The history of Kangra, deeply rooted in the Pre-Aryan and Aryan periods, is primarily based on ancient texts like the Vedas, Puranas, and Mahabharata. The Rigveda, a significant ancient text, mentions the Arijikya (Beas River) flowing through the area, considered the land of the gods, or ‘Dev Bhumi.’ This early mention in the Rigveda underscores Kangra’s ancient roots and association with the divine. Before the Aryans arrived, non-Aryan tribes inhabited this region. The Trigarta Kingdom (modern-day Kangra) is referenced in the Mahabharata, with King Susharma Chandra, a Kaurava ally, being its founder. Kangra, then called Bhim Kot, was also mentioned in the Panini literature and works of Persian historian Ferishta.
Chinese traveller Heun Tsang visited the area between AD 629 and 644 during Harshvardhana’s reign and noted the presence of several local rulers. Kangra, an important region, has a history of resisting foreign invasions, showcasing its resilience and strategic importance. In 1009, Mahmud of Ghazni attacked and looted Kangra Fort and its Nagarkot temple, marking the first major Muslim invasion. Firoz Tughlak also plundered the fort in 1360.
During Akbar’s reign in 1556, Kangra was occupied, and the fertile valley came under Mughal control. However, the rugged hills remained with the local Rajput chiefs, who rebelled intermittently. After a long siege, Prince Khurram captured Kangra Fort (later Shah Jahan) in 1620. Although Jahangir once considered building a palace in Kangra, he ultimately abandoned the idea in favour of Kashmir.
In the 18th century, Kangra saw a rise in Rajput power under Raja Ghamand Chand, who was appointed governor of the Jullundur Doab by the Mughal emperor. However, during the weakening of Mughal power, Ahmad Shah Durrani ceded Kangra to the Sikhs. The fort fell into Sikh hands in 1774 but was returned to Rajput ruler Sansar Chand in 1785. Sansar Chand expanded his kingdom and ruled successfully for two decades, though Ranjit Singh repelled his efforts to challenge the Sikhs.
In 1806, Sansar Chand’s conflict with the hill state of Bilaspur led to a disastrous Gurkha invasion. After three years of chaos, he sought help from Ranjit Singh, who defeated the Gurkhas and took control of Kangra, leaving Sansar Chand as a tributary. After he died in 1824, his son Anirudh Chand briefly ruled before Ranjit Singh annexed the remaining territories.
Kangra came under British control after the First Anglo-Sikh War in 1846. Although there were several uprisings, such as Ram Singh Pathania’s rebellion, the British successfully quelled them. During the 1857 Mutiny, there were some disturbances in the Kullu region, but the British quickly restored order.
In the early 20th century, the national movement in Kangra was led by figures like Comrade Ram Chandra, Thakur Panchan Chandra, and Baba Kanshi Ram. Baba Kanshi Ram, known as the “Hill Gandhi,” played a role in the freedom struggle in the region. With India’s independence in 1947, Kangra entered the democratic era, casting off British rule.
