HP GK BALOKHRA PDF 2023

Himachal Pradesh gk For HPAS Prelims 2023 Geography History Personalities Important Facts added from HP Current Affairs, HP Survey & HP Budget It will be helpful for Prelims exam of various exams conducted by HPPSC (HPAS, TWO, EO , NAIBTEHSILDAR , ALLIED, FORESTS , POLICE , PATWARI Etc ) Kritika Sharma 9872124143 / 0172-5036002 O2IASACADEMY Sco 172 Top Floor Sec 38 WWW.O2IASACADEMY.IN C, Chandigarh 160036 Balokhra 2.0 Contents Chapter-1......................................................................................................................................................................... 2 History of Himachal Pradesh......................................................................................................................................... 2 Chapter-2....................................................................................................................................................................... 26 Freedom Struggle To Statehood.................................................................................................................................. 26 Chapter – 3.................................................................................................................................................................... 35 Himachal Administrative History............................................................................................................................... 35 Chapter – 4.................................................................................................................................................................... 39 Geography..................................................................................................................................................................... 39 Wild Life In Himachal Pradesh............................................................................................................................... 57 Chapter – 5.................................................................................................................................................................... 62 Tribes Of Himachal Pradesh....................................................................................................................................... 62 The Ancient Tribes................................................................................................................................................... 62 Modern Tribes of Himachal Pradesh...................................................................................................................... 67 Chapter-6....................................................................................................................................................................... 82 Social Life And Customs In Himachal Pradesh......................................................................................................... 82 Chapter- 7...................................................................................................................................................................... 98 Art And Architecture In Himachal............................................................................................................................. 98 Chapter-8..................................................................................................................................................................... 112 Personalities................................................................................................................................................................. 112 1 Balokhra 2.0 Chapter-1 History of Himachal Pradesh  Coins are important source of history and throw valuable light on the political, economic and social aspects of the era.  The earliest coins, i.e., the punch-marked, Indo-Greek, Tribal coins and the coins of the Gupta, local rulers, Sultanate, Mughal and company period etc give a glimpse of the grandeur of Indian Numismatic history.  The numismatic history of Himachal Pradesh commences with the punch marked coins from Arki and Kangra which prevailed the imperial Maurya period and established contacts of the hilly region with the plain.  The Indo-Greek coins have been discovered from various parts of state like Kangra, Chamba, Hamirpur, Una and Mandi.  Though the Sahis of Ohind ruled Kangra for a brief period but they issued coins in such a large number that the ruler s of Kangra continued to do them till they left the scene with some variation Coins  With the establishment of the HP State Museum in 1973-74 at Shimla, the coin finds the attention of its curator, V.C. Ohri.  The State Museum Shimla and Bhuri Singh Museum Chamba have a great collection of coins pertaining to ancient tribal kingdoms of Trigarta, Kulluta, Adumbara, and Kuninda.  Of the earliest 87 punch-marked coins, 25 coins have been preserved in Bhuri Singh Museum.  12 coins are kept in HP State Museum Shimla are found from Arki 21 coins from Appollodotus have been found in Tappa Mewa village in Hamirpur.  31 coins were found from Jwalamukhi in Kangra district.  Some Indo-Greek coins have also been found in Lachori and Sarol village of Chamba district.  These coins show the influence of Greco-Bacterian penetration into Chamba and Hamirpur.  Virayash King of 1st century A.D. issued the earliest coins found in Kullu.  Two eulogies found in district Kangra have mention of local chief Lakshmana Chandra of Kirgrama and King Jayachandra of Trigarta. Vamshavalis  It includes the names of the rulers with tenure and various activities performed during that period.  In 2011, HP Language, Art, and Culture academy found 600 years old manuscript in Spiti valley which deals with the Ayurvedic system of medicine written in Bhoti language.  Another manuscript written in golden words was found in Thalog village of Lahaul valley. Inscriptions  The earliest inscriptions have been found in Pathyar and Kanihara in Kangra district, Soopur from hillock cave inscription of Hatkoti in Shimla district, and Salanu near Manglore in district Mandi.  The highest number of inscriptions numbering 36 has been found in Chamba region which are do natives in character and have been written in Sharda and Tankri. 2 Balokhra 2.0  The Nirmand copper plate of 7th century A.D. issued by Mahasamanta Maharaja Samudrasena. Literary Sources  Persian Sources: Tarikh-i-Yamini (1020 A.D.) of Habibus Siyar of Khawand Mir's, Qasaid-i-Badr-i- Chach of Badr Chach, Tarikh-i-Firoz Shahi of Barani's and Afif's, Tarikh--Farishta of Farishta et al.  Sanskrit Sources: Vedas, Puranas, Aranyakas, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Panini's Ashtadhyayi, the Raghuvansham of Kalidasa, Kalhan's Rajtarangini, etc  Khalsa Literature: Guru Granth Sahib, Janam Sakhis, Bachitra Natak of Guru Gobind Singh, Gur Sobha of Sena Pat, Gur Bilas of Bhai Sukha Singh et al.  Travelogues: Hiuen Tsang (630 AD to 648 AD in India), Foster (1783), J.B. Fraser (1815), Alexander Gerard (1817- 18), William Moorcraft (1820-22), Captain Monday (1829), Major Archer (1829), Baron Charles Hugel (1835-39). Prehistory ⮚ In prehistoric times, Indo-Gangetic plains were inhabited by Proto-Australoid or Munda-speaking Kolarian people (Kol or Munda tribe). ⮚ When the people of Indus valley spread through the Gangetic-plains, they pushed forward the Kolarian people northward to the Himachal valleys. ⮚ In the Vedas, they were called Dasas, Dasyus, Nishadas, Pishach, Kirat, Asuras, Arjeek, Gandharv, Gadhar, et al. ⮚ In the post-Vedic literature, they were mentioned as Kinnaras, Nagas, and Yakshas. ⮚ Kols, also known as Mundas, were the earliest and original migrants to the Himachal Hills. ⮚ Kinnaur and Lahaul are their primary concentration. ⮚ According to the Rig Veda, their powerful King was Shambara, who had 99 forts in the hills between Beas and Yamuna rivers ⮚ The Mongoloid people called 'Bhotas' and "Kiratas' in Indian literature, who came around 3rd millennium B.C. occupied the sub-Himalayan region in the prehistoric times and at present settled in the highest region of Himachal Pradesh ⮚ In the pre-historic times, Aryans left their home in search of new land and pastures for their animals and divided themselves into three branches. 1. The first branch marched towards the west and wandered as far as Western Europe, upto Spain. 2. The Second branch moved to South-East, crossed the Pamir, then moved to Kashgar and entered Kashmir and later entered Himachal Pradesh. This branch came to be known as Khasas or Kshatiriyas and turned the Kolarian land into Khasas land. They spoke a language allied to Sanskrit, today is known as Pahari. They were a war-like tribe, settled permanently and organized themselves into families and villages. Each unit elected an individual who was called 'Mavi' or ‘Ma vana' meaning a strongman. Mavanas developed into tribal republics were called Janapadas. 3. The third branch known as Indo-Aryans moved southwards and reached Iran. Some of them turned to the east and crossed Hindukush, reached Indus Valley which they called Sapta-Sindhu or the land of seven rivers. 3 Balokhra 2.0 Then, they crossed Punjab and reached foothills of Himachal where the powerful Dasyu King was Sambhara offered a great resistance to Aryans who was later defeated after fighting a war for a period of 40 year ⮚ The chronological order of various races to enter Himachal is: 1. Munda or Kolis 2. Mangaloid or Kiratas (3rd millennium BC) 3. Aryans or Khasas Some saints and sages associated with Himachal are:  Renuka Lake in Sirmaur district is associated with Rishi Jamdagni.  The Vashisht Kund in Manikaran of Kullu valley is associated with Rishi Vashisht.  Nirmand in Kullu is associated with Parshuram.  The Beas cave in Bilaspur is associated with sage Vyasa.  Hatkoti in the Jubbal area of Shimla and Hidimba goddess in the Kullu valley are associated with Pandavas. Early History of Himachal Pradesh ⮚ Janapadas ⮚ According to Mahabharata, the Himalayas region now forming Himachal Pradesh was divided into a number of small tribal republics known as Janapadas which was a type of Sangha Janapadas also called as Ayudhajivi Sanghas, meaning those who lived by the profession of arms. 4 Balokhra 2.0 The following are the Janapadas mentioned in Mahabharata and also known to Panini The Audumbaras ⮚ According to Mahabharata, Audumbaras is the name of the descendent of the sage Vishwamitra who is the founder of the gotra of the Kaushik group. ⮚ A Buddhist scholar named Chandragomin (5th century A.D.) refers to the Audumbaras in his book Vritti as a section of Shalvas. ⮚ J. Prezyluski mentions that they had to bear the brunt of the Aryans invasion ⮚ The territory of Audumbaras was located on a very advantageous trade route running from Takshila to the Gangetic valley; Pathankot being the junction of the commercial route. ⮚ Audumbaras had a republican system with an elected king and in the later stage monarchial system of government prevailed. ⮚ Their coins have been found in Kangra, Jawalamukhi, Pathankot, Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur regions. ⮚ Their coins were inscribed in Brahmi and Kharosthi made up ⮚ Their coin had the word 'Mahadeva' along with the name of Raja of the tribe. ⮚ Their occupation was sheep rearing and sale of woolen goods. Trigarta ⮚ Trigarta denotes the region drained by three rivers named Beas, Satluj, and Ravi. ⮚ Mahabharata mentions two different Trigarta kingdoms, one in the west close to the Sivi Kingdom and the other north to the Kuru Kingdom. ⮚ Modern Kangra is one of the ancient town in North Trigarta, extending westward to the Punjab area. Multan was the capital of Trigarta with its original name that is Mulasthan. ⮚ Trigarta is the oldest princely state in Himachal Pradesh which finds mention in the Mahabharata, Brihatsamhita, Vishnu Purana, and literary works of Panini. ⮚ Panini made the first historical mention of Trigarta in the 5th century B.C. ⮚ It was founded around the 8th to 9th century by Susharma Chandra who helped Kauravas in the Mahabharata war by attacking Matsya King Virata. ⮚ He was credited with building the Nagarkot/Kangra fort. ⮚ The original seat of the family was Multan. ⮚ According to Panini, people of Trigarta were Ayudhjivis means one who earn by means of war. ⮚ Their coins were square in shape and written in Brahmi and Kharosthi. Kuluta ⮚ The area located in the upper Beas valley founded by Bihangmani Pal who came to the valley from Prayag. ⮚ The state capital was Naggar ⮚ Vishakha Dutta the author of Mudrarakshasa discuss Kuluta as different political entity. ⮚ Early capital was at Nast or Jagat Sukh ⮚ Kuluta finds mention in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Vishnu Purana, Brihatsamhita and Markandya Purana. ⮚ A coin made up of copper found in Kullu in 100 A.D. bearing the name Virayasasyarajna Kulutasya'. ⮚ The coin was inscribed in Sanskrit form and bearing the impression of Prakrit and Kharosthi on the reverse 5 Balokhra 2.0 Kunindas of Kulindas ⮚ The name Kuninda or Kulinda is derived from the River 'Kalindi' or Yamuna. ⮚ Kunindas finds mention in Mahabharata, Vishnu Purana, Vayu Purana, and the Markandeya Purana. ⮚ According to Mahabharata, they were conquered by Arjuna. ⮚ Kunindas were the hill people who lived in the area lying between the rivers Beas, Yamuna and Satluj i.e. Shimla and Sirmaur hills and between Ambala and Saharanpur in the plains. ⮚ Kunindas are identified with Kanets in modern times. ⮚ Their coins have been found between Ambala and Saharanpur and on Shivalik Hills. ⮚ Silver coins issued by them bearing the name of Amoghabhuti which was an official title and not a name. ⮚ Kunindas lost their independence with the entry of Sakas and regained it with the decline of Kushanas. ⮚ They issued silver and copper coins bearing legends in Prakrit. ⮚ Silver coins bear the Prakrit script on one side and Kharosthi on the other side used beyond the territorial boundaries. ⮚ Copper coins had legends in Brahmi script used for local purposes which means copper coins were more prevalent than silver coins. 6 Balokhra 2.0 7 Balokhra 2.0 The Mauryan Empire ⮚ The vast Mauryan Empire (4th to 2nd BC) extended its boundaries well into Himachal. ⮚ Ashoka (3rd BC), even introduced Buddhism in Himachal and erected many rock edicts, one at Kalsi. ⮚ The mission to Himalayan region was headed by Majjihima Kanvas ⮚ Shungas followed Mauryas which were followed by Kanvas. ⮚ Kanvas once again established their hold over the territories of Hills. ⮚ The coins of Wema Kadhphises and Kanishka shows that the region was part of their kingdom Guptas ⮚ With the declining of Kushanas, the tribal republics of Himachal grew powerful and asserted their independence. ⮚ But in the middle of 4th century, absorbed by Gupta empire of Magadha ⮚ The tribal chiefs of Himalayan region agreed to pay tribute to Guptas Harsha’s Period ⮚ Small states known as Thakuris and Rahuns existed which were at war with each other ⮚ Rise of Harsha led to the formation of unified empire in North India ⮚ Hiuen Tsang visited region of Jalandhar-Trigarta and Kullu Mauryan period Sikandar's Invasion ⮚ Around 326 BC Sikandar attacked India and reached the river Beas. Sikandar’s soldiers refused to go beyond the Beas River. ⮚ Most prominent in this was his commander 'Coenus’. ⮚ Alexander constructed twelve stupas as a sign of his India campaign on the banks of the Beas river, which has now been destroyed. Chandragupta Maurya ⮚ Chandragupta Maurya, along with the king Parvatak and his Prime Minister Chanakya, took steps towards the establishment of the Maurya Empire. ⮚ The treaty between Parvatak and Chanakya is found in Vishakhadatta's Mudrarakshasa and Jain Granth Parivishthapavaran. ⮚ According to Mudrarakshasa, Chandragupta recruited Kirat and Khasho in his army. Pravatak must have been a Trigarta king ⮚ Among the hill kings, only King Chitravarma of Kulut and King Pushkaraksa of Kashmir opposed Chandragupta. ⮚ With the help of Chanakya, in 323 BC, Chandragupta destroyed the Nand dynasty and sat on the throne and established the Maurya Empire. ⮚ The kingdom of Kulind was called Shirmourya in the Mauryan period as the Kulind state was situated at the apex of the Maurya Empire. Over time, became Sirmaur. Ashoka ⮚ Ashoka, the grandson of Chandragupta Maurya, 8 Balokhra 2.0 ⮚ According to Hiuen Tsang, Ashoka had built Buddhist stupas at Kullu and Kangra. Stupas built of Ashoka are located in Kalath of Kullu and Chaintadu of Kangra ⮚ Ashoka period inscriptions have been found in Kalsi. ⮚ In the promotion of Buddhism in the Himalayas, Majjhima was supported by 4 Buddhist monks - Kappapagota, Dhundibhisara, Sahadeva and Mulakdev. ⮚ Buddhism had entered in 242 BC in Himachal Pradesh. ⮚ The decline of the Mauryan Empire began around 210 BC, which was completed by the establishment of the Shunga dynasty in 185 BC. Post Mauryan Period ⮚ After the fall of the Mauryas, the Shunga dynasty could not keep the hill republics under them and they became independent. ⮚ The Shakas invasion began around the first century BC. In the reign of Kanishka, the most prominent king of the Kushanas after the Shakas, the hill states surrendered and accepted Kanishka's subjugation. ⮚ 40 Kushan coins have been found on the Kalka- Kasauli road. ⮚ A coin of Kanishka is found at Kanihara in Kangra. ⮚ The hill kings were free to run their coins with the Kushanas. ⮚ In the late second and early third centuries, when the power of the Kushans weakened, the Yudhayas, the Arjunayans (Punjab) and the Kulindas, pushed the Kushanas across the Sutlej and carried coins as a symbol of their independence. GUPTA PERIOD ⮚ Chandragupta-I , the grandson of Shrigupta, laid the foundation of the Gupta Empire in 319 AD. ⮚ Samudragupta of India conquered the mountainous districts in 340 AD and took control of them. ⮚ The Allahabad commendation of Harishen mentions the conquest of Samudragupta over the districts of 'Bhadra, Trigarta, Audumbar, Kullut and Kartikpur. ⮚ All the kings accepted his subjugation and made him like a Jagirdar. ⮚ Samudragupta confessed his sovereignty to the hill districts and granted him the freedom to maintain internal freedom, power and security. ⮚ Skandagupta , the son of Kumar Gupta defeated the Huns and maintained the prestige of the Gupta empire. ⮚ The invasion of the Huns was the main reason for the decline of the Gupta Empire. ⮚ Kalidas composed Kumarasambhava and Meghdoot in this period, in which the description of Himalaya is found. ⮚ During the Gupta period, the influence of Hinduism increased in the mountainouis regions and many temples were built POST-GUPTA PERIOD Invasion of Hunas ⮚ In the 521 AD the Hunas attacked the western Himalayas under the leadership of Toramana. ⮚ Earlier, between 480-90, Toramana had invaded the Gupta empire. 9 Balokhra 2.0 ⮚ After the glory, his son Mihirakula, which was called 'Attila of India', took control of the area from Punjab to central India in 525 AD. ⮚ Magadha emperor Narsingh Baladitya and Yashovarman defeated Mihirakula and forced Kashmir to flee. ⮚ Gujars consider themselves to be descendents of Hunas Harshavardhana ⮚ Harshvardhana sat on the throne of India in 606 AD. ⮚ During his reign, Patliputra, Thaneswar and Kannauj were the main centers of governance. ⮚ During his reign, Hiuen Tsang traveled to India from 629-644 AD. ⮚ In 635 AD, Hiuen Tsang came to Jalandhar and stayed there with the king utitas (Udima) as a guest for four months. ⮚ At the time of China's return to India, he had stayed in Jalandhar even in 643 AD in India. ⮚ Hiuen Tsang had visited Kullu, Lahaul and Sirmaur after Jalandha r. ⮚ Hiuen Tsang has given a detailed description of the visit of Sirmauri Tal, Lahaul (Lo- u-Lo), capital of Jalandhar (Se-lan-Talo), Kullut, Sirmaur (Shatrughan). ⮚ The Chamba state may have been subjected to Tirgara at that time. ⮚ In his book 'Si-u-Ki' he mentioned about the prevailing Mahayana religion. ⮚ In addition to Trigarta and Kullut, groups of small chieftains, called Thakurs and Rana, emerged in Himachal Pradesh. ⮚ In the post-Gupta period the Thakurs' reign was called Apathakurai' and the jurisdiction was called Thakurai’. ⮚ The jurisdiction of the Ranas was called 'Rahun’. ⮚ Rajputs who came from the plains between the seventh and tenth centuries established their dynasties in Himachal. ⮚ He brought the Rana and Thakurs to the status of their feudatories Early Medieval History ⮚ Kangra (Trigarta),the most ancient state lost its territory after the Muslim invasion and Nagarkot became the capital of the State. ⮚ From Kangra sprang the off shoots of Jaswan, Guler, Siba and Datarpur ⮚ Nurpur state was founded by a Tomar Rajput named Jethpal in 1000 AD with its capital at Pathankot. 10 Balokhra 2.0 ⮚ The town of Mandi was founded by Raja Ajbar Sen in 1526 AD ⮚ Mandi was an off-shoot of Suket, founded in 14th C ⮚ Kutlehr on the border of Kangra and Hoshiarpur was founded in 11th c by Jas Pal. ⮚ The descendents of this family Charu and Chand (sons of Raja Ramphal of Kutlehr), founded two small stated named Bhajji and Koti respectively in Shimla hills ⮚ Bilaspur (Kahlur) was founded in 900 AD by Bir Chand, a Chanderi rajput. ⮚ He also built a temple to Naina Devi ⮚ Nalagarh was an offshoot of Bilaspur, founded by Ajai Chand in 1100 AD ⮚ Keonthal was founded in 1211 AD by Giri Sen; Junga was its capital. It was ruled by Sen dynasty between 17 to 20th c. ⮚ Baghal was founded by Ajedev ⮚ Baghat was founded by Bijdev ⮚ Rup Sen came to Ropar from Bengal and built a fort. ⮚ His sons - Bir Sen, Giri Sen and Hamir Sen founded Suket (Sundernagar), Keonthal and Kishtwar (in J&K) respectively in 1211 AD. ⮚ Mahlog was founded by Hari Chand from Ayodhya. ⮚ Kuthar was founded by Surat Chand from Rajauri (Jammu Hills) ⮚ Jubbal was founded by Karan Chand, son of Ugra Sen of Sirmaur, after his father’s death. ⮚ Modern Sirmaur was founded by prince Sobha in 1195 AD. ⮚ Except Kullu, Kangra, Bushahr and Chamba all other states were founded by Rajput adventurers from plains between 8th to 12th c. ⮚ When Rajputs were rising to power, first muslim ruler Mahmud Ghazni attacked Nagarkot (Kangra) after defeating Anandpal in 1009 AD ⮚ Invasion of India by Mohd. Ghuri led to a series of migration from plains to hills. ⮚ In 12th c came the Chauhans,, Chandels, Tomars etc and founded many principalities. MEDIEVAL INVADERS Mahmud Ghaznavi : ⮚ He had invaded India 17 times. Mahmud Ghaznavi attacked Nagarkot and looted his treasury after defeating Anandpal in 1009 AD. ⮚ Nagarkot was ruled by Turks till 1043 AD and after that Tomar Raja Mahipal of Delhi ended Ghaznavi rule from Nagarkot. ⮚ Mahmud Ghaznavi could not rule many parts of Kangra except Nagarkot by 1023. ⮚ After the death of Raja Trilochan Pal and his son Bhim Pal. Kangra came under the rule of Turks in 1026 AD. ⮚ Muhammad Ghori did not pay special attention to hill states. In the Sultanate, Timur Lang attacked India. Tughlaq Dynasty ⮚ Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq : In 1337 AD Muhammad-bin-Tughlag, led an army to defeat Raja Prithvi Chand of Nagarkot. ⮚ Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351-1388) ⮚ In 1360 AD, King Roopchand of Kangra robbed till the plains of Delhi with his army. 11 Balokhra 2.0 ⮚ Enraged by this, Firoz shah Tughlag invaded Nagarkot in 1361 AD to teach a lesson to King Roopchand of Kangra. ⮚ The Kangra expedition and the siege on Nagarkot are mentioned in Tarikh-e-Firoz Farista' and Tarikh-e-Firozshahi’. ⮚ King Roopchand and Firoz Shah Tughlaq were subsequently reconciled and the siege was lifted from Nagarkot. Roopchand accepted the subjection of Firoz Shah Tughlaq. ⮚ Firoz Shah Tughlag went to Jwalamukhi after the agreement in 1365 and took 1300 Sanskrit books to be translated into Persian. ⮚ These books were translated into Persian by the famous writer 'Ajajuddin Khalid Khani' and named the book Dalai-i-Firozshahi’. ⮚ After the death of King Roopchand in 1375 AD, his son Sagarchand became king. ⮚ During the reign of Sagarchand, Firoz Shah's elder son Nasir- ud-Din took refuge in Kangra in 1389 AD. ⮚ According to Farishta’s account, Nagarkot was renamed as Mohammedabad in the honour of a late king. Invasion of Timur Lang ⮚ The invasion of Mongols took place under the leadership of Timur Lang in 1398 AD. ⮚ The king of Kangra was Meghchand at the time of Timur Lang's invasion. In 1399 AD, Timur Lang invaded the Shivalik regions. ⮚ At the time of Timur Lang's invasion, the ruler of Hindur (Nalagarh) was Alamchand who assisted Timur Lang and consequently Timur lung proceeded without harming Hindur. ⮚ He attacked the Sirmaur region besides Nurpur (Dhameri) which was opposed by Ratan Singh. ⮚ Sayyid Dynasty and Lodi dynasty did not make any attempt to rule over hill states. States and Founders Mughals and Kangra Hills Babur ⮚ In 1525 A.D., Babur established his outpost (Chowki) at Mataut near Kangra. Sher Shah Suri ⮚ Sher Shah Sun sent his general Khawas Khan to capture the Kangra Hills. 12 Balokhra 2.0 ⮚ After successful conquest, he placed Hamid Khan Kakar as incharge of the area. ⮚ Most of the historians argued that Jahangir was the First who captured Kangra Fort in 1620 D. Akbar ⮚ Akbar sent his army to capture Sikander Shah because he invaded Punjab in 1557. ⮚ When Akbar advanced against him, he entered in the territory of Nurpur whose ruler Bhakth Mal had a friendship with Sikander Shah but both were captured by Mughal army. ⮚ Sikander Shah was allowed to retire to Bengal and Bhakt Mal after surrendering his Mankot Fort, he was taken as a prisoner to Lahore where he was executed by Bairam Khan. ⮚ Suspicious of Jai Chand of Kangra ⮚ Akbar ordered Raja Ram Chand of Guler to capture Jai Chand. ⮚ Assuming his Father dead, Bidhi Chand son of Raja Jai Chand took the throne and broke out into the rebellion against Akbar with the help of Raja Gopi Chand of Jaswan. ⮚ Akbar sent his very able man Birbal along with Khan Jahan Hussain Kuli Khan, viceroy of Punjab to suppress the rebellion. ⮚ They successfully suppressed the rebellion and the territory was given to Birbalasa Jagir. ⮚ Now Akbar sent with Khan Jahan Hussain, Kuti Khan and other Nobel to capture Nagarkot Fort by way of Pathankot and Nurpur. ⮚ Kotla Fort was snatched by Mughal army from Raja of Kangra and handed it over to the Raja of Guler. ⮚ When seize of the Kangra fort seemed favourable to the Mughals, news reached from the plains that Akbar’s relatives Ibrahim Hussain Mirza and Musud Mirza had invaded Punjab. ⮚ The Mughal army now departed to Punjab to oppose the Mirzas. ⮚ Bidhi Chand became Raja after the death of his Father Jai Chand in 1585 A.D. ⮚ He formed an alliance of the states between Jammu and Kangra. ⮚ In 1589, the alliance broke into the rebellion and Akbar sent Zain Khan Koka who successfully suppressed the revolt. 13 Balokhra 2.0 ⮚ After surrender, Raja Bidhi Chand had to keep his son Trilok Chand as a hostage in the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar. ⮚ Another rebellion broke out in 1594-95 which was led by Raja of Jasrota but Raja Bidhi Chand of Kangra and Raja Basu of Nurpur did not participate in it. ⮚ Mirza Rustam Qandhari and Sheikh Farid suppressed this rebellion. ⮚ Raja Pratap Singh Varman of Chamba and Dharm Prakash (1578-70 A.D.) of Sirmaur were the contemporaries of Akbar. Jahangir ⮚ Jahangir seated on the throne in 1605 A.D. ⮚ Trilok Chand became the Raja of Kangra after the death of his lather Raja Bidhi Chand in 1605 A.D. ⮚ In 1615 A.D., Jahangir sent his allies Raja Suraj Mal of Nurpur (Dhameri) and Murtaza Khan to capture Kangra, but some controversy broke out between the two. ⮚ The plan to capture Kangra was postponed after the death of Murtaza Khan. ⮚ In another attempt, Raja Man Singh of Jaipur was sent to capture Kangra but he was killed by a Zamindar Sangram of the hilly area. ⮚ Again in the year 1617 A.D., Jahangir sent his allies Raja Suraj Mal of Nurpur and Shah Quli Khan Muhammad Taqi to capture Kangra. ⮚ The same story was repeated again as some controversy broke out between Suraj Mal and Shah Quli Khan and as a result, Shan Quli Khan was asked by Jahangir to retreat back. ⮚ Now Raja Suraj Mal started to send away imperial troops to his Jagir and broke out into the rebellion against Mughals. ⮚ Jahangir sent his able man Raja Sunder Dass to suppress the rebellion. ⮚ Raja Suraj Mal fled away to Mankot fort, From there to Nurpur Fort and then fled to Taragarh Fort in Chamba where he died in 1619 A.D. ⮚ Kangra fort came under the Mughals In 1620 AD. ⮚ Raja Jagat Singh younger brother of Raja Suraj Mal helped the Mughals to capture Kangra Fort. ⮚ Nawab Auyb Khan was appointed as the First Governor of Kangra Fort and the Mughals ruled the fort till 1783 A.D. ⮚ Jahangir visited Dhameri in 1622 A.D. and renamed Dhameri as Nurpur after the name of his wife NurJahan’ ⮚ Jahangir constructed a Mosque inside Kangra Fort and named one of the doors of Kangra Fort as ‘Jahangiri Darwaza’. 14 Balokhra 2.0 Shah Jahan ⮚ Nawab Asadullah Khan and Coach Quli Khan were the two prominent Mughal governors of Kangra Fort during the reign of Shah Jahan. ⮚ Raja Mandhanta Prakash of Sirmaur was the contemporary of Shah Jahan. He helped Mughals a number of times during the Gharwal campaigns. Battle of Nadaun (1690) Fall of Mughals ⮚ Fall of Mughals started after the death of Aurangzeb. ⮚ Ahmad Shah Durrani attacked the territory of Punjab ten times between 1748 A.D and 1788 A.D. ⮚ Taking advantage of Durrani’s attacks ⮚ Raja Ghamand Chand captured areas of Kangra and Doab. ⮚ Kangra Fort was still under the reign of Mughals and the Last Mughal Governor of the fort was Nawab Saif Ali Khan. ⮚ In 1759 A.D., Ahmad Shan Durrani transferred Jalandhar doab to Raja Ghamand Chand and the areas between River Satluj and Ravi came under the rule of Raja Ghamand Chand. Mughals and Chamba  In 1572 A.D., Akbar deputed his revenue minister Todar Mal to established Royal estate in the hill states.  The royal estate had in it 66 villages of Kangra and Rihlu, Chari, Pathiar and Dharon areas of Chamba.  During the reign of Jahangir, the Battle of Dhalog (1623) was fought between Raja Janardhan of Chamba and Raja Jagat Singh in which Jagat Singh emerged victorious.  In 1641, Jagat Singh revolted against the Mughals and Shah Jahan sent Murad Baksh to suppress the revolt.  Raja Chattar Singh of Chamba refused to accept the orders of Aurangzeb in 1669, after which he ordered to demolish all Hindu temples in Chamba.  He made an alliance with the rulers of Guler, Bashoti, and Jammu and beat Mirza Obed Begh 15 Balokhra 2.0 ⮚ Sikh Gurus Guru Nanak Ji visited Himachal in 1514 AD in his third Udasi (Journey). ⮚ He was believed be the most travelled person after Ibn-Batuta. ⮚ He crossed Dulchi pass (The pass is between Kullu District and Mandi District) from Baijnath to Kullu to Nanak visited Kangra, Jawalamukhi, Kullu, Sirmour, Kullu and Lahaul- Spiti. ⮚ The 5th Guru, Arjun Dev ji (1563-1645 AD) wanted to complete the building of Harimander Sahib at Amritsar. ⮚ For funds collection, Bhai Kaliana was sent to Mandi State in the hills. ⮚ The 6th Guru, Hargobind ji (1595-1645 AD) accepted land at Kiratpur from the Raja of Kehlur and built a town in 1634. ⮚ He gave military outlook to Sikhs and shifted his head- quarter to Kiratpur in 1634. ⮚ Guru Har Gobind Ji also helped Dharam Chand of Hindu (Nalagarh) in the war for succession in 1618. ⮚ Later Guru's son, Gurditta, also established a Sikh centre there ⮚ Grandson of Guru Har Gobind ji, Guru Har Rai ji (1645-1661) had to vacate Kiratpur due to fear of Mughal attack. ⮚ He stayed in the territory of Karam Prakash (Sirmour) for 13 years. ⮚ Guru Teg Bahadur bought land from Rani Champa of Kehlur. ⮚ After death of Raja Deep Chand of Kehlur, Guru went for mourning. Rani Champa was Deep Chand's wife. Battle of Bhangani (1686)  It was fought between Guru Gobind Singh's army and Bhim Chand (Kahlur) of Bilaspur on 18 September 1686, at Bhangani near Paonta Sahib.  Number of Hindu Rajas of Shivalik Hills participated in the war from Bhim Chand (Kahlur)s side.  It was the first battle fought by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, at the age of 19 The Battle of Nadaun (1690)  The Battle of Nadaun was fought at Nadaun, between Raja Bhim Chand of Bilaspur (Kahlur) and the Mughals under Alif Khan.  Raja Bhim Chand was supported by Guru Gobind Singh and other hill chieftains, who had refused to pay tribute to the Mughal emperor.  The Mughals were supported by Raja of Kangra and Raja Dayal of Bijarwal  The battle resulted in the victory of Bhim Chand and his aides. The Battle of Anandpur Sahib (1704)  The Battle of Anandpur was fought at Anandpur, between the armies of the Sikh Guru Gobind Singh and the Mughal forces aided by the Nawab of Bahawalpur state, Rajas of the Shivalik Hills.  After a prolonged Siege, the Guru had to leave Anandgarh Fort. 16 Balokhra 2.0  The increasing power of Guru Gobind Singh Ji ,and his establishment of a military order Khalsa alarmed the Rajas of the Shivalik hills.  After some failed attempts to check the Guru's power, the Rajas pleaded the Mughals and Emperor Aurangzeb to help them against the Guru.  Forty Sikhs with the Guru fought valiantly against thousands of the enemies , and became martyrs.  The two elder sons of the Guru also martyred fighting in this battle.  Zafarnama was a victory letter sent by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1705 to Aurangzeb after the Battle of Chamkaur.  During the siege 40 men, led by Bhai Maha Singh, wrote letters of bedava (abandonment of a Sikh from his Guru) to Guru Gobind Singh.  They arrived in the village of Jhabal where a Sikh woman named Mai Bhago, upon hearing their tale of desertion, motivated them into returning to Guru Ji at Anandpur Sahib.  They became martyrs and the Guru blessed them as Muktsar.  Banda Bahadur became ascetic & lived a recluse life as Madho Das.  The Guru encouraged him to give up his present way of living and resume the duties of a real Rajput.  In September 1708,the Guru conferred the title of Bahadur on Banda.  Banda Bahadur defeated Raja Bhim Chand of Bilaspur Raja Sidh Sen of Mandi & Raja of Chamba and others also submitted as followers of Guru Nanak Dev.  Daughter of Chamba Raja, Udai (Sushil Kaur) was married Sardar Banda Singh Bahadur.  In the The Battle of Sirhind (May 12, 1710), Wazir Khan was killed.  He bad to flee fort of Lohgarh in 1710, after the attack of Amir Khan who was sent by Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah.  Next Mughal emperor, Farrukhsiyar sent Abdus Samad Khan. Banda Bahadur and his associates executed after inhuman & extraordinary tortures in June 1716  MRS succeeded his father at age of 12  MRS took the title of Maharaja on April 13, 1801 (Baisakhi day), with Lahore as his capital from 1799.  He brought Misls under his leadership.  In 1802 he took the holy city of Amritsar. He also modernized his army, hiring European mercenaries create the first modern Indian Army. 17 Balokhra 2.0  MRS successfully resisted two attacks by MSC on Jalandhar in 1803 and Hoshiarpur in 1804.  MSC forces were not versed with the fire arms, which caused its loss of territories in plains to MRS.  After a very long siege by Gorkhas (1806-1809) MSC was in desperate state.  He requested for support of MRS who became ready after initial reluctance.  MRS signed Treaty of Amritsar with British in 1809 and was free to concentrate on Kangra situation.  MRS came to the hills, met MSC at Jawalamukhi for negotiations. MSC had escaped from the Kangra fort in disguise of farmer. At last, the treaty was signed at Jwalamukhi on July 20, 1809.  Desa Singh Majitha, was appointed the Qiladar of the Kangra fort and Nizam (Governor) of the Kangra hill states.  Starting from 1809 (Treaty of Jwalamukhi) MRS became master of Hills between Ravi & Satluj by 1828.  By the end of 1816, Ranjit Singh was the master of hill States viz. Chamba, Nurpur, Kotla, Shahpur,Jasrota, Basohli, Mankot, Jaswan, Siba, Guler, Kehlur, Mandi, Suket, Kullu and Datarpur.  The Treaty was concluded, for the British, by the Governor-General Sir Henry Hardinge and two officers of the East India Company and, for the Sikhs, by the seven- year-old Maharaja Duleep Singh Bahadur and seven members of Hazara, the territory to the south of the river Sutlej and the forts and territory in the Jalandhar Doab between the rivers Sutlej and Beas.  provision was made for the separate sale of all the hilly regions between River Beas and Indus, including Kashmir, by the East India Company at a later date to Gulab Singh, the Raja of Jammu. 18 Balokhra 2.0  Gurkhas and Hills  Gorkha & Hills  Gorkha Invasion  Gorkha and Britishers  Treaty of Sugauli  The Gorkhas are soldiers native to the Indian subcontinent of Nepalese nationality and ethnic Nepalis of Indian nationality recruited for the British Army, Nepalese Army, Indian Army, Gurkha Contingent Singapore, Gurkha Reserve Unit Brunei, UN peacekeeping force and war zones around the world. Background of Gorkha Kingdom  The Gorkha Kingdom was established by Prince Dravya Shah, second son of King Yasho Brahma Shah of Lamjung Kingdom, on 1559 CE replacing the Khandka chiefs.  By 1769 Prithvi Narayan Shah, the King of Gorkha laid the foundation for the modern Kingdom of Nepal  He envisaged a Himalayan Kingdom from Nepal until Kashmir in the west.  Gorkhas conquered all of eastern Nepal by 1773. Invasion starts  By 1788, Gorkha forces had also annexed western portions of Sikkim. In the west, all rulers as far as the Kali River had submitted or were replaced by 1790  In 1796, Chinese threw Gorkhas out of Tibet and they had to halt their march towards Himachal Hills.  The Gorkhas under Amar Singh Thapa acquired Kumaun, Garhwal, Sirmour, and the other small hill|states of Shimla.  Gorkhas defeated Garhwal in 1803-04 and subjected the area on the banks of the Yamuna. 1804 AD  The king of Sirmour (Raja Karam Prakash) invited Amar Singh Thapa.  Thapa's army was living in Kumaon after conquering G arhwal and Kumaon areas.  In time, the Gorkha army defeated not only the King of Hindur(Raja Ram Saran Singh), but also captured all the Thakurai as and the states of Shimla Hills.  Most of the area remained under the administration of the Gorkhas from 1802 to 1814, until the British-Gorkha war pushed them. Maharaja Sansar Chand  His reign is known as golden age of the Kangra state In 1786, MSC launched attack on Kangra fort which was under Jai Singh from Batala 19 Balokhra 2.0  At Nerti (1794) with Raja Raj Singh of Chamba for fertile area of Rihlu. Raja Raj was killed in battle by Jit Singh Purbea  In 1792, the state of Mandi was sacked and plundered Raja of Mandi Ishwari Sen was taken as prisoner and held at the Chaumukhi fort of Nadaun for 12 years.  The Raja of Kullu was allowed to continue the same treaty, which his ancestors had signed with Maharaja Ghamand Chand  Lahaul & Spiti was allowed to be ruled by their petty chieftains underthe similar treaty of yearly revenue.  The State of Kutlehar was completely annexed and the Raja completely disposed  Next, to come into the folds of Kangra was the state of Bilaspur Maharaja Sansar Chand annexed half of the. There he built a massive fort to guard his frontier.  In 1805 Amar Singh Thapa was invited to attack Maharaja Sansar Chand by the kings of Kehlur, Mandi, Chamba.  Wazir Nathu led Chamba Dal and gave financial help to Thapa.  AST attacked Kangra in 1805 with 40,000 soldiers and beats MSC at Mahal Morian (1806), Nadaun & Sujanpur. Latter had to take position at Kangra Fort.  Maharaja Sansar Chand was concerned if the Gorkhas captured Kangra fort, they may pose a threat. Therefore, he supported MSC (Treaty of Jwalamukhi, 1809), and AST had to retreat  1809 A.D., Gurkhas proceeded to the State of Baghal and established themselves in the Arki palace, whose Jagat Singh was driven into exile  After having established themselves at Baghal, the Gurkhas began to overrun the neighbouring Hill States.  By 1808, the invaders had conquered all the fortified posts between the Yamuna and Satluj, and formed their capital at Arki.  After that they began their ruthless rule over the neighbouring hill states.  By 1810 Amar Singh Thapa had won over Nalagarh, Jubbal, Punder & Dhami.  In 1811, Amar Singh Thapa advanced and Nagana Fort was captured from Thakur of Balson.  In same year, Amar Singh Thapa beat Raja Ugar Singh of Bushahr and took over Theog, Balson, Rampur, Kotgarh & Jubbal. Causes of British – Gorkha Conflict  British wanted to check the Gorkha expansion & were concerned with their growing strength.  British wanted to establish trade route to Rampur, Ladakh and Tibet, but the passes were under Gorkhas.  England like weather in hills & fertile lands of Terai were attractive for revenue, recreation & settlement.  In 1813, AST tried to capture six villages of Sirhind (in Punjab), among which 2 villages were under the control of British-Sikhs  Gurkhas and Britishers  In connivance with the hill people British declared war against the Gorkha rule on 31 Oct 1814. 20 Balokhra 2.0  It started 31 Oct 1814, and continued for one year, eight months and three days.  British captured Nalagarh on 5th Nov 1814 along with Taragarh fort. British occupied Nahan on 25th Dec 1814.  The hill chiefs helped British as they were keen to get rid of Gorkhas. In return British assured them of reinstatement after the war.  Later hill chiefs were granted Sanads and the area came under British protection.  Main command was under David Occterlony and major general Gillespie  Gurkha commander Bala Bhadur Thapa who was at Dehra Dun took position at fort of kalinga (Nalapani), Gillespie attacked him and emerged victorious.  On 16 January 1815 Ochhterlony marched toward Arki and crossed Gambar River when Amar Singh Thapa came to know about this he move to Malaon and lost important posts such as Jorjori, Ramgarh and Taragarh fort.  In the mean time Britisher turned toward Jubbal state crossed the Chood Dhar peak and Gurkhas were badly threshed at a village Sarahan near chopal on March on 12 march 1815.  On 17 march 1815 British forces which were joined by Bushahr forces under the command of Badri and Tikkam Das.  The combined forces of Britisher and local forced Gurkhas to evacuate the fort.  At this time raja Ram Saran Singh of Hindur and Raja of kahlur joined hands with Britisher.  On 16th January 1815, David Ochhterlony launched a major attack on Gurkhas forces led by Amar Singh Thapa and compelled him to evacuate Ramgarh fort.  Now Ochhterlony targeted on Malaon fort where Bhakti Thapa one of the bravest officers was died.  In the meanwhile news reached that Kumaon has fallen, and Ranzor Singh Thapa was not able to protect the fort of Jythak in Sirmaur.  Amar Singh Thapa under the compulsion of circumstances surrendered on November 28, 1815  The Treaty of Sugauli was ratified on 4 March 1816.  As per the treaty, Nepal lost all Sikkim (including Darjeeling), the territories of Kumaon and Garhwal and Western Terai.  The Mechi River became the new eastern border and the Mahakali river the western boundary of the kingdom.  The British East India Company would pay 200,000 rupees annually to compensate for the loss of income from the Terai region.  Signatories: Parish Bradshaw (for the Company Government) and Raj Guru Gajaraj Mishra (for Nepal)  Ratifiers: Governor-General David Ochterlony (British India)  King of Nepal, King Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah after the Anglo-Nepalese War in the years 1814- 1816.  David Ochterlony's greatest legacy was recruitment of Gorkhas into the British and Indian army.  In April 1815, his confidence in their loyalty prompted Ochterlory to form them into a battalion under Lieutenant Ross called the Nasiri regiment HILL STATES AND THE BRITISH  On the conclusion of Gurkha-British war in 1815 A.D., the British decided to secure the cooperation of all the liberated hill chiefs by an offer to them with a guarantee of future independence on the condition of their taking part with the British in the event of any subsequent incursions by the Nepalese.  (1815-1850), the British policy was guided more by the strategic concerns and the trading interest. 21 Balokhra 2.0  The Britishers agreed to restore to the respective chiefs their territory after the expulsion of the Gorkhas from the hills.  The Britishers garrisoned the important forts of Kotgarh, Sabathu and Rawin to ensure protection against any possibility of the revival of the Gorkha rule.  Now all the 2o Shimla Hill States had come under the British sovereignty.  The General Ochterlony held a collective meeting of all the hill chiefs at 'Palasi'.  The objective of this conference was to determine the territories held by each chief prior to the Gurkha occupation.  The chiefs of Bilaspur, Kotkhai, Baghal and Bushahr were granted Sanads, thus came under British overlordship between 1815 and 1819 A.D.  The second phase of the British policy started after 1849, when the British East India Company established complete control over the Kangra group of states by defeating the Sikhs in the two Anglo-Sikh wars of 1846 and 1849.  After 1849, the British contact with the region was no longer casual. A more systematic and organised, political, economic and administrative control came to be exercised on the region  The Thakurais of Kumharsain, Balson, Tharoch, Kuthar, Mangal and Dhami were constituted as separate chiefships and granted independent "Sanads' whereas the Thakurais of Khaneti and Delath were conferred upon Bushahr state and th ose of Koti, Ghund, Theog, Madhan and Ratesh upon Keonthal state.  On 1 November 1858, a proclamation was issued by Queen Victoria, assuring the hill chiefs their territorial possessions and recognizing their privileges and authority in the future. In 1862 some sanads were issued to this effect What is SANAD ?  Sanad means a letter which confirms the authority given by a paramount power to a ruler.  The Shimla hill States were severely oppressed by the Gurkhas rule & they needed support to get rid of them.  The British Government. Required the active cooperation of the hill chieftains and chiefs to successfully campaign militarily against the Gurkhas.  Raja Mahan Chand of Kehlur (Bilaspur) was granted first Sanad dated 6th March, 1815  These states, eighteen in all,States like Bilaspur, Kotkhai, Bhagal, Bushahr, Kumarsain, Balsan, Kuthan, Mangal, and Dhami etc were restored to their original areas as before the Gurkha occupation.  Khaneti & Daleth were given to Bushahr State while Koti, Theog, Ghund, Madhan and Ratesh were given to were given almost complete independence in their internal matters. Hill Keonthal State.  However, British retained several detached tracts to establish strategically located military cantonments as required.  Such were necessary to help the hill Chiefs against aggression as well as to consolidate their own position later making more direct in roads.  The territories retained were Bharoli which consisted of Subathu, Siwah, Bharoli, Maloun, Sandoch and other nine parganas of Keonthal Sanads & Hill Chiefs 22 Balokhra 2.0  Rajas of certain states were granted Sanads' (Charter or Warrant) by the British to carry on the rule their states independently.  In many cases, supply of Begar was a condition  The chief also had to pay the 'Nazrana' (Peshkash) in cash  New Chief was to be recognized by British.  Arbitration of British was mandatory in case of conflicts between Rajas  The British govemment also kept the right to overthrow any heir from his throne who was found to be a defaulter in the fulfilment of the obligations laid down in Sanads.  free passage to British merchants and their goods and under their own expense construction of twelve feet wide road in their territories.  The bigger States were bound by agreement to join the British army with their armed retainers and hill porters whenever called upon to do so during war time.  With the transfer of power from East India Company to the British Crown in 1859, the Punjab hill States came under crown of England Battle of Aliwal  The Battle of Aliwal was fought on 28 January 1846 between the British and the Sikhs.  The British were led by Sir Harry Smith, while the Sikhs were led by Ranjodh Singh Majithia.  The British won a victory which is sometimes regarded as the turning point of the First Anglo-Sikh War.  The First Anglo-Sikh War began six years after the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who had established the Sikh Empire in the Punjab.  The Punjab became increasingly disordered, while the British increased their military forces on their border with the Punjab.  Eventually, the increasingly turbulent Khalsa, the army of the Sikh empire, was goaded into crossing the Satluj River and invading British territory, under leaders who were distrustful of their own troops.  On 21 December and 22 December 1845 , the army of the British East India Company commanded by Sir Hugh Gough and the Governor-General of Bengal, Sir Henry Hardinge, fought the bloody Battle of Ferozeshah  The Sikh armies under Wazir Lal Singh and Commander in Chief Tej Singh eventually retreated, but the British army was shaken by its heavy losses.  On 16 January 1846, Smith recovered two outposts which the Sik hs had seized at Fategarh and Dharmkot.  On 21 January, as he left Buddowal, the Sikh irregular cavalry (the Gorchurras) continually attacked his rear guards.  They captured most of Smith's baggage animals (mules, bullocks and elephants), and cut down any straggling troops Battle of Sobraon  The Battle of Sobraon was fought on 10 February 1846, between the forces of the East India Company and the Sikh Khalsa Army, the army of the Sikh Empire of the Punjab.  The Sikhs were completely defeated, making this the decisive battle of the First Anglo-Sikh War.  The commanders in the Sikh side included Sardar Tej Singh, Sardar Lal Singh and Sardar Sham Singh Attariwala.  Battles were fought at Mudki, Ferozeshah, Baddowal and Aliwal before the one at Sobraon. All the battles had been won by the British except at Baddowal which was indecisive.  But the British victory was hard-fought as the Khalsa army was powerful and aggressive. 23 Balokhra 2.0 They had excellent infantry units which had been trained along European lines under the leadership of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. ⮚ His death in 1839 caused some maladministration in the army. But their gallantry and fighting powers were praised even by their enemies in battle. ⮚ In 1857, they revolted along with some other princes, one of which was Raja Shamsher Singh of Bushahr in Shimla hills. ⮚ The British succeed in suppressing the revolt. But the freedom movement continued assumed the name of Praja Mandal in Shimla Hills. ⮚ The agitated people opposed the British officials and traders in the areas of Jubbal, Kotgarh, Kotkhai, Rampur and Kinnaur and forced them to flee. ⮚ King Shamsher Singh of Bushahr (1849-1914) stopped paying annual salary of Rs 15000 imposed by the British government. ⮚ Lord William Hay , a British political agent, made a plan to invade and occupy the Bushahr area, but he could not get the required military force from the British. ⮚ The Queen's proclamation (1858) and Government of India Act 1858, assured the native rulers that their hereditary rights will not be taken away and were ratified by treaties and sanads. ⮚ The Indians were also given the assurance that the British government will not interfere in their religious, social and traditional life. ⮚ The Indian leaders started their struggle for demanding rights based on Queen's proclamation. ⮚ District Shimla was created by merging the territories of Jutogh, Subathu, Kasauli, Daghshai, Kotgarh, Kotkhai, Bharoli, Sanawar and Shimla town under the Deputy Commissioner, Shimla All cantonments towns & strategic points. ⮚ Initially, Punjab Provincial Government governed Punjab Hill states. A Punjab States Agency was constituted on the 1st November 1921. ⮚ The Shimla hill States continued to be in the political charge of the Government of Punjab, through the Superintendent hill States, even after 1921. ⮚ Subsequently, in October 1936, the Shimla hill States were placed in direct relationship with the Government of India through the Resident Punjab States. ⮚ Therefore, a new subordinate political agency was constituted. It was called the Punjab Hill States Agency headquartered at Shimla. ⮚ The States of Sirmour and Bilaspur were also transferred to this newly formed agency and remained so till 1947. ⮚ To neutralise revolts/mass movements a Chamber of Princes consisting of 120 members was created as deliberative, consultative and advisory body on Feb. 8, 1921. ⮚ The Hill states were represented by the six rulers, of which five were members in their own right, while sixth was the elected member representative of Chamba, Mandi, Suket, Bilaspur and Sirmour. 24 Balokhra 2.0 ⮚ Shamsher Singh of Guler drove Sikhs out of Haripur fort. ⮚ Bir Singh of Nurpur laid a sieze to the fort of Nurpur and evacuated it from Sikhs. However, he died protecting the walls of his fort, due to age & fatigue. ⮚ Raja Narain Pal of Kutlehar also expelled the Sikhs. ⮚ Raja Balbir Sen of Mandi attacked the Sikh in his state and captured all the forts except Kamlagarh. ⮚ Like Shimla hills after 1815 (Anglo-Gorkha war), Kangra Kings expected restoration of territories, which did not happen. ⮚ The hill rulers got support from Saxikhs and revolted against British in 1848. Revolting states were mainly Nurpur, Kangra, Jaswan and Datarpur. ⮚ John Lawrence, the Commissioner of Jalandhar Doab, suppressed the revolt. There rebelious chiefs were captured and banished to Almora and detained as political prisoners. ⮚ British kept the princely state of Chamba, Mandi. Suket, Bilaspur, Sirmour, Bushahr and its feudatories under their indirect control by giving them internal autonomy by sanads in 1862. ⮚ Kangra, Kullu and Lahaul & Spiti were put under the direct control due to their strategic importance These States disappeared from the political map. As aptly said, they were drowned in the "Red" Sea of British empire. Positive Impact of British on the socio-economic condition of Himachal ⮚ Development of modern education and allopathic health institutions. ⮚ Most of the educational and health institutions were mainly confined to the towns, e.g. Shimla Dharamshala, Mandi, Chamba etc. more population migrated to these towns in order to avail civic facilities and seek employment. This led to the phenomenon of urbanisation in the Pradesh. ⮚ The social evils like Begar, Reet, and Polyandry etc. were discouraged under British rule. ⮚ British introduced land settlements and revenue collection in cash, and thus streamlined the revenue system. ⮚ The British government gave impetus to the development of Horticulture. Due to the development of national highways NH-21 and NH-22 and other lines of communication, the trade and commerce also made progress. 25 Balokhra 2.0 Chapter-2 Freedom Struggle To Statehood Strategic British Policies towards hills ⮚ (1815-1850), the British policy was guided more by the strategic concerns and the trading interest. ⮚ The Britishers agreed to restore to the respective chiefs their territory after the expulsion of the Gorkhas from the hills. ⮚ The Britishers garrisoned the important forts of Kotgarh, Sabathu and Rawin to ensure protection against any possibility of the revival of the Gorkha rule. ⮚ The second phase of the British policy started after 1849, when the British East India Company established complete control over the Kangra group of states by defeating the Sikhs in the two Anglo-Sikh wars of 1846 and 1849. ⮚ After 1849, the British contact with the region was no longer casual. A more systematic and organised, political, economic and administrative control came to be exercised on the region ⮚ On 1 November 1858, a proclamation was issued by Queen Victoria, assuring the hill chiefs their territorial possessions and recognizing their privileges and authority in the future. In 1862 some sanads were issued to this effect ⮚ Sanad means a letter which confirms the authority given by a paramount power to a ruler. ⮚ The Simla hill States were severely oppressed by the Gurkhas rule & they needed support to get rid of them. ⮚ The British Government required the active co-operation of the hill chieftains and chiefs to successfully campaign militarily against the Gurkhas. ⮚ Raja Mahan Chand of Kehlur (Bilaspur) was granted first Sanad dated 6th March, 1815 ⮚ These states, eighteen in all States like Bilaspur, Kotkhai, Bhagal, Bushahr, Kumarsain, Balsan, Kuthan, Mangal, and Dhami etc were restored to their original areas as before the Gurkha occupation. ⮚ Khaneti & Daleth were given to Bushahr State while Koti, Theog, Ghund, Madhan and Ratesh were given to were given almost complete independence in their internal matters. Hill Keonthal State. ⮚ However, British retained several detached tracts to establish strategically located military cantonments as required. ⮚ Such were necessary to help the hill Chiefs against aggression as well as to consolidate their own position later making more direct in roads. ⮚ The territories retained were Bharoli which consisted of Subathu, Siwah, Bharoli, Maloun, Sandoch and other nine parganas of Keonthal Sanads & Hill Chiefs ⮚ Rajas of certain states were granted Sanads by the British to carry on the rule their states independently. ⮚ In many cases, supply of Begar was a condition ⮚ The chief also had to pay the 'Nazrana' (Peshkash) in cash ⮚ New Chief was to be recognized by British. ⮚ Arbitration of British was mandatory in case of conflicts between Rajas ⮚ The British govemment also kept the right to overthrow any heir from his throne who was found to be a defaulter in the fulfilment of the obligations laid down in Sanads. 26 Balokhra 2.0 ⮚ free passage to British merchants and their goods and under their own expense construction of twelve feet wide road in their territories. ⮚ The bigger States were bound by agreement to join the British army with their armed retainers and hill porters whenever called upon to do so during war time. ⮚ With the transfer of power from East India Company to the British Crown in 1859, the Punjab hill States came under crown of England Revolt of 1857 ⮚ In 1857, they revolted along with some other princes, one of which was Raja Shamsher Singh of Bushahr in Shimla hills. ⮚ The British succeed in suppressing the revolt. But the freedom movement continued assumed the name of Praja Mandal in Shimla Hills. ⮚ The agitated people opposed the British officials and traders in the areas of Jubbal, Kotgarh, Kotkhai, Rampur and Kinnaur and forced them to flee. ⮚ King Shamsher Singh of Bushahr (1849-1914) stopped paying annual salary of Rs 15000 imposed by the British government. ⮚ Lord William Hay, a British political agent, made a plan to invade and occupy the Bushahr area, but he could not get the required military force from Britishers ⮚ The Queen's proclamation (1858) and Government of India Act 1858, assured the native rulers that their hereditary rights will not be taken away and were ratified by treaties and sanads. ⮚ The Indians were also given the assurance that the British government will not interfere in their religious, social and traditional life. ⮚ The Indian leaders started their struggle for demanding rights based on Queen's proclamation ⮚ District Shimla was created by merging the territories of Jutogh, Subathu, Kasauli, Daghshai, Kotgarh, Kotkhai, Bharoli, Sanawar and Shimla town under the Deputy Commissioner, Shimla All cantonments towns & strategic points. ⮚ Initially, Punjab Provincial Government governed Punjab Hill states. A Punjab States Agency was constituted on the 1st November 1921. ⮚ The Shimla hill States continued to be in the political charge of the Government of Punjab, through the Superintendent hill States, even after 1921. ⮚ Subsequently, in October 1936, the Shimla hill States were placed in direct relationship with the Government of India through the Resident Punjab States. ⮚ Therefore, a new subordinate political agency was constituted. It was called the Punjab Hill States Agency headquartered at Shimla. ⮚ The States of Sirmour and Bilaspur were also transferred to this newly formed agency and remained so till 1947. ⮚ To neutralise revolts/mass movements a Chamber of Princes consisting of 120 members was created as deliberative, consultative and advisory body on Feb. 8, 1921. ⮚ The Hill states were represented by the six rulers, of which five were members in their own right, while sixth was the elected member representative of Chamba, Mandi, Suket, Bilaspur and Sirmour. British & Kangra Hill States ⮚ Both the Sikh and British wanted to avoid a direct conflict, but after the death of Ranjit Singh, the Khalsa army fought a number of wars with the British and hills states. 27 Balokhra 2.0 ⮚ Sikhs fought with the British at Mudki and Ferozshah in December 1845, at Aliwal in January 1846, and at Sabraon in February 1846. ⮚ The British officials especially Erskine who was the Superintendent of Hill States, encouraged hill chiefs to revolt against Sikhs and promised better days with British. ⮚ Shamsher Singh of Guler drove Sikhs out of Haripur fort. ⮚ Bir Singh of Nurpur laid a sieze to the fort of Nurpur and evacuated it from Sikhs. However, he died protecting the walls of his fort, due to age & fatigue. ⮚ Raja Narain Pal of Kutlehar also expelled the Sikhs. ⮚ Raja Balbir Sen of Mandi attacked the Sikh in his state and captured all the forts except Kamlagarh. ⮚ Like Shimla hills after 1815 (Anglo-Gorkha war), Kangra Kings expected restoration of territories, which did not happen. ⮚ The hill rulers got support from Sikhs and revolted against British in 1848. Revolting states were mainly Nurpur, Kangra, Jaswan and Datarpur. ⮚ John Lawrence, the Commissioner of Jalandhar Doab, suppressed the revolt. There bilious chiefs were captured and banished to Almora and detained as political prisoners ⮚ British kept the princely state of Chamba, Mandi. Suket, Bilaspur, Sirmour, Bushahr and its feudatories under their indirect control by giving them internal autonomy by sanads in 1862. ⮚ Kangra, Kullu and Lahaul & Spiti were put under the direct control due to their strategic importance ⮚ These States disappeared from the political map. As aptly said, they were drowned in the "Red" Sea of British empire Revolts against Rajas in Princely States ⮚ Rampur Bushahr Movement - 1859 ⮚ Dhami Tragedy – 1939 ⮚ Mandi and Suket Revolts ⮚ Mandi Conspiracy 1914-15 ⮚ Bilaspur Struggle ⮚ Himalayan Riyasti Praja Mandal ⮚ Chamba Agitation ⮚ Sirmaur Satyagraha ⮚ Himalayan Hill state Regional Council ⮚ Various political movements had been started by the hill people for freedom from colonial, oppressive and undemocratic administration of British and feudal rulers. ⮚ The movements in hills were started for various purposes like improving the standard of life, getting rid of autocratic administrations ,uprooting the alien administration, democratisation of administration and formation of a compact administrative unit from 1948 to 1966. ⮚ Its objectives were not the total elimination of princely rulers 28 Balokhra 2.0 ⮚ The main aim of the Praja Mandal Movement was democratisation of administration Reasons ⮚ The people of the hills also get effected by the ideals and wishes of Mahatma Gandhi ⮚ the influence of Indian National Congress in Himalayan States Hurdles ⮚ The attitudes, belief and feudal nature of princes ⮚ lack of modern means of transport and communication facilities ⮚ lack of education, social, political awareness and geographical situation All Indian States people's Conference ⮚ The All India States Peoples' Conference (AISPC) was a conglomeration of political movements in the princely states of the British Raj, which were variously called Praja Mandals or Lok Parishads. ⮚ The first session of the organisation was held in Bombay in December 1927. ⮚ The first meeting of all Indian States people's Conference were held in 1927 but there was no participant from Himalayan states in it. ⮚ The idea of forming Praja Mandals in the hills of Himalayas w as conceived in a session of All India States People's Conference held at Ludhiana in 1939 ⮚ Bhagmal Sautha was main spirit behind the creation of Praja Mandals in hills. ⮚ After 1939 the Himalayan Riyasti Praja Mandal was organised and made responsible for directing the activities of the political and social workers to awakened the people by organising public meeting at different places. ⮚ Similar Praja Mandals at local levels were also established in Sirmour, Mandi, Suket, Dhami, Kunihar, Chamba, Bilaspur and other hill states. Dhami Satyagraha and Firing ⮚ A Prem Pracharini Sabha, Dhami State was organized in 1937 by Baba Narayan Das and later converted to Dhami Rayasti Praja Mandal on 13th July 1939. ⮚ DRPM under the leadership of Sita Ram put forward three main demands. They were: Abolition of Begar Reduction in land revenue Recognition of the Dhami Praja Mandal ⮚ The Rana rejected all demands and on 16th July, 1939, a delegation of 7 members headed by Bhag Mal Sautha proceeded towards Dhami to present the demands to Rana. ⮚ Bhag Mal Sautha was arrested at Ghanahatti and feared Rana ordered to fire on the people ⮚ Two persons, Shri Uma Dutt, and Durga Das were killed and many were injured. ⮚ The public demanded an independent enquiry, and Pt. J.L. Nehru sent Shanti Swarup Dhawan top resent on the spot report. ⮚ On 30th July 1939, a non-official enquiry committee was set up headed by Lala Duni Chand Ambalvi with two other members Shri Dev Suman and Shyam Lal Khanna. They presented a report to Pt. J.L. Nehru 29 Balokhra 2.0 SIRMOUR SATYAGRAHA ⮚ After 1920, the rise of political awakening started in Sirmaur 'Chaudhary Sherjung' from the revolutionary activities in Punjab impressed and formed a secret organization. ⮚ Due to this, 'Sirmour Praja Mandal' was formed in 1939, its major leaders were Shri Chaudhary Sherjung, Shivanand Ramoul, Devindra Singh, Nahar Singh, Naginder Singh and Harish Chandra ⮚ The rebellion started. The government was not digesting this. To end this organization, the government ⮚ Two fabricated allegations were made against the workers. These two charges are as follows 1) Conspiracy to kill the king, 2) and throwing stones at the king with the intention of killing him ⮚ The Sessions Judge (Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar) freed the accused in this conspiracy case. Authorities angry at this decision ⮚ The matter was referred to the Special Tribunal, in which the allegations of the accused were proved. ⮚ The 'Jehlmi Police' was deployed to suppress the satyagraha. ⮚ On the basis of Quit India Movement, this organization also called 'Paushata Andolan’ (Pajhota Movement) started ⮚ This movement was basically started by the farmers of the area for agrarian reforms. But the movement was suppressed with imposing Martial Law by the ruler because the pressure imposed by the peasants were against the wishes and wills of the feudal rulers. ⮚ Shri Surat Singh Vaid was the leader of Pajotha Satyagraha He launched a relentless struggle against the autocratic rule of the princely ruler of Sirmaur, for which he was given life imprisonment. ⮚ The Kisan Sabha of the Sirmour State also established a parallel government in the state just to bring some reforms and to change the attitudes of the ruler ⮚ The other leaders were like Mian chu chu, Chet ram, Basti ram , Matha Ram and his wife Atma Devi, Daya Ram, Sita Ram Sharma and Shiva Nand Ramaul etc. ⮚ To achieve the rights of the general public by establishing 'Sirmauri Association' and 'Sirmaur Riyasati Praja Mandal' in 1944. ⮚ The problem was resolved by merging Sirmaur with Himachal Pradesh in 1948 Chamba Praja Mandal Movement  An organisation known as the Chamba people's Defence League also established at Lahore in 1932.  The objectives of this league issue of monarchical regime irresponsible administration exorbitant taxes responsibility that was ignored by the ruler on the economic and civil liberties of the peasants.  Several restrictions were imposed but Satyagrahis had continued their efforts. Mahatma Gandhi also appreciated the efforts and style of Praja Mandal of Chamba because of its non-violence and peaceful methods.  The Tribune also praised the this awakening in its Editorial that the awakening even in sleepy hollow of Chamba, the democratic ideas have percolated through the hilly barriers that hit the state and people who have readily imbibed them for claiming for responsible government.  And finally raja Lakshman Singh signed the merger  The Rampur Bushahr Movement 30 Balokhra 2.0  Bushahr Praja Mandal was divided into two factions: 1. Satya Dev Bushahri organized a Bushahr Praja Mandal with its headquarters at Rampur 2. Pt. Padam Dev also led Bushahr Praja Mandal was stationed at Shimla. ⮚ Pt. Padam Dev tried to motivate people towards democratization and worked against Begar system. He also demaded public presence in executive council ⮚ A satyagraha was conducted from Nov 1946 till Oct of 1947where many were arrested. ⮚ The jail, however, was stormed by a mob of ten thousand that compelled the Administration to release all the satyagrahis unconditionally. ⮚ Praja Mandalists won Vidhan Parishad elections under the leadership of Satya Dev Bushahri. ⮚ Due to the consistent efforts, Bushahr was annexed as an Indian territory on 15 April 1948 The Bilaspur Praja Mandal Movement  The ruler Anand Chand being an educated ruler, started numerous reforms in his Princely State.  He introduced basic education up to Matric through Hindi medium, imposed complete prohibition, initiated Panchayati Raj Institutions, started welfare programmes for Harijans.  He also enforced the Child Marriage Act, He was a man of his own mind. He gave up his title of 'Highness' and 'Salute of Gun'.  Energetic youngmen of this state attended All India State People's Conference held in Udaipur in 1945, like Narotam Dutt Shashtri and Daulat Ram Sankhyan etc. They also established Bilaspur Praja Mandal  Anand Chand was such an iron man who forced the Bilaspur Praja Mandal's workers to remain outside the Bilaspur state.  It was his administrative capacity that Bilaspur was kept under the direct administration of the Central Government and remained as a separate entity till 1954.  on 1st July, 1954 ,when Bilaspur merged with Himachal Pradesh as fifth administrative district of the Himachal. Mandi Farmer Agitation: 1909  The farmers of Mandi raised their voice against the corrupt administration of Minister Jiva Nand, Begar system & compulsory selling of produce to the King of Mandi Bhawani Sen.  The Agitation was led by Shobha Singh of Sarkaghat with 20,000 people, and the Raja's troops had to surrender.  The volunteers jailed all corrupt officials, Including the wazir. The Raja Bhawani asked Britishers for help.  Armed forces from Jalandhar, Kullu and Kangra were rushed to Mandi, Shobha Ram was caught, tried for treason, and sent to the Andamans Mandi Conspiracy 1914-15  The Mandi conspiracy was due to the Influence of the Gadar party.  Meetings were held in Mandi and Suket states in December 1914 and January 1915. Plan was to murder the Superintendent and Wazir of Mandi and Suket, looting the treasury, blowing up the Victoria Bridgeover Beas  Main leaders Jawahar Singh, Badri, Sidhu Kharara were sentenced to long terms in prison.  The Rani Khairgarhi (Laita Kumari) of Mandi was exiled. 31 Balokhra 2.0 Theog Movement  In the October of 1926, the public protested against the administration of Rana Padmachand (1909) in Theog Thakurai in October 1926.  Its leader was his brother Mian Khadak Singh. But later this movement fell loosely and Kharak Singh settled in Khaneti Thakurai along with his family.  In 1927, Mian Kharak Singh again started this movement with Khaneti.  This time, Rana's son Karamchand and Rajmata also supported the public in open form. In order to suppress this movement, Rana sought th ehelp of the British Government.  So Deputy Commissioner Salisbury sent the police to Shimla. The police arrested Mian Kharak Singh and dispersed the people Himalayan Hill States All Regional Council  Established in January , 1946  On June 10, 1947, another meeting of Himalayan Hill States Regional Council took place at Shimla's Royal Hotel.  In it 11 members from 16 members participated in the meeting. In this meeting the differences arose among the members and six members formed a separate organization.  Yashwant Singh Parmar, the head of this new council, was elected.  Tej Singh Nidhak of Mandi, Leela Dasa of Bhajji and Sadaram Chandel of Bilaspur were made Vice-Principal.  Pt. Padamdev Mahamantri , Daulat Ram Gupta Promotions Minister, Surat Ram Prakash Treasurer and Senu Ram were given the charge of the Office of the Minister.  In addition, Shivanand Ramaul, Sadhuram, Nar Singh Dutt, Hira Singh Pal, Gauri Nand, Devi Ram, Chaman Lal and Chiranji Lal Verma were included in the Council's executive.  The Himalayan Hill States Sub-Regional Council organized the first conference on July 31, 1947 in the hill state of Shimla in Sangari, which included Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar, Pt. Padamdev, Satyadev Bushahri, Surat RamPrakash, Thakur Haridas, Radha Krishna etc.  The conference was organized by Chiranji Lal Verma, a working committee member of the people. Seeing the success of the conference, the king of Sangri left Sangri and moved to Kullu situated Aani along with his family. Suket Mass Uprising- 'Duhm' (1862)  with an intention to gain the favour of the British Raja Ugar Sen came farward  As a result. Government stopped intervening in the internal affairs of the State  Narotam Parohit, the Wazir contributed in establishing intimate rapport between the British and the Raja.  Narotam Parohit was elevated to the post of the Prime Minister of the State  Nationalists of Suket could not receive co-operation on behalf of State to undertake struggle against foreign rule  Narotam Parohit continued to hold the office of Wazir  He made a law that widows should be sold and the income credited to the State and their property to the Narsinghji temple  Public turned against him on this illegal treatment being meted against the wretched widows.  Narottam appointed Laongu as his deputy and placed hill tract under him.  This very step brought about the dismissal of Narottam from office.  Dhungal, Laongu's brother took over the charge of Wazir.  Dhungal's administration was oppressive. 32 Balokhra 2.0  Dhungal Wazir realised the fines 'dand” from distinguished people and innocent masses. Oppressed and aggrieved people decided to stand up to his atrocious custom  Dhungal was on visit to the hills, irate people seized and kept him as captive for twelve days in Garh Chawasi.  He was released only on the receipt of the Raja's order. This kind of uprising is locally called 'Dum' (Dumh)  Ugar Sen imprisoned Dhungal for nine months and fined Rs. 20,000.  Dhungal was removed from office and his younger brother Laongu was appointed Wazir.  Dumh was a non-violent movement against authorities, but people some time resorted to violent methods if the exploitation would breach all the barriers of tolerance Suket Mutiny of 1876  Rudar Sen's reign aroused the aggrieved populace because of his exploitative policies.  Rudar Sen's rule became more and more oppressive than the times of Narottam Pandit  heavy taxes were imposed on timber, grass and cattle  land revenue was increased and other exactions were levied on the Zamindars till disaffection was created.  At Karsog incensed people resorted to open rebellion against their ruler.  As a result. State officials were made to flee and took refuge at Sundernagar, the capital of the State  As the conditions assumed serious proportions the commissioner of Jalandhar had to intervene.  British Government took over the State administration in its hand  people continued to follow the policy of non co-operation.  Finally, by the virtue of enquiry Rudar Sen was deposed in 1879 and after staying sometimes in Lahore and Jalandhar he finally settled in Hoshiarpur where he died in 1887 Suket Rebellion of 1924  the Rowlatt Act of 1919 was criticised with a popular cry No dalil, no vakil, no appeal.  After effects of Non-co-operation Movement brought about the national dimension of independence struggle  Struggle against atrocities and oppressive rule emboldened the people of Suket.  influence of Gandhi Ji  the State was plagued with inordinate despotism, atrocities and economic exploitation.  Raja Lakshman Sen exacted ponderous revenue from the people and disgustful Begar system was stridently in vogue. Miseries of the people had become sea deep. With the result that the sparks of revolt were ignited.  Meanwhile Ratan Singh an arduous youth rose to moment to awaken the masses. He toured the State and enthused the people to stand on their own feet.  Atrocious and corrupt servants of the State fled to Mandi and Bilaspur.  Upon this Raja Lakshman Sen tightened the security of his palace. There were spontaneous uprisings in 1924, which forced the Raja to flee to Dehra Dun  Only the intervention of the Political Department led to the Raja to his throne  On_6th April, 1925 the court verdict struck hard at the revolutionaries. All the revolutionaries were tried for treason.  Ratan Singh was imprisoned for four years Suket Praja Mandal  The Suket Praja Mandal came into being in May, 1945 under a revolutionary leader Ratan Singh.  On this occasion National flag was first time unfurled at Sundernagar.  The representatives of hills had common voice to set up a separate organisation for hill States 33 Balokhra 2.0  The activities of the Praja Mandal of Suket was strengthen in 1945 under the leadership of Mian Rattan Singh.  for peaceful establishment of social, welfare and democratic administration Suket Satyagraha  "Seven days that shook the Himalayas“  The leaders of the Praja Mandal served an ultimatum to the ruler for restoring democratic administration by 1947  In ultimatum it was recommended that if the ruler was not ready for the establishment of democratic administrations ,the Praja Mandal workers would launch the Satyagraha  Under the chairmanship of Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar the programme of Suket Satyagarhawas formed in consultation with Suket Praja Mandalists and Padam Dev, Shivanand Ramoul, Daulat Ram Sankhyan and Vir Ratan Singh.  Pt. Padam Dev led the procession into Suket territory on 18th February, 1948, via Tatapani  the ruler yielded to the pressure and the force of truth and non-violence which led to the take over of the Suket Sate in March, 1948 by Government of India and finally its merger with Himachal Pradesh on 15 April,1948 34 Balokhra 2.0 Chapter – 3 Himachal Administrative History  Himachal Pradesh came into being as a Chief Commissioner's Province on 15th April, 1948 by integrating 30 big and small hill states-26 from Shimla Hill & 4 from Punjab Hills as per Article 239.  It constituted four districts namely: Chamba, Mahasu, Mandi and Sirmour with a area of 27,169 km  The first Chief Commissioner was NC Mehta and his deputy was Mr. E. Penderal Moon  It consisted of 6 Public representatives viz; Leelavati, Dr. Y. S. Parmar, Avtar Chand Mehta, Swami Purna Nand, Padam Dey and L. Shiv Charan Dass  The Council was set up on 30th September 1948  At the time of independence in 1947, India consisted of British India, under direct British rule, plus 571 disjointed princely states covering about 40% of the territory of pre-independence India that were eventually merged together to form India and Pakistan.  In India, the grouping of states at the time was done on the basis of political and historical considerations rather than on linguistic or cultural divisions, but this was a temporary arrangement.  On account of the multilingual nature and differences that existed between various states, there was a need for the states to be reorganized on a permanent basis  In 1948, SK Dhar - a judge of the Allahabad High Court - was appointed by the government to head a commission that would look into the need for the reorganization of states on a linguistic basis.  However, the Commission preferred reorganisation of states on the basis of administrative convenience including historical and geographical considerations instead of on linguistic lines.  In December 1948, the JVP committee comprising Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabh bhai Patel and Pattabhi Sitaramayya was formed to study the issue.  The Committee, in its report submitted in April 1949, rejected the idea of reorgansation of states on a linguistic basis but said that the issue could be looked at afresh in the light of public demand.  In 1953, the first linguistic state of Andhra for Telugu-speaking people was born.  The government was forced to separate the Telugu speaking areas from the state of Madras, in the face of a prolonged agitation and the death of Potti Sriramulu after a 52-day hunger strike.  Consequently, there were similar demands for creation of states on linguistic basis from other parts of the country.  On December 22, 1953, Jawaharlal Nehru appointed a commission under Fazl Ali to consider these new demands. (K.M. Panikar and H.N. Kunzru)  The commission submitted its report in 1955 and it suggested that the whole country be divided into 16 states and three centrally administered areas.  The government, while not agreeing with the recommendations entirely, divided the country into 14 states and 6 union territories under the States Reorganisation Act that was passed in November 1956.  The states were Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Bombay, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Madras, Mysore, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.  The six union territories were Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands, Manipur and Tripura  Based on the Shah Commission report in April 1966, the Punjab Reorganisation Act was passed by the Parliament.  Following this, the state of Haryana got the Punjabi-speaking areas while the hilly areas went to the Union Territory of Himachal Pradesh.  Chandigarh, which was made a Union Territory, would serve as the common capital of Punjab and Haryana. 35 Balokhra 2.0  In 1969 and in 1971, the states of Meghalaya and Himachal Pradesh came into being respectively. With the Union Territories of Tripura and Manipur being converted into states, the total number of Indian states rose to 21.  The Constitution, which came into force on 26 January 1950, declared India to be a "Union of States", which were classified into three parts: Part A states: ⮚ The former Governors' provinces of British India, which were ruled by an elected governor and state legislature. Assam, Bihar, Bombay, Madhya Pradesh Madras, Orissa Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. B states: ⮚ Former princely states or groups of princely states, governed by a rajpramukh, who was appointed by the President. Hyderabad, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Bharat, Mysore, Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU), Rajasthan, Saurashtra and Travancore-Cochin. Part C states: ⮚ Former chief commissioners' provinces and some princely states, each governed by a chief commissioner appointed by the President. Ajmer, Bhopal, Bilaspur, Coorg, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Kutch, Manipur, Tripura, and Vindhya Pradesh. ⮚ "for years we have waited for the opportunity: for decades we have worked for it. And now that we have realised our dreams, every Himachali will stand upto that is expected of him in the new situation. ⮚ The brilliance of future possibilities before him will not dazzle and blind him to the pitfalls around. It is well known that rise in status means increased responsibilities. ⮚ With dedication to our cause and unity and solidarity in our ranks, Himachalis will not only bring happiness and prosperity for their Pradesh strength and pride to the Great Indian Union to which their Pradesh has the honour to belong." Part "C State”: 1951 ⮚ The act Improved the status of the Himachal, permitting an elected assembly and along with council of ministers. ⮚ Chief Commissioner's position was replaced with Lt. Governor. ⮚ The legislature was not federal as legislative powers in practice were vested with the Parliament of India. ⮚ Lt. Governor was Constitutional head of a Parliamentary Government and the Council of ministers were both under the overall control of the President of India, who, in fact was the executive head of the Part C states. ⮚ Election was held in 1951. ⮚ Maj. Gen. M.S. Himmat Singh assumed the office of the first Lt. Governor of the Pradesh on March 1, 1952. In elections of 36 seats, Congress party got 24 seats. ⮚ Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar was sworn in as the first Chief Minister of the state on 24th March, 1952 along with two ministers Pandit Padam Dev & Pandit Gauri Prasad. 36 Balokhra 2.0 ⮚ In 1954, even the opposition leaders formed a Vishal Himachal Samiti, consisting of Satya Dev Bushahri,Hira Singh, Pt. Kameshwar and Jai Bihari Lal Khachi. Merger of Bilaspur, 1954 ⮚ Anand Chand, Raja Anand Chand was against the merger with HP at any cost. He was of view that Bilaspur would either be an independent state, or merge with Punjab or even merged with Pakistan. ⮚ Anand Chand also founded Swatantra Party in Bilaspur for achieving his designs. ⮚ Therefore, GOI playing smartly made him the Chief Commissioner of Bilaspur. ⮚ In 1954, Bilaspur was added as the fifth district of Himachal Pradesh in 1954 the strength of the Assembly members was increased to 41 from 36. Reorganization Commission  This Committee consisted of Justice Fazal Ali as its Chairman and K.M. Panikar and H.N. Kunzru as members, which of the opinion that Himachal be integrated with Punjab.  However, since the enactment of the Government of Part C State Act of 1951, Himachal had a partially self-governing set up. While Faizal Ali favoured the formation of Himachal but other two members of the commission were against this move.  Ultimately Dr. Y.S. Parmar was able to convince Nehru, the then Prime-Minister, to keep a separate entity.  1st November 1956, Himachal Pradesh became Union Territory under an administrator with the designation of a Lieutenant Governor  Basis of state's merger with Punjab were:  Hilly economy  Lack of resources  Public transport  Lack of public support.  Under a new Act known as 'Territorial Council Act of 1956', Himachal Pradesh was provided with Territorial Council in 1957.  The Territorial Council had 43 members. Out of these the Government of India nominated two and rest were elected on adult franchise by the people.  Raja Bajrang Bahadur became Lieutenant Governor and Thakur Karam Singh became Chairman of Territorial Council. Grant of Legislature to HP  In 1958, various leaders including, Satya Dev Bushari, sat on a hunger strike. Members of Praja Socialistic Party, like Bhag Mal Sauhta, Jai Bihari Lal Khachi and Nagin Chander Pal also blamed congress for the UTstatus.  In 1963, HP was granted legislature on the recommendations of Ashok Sen Committee though it remained a UT.  Dr. YS Parmar became the Chief Minister on 1st July 1963, Himachal Pradesh was provided with a Legislative Assembly with strength of 40 members and three members were to be nominated by the Government of India.  GỌI enacted the 14th constitutional amendment and The Government of Union Territories Act, 1963 by which the Territorial Council, re-elected in 1962, was turned into Legislative Assembly  Thakur Karam Singh and Hari Das were sworn as the ministers 37 Balokhra 2.0 Vishal Himachal  General Mohan Singh gave the slogan for the merger of Himachal and formation of Maha Purbi Punjab in 1948.  In 1951, Akali Dal of Punjab had started agitation for division of Punjab on cultural & Linguistic basis which subsequently led to formation of Punjabi Suba.  Hukum Singh Committee was formed to evaluate reorganization of Punjab on 28 Sept 1965.  This committee in 1965, led to formation of Haryana & sanctioning of Punjab hill states to Himachal later  Congress Working Committee took a political decision to grant Punjabi Suba on March 9th,1966.  Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha on March 14th, 1966 demanded for merger of hill areas of Punjab in Himachal Pradesh.  The Government of India passed a resolution on April 23rd, 1966 to recognize the State of Punjab on linguistic basis.  Formation of Vishal Himachal was r

HP GK BALOKHRA PDF 2023

Document Details

Tags

Related

Summary

Full Transcript