Skip to main content

The Story of the 'Land of the Gods

The history of Himachal Pradesh is reflective of the accumulation of the varied culture that evolved as well as flourished here. This was the 'Deva Bhoomi' – land of Gods, since earlier times. There are evidences that confirm the existence of pre historic humans in this region. Historians even claim this land to be inhabited by the people belonging to the Indus Valley period. Himachal Pradesh has also find its place in the various Vedas (Hindu Literature) and Epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana too have referred Himachal Pradesh, to play a significant role in history. Various legends and mythological depiction also have appraised this state with varied names.

Though Kols or Mundas are believed to be the original migrants to the hills of present day Himachal, this land also saw the confluence of the Mongols and the then flourishing dynasties. However, the credit for lading the base of the history of this state goes to the Aryan who left their homes in Central Asia, and settled in these areas, on whom is based the great cultural life of the people living among these hills. These pre historic men are believed to have settled around the Bangana valley of Kangra, Sirsa valley of Nalagarh and Markanda valley of Sirmour.

Fly Back With The Time

Apart from the Mauryans, who practically reigned over all of the north India, this land also saw its rulers in the Guptas that ruled the state in the 7th century. In the 1043 AD, Himachal Pradesh fell into the hands of the Rajput rulers and then began the plunder from the various parts of the world. Due to the hills and rough terrains, this land saw the rise of different leaders in the different parts of the state.

During the medieval period, Mughal influence grew in Himachal Pradesh. But due to certain restraints, they were unable to rule the hills, giving it to Sansar Chand, who then ruled over the area. Till then it lied concealed amidst the snowy mountains, until during the early 19th century, when the British made their presence felt. During the Gorkha war, the treaty of Lahore practically gave Himachal in the British lap, who ruled here until the day of independence. After India became a free country collective 31 Punjab hill states were integrated into a single, centrally administered unit under the charge of a chief commissioner, and it was then that this collective hilly areas were named as Himachal Pradesh.

Himachal Pradesh Temples
Historically Renowned Ambika Devi Temple in Kangra




Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Ancient Himachal

The history of Himachal Pradesh dates back to the days of Indus Valley civilization. The original tribes that inhibited the Indus valley civilizations were Koilis, Halis, Dagis, Dhaugris, Dasas, Khasas, Kinnars and Kirats. Gradually the Aryan civilization invaded this region. In fact, human settlements in Himachal Pradesh date back to two million years. Evidence suggests that the places of prehistoric settlements are found in the Bangana valley of Kangra, Sirsa valley of Nalagarh, and Markanda valley of Sirmour. In ancient times, the region of Himachal pradesh was made up of a number of small republic states known as Janapadas. These Janapadas enjoyed independence till the Muslims invaded these parts of India. Mahmud Ghaznavi conquered Kangra valley around the 10th century and Timur and Sikandar Lodi also exercised their imperialistic ambitions in this state. The history of Himachal Pradesh had been subjected to various imperialistic ambitions. The Kashmiri king, Sankar Varma, exer...
Renuka Fair, celebrated in the month of November, is held on the banks of Renuka lake in Sirmour Distt. It falls on the eleventh day after Diwali. According to a legend Lord Parashuram and his mother, Goddess Renuka, meet for one-and-a-half day between Dashmi and Ekadashi every year, and to commemorate this meeting the fair is organised. This fair also highlights a mother’s love for her child. During this fair, the idols of Parashuram from various temples are brought here to dip in the sacred lake. It is believed that the Goddess appears beneath the surface of the water of the lake to bless her son. There is a temple dedicated to Parashuram nearby. Shri Renuka Ji: On the eve of Devprabodini Akadshi the Five day long state level Shri Renuka Ji fair as begin with the arrival of son Lord Parshuram at Shri Renuka Ji Lake in Himachal, the home of his divine mother Shri Renuka Ji. During five day fair several lakhs of devotees from ...

Important distances

Almost each and every part of the state is linked by roads. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation is running its buses covering the whole state. There is huge network of HRTC to cater the needs of the people. Journey to various places of Himachal Pradesh has become easier than ever because of the huge network of HRTC buses and other means like local jeeps and taxies, there is also a huge network of buses from private sector. Distances from various places i.e. Shimla, Manali, Dalhausie, Dharamshala, Chamba, Pathankot, Chandigarh are given below. Distance from Delhi : Delhi to Manali via Chandigarh-Ropar-Kiratpur-Bilaspur-Mandi Delhi to Manali via Shabad-Shaha-Pinjore-Nalagarh-Swarghat Delhi to Shimla via Chandigarh Delhi ...