder Nagar]], and [[Dharamshala]]. There are many bus connections to surrounding towns and cities. The nearest railway station is in [[Maranda, India|Maranda]].
Sujanpur is connected by road to all of the major towns in Himachal Pradesh, as well as the rest of the country. Its neighboring towns include Hamirpur, [[Palampur]], [[Joginder Nagar]], and [[Dharamshala]]. There are many bus connections to surrounding towns and cities. The nearest railway station is in [[Maranda, India|Maranda]].
    
    
About three decades ago, the Sainik School was opened in the town.
About three decades ago, a Sainik School was opened in the town.{{clarify|date=September 2021}}


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
As per the [[2011 Census of India]], the Tira Sujanpur Municipal Council had a population of 7,943, of which 4,262 were male, and 3,681 were female.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|last=Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India|first=|date=|title=Himachal Pradesh, Series 3 Part XII B, District Census Handbook Hamirpur: Village and Town wise Primary Census Abstract (PCA)|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0206_PART_B_DCHB_HAMIRPUR.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=6 Sep 2020|website=Census of India 2011|publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India|page=24}}</ref> The literacy rate of Tira Sujanpur City was 91.73%,<ref>{{cite web|last=Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India|first=|date=|title=Himachal Pradesh, Series 3 Part XII A, District Census Handbook Hamirpur: Village and Town Directory|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0206_PART_A_DCHB_HAMIRPUR.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=6 Sep 2020|website=Census of India 2011|publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India|page=50}}</ref> higher than the state average of 82.80%.
As per the [[2011 Census of India]], the Tira Sujanpur Municipal Council had a population of 7,943, of which 4,262 were male, and 3,681 were female.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|last=Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India|first=|date=|title=Himachal Pradesh, Series 3 Part XII B, District Census Handbook Hamirpur: Village and Town wise Primary Census Abstract (PCA)|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0206_PART_B_DCHB_HAMIRPUR.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=6 Sep 2020|website=Census of India 2011|publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India|page=24}}</ref> The literacy rate of Tira Sujanpur City was 91.73%,<ref>{{cite web|last=Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India|first=|date=|title=Himachal Pradesh, Series 3 Part XII A, District Census Handbook Hamirpur: Village and Town Directory|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0206_PART_A_DCHB_HAMIRPUR.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=6 Sep 2020|website=Census of India 2011|publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India|page=50}}</ref> higher than the state average of 82.80%.


== Overview ==
==Gallery==
Sujanpur was previously inhabited by Maharaja Sansar Chand [[Katoch]], the king of [[Kangra, Himachal Pradesh|Kangra]]. He constructed his palaces, temples, and courts on top of a hill called Tira, hence the name of the town is Sujanpur Tira. In the middle of the town, there is one square kilometer of green ground, which in the Pahari language is called the 'Chaugan'. Part of this ground is occupied by the Sanik School. The notable [[Holi]] fair also takes place on this ground, and lasts for almost three weeks during the month of March.
<gallery>
 
File:Sujanpur fort.jpg|Inner courtyard of Katoch Palace-Fort overlooking Sujanpur Tira
Based on the caste system, each side of the 'Chaugan' is occupied by [[Brahmin|Brahmins]], [[Vaishya|Vaishyas]], [[Kshatriya|Kashtriyas]], and [[Shudra|Shudras]], but the concept is now waning. The town has two temples constructed by the king, which are Bansiwala (for Lord Krishna) on one side of the ground, and for Narvdeshwar on the other side. One of the temples at Tira was destroyed during the [[1905 Kangra earthquake]], as were the most of the palace buildings. The Archaeological Department has tried to restore some of the monuments. Some of the Kangra paintings were collected by commissioner E.N. Mangatrai, and some were returned to the museum in [[Chandigarh]].
File:Katoch Palace-Kangra-Himachal-Outer-Wall-Entrance-R16 00191.jpg|Entrance and outer wall, Katoch Palace-Fort
 
File:Katoch Palace-Hamirpur-Himachal-Ruins-R16 00204.jpg|Ruins of interior of Katoch Palace-Fort
== History of Tira Sujanpur ==
</gallery>
 
Sujanpur bears its name from the Hindi word Sajjanpur, which means "the town of honest and gentle people". The name was later changed to Sujanpur Tira when [[Sansar Chand|Maharaja Sansar Chand]] [[Katoch]] moved his capital from Kangra to here, and constructed large buildings at the top of the hill ‘Tira’. In 1972 Kangra was merged with the newly founded state of Himachal Pradesh. Later Kangra was split into three districts, and Sujanpur became part of the Hamirpur District.
 
[[File:Sujanpur fort.jpg|thumb|left|Inner courtyard of Katoch Palace-Fort overlooking Sujanpur Tira]]
[[File:Katoch Palace-Kangra-Himachal-Outer-Wall-Entrance-R16 00191.jpg|thumb|right|Entrance and outer wall, Katoch Palace-Fort. March 2019]]
Overlooking the town of Sujanpur, Abhay Chand Katoch—the ruler—built a fortified palace at the top of the hill called Tira in 1748 AD.
When Kangra was taken over by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, after the Jwalamukhi treaty with Sansar Chand, Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch moved his capital to Sujanpur on the left bank of the River Beas. Hence the name 'Tira' was attached to its original name of Sujanpur. This king was respected during his regime, because Sujanpur was flourishing in many aspects. He also created a one square kilometer green ground in the midst of the town (called Chaugan) which was used to train soldiers for war. Part of the ground is now occupied by Sanik School.
 
Maharaja Sansar Chand died in 1824 in Alampur, just across Sujanpur Tira on the opposite side of Beas River.  The Fort of Sujanpur Tira still belongs to the descendants of Maharaja Sansar Chand.  Adjoining the Fort is the Maharaja Sansar Chandra Museum run by the Royal Family of Kangra.
 
== Occupations of the people ==
 
The major occupations in the town are business, agriculture, and services. Many of the young people want to serve in the army.
 
At present, the total population is close to 10,000 and over 93% of the populace is literate. The population of men to women is almost 50:50. Only 10% of the population is below 6 years old.  This town has produced educated people occupying positions at the national and international levels in many professions. Many of these have received national and international recognition. At one time it was the most well-educated town in the old Kangra district, but due to development needs, Kangra was divided into many districts.
 
== Temples of Sujanpur Tira ==
 
Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch built large palaces and temples.  Some of the temples are places of great architecture and Kangra paintings. The Murlimanohar (now known as Bansiwala) temple stands on the left side of the ground, and the Narvadeshwar temple dedicated to Shiva-Parvti overlooks the bank of the Beas river. Another temple is Thakardwara, and there are also other smaller temples. The temples were built in 1790 AD and 1823 AD by Maharani Pransani Devi-Suketi, Rani of Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch. Maharaja Sansar Chand also built the Chamunda Devi temple within the premises of the palace, which still exists. The people of Sujanpur are very religious-minded.
 
== Monumental ruins ==
[[File:Katoch Palace-Hamirpur-Himachal-Ruins-R16 00204.jpg|thumb|right|{{QI seal|size=15px}} Ruins of interior of Katoch Palace-Fort. March 2019]]
Palaces, courts and temples built by Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch still exist in Tira, though some have been destroyed by the passage of time and natural disasters. Baradari (the daily court) still stands and can be seen from the 'Chaugan' ground. He also built a huge water reservoir to take care of the needs of daily water for the town. A lot of work was done by M. S. Randhawa who tried to restore parts of the heritage. He also started collecting Kangra paintings. Many of them are available in the Chandigrah Museum and with the last living king of Lambagraon.
 
== Devastation by 1905 earthquake ==
{{main|1905 Kangra earthquake}}
 
The earthquake of 1905 almost destroyed all the palaces and temples of the valley.  90% of the houses were destroyed.
 
==Festivals==
The [[Holi]] festival is celebrated, and has become a tradition for 3–4 weeks during the month of March. Other festivals like Diwali, Lohri, Shivratri, Janamashtami Baisakhi, Basant Panchami, and many others are also celebrated by the people in this town.


==References==
==References==
{{commonscat}}
{{commonscat}}
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
{{Hamirpur district, Himachal Pradesh}}


[[Category:Cities and towns in Hamirpur district, Himachal Pradesh]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Hamirpur district, Himachal Pradesh]]

Latest revision as of 02:45, 19 October 2021

Sujanpur Tira
Sujanpur
Town
Tira Sujanpur viewed from Katoch Palace
Chaughan, Tira Sujanpur viewed from Katoch Palace
Sujanpur Tira is located in India
Sujanpur Tira
Sujanpur Tira
Location in Himachal Pradesh, India
Sujanpur Tira is located in Himachal Pradesh
Sujanpur Tira
Sujanpur Tira
Sujanpur Tira (Himachal Pradesh)
Coordinates: 31°50′N 76°30′E / 31.83°N 76.50°E / 31.83; 76.50
Country India
StateHimachal Pradesh
DistrictHamirpur
Founded byRaja Abhay Chand
Government
 • TypeHIMACHAL PRADESH
 • Bodymunicipal council
Elevation
562 m (1,844 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total7,943
Languages
 • OfficialHindi
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
176110

Tira Sujanpur, also known as Sujanpur Tira or Sujanpur Tihra, is a town and municipal council in the Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh. Founded in the 18th-century by the Katoch dynasty, the town is located midst the Himalayan foothills on the southern bank of the Beas River. It was one of the centers of Kangra-style miniature paintings (a chitrakala school) and Hindu temples built in an unusual blend of conventional Nagara architecture shrines with Mughal architecture palace, the latter decorated with floral murals of legends from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.[1]

History[edit | edit source]

The town was founded as "Sajjanpur" by Raja Sansar Chand Katoch in the 18th-century. Over time, it was referred to as Sujanpur. The Katoch dynasty developed it as a capital, adding a fort near it along a Tihra – a strip of the foothills. This led to the current name "Tihra Sujanpur".[1] The king added several Hindu temples, a palace and square-shaped training center for warriors, locally called the "Chougan". It served the needs of its time where an alliance of Sikh and Hindu rulers were prone to plunder raids and invasion from the Mughal governors and Muslim tribes from Afghanistan and northwest Indian subcontinent. With the British rule, a period of relative peace arrived. The town and its historic buildings were damaged by the 1905 Kangra earthquake. After the end of the colonial era, the Chougan evolved into a public square hosting cultural festivals and other public events.[1]

Temples of Sujanpur Tira[edit | edit source]

Tira Sujanpur has several historic temples, all traced to 18th-century or afterwards. Sansar Chand Katoch built the Narvardeshwar temple (Shiva), the Murlimanohar temple (Krishna, Vishnu), and the Chamundi Devi temple (Shakti, a fierce form of the Hindu war goddess). The third group at Thakardwara and inside the palace was sponsored by his wife Pransani Devi-Suketi, a patron of arts. These are unusual, as some shrines include elements of Mughal architecture while innovating over the core square and circle principles of the Hindu sacred architecture. The Katoch dynasty championed the conventional north Indian Nagara architecture as well, thus creating a complex where the ancient traditions were hosted with a palatial temple that incorporated influences from the late Indo-Saracenic architecture.[1][2]

The town and nearby region were one of the centers of arts and created many Kangra-style miniature paintings. This influential was incorporated in its Hindu temples where the pillars and ceilings have floral decorations that frame murals. These depict scenes of historic Hindu legends. Further, both iconic (anthropomorphic Shiva and Parvati) and aniconic (Shiva linga) statues were included in the Shaiva, Vaishnava and Shakti temples.[1][3]

Climate and geographical location[edit | edit source]

The climate varies with hot summers and cold winters, but moderated by its Himalayan foothills location and being on the banks of Beas River. The temperature varies from 38 °C (100 °F) in the summer, to almost 0 °C (32 °F) in the winter. In the winter there are often areas of low-lying clouds.[citation needed]

Sujanpur is connected by road to all of the major towns in Himachal Pradesh, as well as the rest of the country. Its neighboring towns include Hamirpur, Palampur, Joginder Nagar, and Dharamshala. There are many bus connections to surrounding towns and cities. The nearest railway station is in Maranda.

About three decades ago, a Sainik School was opened in the town.[clarification needed]

Demographics[edit | edit source]

As per the 2011 Census of India, the Tira Sujanpur Municipal Council had a population of 7,943, of which 4,262 were male, and 3,681 were female.[4] The literacy rate of Tira Sujanpur City was 91.73%,[5] higher than the state average of 82.80%.

Gallery[edit | edit source]

  • Inner courtyard of Katoch Palace-Fort overlooking Sujanpur Tira
    Inner courtyard of Katoch Palace-Fort overlooking Sujanpur Tira
  • Entrance and outer wall, Katoch Palace-Fort
    Entrance and outer wall, Katoch Palace-Fort
  • Ruins of interior of Katoch Palace-Fort
    Ruins of interior of Katoch Palace-Fort

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Shree, Venu; Sharma, Puneet (2015). "Tira Sujanpur: An Adobe of Katoch Dynasty". Journal of The Institution of Engineers: Series A. 96 (2). Springer Science: 161–168. doi:10.1007/s40030-015-0111-5.
  2. ↑ Sriraman, P.S.; Singh, R.; Singh, V. (2013). Murals of Tira-Sujanpur. Director General, Archaeological Survey of India. ISBN 978-93-5086-398-5.
  3. ↑ Sriraman, P.S.; Singh, R.; Singh, V. (2013). Murals of Tira-Sujanpur. Director General, Archaeological Survey of India. ISBN 978-93-5086-398-5.
  4. ↑ Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India. "Himachal Pradesh, Series 3 Part XII B, District Census Handbook Hamirpur: Village and Town wise Primary Census Abstract (PCA)" (PDF). Census of India 2011. Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India. p. 24. Retrieved 6 September 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ↑ Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India. "Himachal Pradesh, Series 3 Part XII A, District Census Handbook Hamirpur: Village and Town Directory" (PDF). Census of India 2011. Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India. p. 50. Retrieved 6 September 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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