Brief Geography of District Bilaspur | HPPSC HPAS Preparation - HPPSC HPAS (Himachal Pardesh) PDF Download

Introduction

District Bilaspur is a geographical area located in the outer hills of the Himalayas, specifically within the Shiwalik range. This district, part of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, encompasses a diverse range of topographical features, including hills, valleys, and rivers. Let's break down the information about District Bilaspur into various sections for better understanding.

Location of District Bilaspur

• Geographical Area: The district spans an area of 1167 square kilometers, which constitutes 2.1% of the total area of Himachal Pradesh.
• Latitude and Longitude: It is situated between a northern latitude of 31°12'30" and 31°35'45", and an eastern longitude of 76°23'30" and 76°55'40".
• Topographical Setting: Bilaspur is predominantly located in the lower Satluj valley, nestled among the outer hills of the Shiwalik range.
• Boundaries: The district is bordered by:
• North: Mandi and Hamirpur districts.
• West: Hamirpur and Una districts.
• South: The Nalagarh area of Solan district.
• Altitude: The elevation varies significantly within the district, ranging from 305 meters at the lowest point to 1944 meters at the highest peak, Dhar Bahadurpur.
• River: The district is divided by the Satluj River, which serves as a natural boundary between Mandi and Bilaspur.

Hill Ranges in District Bilaspur

• Naina Devi Hill: This hill features the Naina Devi Temple, Kot Kahlur Fort, and Fatehpur Fort, reflecting its historical significance.
• Kot Hill: Includes towns such as Bachhretu, Basiah, Naun, and Dagoga Malhot, with the highest peak named Kakrer.
• Bandla Hill: Known for its paragliding opportunities and the presence of a Hydro Engineering College, making it a popular spot for adventure sports.
• Bahadurpur Hill: Divided by Ali Khad, with Bahadurpur Fort once serving as the summer residence of Raja Bijai Chand.
• Ratanapur Hill: Famous for a historical battle where General Ochterlony defeated Amar Singh Thapa.
• Jhanjiar Hill: Split into two sections by Sheer Khad—Badol in the south and Jhanjiar in the north. It is home to notable temples like Devi Badoli and Gugga Gherwin.
• Tiun Hill: Hosts significant landmarks such as Fort Sariun, Naurangarh, Harimba Devi Temple, and Sidh Gurunath.

Famous Valleys in District Bilaspur

• Satluj Valley: The Satluj River flows through this valley, entering at Kasol and exiting at Naila in Bilaspur.
• Chaunto Valley: Located near the Bhakra Dam, this valley is known for its flat, fertile land ideal for agriculture.
• Danwin Valley: Situated between Bahadurpur and Bandla hills, this valley is renowned for its cultivation of crops such as maize, rice, sugarcane, ginger, and wheat.

River System of District Bilaspur

• Satluj River: This is the primary river of the district. It flows through several districts before entering Bilaspur at Kasol. It has historical significance, with treaties signed over it and accounts written by foreign travelers like William Moorcraft, Hugel, and G.T. Vigne.
• Ali Stream: Originates in Tehsil Arki of Solan district and enters Bilaspur at Kothi Harrar, merging with the Satluj River at Beri Ghat.
• Ghambar Khad: Rises from the Tara Devi hills in Shimla, flows into Bilaspur at Neri, and joins the Satluj River at Dagran.
• Seer Khad: Originates in Mandi district and enters Bilaspur at Hatwar, merging as the largest tributary of the Satluj River at Seri.
• Govind Sagar: The district does not have natural lakes but boasts the largest man-made lake, Govind Sagar.

Water Springs in District Bilaspur

• Luhund Spring: One of the two notable springs in the district.
• Bassi Spring: The other prominent spring, contributing to the local water supply.

Languages Spoken in District Bilaspur

• Kahluri: The primary language spoken in the district, often referred to as a variant of Punjabi. Grierson describes it as "Rude Punjabi," similar to the dialect spoken in Punjab's Hoshiarpur district.
• Other Languages: Hindi and English are also commonly understood and spoken by the residents.