History of Chamba | HPPSC HPAS Preparation - HPPSC HPAS (Himachal Pardesh) PDF Download

Introduction

• Chamba, known as 'Shiva-Bhumi' or the land of gods, is revered for its association with Lord Shiva, particularly due to the sacred Manimahesh Kailash in Bharmaur. 
• This region, now part of Himachal Pradesh, is nestled in the western Himalayas and is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant people. The state's political history dates back to ancient times, and despite foreign invasions, Chamba's unique location helped preserve its cultural and historical monuments.
• Chamba's historical records, preserved in the Bansauli (Vansavali), reflect its ancient royal lineage and the endurance of its civilization, safeguarded by the natural barriers of the Himalayas from the devastation faced by other regions during foreign invasions.

Maru (550 A.D.)

• The princely state of Chamba was founded by Raja Maru around 550 A.D., with its capital at Brahampura (present-day Brahmaur).
• Raja Maru, a Suryavanshi Rajput, is said to have migrated from Ayodhya to the upper Ganges valley, eventually settling in Kalapa (Brahmaur).
• He is believed to have conquered the upper valley region from local chiefs and established a small state that included the Ravi Valley, from Bara Banghal to Chhatrari, with the Budhil and Tundahen tributaries.
• After establishing the state, Raja Maru retired, passing the reign to his son Jaistambh.
• Jaistambh was succeeded by Mahastambh.

Aditya Varman (620 A.D.)

• The first ruler of the Chamba line to use the title 'Varma' or 'Varman', which means 'armour' or 'protection' in Sanskrit, was Aditya Varman. His name also appears as Adi Varman in the Vansavali (genealogical records) and inscriptions found in Bharmaur.
• The title 'Varma' was traditionally used by Rajputs, and similar suffixes like 'Sharma' were used by Brahmins. The use of 'Varma' for Chamba's rulers is mentioned in the Chamba Gazetteer, though scholars like J. Hutchison and Ph. Vogel have noted the use of 'Varman' instead.

Divakar Varman (660 A.D.)

Known as Deva Varman in the genealogical records and the Chhatrari inscription, Divakar Varman succeeded Aditya Varman and continued the rule of the Chamba dynasty.

Meru Varman (680 A.D.)

• Notable Ruler: Meru Varman was a significant early ruler of Brahampura, known for expanding his state's boundaries through conquest.
• Temple Construction: He is credited with constructing many temples.
• Historical Reference: The state of Chamba is mentioned in the Rajtirangini, a historical chronicle by Kalhana, indicating its early existence.
• Dynastic Continuity: After Raja Maru, about 67 more rulers from the same dynasty governed Chamba over a span of 12 centuries.
• Early Expansion: Chamba, initially a small territory, expanded under Meru Varman's rule in 680 A.D.

Ajay Varman and Suvaran Varman (Till 780 A.D.)

• Rulers: Ajay Varman and Suvaran Varman ruled Chamba until 780 A.D.
• No Detailed Information: Limited information is available about their reigns.

Laxmi Varman (800 A.D.)

• Epidemic: During his reign, a severe epidemic, possibly cholera or plague, affected the region.
• Assassination: Laxmi Varman was murdered by members of the Kira tribe who took advantage of the epidemic and seized control.
• Heir: Laxmi Varman had no direct heir at his death, but his pregnant queen gave birth to a son in a cave. The boy was saved by mice, leading to his name, Mushan Varman.

Mushan Varman (820 A.D.)

• Protection and Education: Provided protection by Raja Parbogh of Suket, educated there, and married a Suket princess.
• Recovery of Kingdom: With an army, he drove out the invaders and reclaimed his kingdom.
• Custom: During his rule, killing mice was prohibited, a custom still followed by the Chamba royal family.

Hans Varman, Saar Varman, Sen Varman, Sajjan Varman, Mrityanjaya Varman (Till 920 A.D.)

Sahila Varman (920 A.D. - 940 A.D.)

• Capital Shift: Moved the capital from Brahampura to present-day Chamba town.
• Heir and Blessing: Sahila Varman, who had no sons, was blessed with ten sons and one daughter, Champavati, by 84 Yogis.
• Founding of Chamba: Upon Champavati’s request, Sahila Varman founded the town of Chamba around 930 A.D. It was named after his daughter or possibly after the Champa trees in the area.
• Minjar Fair: Defeated the king of Trigarta (Kangra) and was celebrated with maize and rice by the people of Chamba, leading to the initiation of the Minjar fair.

Yugakar Varman (940 A.D.)

• Limited Information: Not much is known about him except for a copper plate deed still existing.
• Land Grant: The copper plate is the oldest discovered and granted land to Narsimah Temple in his 10th year of rule.
• Temple Construction: Built the Gauri Shankar temple in Chamba near the Lakshmi Narayan temple.

Asata Varman (1080 A.D.)

• Visit to Kashmir: Visited Kashmir in 1087-88 A.D., during the rule of Kalasa, son of Ananta Dev.
• Historical Reference: Mentioned in the Rajtarangini, a historical chronicle of Kashmir.

Vijaya Varman (1175 A.D.)

• Reputation: Known for bravery and being loved by his people.
• Contemporary: Was a contemporary of Mohammad Gauri.
• Expansion: Expanded his kingdom during the North Indian invasion by Gauri.

Ganesha Varman (1512 A.D.)

• Long Reign: Ruled Chamba for 47 years, the longest of any ruler of Chamba.
• Family: Had six sons, most of whom bore the suffix ‘Singh,’ although his son Partap Singh Varman used both ‘Singh’ and ‘Varman’ in his name.

Partap Singh Varman (1559 A.D.)

• Successor: Succeeded his father in 1559 A.D.
• Temple Restoration: Constructed and repaired many temples in Chamba, including the Lakshmi Narayan temple.
• Military Conquest: Defeated the Katoch forces and captured territory including Guler.
• Mughal Influence: Was a contemporary of Akbar and Chamba may have become a subject and tributary to the Mughal Empire.
• Mughal Subjugation: Todar Mal, Akbar’s Finance Minister, subdued Chamba and other states of the Kangra group, leading Chamba to surrender some territories.
• Internal Affairs: Despite Mughal influence, there was no significant interference in Chamba’s internal administration.
• Successor: Succeeded Partap Singh Varman in 1586 A.D.

Balabadhra (1589 A.D.)

• Successor: Succeeded Vir Vahnu.
• Reputation: Known for piety and generosity, earning the title ‘Bali-Karana’ (meaning ‘like Raja Bali and Danveer Karan’).
• Land Grants: Made extensive land grants to Brahmins, leaving himself with nothing to donate in his later years.
• Successor: His son, Janardan, became the next ruler of Chamba.

Janardan (1613 A.D.)

• Accession: Became ruler of Chamba in 1613 A.D.
• Conflict: Engaged in a prolonged war with the Raja of Nurpur, Suraj Mal, who sought to expand his territory.
• Assassination: After Suraj Mal’s death, Jagat Singh succeeded him and conspired against Janardan, killing him during a supposed peace settlement.
• Chamba’s Status: After Janardan’s death, Chamba came under the control of Jagat Singh and was ruled by officials for 20 years.

Prithvi Singh (1641 A.D.)

• Recapture: Reclaimed Chamba from the Nurpur State in 1641 A.D.
• Relations with Mughals: Maintained good relations with Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, visiting the Mughal Court nine times.
• Honors: Honored with a Khilat, an inlaid dagger, and titles such as ‘Commander of One Thousand’ and ‘Raja’.
• Consolidation: Consolidated the kingdom of Chamba.

Umed Singh (1748 A.D.)

• Territorial Expansion: Expanded Chamba’s territory to the south of the Dhauladhar and garrisoned the fort of Pathiyar near Palampur.
• Construction: Built the Khanchandi portion of the palace and a palace at Nada, named Rajnagar.
• Successors: Followed by Raj Singh (1764 A.D.) and Jit Singh (1794 A.D.).

Sri Singh (1844 A.D.)

• Accession: Ascended the throne in 1844 A.D. at the age of five.
• British Period: Marked the beginning of the British period in Chamba. Initially attached to the Jalandhar Division, later moved to Amritsar Division in 1862, and finally to Lahore Division.
• Administration: The economy suffered due to mismanagement. Major Blair Reid was appointed Superintendent in 1863.
• Reforms: Reid introduced significant reforms, including establishing a post office, primary school, state hospital, and improving forest administration and road connectivity.
• Death and Succession: Raja Sri Singh died in 1870 and was succeeded by his brother, Gopal Singh.

Gopal Singh (1870 A.D.)

• Assistance: Like his brother Sri Singh, he was aided by a political officer.
• Reforms: Continued the reforms initiated by Sri Singh.
• Infrastructure: Constructed new roads and beautified the town.
• Education: Upgraded the primary school to a middle-standard school.
• Healthcare: Increased popularity of the state hospital over traditional treatments.
• Retirement: Abdicated in favor of his eldest son, Sham Singh, and lived in Manjir until his death in March 1895.

Sham Singh (1873 A.D.)

• Accession: Installed as Raja on October 7, 1873, by General Reynell Taylor, Commissioner of Amritsar.
• Administration: Mian Avtar Singh appointed as Wazir.
• Land Settlement: Carried out land settlement operations.
• Development: Under Mr. R.T. Burney, roads including Chamba-Brahmaur, Chamba-Chuari Khas, and Chamba-Khajiar were built.
• Healthcare: Expanded Sham Singh Hospital to 40 beds, equipped with essential medical appliances. Opened a dispensary at Tissa and took over the leper asylum started by the “Mission to Lepers”.
• Infrastructure: Renovated the palace, built new houses, replaced the Sheetla Bridge with an iron suspension bridge, and established a network of post offices.
• Judicial and Police Reforms: Reorganized the judicial department and increased the police force.
• Education: Opened new schools and provided scholarships.
• Military: Formed a small military force of 300 infantry, 30 cavalry, and 4 guns.
• Notable Visits: The state was visited by Sir Mackworth Young, Lt. Governor of Punjab, in 1901 and Lady and Viceroy Curzon in 1900.
• Abdication: Abdicated in 1904 due to prolonged illness in favor of his brother, Mian Bhuri Singh.

Bhuri Singh (1904-1919 A.D.)

• Background: Knowledgeable and experienced from his time as Wazir.
• Development: Completed the developmental works started during Sham Singh’s reign.
• Infrastructure: Widened roads, built new Dak Bungalows, guest houses, and a power house on the river Sal.
• Education: Introduced a public reading room, library, and upgraded Chamba Middle School to a High School in 1905.
• Museum: Opened the Bhuri Singh Museum in 1908, inspired by J.P. Vogel.
• Electrification: Installed electricity in the town in 1910 and completed water supply improvements.
• World War I: Supported the British Government during the war.
• Death: Died in 1919 and succeeded by his elder son, Ram Singh.

Ram Singh (1919-1935 A.D.)

• Education: Promoted education by opening fifteen new village schools and introducing Physical Education.
• Administration: On November 1, 1921, Chamba came under direct control of the Government of India’s Political Department.
• Infrastructure: Realigned and completed roads to Nurpur and Kiani, and improved sanitation and water supply in Chamba.
• Power: Started a new power house.
• Death: Died on December 7, 1935, in Lahore, succeeded by Raja Lakshman Singh.

Lakshman Singh (1935-1948 A.D.)

• Minority: As a minor, his reign was managed by a three-member council until he came of age in 1945.
• Projects: Completed ongoing projects and constructed a cart road linking Chamba with the plains.
• Dynasty: He was the last Raja of Chamba, with the dynasty ruling from 550 A.D. to 1948 A.D., with some gaps.

Some important information in tabular format: