Kullu District History: HP GK for Competitive Exams (Pal & Singh)

The history of Kullu District is a crucial topic for competitive exams, especially those focused on Himachal Pradesh General Knowledge (HP GK) like HPSSC and HPPSC. Understanding the ancient origins, the rise and fall of dynasties, and significant events in Kullu’s past provides a strong foundation for answering historical questions. This article delves into the rich history of Kullu, from its mythical beginnings to the establishment of powerful dynasties and their contributions.

Key Facts / Overview

Detailed Explanation

Kullu, often referred to in traditional folklore as ‘Kulanthpith’ or ‘the end of the habitable world,’ was considered the farthest limit of human settlement by ancient people. Its original name, ‘Kuluta,’ is found in significant Hindu mythological texts such as the Vishnu Purana and Ramayana, suggesting its deep historical roots. The Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsiang, in his accounts from A.D. 629-645, described a region called ‘Kiu-lu-to’ (Kullu) located 117 miles northeast of Jalandhar, a description that aligns precisely with the geographical position of Kuluta. Further historical insights come from Colonel A.P.F. Harcourt’s book “Kooloo, Lahaul, and Spiti,” the ancient Tibetan chronicle “rGyal-rabs,” and the Kashmiri chronicle “Jonaraja.” The 7th-century Nirmand plate, granted by Raja Samudra Sen, and an old coin bearing the inscription ‘Rajna Kolutsya Virayasasya’ (Virayasasya, The Raja of Kuluta) are among the earliest archaeological evidences of Kullu’s historical existence.

Historically, Kullu was administered through a system of ‘Seven Wazirs,’ each governing a specific tract. These included Waziri Parol (Kullu proper), Waziri Rupi (between Parbati and Sainj Nullah), Waziri Saraj (Inner and Outer Saraj), Waziri Lag Maharaja (right bank of Sarvari Nullah to Sultanpur), Waziri Lag Sari (between Phojal and Sarvari Nullah), Waziri Bhaghal (a portion of Chhota Bhanghal), and Waziri Lahaul (earlier British Lahaul).

The Pal Dynasty

The known history of Kullu begins in the first century of the Christian era with the founding of the Pal dynasty by Behangamani Pal. His ancestors are believed to have originated from Tripura, subsequently migrating to Allahabad and then to Mayapuri near Hardwar before settling in Kullu. Behangamani Pal arrived with his Rani, Purohit Udai Ram, and son Pachch Pal.

At that time, the upper valleys of Kullu were reportedly suffering under the oppressive rule of the Thakurs of Spiti. Seizing this opportunity, Behangamani Pal orchestrated what is often considered the first revolution in the upper valley, starting from Jagatsukh. With the crucial support of a renowned astrologer from Paljhot village and the blessings of Goddess Hadimba, who is still revered as the ‘grandmother and patron-deity’ of the Kullu Rajas, his efforts were successful. This led to the establishment of the Pal dynasty, with its original capital at Jagatsukh.

Nearly ten generations ruled from Jagatsukh before the capital was moved to Naggar, which served as the seat of government for an extensive period of approximately 1,400 years. Bihangmani Pal’s successor, his son Pachch Pal, continued the conquests against local ‘Ranas’ and ‘Thakuras,’ consolidating the nascent kingdom.

During the reign of Rajender Pal, the small state of ‘Kothi Barsai,’ located between Jagatsukh and Naggar, became a target. Its chief, Surat Chand, died without a male heir, leaving only a daughter, Rup Sundari. Rajender Pal initially attempted to acquire Kothi Barsai by force but failed. Eventually, a marriage alliance between Rajender Pal and Rup Sundari brought an end to hostilities and merged Kothi Barsai with Kullu.

Visad Pal continued the rule from Nast (Jagatsukh), engaging in a war with Rana Karam Chand of Naggar, which resulted in the Rana’s defeat and death. His successor, Visud Pal, marked a significant shift by moving the capital from Nast (Jagatsukh) to Naggar, a strategic move that solidified Naggar’s importance for centuries.

Rudra Pal faced challenges from external powers; the Raja of Spiti, Rajender Sen, attacked Kullu, forcing Rudra Pal to pay a yearly tribute. Chamba is also believed to have conquered Lahaul from Kullu during this period. However, Prasid Pal, Rudra Pal’s grandson, defied the Spiti Raja, Chet Sen, refusing to pay tribute. This led to a battle near Rohtang Pass, where Prasid Pal emerged victorious.

A major setback occurred around 780-800 A.D. when the Chamba ruler Meru Varman invaded Kullu. Sri Dateshwar Pal was killed in battle, and his elder son Amar Pal also perished. His second son, Sital Pal, fled to the Bushahr state. For a period, Sital Pal and his five descendants were unable to reclaim their kingdom from Chamba. It was Sri Jareshwar Pal, the sixth descendant of Sital Pal, who finally regained the kingdom when Chamba itself was weakened by an invasion from the Kiras or Tibetans, leading to the Chamba Raja’s death.

Narad Pal’s reign saw renewed conflict with Chamba, with Chamba forces advancing to Majnakot and building a fort. A twelve-year war ensued, eventually ending with a peace treaty. To celebrate this peace, Kullu invited people from Chamba for a feast at Kothi village, but a large number of Chamba people and soldiers were reportedly drowned in the Beas River by Kullu forces, a controversial event in the region’s history.

Bhup Pal became a contemporary of Bir Sen, the founder of the Suket state. Suket attacked Kullu, making Bhup Pal a prisoner. He was later released on the condition of paying tribute and providing feudal service, a condition continued by his son, Anirudh Pal. Hast Pal-I (also known as Hait Pal), Bhup Pal’s grandson, was contemporary with Raja Bikram Sen of Suket. He managed to free Kullu from the tribute obligation by aiding Suket in a civil war. However, Bikram Sen’s brother, Tribikram Sen, conspired with Hast Pal against him. In a battle at Jiuri on the Satluj bank, both Hast Pal and Tribikram were killed, and Raja Bikram Sen subsequently took possession of Kullu.

Surat Pal (or Hashir Pal) later liberated Kullu from Suket during the minority of Lakshman Sen. However, upon reaching adulthood, Lakshman Sen re-invaded Kullu, annexing Waziri Rupi, Lag, Saraj, and a portion of Waziri Parol.

The Pal rulers also ventured into foreign conquests. Santokh Pal conquered Gya-mur and other parts of Ladakh. Teg Pal further extended influence by conquering Baltistan, making its chief Muhammad Khan a tributary. Uchit Pal’s invasion of Tibet, however, met with a tragic end. Following his death, the Raja of Tibet, Lhachen Utapala, along with forces from Gya-mur (Ladakh) and Baltistan, attacked Kullu. Uchit Pal’s son was captured during his father’s funeral ceremonies and confined at Mohangarh. He was released only after swearing an oath to pay tribute in dzos (yak-cow hybrids) and iron to the king of Ladakh, a tribute to last “so long as the glaciers of the Kailasha do not melt away or the Mansarovar Lake dries up.” Sikandar Pal, seeking aid from Delhi, managed to regain Gya Mur, Baltistan, and Mantilac (Mansarovar Lake) from Tibet.

Hast Pal-II’s reign saw an invasion by the Raja of Bushahr, who exacted tribute. Gambhir Pal, however, succeeded in freeing Kullu from Bushahr’s influence and claimed the area on the right bank of the Satluj River as the state’s new boundary. Narender Pal’s era was marked by Kullu’s subjugation to the Bangahal state for ten years. Later, under Nand Pal, Kullu became a tributary of Kangra. Raja Urdan Pal, who ruled between 1418-28 A.D., is credited with building the ‘Sandhya Devi’ temple at Jagatsukh. Kailash Pal was the last Raja of Kullu to use the ‘Pal’ surname, ruling until approximately 1450. After his reign, Kullu experienced a gap of about 50 years without a direct ruler, during which it was controlled by Suket, Ranas, and Thakuras.

The Singh Dynasty

A new chapter in Kullu’s history began around 1500 A.D. with the arrival of Sidh Singh, who founded a new dynasty and changed the royal surname from ‘Pal’ to ‘Singh.’ Although he came from Mayapuri after a 50-year gap in direct rule, he is generally assumed to be a descendant of the original Pal family. Sidh Singh embarked on a determined effort to subdue the various Ranas and Thakuras who had gained control during the interregnum.

A notable event during his reign involved Jhinna Rana, a powerful chief ruling both banks of the Beas River above Jagatsukh, with strongholds at Madankot and Manali. Unable to confront him directly, Sidh Singh resorted to a cunning strategy. He exploited a conflict between Jhinna Rana and his Dagi caste groom, ‘Muchiani,’ who was known for his long mustache and archery skills. When Jhinna Rana ordered Muchiani to cut his mustache, and then set an impossible task for him, Muchiani refused. Sidh Singh bribed Muchiani to assassinate the Rana. After Jhinna Rana’s death, his Rani committed Sati by setting fire to the fort, along with all the women, including Muchiani’s wife, except for one pregnant wife of the Rana. These ladies are revered as ‘Jogin’ (Goddess) in Kullu. Following this event, Sidh Singh successfully captured Madankot, Manali, and the Baragarh fort, which was previously under Suket’s garrison.

Bahadur Singh (c. 1532 A.D.) continued to consolidate the kingdom. Waziri Ruppi, still under Suket’s control, chose to rejoin Kullu during his reign due to the perceived arrogance of the Suketi Raja. While Naggar remained his capital, Bahadur Singh established his residence at Makarasa, a place associated with Makas, son of Vidura from the Mahabharata. Bahadur Singh’s three daughters were married to Pratap Singh, son of Raja Ganesh Verman of Chamba.

Jagat Singh made a significant change by annexing the Lag area from brothers Jai Chand and Sultan Chand, from whom he captured Sultanpur. In 1660, he shifted the capital from Naggar to Sultanpur. He also expanded the kingdom by capturing the outer Saraj area. Jagat Singh’s reign is also associated with a tragic incident involving a Brahmin named Durga Dutt from Tippari. The Raja, desiring pearls possessed by the Brahmin, sent his men to seize them. Before their arrival, the Brahmin set fire to his house and perished with his family. Overwhelmed by guilt, the Raja sought penance. A Brahmin from Suket advised him that the sin of Brahmin murder could be absolved only by bringing the idol of Lord Raghunath from Ayodhya to Kullu. This led to the famous installation of the Raghunath idol, which became the principal deity of Kullu, and the subsequent grandeur of the Kullu Dussehra festival.

Important Points to Remember

• Kullu’s ancient name was Kuluta, mentioned in Hindu scriptures.
• The Pal dynasty was founded by Behangamani Pal in the 1st century AD.
• Jagatsukh was the first capital of Kullu, later shifted to Naggar, and finally to Sultanpur by Jagat Singh in 1660.
• Goddess Hadimba is the patron-deity of the Kullu Rajas, believed to have blessed Behangamani Pal.
• The surname ‘Pal’ was changed to ‘Singh’ by Sidh Singh around 1500 AD.
• Raja Jagat Singh brought the idol of Lord Raghunath from Ayodhya, leading to the grandeur of Kullu Dussehra.
• Kullu was historically administered through a system of ‘Seven Wazirs’.
• Conflicts with Spiti, Chamba, Suket, and Bushahr were common throughout Kullu’s history.

Related Previous Year Question Pattern

Here are some example questions based on the history of Kullu that aspirants might encounter:

1. Which ancient text mentions the name ‘Kuluta’ for the region of Kullu?
2. Who was the founder of the Pal dynasty in Kullu, and where was its first capital established?
3. By which ruler and in which year was the capital of Kullu shifted from Naggar to Sultanpur?
4. Who changed the royal surname from ‘Pal’ to ‘Singh’ in Kullu?
5. What significant religious event is associated with Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ancient name of Kullu?

The ancient name of Kullu was ‘Kuluta,’ which is mentioned in various Hindu mythological texts like the Vishnu Purana and Ramayana.

Who founded the first known dynasty of Kullu?

The first known dynasty of Kullu, the Pal dynasty, was founded by Behangamani Pal in the first century of the Christian era.

Where was the original capital of Kullu located?

The original capital of Kullu was established at Jagatsukh. It was later shifted to Naggar for about 1,400 years and then to Sultanpur.

Which ruler shifted the capital of Kullu to Sultanpur?

Raja Jagat Singh shifted the capital of Kullu from Naggar to Sultanpur in 1660 AD.

Why is Raja Jagat Singh an important figure in Kullu’s history?

Raja Jagat Singh is important because he shifted the capital to Sultanpur, annexed the Lag area, and most notably, installed the idol of Lord Raghunath from Ayodhya in Kullu, which is central to the famous Kullu Dussehra festival.

Who changed the royal surname from ‘Pal’ to ‘Singh’ in Kullu?

Sidh Singh, who established a new dynasty around 1500 AD after a gap in direct rule, changed the royal surname from ‘Pal’ to ‘Singh’.

What was the administrative division of Kullu in ancient times?

In ancient times, Kullu was administered through a system of ‘Seven Wazirs’, each governing a specific geographical region within the state.

Which goddess is considered the patron deity of the Kullu Rajas?

Goddess Hadimba is revered as the ‘grandmother and patron-deity’ by the Rajas of Kullu, believed to have blessed Behangamani Pal’s efforts to establish the Pal dynasty.