(HQ, BILASPUR, ALTITUDE 610 METERS)

Total Area - : 1,167 sq.Krn

Languages spoken : BILASPURI (KAHLURI), HINDI, PUNJABI ETC.
The Bilaspur district lies between 3i°i2’3O" and 3i°35’45" North latitude and
between 76°23’45" and 76°55’4o" East longitude in the outer hills of the
Himalayas. It is bounded on the North by ‘Mandi’ and districts, on the West by
‘Hamirpur’ and ‘Una districts’, on its
South lies ‘Nalagarh’ area of Solan district. It is encircled on the East and South
East by iSbAwi'and ‘Mandi’districts. It lies on both the banks of river Satluj which
forms the boundary between Mandi and Bilaspur districts upto the centre of the
Eastern boundary. The maximum length of the district from East to West is about
51 Km and maximum width from North to South is about 43 Km. Bilaspur stands
divided into two natural parts formed by the Satluj river.
The river flows from East to West with a large bend midway and divides the district
into two approximately equal parts. Each of the two tracts so formed stands
naturally further subdivided into side valley of stream, sub-valleys of stream-lets all
enclosed by hills of varying altitudes. On its extreme West is ‘Dhar Kathar’t\\v,\
further to the East is the ‘Naina Devi range”. The district is mostly hilly but has no
mountains of higher altitude from the mean sea level. The elevation of the lowest
point is about 290 meters and that of the highest is about 1,980 meters.
There are seven main ranges of hills . These are- Naina Devi, Kot, Jhanjiar, Tiun,
Bandla, Bahadurpur and Ratanpur. These have been so prominent that the
erstwhile princely state at times used to be called ‘Sat-dhar-Kahlur’, meaning
Kahlur of the seven hills.
Naina Devi Hills: 30 Km in length. On this hill lies a celebrated temple dedicated to
Naina Devi’ at an elevation of about 1,100 meters above mean sea level. Pargana
of ‘Kot Kahlur’ emh ‘Fatehpur' lie on this range. Some of the important forts such as
the ‘Kot Kahlur fort’ and ‘Fatehpur fort’ (where seven small forts have been
constructed) are located on this range.
Kot Hill: 30 Km in length. Parganas ‘Baseti and ‘Bachhretu’are within the fold of this
hill. The well known forts of Bachhretu, Basiah, Naun or Shiwala Bachhretu Kot and
Dagoga Malhot are located on this hill. The highest peak, *#aArer',has an altitude
of 1,430 meters.

Jhanjiar Hill: The Seer Khad divides this range into two parts; Southern partbnown
asfBadolpand Northern as(Jhaiyar?)The Jhanjiar is the highest peak in this r'aiigtf
atjabout-1,100 meteTsratTOve mean sea level. There are famous temples of ‘Devi
Badoli’ and ‘Guga Gherwin’ located in the Southern range. — --
Tiun Hill: 10 Km in length. The highest point is the Sariun peak’ at about 1,350
meters from the mean sea level. The forts of Sariun, Naurangarh, temple of ‘Peer
Bhiyanu’, Haramba Devi’, ‘Tiun fort’ and ISYd'A Gurunath’are located on this hill.
Bandla Hill: 17 Km in length. Its highest peak has an altitude of 1,375 meters from
the mean sea level.
Bahadurpur Hill: The ‘AliKhadAwiAes this hill into two parts, Northern known as
Tatoh and Southern as Bahadurpur. Bahadurpur fort located at an elevation of
about 1,980 meters above mean sea level was the summer abode of Raja Bijai
Chand.
Ratanapur Hill: 11 Km in length. The Ratanapur fort lies on it at an elevation of
about 1,230 meters. It was from this fort that*General Ochterlony inflicted defeat
on Amar Singh Thapa, the Gurkha leader. "
There are three famous valleys in the Bilaspur district:
The Satluj Valley: The Satluj flows for about 90 km within the district, starting from
‘Kasol’ hamlet, where the river enters the boundary of the district and running upto
village ‘Naila ’, where it leaves the district. The Satluj valley is famous for variety of
fauna and flora. The villages located in and around the Satluj valley are utilizing the
water of river Satluj for agriculture, vegetable production and horticulture. There
are a number of streams flowing through this valley.
The Chaunto Valley: Stretching nearly 13 km near Bhakhra dam, is flat and has
very fertile soil. The Chaunto valley, having proximity to Punjab and lower Shivalik
hills having same type of climate and economic viability from agriculture and allied
activities point of view. The formation of Govind Sagar Lake, due to the
construction of Bhakhra Dam has added a new dimension to the economy of the
district.
The Danwin Valley: It is located between Bahadurpur and the Bandla hills and is
about 10 km in length and 5 km in width. It is famous for its produce of maize, rice,
sugarcane, ginger and wheat crops.
River System
Bilaspur district’s main river is the Satluj. After flowing through Kinnaur, Shimla-
and Mandi districts, it enters Bilaspur at village Kasol and leaves the district at
Village Naila, in Pargana Kot Kahlur. It was the river over which
the treaty between the English and Maharaja Ranjit Singh of the Sikhs Kingdom
was signed in 1809. Several foreign travellers, William Moorcraft (1820 A.D.),
Baron Charles Hugel, a German (1835 A.D.) and G.T. Vigne (1838-39) have left
very interesting accounts of the river Satluj.
Ali Stream: It rises near village ‘Mangu Giyana’in Tehsil Arki of Solan district and
enters Bilaspur at village ‘Kothi Harrar’ and ‘Manothi’. It joins Satluj at a point
known as Beri Ghat’.
Ghambar Khad: It is a tributary of the Satluj. It rises below Tara Devi in the Shimla
Hills, enters Bilaspur at Village ‘Neri’oi Pargana Ratanpur and finally outflows into
Satluj at village ‘Dagran’.
Seer Khad: It is the largest tributary of the Satluj, which rises in Mandi district. Two
small Khads known as Sukar and Saryali rising in Hamirpur district join this Khad at
village Balgar’. It enters Bilaspur district at village Hatwar and joins the Satluj at
village ‘Seri’, after for about 65 km in the district’s territory. In 1968, a pukka
bridge was constructed near Ghumarwin on this Khad.
There are no natural lakes, nevertheless the district enjoys the honour of having
the ‘largest man made lake’ Govind Sagar, as a result of Bhakhra dam. It is said
that 256 villages of the district were submerged into Govind Sagar, uprooting ten
thousand people. Bilaspur district has some well known tanks. A tank in local
parlance is called toba. Some of them are;
(a) Tank Riwalsar: This small tank exists iifvillage ‘Panot’.
(b) Jagat Khana Tank: Its area is^ahojjX^on square meters. This tank is said to
have beemconstructed by/Raj a Hira Chand 1X1874 A.D. when the state was hit by
a famine.
(c) Tank at Swarghatqlt has an area of 350 square meters. It was also
constructed by Raja Hira Chand in A.D. 1874.
(d) Tank of Naina Devi: It has an area of about 1,200 square meters.
(e) Tank of Jamthal: It has an area of 1,000 square meters, situated 25 km
North of Bilaspur.
(f) Tank of Kasol: Area occupied around 200 square meters.
(g) Tank at Toba Sanghwana (Toba Kaolanwala): It has an area of
about--l^,6oo square meters. This water tank was constructed byrRaja Bije Chand.
K

" The tanks or toba or talab were constructed in the olden days to store water for
animals, washing cloths, construction of houses and many such requirements for
which water was necessary; These tanks were also helping in maintaining the water
level in the surrounding areas.
Himachal Pradesh is famous for springs, known for their medicinal properties.
Bilaspur district has also got two famous springs, namely Luhnd Spring at Dadrana
close to Swarghat and another at village Bassi. The water of Bassi Spring is
considered very sacred.
'Theclimate of this district is generally temperate compared to the near plains of
Punjab. The average annual rainfall at Bilaspur is 1373.1 mm. The annual average
maximum temperature is 44°C and minimum is 15°C. The places such as Bilaspur
and Ghumarwin has extreme temperature in summer and winter.
HISTORY
■-
Why name Kehlur ? There is a saying that when Bir Chand the founder of the state
founcf an idol of Goddess Durga beneath a stone slab, at the same place one day a
Guijar named Kehhisaw that one of his' goat was standing on the same slab,
attacked by a leopard thrice but every time goat repulsed the attack with her sharp
horns and the leopard finally ran away. When this incident was narrated to Bir
Chand, he immediately understood the secret of this miraculous slab and built a
fort there, named it Kot Kehlur after the name of Kehlu Guijar. Raja also began to
reside there. Since then Kehlur is associated with Bilaspur. The idol found from this
place was honored by consecratiiigjfor it the Naina Devi temple.
The area which is known as district Bilaspur was never in the past brought within
the fold of archaeological survey. The monuments provide only a slender source of
history of this district. It is evident from the “Twarikh-i-Rajputana Mulk- i-Punjab"
by Thakur Kahn Singh Balaurea ancf~BTnod (gives detailed chronological record for
each reign from 697 A.D. down to present day) that prior to the foundation of the
state, the territory was under the rule of petty Ranas and Thakurs. Might and
superior force was probably the sole criterion of succession as was elsewhere in the
hills.
Raja Bir Chand (A.D. 900): The founder of Bilaspur state was Raja Bir Chand,
..a-c^det of the Chandel Rajput family, then ruling in ‘Chanderi Bundelkhand’?The
Raja of Chanderi, Harihar Chand had five sons, named Govind Chand, Bir Chand,
Gambir Chand, Kabir Chand and Sabir Chand. Gambir Chand founded ‘Chanehni
state’ and Kabir Chand, a state in Kumaun. The eldest of all brothers, Govind Chand
took possession of his ancestral kingdom. Bir Chand, who happened to be on a
travelling trip founded the state Bilaspur. Bir Chand waged many wars during his
reign of thirty three years and conquered not fewer than fifteen neighbouring
states. He built a templg’of Goddess Naina Devipn one of the seven Dhars, now
called Dhar NamaTDevi and below it founded his capital. He humbled the chiefs of
Baghal, Kunihar/Beja, Dhami, Keonthal, Kuthar, Jubbal, Baghat, Bhajji, Mahlog,
Mangal and Balson. Bir Chand, founder of the state, was followed in succession by
Udhran Chand, Jaskaran Chand, Madanbrahm Chand and Ahi Chand. But all these
rulers were of little importance.
Raja Kahal Chand: He was-the^ sixth descendant of the ruling family and is said
to have built the fort ‘Kot KahlurAbut according to another account, it was built by
Raja Bir Chand. —
Raja Ajit Chand: Kahal Chand had four sons, named Ajit Chand, Ajai Chand, Tegh
Chand and Suchet Chand. After the-death of their father, they attacked and
captured the neighbouring states. Ajit Chand founded the ruling dynasty of Hindur,
which later came to be known as Nalagarh. According to one account, the ruling
family of Nalagarh descended from Suchet Chand, who was installed as the Raja of
Hindur by Ajit Chand. After Ajit Chand, this royal dynasty was continued by Gokal
Chand, Udai Chand, Gen Chand (or Gyan Chand) and Prithvi Chand.
Raja Sangar Chand (1197-1220 A.D.) From seven of his sons descended seven
different Rajput families namely Darol, Jhandwal, Sangwal, Ghal, Nanglu, Meghari
and Dohkli.
Raja Megh Chand: Megh Chand the eldest son of Sangar Chand succeeded to the
gaddi. But being harsh and tyrannical, he was forced by people.to leave the state
andtook asylum in ‘Kullu’. Ultimately with the help of Delhi’s Sultan, Shamsu- 'ud-
diu(Altutmasl?(i2ii-i236). he regained the lost kingdom. Megh Chand was followed
in succession by Raja Dev Chand and Alim Chand.
Raja Abhisand Chand: He ruled the state during the period of Sikandar Lodhi. He
fought long and victorious battle against/Tatar Khan Amir. But Raja Abhisand
Chand and his youngest son, Sunder Chand were treacherously lulled by the son of
Tatar Khan.
Raja Sampuran Chand (1380 A.D.) His rule continued for a short- while, basically
occupied by ill-feeling with younger brother, Ratan Chand. Sampuran Chand was
killed by Ratan Chand. This was a rare case among Hindu ruler when a younger
brother killed his elder brother for the throne.
Raja Ratan Chand (1400 A.D.) Ratan Chand had a long reign, marked by cordial
relations with the court at Delhi.
Raja Narinder Chand: Ratan Chand had two sons, Narinder and Mian Mithu.
Narinder Chand succeeded his father Ratan Chand. Subsequent successors were
‘Fateh Chand’, ‘Pahar Chand’, ‘Ram Chand’ and ‘Uttam Chand’. Nothing much is
available about these rulers, who basically reigned unnoticed.
Raja Gyan Chand or Ayam Chand (1570 A.D.): Gyan Chand was a contemporary of
the Mughal emperor, Akbar (1556-1586 A.D.) His overbearing attitude towards the
smaller states aroused their antipathy against him. Raja Gyan Chand under the
influence of the Viceroy of Sirhind-embraced Islam. Gyan Chand’s tomb is still
shown at Kiratpur in Punjab. He had’three sons-'Bik Chand’, ‘Rama’ and ‘Bhima
Chand’ - the two younger sons also embraced Islam with large number of people.
Bik Chand, however, remained under the Hindu faith and fled across the Satluj to a
place called ^Sunham’^aya Trilok Chand of Kangra (1600-1612 A.D.) gave his
daughter to Bili’Chahd,'but this remained the most unsuccessful union. Later on Bik
Chand succeeded Gyan Chand, who died after a long reign. The Muslim inhabitants
of Bilaspur today are largely the descendants of converts who were
Raja Bik Chand (1600 A.D.): Bik Chand went to Kot Kahlur, leaving behind two
Ranis, one of these from Kangra and other from Bhagal at Sunhani. A son was born
to each of the Ranis. The Kangra Rani gave birth to Sultan Chand and the Bhagal
Rani to Kesba Chand. Raja Bik Chand abdicated the throne during his life in favour
of Sultan Chand. Sultan Chand ascended the throne in 1620 A.D. He left a son,
named Kalian Chand, who succeeded his father.

Raja Kalian Chand (1630 A.D.): Kalian Chand was a contemporary

of Raja Shyam Sen of Suket (A.D. 1620-53), whose daughter was his Chief Ram.
He built a fort on the borders pf Hindur, which caused hostile feelings and
ultimately led to a war between the two states. The Raja of Hindur was killed and
his Rani with an infant son came under the protection of Raja Kalian Chand. Later
on, Suketi Raja and Kalian Chand were mortally wounded and died at a place still
called ‘Kalian Chand di-dwari’ (cave of Kalian Chand) while returning to Bilaspur.
The Suketi Rani became Sati.
Raja Tara Chand (1645 A.D.): Kalian Chand had eight sons. He was succeeded by
his eldest son Tara Chand, who was weak and timid. 'Taragarh fort’ in Hindur, now
demolished, was built by him.
Raja Dip^hiand £1650-1656 A.D.): Dip Chand regained the lost prestige of the
state. He shifted the residence of ruling family from Sunhanj to a place on the left
bank of the Satluj, traditionally called ‘Yyasgufa,’. The new palace
erectedby^him'was called ‘Dholra’, overlooking the river, he founded a town and
called it Biaspur, now Bilaspur. Dip Chand fixed the salute ‘Jai Deva’ to Raja, ‘Jai’ to
Mians and ‘Ram-Ram’ for the Ranas. About 1656, the Sikhs who then came into
power, in the Punjab, invaded Bilaspur; and reduced it to submission. Raja Dip
Chand was poisoned, during his stay at Nadaun in district Hamirpur by the Raja of
Kangra. The raja of Kangra at that time was Chander Bhan Chand.
Raja Bhim Chand (1667 A.D.): Bhim Chand was a minor at the time of his father’s
death. Manak Chand brother of Dip Chand was appointed as the Wazir, but he
proved tyrannical and so was dismissed by (Jalal DevY the queen mother. Manak
Chand, with the help of the Raja of Kangraf attackcd Bilaspur but was repulsed by
the combined forces of Sidh sen of Mandi and Bhim Chand at ‘Jaboth ’ near
Bhambla. They burnt the towers of Jai Singapur and Bilaspur, now in Palampur
tehsil. In 1682, Guru Govind Singh was in Bilaspur state and trouble arose between
him and Bhim Chand, in which the latter was defeated. In 1685, Bhim Chand
leagued with the Rajas of Guler, Kangra and other states, and again attacked the
Sikhs but faced heavy defeat again. Dispute again arose in 1700 A.D. and Raja
Bhim Chand and Alam Chand of Kangra attacked the Sikhs only to be completely
routed. The closing years of his life he spent as a Faqir after abdicating in favour of
his son. He died about 1712 A.D. and was succeeded by his son, Ajmer Chand.
Raja Ajmer Chand (1712-41 A.D.): He had a peaceful reign of long duration. He
married in Gharwal, Sirmaur and the Shakuraian and had seven sons. He built a
fort called ‘Ajmergarh’ on the border of Hindur. He died in 1741 and was succeeded
by his eldest son Devi Chand.
Raja Devi Chand (1741-78 A.D.): Soon after his succession, a revolt took place in
the adjoining state of Hindur and Raja Man Chand and his son, both were killed.
Devi Chand installed Gaje Singh Hindurea, a member of Hindur’s ruling family as
Raja. At a later date Abhai Chand of Jaswan invaded Kangra and Devi Chand went
to help Raja Ghamand Chand. Later on, Abhai Chand of Jaswan was expelled by his
brother Jagrup Chand and Devi Chand restored him his state. Devi Chand also
recovered the state territory that had been annexed by the Mughals. Adina Begh
Khan was the Nawab>o£Jalandhara at that time. Devi Chand was also a
contemporary’ of NadirShah. Devi Chand built theforFoT'Bhamaikot' and gave the
Ramgarh fort'to Bejai Chand of Hindur. He married to a katoch princess and late in
life had a son, named Mahan Chand, born in vyyz. He was six years old at Devi
Chand’s death.
Raja Mahan Chand (1778-1824 A.D.): Mahan Chand being a minor, the
administration remained in the hands of Ramu of the ‘ Darol family and other
officers, in association with the Rani. Ramu Wazir died in 1785 and the Rani called
in ‘Bairagi Ram’, formerly Wazir of Mandi to perform the duties of a Wazir. But this
trial failed and later on ‘Zorawar Chand, younger brother of Raja Devi Chand was
appointed Wazir and held office till Mahan Chand came of age. Raja Sansar Chand
of Kangra, in 1795 invaded the territory on the right bank of the Satluj and
occupied Chauki Hatwar. Mahan Chand used to spend his time in sexual pleasures
and low company. Raja Dharam Parkash of Sirmaur, who came to help Kahlur on
the request of the Rani, got killed. Sansar Chand built a fort on Dhar Janjrar in
Bilaspur territory and called it 'Chhatipur’ i.e. a fort on the chest of Bilaspur. Mahan
Chand at last became alarmed and sent for the Sikh Sardars, Gurdit Singh and
Desa Singh residing at Anandpur, for help. They came, but again defeat followed
and the Sardars were killed. In 1808, Maharaja Ranjit Singh annexed Hathawat,
Jahanbhari and Dharkot.
In the later part of the eighteenth century, the Gurkhas of Nepal emerged as a
great force. Their headquarters was at ‘Garhwal. In his great anxiety, Mahan Chand
turned to them for help, by sending an invitation to Amar Singh Thapa, the Gurkha
Commander, to invade Kangra. In this, he was supported by other Chiefs of Kangra
state against Sansar CEand. Towards the end of 1805P Sansar Chand’s forces were
defeatedat Mahal Moriana place nine kilometers from Ladraur, in district Hamirpur.
The Kangra forces were retreated and Sansar Chand moved to the Kangra fort. The
Gurkhas laid siege to Kangra fort. In 1809, Kangra fort was liberated.by Ranjit
Singh who compelled the Gurkhas to retire across Satluj. The Gurkhas continued to
occupy Bilaspur and other hill states till 1814 J jahanbhari ^annexed by the Sikhs
in 1808, was not restored to Bilaspur aficTis now'ih Hoshiarpur district of Punjab
state. Mahan Chand‘s only son Kharak Chand was born in 1813, In 1819, Desa
Singh Majithia, the Nizam of Kangra hills, assisted by Sansar Chand, captured the
forts of Pichrota; ‘Nihalgarh’and ‘Biholi Devi. Mahan Chand died in 1824 A.D. A
Raje Kharak Chand (1824-1839 A.D.): As predicted by astrologer at the time of
his birth that he had been born under unlucky stars and would be a cause of great
calamity to the state, proved true. Kharak Chand’s reign
marks the-darkest page in the .history ofBjlaspur. When his atrocities became
unbearable, thepeople went tp Mian Jagat Chand, >the Raja’s uncle and begged
him to help them. A revolt was ledagainst the Raja by his two uncles, one of them
was Jagat Chand, and fighting continued for some time. Shortly afterwards, the
Raja contracted smallpox and died.
Raja Jagat Chand (1839-1857 A.D): Raja Kharak Chand died childless. Since Jagat
Chand had taken leading part in the struggle against oppressive rule, he was duly
installed as Raja in April 1839. One of the two Ranis of Kharak Chand was pregnant
and gave birth to a son at her parental house in Sirmaur. The Ranis, then returned
to Bilaspur with an army, furnished by the Raja of Sirmaur, and a force from Suket
to claim the gaddi. Raja Jagat Chand fled to Hindur to save his life. On receiving
information, the political agent of Ambala restored Jagat Chand again to power.
Raja Ram Saran of Hindur also helped Jagat Chand. In 1847, Jagat Chand got back
the territory annexed by Sikhs in 1809 on the right bank of the Satluj. Raja jagat
Chand had only one son, named 'Narpat Chand'who died in 1844, leaving a son
named ’Hira Chand’, nine years of age. In 1850, Jagat Chand abdicated the throne
in favour of his grandson and retired to ‘Brindaban’. He died in 1857 A.D.
Raja Hira Chand (1857-1882 A.D): Hira Chand extended valuable support to the.
British during 1857 revolt^m acknowledgmenTrrf'ivhitdra- sa/zrte of eleven guns
was granted as a honour to the state. In the same year, his son Amar Chand was
born. His period is remembered by the people as ihv golden a^e/Till 1863, the land
revenue was paid in kind, the state taking one-thira of the product. Hira Chand
reorganized the system and made revenue demand payable partly in Cash and
partly in kind jn certain selected portions of the territoiy. In 1867, a long strip of
land called ’Based’ ‘Bachhretujwas restored (o the state. The Doab region ceded by
Sikhs in lS/jA was also restored to the state. Mian Bhangi PurgniaAvas his Wazir. In
1882, Hira Chand accompanied by his son ‘Tikka Amar Chand paid a visit to Shimla.
Raja develop serious illness there. Tikka Amar Chand arranged a ‘Palki’ (palanquin)
to remove him to his state, but on the way he died at ‘Mahol;
Raja Amar Chand (1883-1888 A.D): Amar Chand son of Hira Chand was installed
by Deputy Commissioner of Shimla in January 1883. His short reign was marked
with revolt against revenue administration. In 1885, the record of cases was
ordered to be kept in ‘Nagari’ (Hindi). During his rule, he opened schools, hospitals
and got constructed a suspension bridge over Satluj. Raja Amar Chand died in
1888.
Raja Bijai Chand: He was born in 1872. Bijai Chand was forty-third ruler of the line.
Having been installed in 1889, he effected many reforms in the state
administration. The system of Court fee and non judicial stamps were introduced
for the first time. He was invested with full powers in 1893 A.D. He also had a
water s'upplyZsystem laid in Bilaspur town. He built two houses for his residence in
‘Varanasi’ in 1896-1902 and a summer house at ,‘Bahadurpur’ and at a place called
‘itandwaipnear Bilaspur and also the famous ‘Rang Mahal’ palace at Bilaspur.'
In 1901, Chandel Rajputs revolted against him. His officers also did not cooperate
with him. Lala Hari Chand, a retired tehsildar, was appointed Wazir in 1902. The
Raja became so depressed and dispirited that he indicated his wish to divest
himself of his administrative duties. After sometime, the Raja made over the
administration and departed for Varanasi. In 1903 Rai Sahib Mian Amar Singh, a
tehsildar of Jalandhara division was appointed Manager of the State, and carried
out many reforms in an efficient manner. Bijai Chand returned to the state in 1908
and resumed control of the state with Rai Sahib Amar Singh as Wazir. In the first
World War 1914- 18, he extended all possible help to the British. In
acknowledgments of his services, he was decorated with the title .of K.C.I.E.,
(Knight Companion in the most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire) as also the
honorary rank of a major. He died at Varanasi in 1931 at the age of 59 years.
- Raja Anand Chand (1928-1948 A.D): Anand Chand born on 26th
January 1913. K.C.I.E Raja of Bilaspur from 1927 to 1938, succeeded to the throne
after the abdication by his father on 18 February 1927. He abolished child mar-
riage, begar and introduced prohibition in Bilaspur by Act-in 1942, he constructed
new roads linking the capital with Suket and Mandi as well as new schools and
health centres; he also built the jShri Gopalji Temple and the new Palace (now
submerged). He was educated at -Mayo College, Ajmer.Th 1931, he passed post
diploma course examination with distinction. He then received training in revenue
settlement and administration of civil and criminal laws at Gurgaon in British Punjab
now located in Haryana. The second World War continued from 1939 to 45 A.D In
1942, the Congress party started ‘Quit India’ movement, which brought
independence to the country in 1947. Bilaspur, one of the Indian states, acceded to
the Indian dominion and signed the instrument of accession. Anand Chand ruled
upto 9 October 1948 when Bilaspur was made a part ‘C’ state vide agreement dated
15th August 1948. On
(h) October 1948, Anand Chand was appointed by the Government of India as
the first Chief Commissioner bf the newly formed part ‘C’ state and continued upto
1 April-1949. On 2 April 1949, he handed over the charge of the Chief
Commissionership tonSri Chand Chhabrh/^ri Chand Chhabra continued to hold
charge upto 3 November 1953, “when Major General Himmat Singh, the Lieutenant
Governor of Himachal Pradesh, took over additional charge of Chief
Commissionership of Bilaspur also. On 1 July 1954, Bilaspur was merged into
Himachal Pradesh to form a district. He was member of Constituent Assembly from
1947-48; Chief Commissioner of Bilaspur 1948 to 1950; member of Lok Sabha from
1952-57, member Rajya Sabha from 1964 to 1970, member of H.P legislative
Assembly from 1977-1982. He married firstly on 18th May 1931 to Rani Umavati
Kumari (born in 1916 and died on 12/
(i) March 1961) a princess from Jubbal State, married secondly in 1969 to Rani
Sudarshan Kumari (born in 1940) princess of Bhojpur, in Madhya Pradesh. He also
wrote a book entitled, Bilaspur Past, Present and Future”. He died on 12 October
1983 in London. He had six children .
-Raj Kumari Ambika born in 1933, died unmarried in 1981.
-Tikka Rajendra Chand, born on 2nd September 1935, died unmarried on 12 March
1970.
-Raj Kumari Raj Rajeshwari born on 7th November 1938 died unmarried on 11
November 2004.
-Raja Kirti Chand born in 1941.
-Raj Kumar Dr. Gopal Chand, born in 1969 educated from London M.A Ph.D., and -
Raj Kumari Dr. Sunanda Chand (MBBS) born in 1973.
Raja Kirti Chand: Born in 1941 and educated at Chandigarh. He succeeded to the
royal inheritance after the death of Raja Anand Chand in 1983. On 24th November
2004, Kanwar Kirti Chand son of last Raja of Bilaspur Anand Chand was appointed
as heir apparent by the Kul purohit (family priest), after the death of his

elder sister. He was presented with family turban (pagari) and sword and was de-
clared the custodian of family property and dignity. He married to Kumari Karuna
Kumari daughter of Kanwar Hemender Singh of Mohal Suket and has a son and a
daughter. He died on 8th October 2013 at Chandigarh.
Raja Shubhendra Chand: Born in 1987 and succeeded his father on 8th October
2013 and owns the Palace Bilaspur.
GENEOLOGY OF KAHLUR The available Geneology of Kahlur state is as follows:
(1) Bir Chand (2) Udharan Chand (3) Jaskaran Chand
(4) Madanbrahm Chand (5) Ahal Chand (6) Kahal Chand
(7) Sansar Chand (8) Main Chand (9) Sain Chand
(10) Sulakshan Chand (11) Kahan Chand (12) Ajit Chand
(13) Gokal Chand (14) Udai Chand (15) Gain Chand
(16) Prithvi Chand (17) Shringar Chand(Sangar Chand)
(18) Megh Chand (i9)Dev Chand (20) Alam Chand
(21) Abhay Sar Chand (22) Sampuran Chand (23) Rattan Chand
(24) Narendra Chand (25) Fateh Chand (26) Pahar Chand
(27) Ram Chand (28) Uttam Chand (29) Gian Chand
(30) Vikram Chand (31) Sultan Chand (32) Kalyan Chand
(33) Tara Chand (34) Deep Chand (35) Bhim Chand
(36) Ajmer Chand (37) Devi Chand (38) Mahan Chand
(39) Khark Chand (40) Jagat Chand (41) Hira Chand
(42) Amar Chand (43) Bijai Chand (44) Anand Chand
ECONOMY
Most of the soil of the Bilaspur district is somewhat sandy. The rock facies to be
met within Bilaspur fall into two broad stratigraphic Zones; these are:
(j) The outer or sub-Himalayan zone composed of sediments for the most part
of Tertiary age but including sub-recent deposits; and
(k) Central zone composed of granite and other crystalline rocks.
Most of the cultivated soil is of the kind known in the plains as ‘rausli'a light but
somewhat sandy soil. This is intermixed with patches of stiff clay, is the soil which
hardens with drying- up of the moisture and can be ploughed with difficulty. The
land is usually cultivated by means of plough and seed is usually broadcast with
hand and is known as chhats. The important crops grown in the district are Maize,
Wheat, Paddy, Ginger, Sugarcane, Barley, Gram and Oils seeds. The horticultural
development has significantly supplemented the low income of the people in this
state. In district Bilaspur, serious efforts have been made to provide better facilities
to the people. Five progeny-cum-demonstration orchard at Nihal, Baroha, Nihari,
Saloa and Khothipura and two nurseries at Kot kahlur and Guru- ka-Lahaur have
been established in the district. The fruits grown in the district are mango,
pomegranate, guava, fig, banana, litchi, citrus, pear, plum, Peach and papaya.
The district has a network of rivers and streams, which is one of the most essential
aspects of fishery development. The river Satluj and other streams that flow
through this district, have vast potentialities for the development and exploitation
of its riverine fisheries. Important fishing ground along the Satluj exists at Dehar,
Auhar, Berighat, Sersimatta and Gah, and on Seerkhad at Bam, Matial, Dabhia
Ghumarwin, Sunhani, Baghla and Balghar. The Govind Sagar lake, spread over an
area of 169 square kilometres, has opened new vistas for the development of
commercial fishery in the region. There is a fish hatchery set up at Deoli on the
bank of Ali Khad in Bilaspur district during the year 1961-62. It is the largest fish
breeding farm in Asia.
The district in the past had very little to contribute in the industrial sector.
Nevertheless, at present some industries have provided impetus to industrial
growth. Some of these are: leather-work , cotton spinning and handloom weaving,
basketry, pottery, gold and silver smithy, blacksmithy, stone products, mat making,
katha making, sericulture, resin and turpentine factory, furniture manufacture,
shoe, model-making, paddy-husking machines, oil crushing machines timber-
sawing machines, cotton-carding machines, corn-grinding machines, assembling of
sewing machines, bookbinding machines, scissors and razor making etc. The
presence of limestone in huge quantity has attracted the scheme for cement plants
construction. Barmana cement plant produces high quality cement.
In 1944, the first bank to be set up in the district was the ‘Bank of Bilaspur’ After
the merger of Bilaspur into Himachal pradesh, a branch of H.P. Sate Cooperative
Bank was established in Bilaspur and is functioning since 12th April 1956. Now there
are a large number of bank branches in the district, of National and Cooperative
Banks.
Bilaspur district has the distinction of having the important bridges providing all
weather road links. These are:
(l) Kandror Bridge - it is across the river satluj. Its construction was started in
1959 and was completed in 1964. The span of the bridge is about 255 metres with
a breadth of about seven metres and the height above the lowest river bed below is
about 60 metres, making it one of the highest bridges in world. It is ranked first
- in Asia for its height.
(m) Slapper Bridge - The construction of this bridge was started in February i960
and was completed by the end of the January 1964. The total length of this double-
lane bridge is about 139 metres with a breadth of about 6.7 metres.
(n) Seer khad Arch Bridge - it was constructed by the Himachal Pradesh P.W.D.
during 1957-1962. This bridge has a span of about 39.6 metres with a breadth of
6.7 metres.
(o) Ali khad (Ghagas). R.C.C. Bridge - It was also constructed by the Himachal
Pradesh P.W.D. on NH-21. It has a span of about 30.5 metres and a breadth of 6.7
metres. Due to heavy traffic rush this bridge started crumbling in 2009 and a new
bridge was constructed in the year 2009 - 2011.
(p) Gamrola Bridge- It is 105 metres long with a width of 6.7 metres. It was
constructed by Himachal Pradesh P.W.D. on NH-21.
(q) R.C.C pre-stressed Bridge on Jamthal Hullah - This bridge has a span of
about 40 metres and breath of 6.7 metres on NH-21 and was completed in 1963.
Steel Tussel Bridge across Majhasu Nullah- Its construction started in 1963 and
was completed in 1970. It is 33.5 metres long.
(viii) R.C.C. Bridge over Ghamber River- It is located on NH-21.
(ix) R.C.C. T-beam Bridge over Bai Khad- It was constructed on the Ali Khad
over the Bai stream during the years 1967 to 1969.
Fair and Festivals: Naina Devi fair, Markanda fair, Gugga fair at Gehrwin,
Chakrana fair, Bharnet fair, Hari Devi fair, Baishakhi fair at Hatwar tehsil
Ghumarwin, Bada Devi fair, Jhal fair, Morsinghi fair, Pir Piyanoo fair, Gugga
Naumi fair at Nagroan and Nalwari fair Bilaspur. Lohri, Baishakhi, Rakhrunia,
Dushehra, Diwali etc. are celebrated all over the district. Nalwari fair
conceived by W. Goldstein in A.D.1889, has been declared as state fair now.
Temples: Shri Gopal temple (Bilaspur), Gopal Krishan temple at Dhawan
Kothi, Murli Manohar temple (Bilaspur), Narsingh temple (Dhaulra), Shiv
temple at Saloa, Naina devi temple at Nainadevi, Lakhdata (Pir Payanoo),
Gugga temple at Bhatehr Uparil, Markanday temple at Makri,
Khanmukheswar temple etc.
Naina devi temple: Now you can perform prayers and give offerings in the
Naina Devi shrine with just a click of a mouse. The hilltop temple has
launched its website. “Devotees from across the globe will now have access
to the daily activities and perform online puja.The devotees could even make
online offerings. “For this, temple trust” has tied up with the HDFC bank, .
People can also participate in the daily h/fo’-both in the morning and
evening. “The temple website (www.srinainadevi.com) has a collection of
photographs and history of the temple. It also includes forthcoming religious
events and festivals. One can literally have a ‘parikrama’of the temple.”
Almost the entire district population constitutes of Hindus in the general
sense of the term. Among Plindus, Brahmins, Rajputs, Kanaits, Rathis,
Jhinwars are found. There is also scattered population of Muslims, Sikhs,
Christians and Buddhists. The people of district Bilaspur are as hard working
and culturally bound as of any other part of the state. Simplicity and honesty
is the hall mark of their identity. The dress and food habits resemble the
people of the adjoining districts.
Food Habits: The chief staple foods are maize and rice. Other cereals include
barley, gram besides pulses. On festive occasions, Potande, babaru,
ankaloo, bhalle and khichari form the special dishes. On Baishakhi festival,
potande constitutes the dainty dish. Every festive occasion necessitates its
own special dish, such as ankaloos (prepared with rice flour) on Diwali and
‘Khichari’ (rice boiled with pulses) on Lohri, falling a day ahead of the
‘Sakrant’ of ‘Magh.’
The vegetables consumed on mass scale are mustard leaves (Sarson ka
Saag), potato and kachalu in the winter, but vegetables are more
extensively consumed during rainy season, when these grow in abundance.
These are pumpkins, gourds, brinjals, lady fingers, raddish, ginger and
onion. Though non-vegetarians are in majority, yet due to shortage of meat
supply, it is taken rather rarely, i.e. twice or thrice a month. On festive
occasions, a goat is often killed to provide meat. Consumption of meat is
avoided by almost all sections on ‘Punya’ (full moon day) and on fast days.
Cows and buffaloes are kept almost by each household in the rural areas
according to the economic position of the owner and ghee (butter oil) is
prepared and consumed. Tea is taken fairly largely. Sharbat and Chhach
(butter milk) are also taken in the morning during summer. Among fruits,
mango, papaya, guava, peach orange and bananas are grown and eaten,
but in smaller quantity. Various food taboos exist in the district. A woman in
menses is not allowed to touch and much less to cook food until after four
days when she bathes and changes her clothes. She cannot enter the
kitchen nor can she touch earthen vessels during the period. But now such
taboos are observed in the traditional families only.

Since the last decade of the 20th century, the spread of education and
opening of economy has paved the way for new outlook and social behavior
of the people. The taboos which were in existence earlier as part of Sutak
and Patak have also been abandoned. Marriage which used to be a large and
big social ceremony has reduced largely to a family function. Traditional
social life speedily moving towards nuclear individual life.
District Bilaspur has the distinction of having Naval National Cadet Corps
unit, established in March 1963.