| Revision as of 06:58, 19 June 2017 edit182.75.203.18 (talk)No edit summary← Previous edit | Revision as of 16:07, 19 June 2017 edit undoEscape Orbit (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers74,234 edits Oh, dear. This is a mess. Revert back to earlier, clearer version.Next edit → | ||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| :''Not to be confused with ] or ].'' | :''Not to be confused with ] or ].'' | ||
| {{Refimprove|date=February 2012}} | {{Refimprove|date=February 2012}} | ||
| '''Pathania''' is a ] clan.{{cn|date=July 2013}} They mostly live in and around ], in ]. They established the kingdom of ] in Himachal Pradesh during the 11th century and ruled there until 1849.<ref>The Princely and Noble Families of the Former Indian Empire: Himachal Pradesh V. 1 by Mark Brentnall, Indus Publishing, p. 352</ref> | '''Pathania''' is a ] clan.{{cn|date=July 2013}} They mostly live in and around ], in ]. They established the kingdom of ] in Himachal Pradesh during the 11th century and ruled there until 1849.<ref>The Princely and Noble Families of the Former Indian Empire: Himachal Pradesh V. 1 by Mark Brentnall, Indus Publishing, p. 352</ref> | ||
| :''Not to be confused with ]'' | |||
| '''Pathania''' is the name of the branch of the ] ] of ], ], descended from Lord ], the hero of ].<ref>History of the Panjab Hill States | |||
| By J. Hutchison, J.P. Vogel,Asian Educational Services,p219</ref><ref name="India p29">Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan Or the Central and Western Rajput States of India,Col James Tod,Asian Educational Services,p29,p48,p80</ref> It is one of the ruling ] clans of India. They mostly live in and around ], in ]. The Pathania clan established the Kingdom of ] in ], in the 11th century and ruled it until 1849, This clan has to its credit two ] winners in the Indian Army, among other war and peace time gallantry awards. This clan has also served valiantly in the British armed forces of India.<ref>The Princely and Noble Families of the Former Indian Empire: Himachal Pradesh V. 1 | |||
| By Mark Brentnall,Indus Publishing,p352</ref> | |||
| ==Rana Jethpal: founder of the royal house of Pathania== | |||
| Pathania is the name of the branch of the Tomara Clan of Chandravanshi Rajputs, descended from Lord Arjuna & Lord Krishna, the hero of Mahabharata. It is one of the ruling Rajput clans of India. They mostly live in and around Himachal Pradesh, in North India. The Pathania clan established the Kingdom of Nurpur in Himachal Pradesh, in the 11th century and ruled it until 1849 A.D., This clan has to its credit three Maha Vir Chakra winners in the Indian Army, among other war and peace time gallantry awards. This clan has also served valiantly in the British armed forces of India Rana Jethpal: founder of the royal house of Pathania Until 1164 A.D a Tomara Dynasty reigned in the Rajput principality of Delhi. Anangpal II, the Tomara King claimed descent from the Pandavas, who founded Indraprastha, the ancient Delhi. He therefore presents the phenomenon of a King occupying a throne established by another ancestor, King Yudhishtra, 2250 years before him. The Kingdom of Delhi was founded by Anangpal Tomar, whose dynasty, by virtue of descenzfrom the Pandavas, claimed to be Lords Paramount of India | |||
| Until 1164 a ] Dynasty reigned in the Rajput principality of Delhi. Anangpal II, the ] King claimed descent from the ], who founded Indraprastha, the ancient Delhi. He therefore presents the phenomenon of a King occupying a throne established by another ancestor, King ], 2250 years before him.<ref name="India p29"/><ref>Advanced History of Ancient India | |||
| By Shiri Ram Bakshi</ref><ref>Annals of Rajasthan Annals of Mewar: The Annals of Mewar | |||
| By James Tod, Tod Payne C. H, C H Payne,Asian Educational Services,p39</ref> | |||
| {{cquote|''The Kingdom of Delhi was founded by Anangpal Tomar, whose dynasty, by virtue of descent from the Pandavas, claimed to be Lords Paramount of India''|30px|30px|From ''A Pageant of India'' by Adolf Simon Waley<ref>''A Pageant of India'' by Adolf Simon Waley, Houghton, 1927, p123</ref>}} | |||
| The great Vikramaditya of the year 56BC is claimed to be an ancestor of the Tomara Pathania Rajputs. | |||
| The great ] of the year 56BC is claimed to be an ancestor of the ] Pathania Rajputs.<ref>''Essays on Indian Antiquities'' by James Prinsep, Edward Thomas, Henry Thoby Prinsep, J.Murray 1858, p250</ref><ref>''Pre-Mussalman India'' by M. S. Nateson, Asian Educational Services 2000, p131</ref><ref>''The cyclopædia of India and of Eastern and Southern Asia'' by Edward Balfour, B. Quaritch 1885, p502</ref><ref>''Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan'' by James Tod, William Crooke, 1920, p912</ref> | |||
| The principal era to which the luni-solar system is exclusively adapted is that of Vikramaditya, called Samvat. The prince from whom it was named was of the Tuár dynasty, and is supposed to have reigned at Ujjain (Ujjáyini). | |||
| {{cquote|''The principal era to which the luni-solar system is exclusively adapted is that of Vikramaditya, called Samvat. The prince from whom it was named was of the Tuár dynasty, and is supposed to have reigned at Ujjain (Ujjáyini)<ref>''Essays on Indian Antiquities, Historic, Numismatic, and Palæographic, of the Late James Prinsep'' by James Prinsep, Edward Thomas, Henry Thoby Prinsep, Publ. J.Murray, 1858, p157</ref>''|30px|30px|}} | |||
| In the Hindu tradition in India and Nepal, the widely used ancient calendar is Vikrama Samvat or Vikrama's era. This is said to have been started by the legendary king following his victory over the Sakas in 56 BC. | |||
| In the Hindu tradition in ] and ], the widely used ancient calendar is ] or Vikrama's era. This is said to have been started by the legendary king following his victory over the ]s in 56 BC. | |||
| Rana Jethpal (1100? A.D.), the younger brother of King Anangpal II of Delhi, came to Jallandhar Doab also called Bist Doab to conquer a territory for himself. After crossing the Beas river he captured a fort called Bhet, and for this reason, he acquired the name Rana Bhet. After this he came upon the city of Pathankot (possibly ancient Pratisthana), and following the costumed tradition of Rajputs, in which the King almost in all instances took his name from the name of the country where he exercised his dominion, he came to be known as a Pathania Rajput, instead of a Tomara. | |||
| ] Jethpal (1100?), the younger brother of King Anangpal II of Delhi, came to Jallandhar ] also called ] to conquer a territory for himself.<ref>Wooden Temples of Himachal Pradesh | |||
| Brief History | |||
| By Mian Goverdhan Singh,Indus Publishing,p39</ref> After crossing the ] river he captured a fort called Bhet, and for this reason, he acquired the name Rana Bhet.<ref>History of the Panjab Hill States | |||
| By J. Hutchison, J.P. Vogel,Asian Educational Services,p220</ref> After this he came upon the city of ] (possibly ancient Pratisthana), and following the customed tradition of Rajputs, in which the King almost in all instances took his name from the name of the country where he exercised his dominion, he came to be known as a Pathania Rajput, instead of a ]. | |||
| ==Brief history== | |||
| The Kingdom of Nurpur had its capital at Pathankot, now in Gurdaspur district of Punjab, India. The kingdom included Pathankot and a large tract on the plains of the Punjab; also the whole of the present Nurpur Tahsil of Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, with the addition of Shahpurkandi, now in Gurdaspur , and also a small tract to the west of the Ravi, called Lakhanpur, now in Jammu & Kashmir State. The Kingdom was bounded on the north by Kangra and Chamba, on the south by the Punjab plains, and on the west by the Ravi river. The Capital was at pathankot, which was known as Paithan in the medieval times. All through their history the Pathania clan rebelled against the foreign invaders, both Muslims and the British. Although sometimes the Pathania Kings held the high office's of Generals known asMansabdar (Army Commander, reserved for Hindu and Muslim Princes of note) in the Mughal military and captured many a kingdom for the Mughal Emperor in Hindustan and beyond the Indus up till Uzbekistan, yet repeatedly they rebelled against the forces of the Mughal's and other foreign invaders. | |||
| The Kingdom of ] had its capital at ], now in ] district of ], ]. The kingdom included Pathankot and a large tract on the plains of the ]; also the whole of the present Nurpur Tahsil of ] of ], with the addition of Shahpurkandi, now in ] , and also a small tract to the west of the Ravi, called Lakhanpur, now in ] State. The Kingdom was bounded on the north by Kangra and ], on the south by the Punjab plains, and on the west by the Ravi river. The Capital was at pathankot, which was known as Paithan in the medieval times.<ref>History of the Panjab Hill States | |||
| By J. Hutchison, J.P. Vogel,Asian Educational Services,p213</ref> All through their history the Pathania clan rebelled against the foreign invaders, both Muslims and the British. Although sometimes the Pathania Kings held the high office's of Generals known as ] (Army Commander, reserved for Hindu and Muslim Princes of note) in the Mughal military and captured many a kingdom for the Mughal Emperor in Hindustan and beyond the ] up till ],<ref>The Princely and Noble Families of the Former Indian Empire: Himachal Pradesh V. 1 | |||
| By Mark Brentnall,Indus Publishing,p351</ref> yet repeatedly they rebelled against the forces of the Mughal's and other foreign invaders. | |||
| Books | |||
| There is a book "Twarikh Rajgan-E-Pathania-E-Nurpur, Zila Kangra" i.e. History of Pathania Rajas of Nurpur by Mian Rughnath Singh Pathania. The English version of this book was first published in 2004 by the Department of Language and Culture, Himachal Pradesh, Shimla 171 009 Himachal Pradesh, India. | |||
| The author has traced the origin of the Pathania dynasty of Nurpur to Lord Arjuna, the Hero of Mahabharata with the help of a calendar from King Yudhishthira to King Anang Pal II of Delhi. The book was originally written in mixed persianized Urdu and Devanagari, and the English version was prepared by Mr. AN Walia. | |||
| Written in 1904 A.D., the book documents eight hundred year's history of the Pathania Royal house of Nurpur from the year 1138 A.D. to 1885 A.D. The author Mian Rughnath Singh Pathania of Rey (Aghar), a small village in the vicinity of Indora in District Kangra of Himachal Pradesh, traces the origin of the Pathania Rajputs to the last of the Hindu Emperors of Hindustan, King Anangpal II of the Tomara (Tanwar, Tuar) dynasty of Delhi. | |||
| Late Pandit Jwala Prasad had been maintaining the family trees of the Pathania Clan. He lived in Haridwar. Currently his grandson, pandit Ganesh Sharma takes care of such requirements. Kangra Temple at Haridwar, which contains records for the last 10 generations is under a legal dispute and lies in sealed condition. | |||
| List of rulers | |||
| Raja Jai Pal, About 1095 AD establishes Pathania branch of the Delhi Tomar Kings. His brother Raja Bhu Pal lived in Paithan, modern day Pathankot. Raja Ghatr Pal | |||
| Raja Sukin Pal | |||
| Raja Jagrat Pal | |||
| Raja Ram Pal | |||
| Raja GoPal Pal | |||
| Raja Arjun Pal | |||
| Raja Varsha Pal | |||
| Raja Jatan Pal | |||
| Raja Vidurath Pal | |||
| Raja Jokan Pal, married a Tirharan Rani | |||
| Raja Kirat Pal, also called Rana Kirat | |||
| Raja Kahko Pal | |||
| Raja Jas Pal 1313/1353 | |||
| Raja Kailas Pal 1353/1397 | |||
| Raja Nag Pal 1397/1438 | |||
| Raja Prithvi Pal 1438/1473 | |||
| Raja Bhil Pal 1473/1513 | |||
| Raja Bakht Mal 1513/1558 Fought along Sikandar Sur(son of Shershah Suri against Emperor Akbar) | |||
| Raja Pahari Mal 1558/1580 | |||
| Raja Vasu Dev 1580/1613 Rebelled against Akbar time and again, Paithan taken away from him | |||
| Raja Suraj Mal 1613/1618 Rebelled against Jehangir | |||
| Raja Jagat Singh 1618/1646 Patronized by Jehangir, rebelled against Shah | |||
| Jehan but restored, accompanied Dara Shikoh to Kandahar. | |||
| Raja Rup Singh 1646/1661 Taragarh taken from him, granted 1500 mansab | |||
| Raja Mandhata Singh 1661/1700 | |||
| Raja Dayadhata 1700/1735 | |||
| Raja Fateh Singh 1735/1770 | |||
| Raja Prithvi Singh 1770/1805 | |||
| Raja Bir Singh 1805/1846, born 1785, last ruling Chief of Nurpur, married a daughter of Raja Jit Singh of Chamba, and had issue. He died in Battle in, 1846 AD. | |||
| Raja Jaswant Sngh 1846/1898 | |||
| Raja Gagan Singh 1898/1952, 6th Viceregal Darbari in Kangra District, an Honourary Magistrate in Kangra District, the Hereditary title of Raja was conferred 15 March 1909 by the Viceroy, married and had issue. He died 1952. | |||
| Raja Devendra Singh 1952 | |||
| Some Forts/Castles of the Clan | |||
| Nurpur (Dhameri) Fort | |||
| ==Some Forts/Castles of the Clan== | |||
| ===Nurpur (Dhameri) Fort=== | |||
| Built in the 11th century. It was one of the primary strongholds of the Clan. It was also the main seat of the royal family. | Built in the 11th century. It was one of the primary strongholds of the Clan. It was also the main seat of the royal family. | ||
| Shahpurkandi Fort | ===Shahpurkandi Fort=== | ||
| This 16th century fort nestles at the foot of the Himalayas and overlooks the river Ravi. It was constructed by a Rajput chief, Jaspal Singh Pathania around 1505, who made it his capital to have control over the Kangra and the Nurpur regions. It was the refuge of Ram Singh Pathania who rebelled against the British during 1848. He was caught while offering prayer to the goddess ] at a nearby place, Daula Dhar early in 1849.(Presently known as a Village of Dalla Near Dharkalan) | |||
| ===Kotla Fort=== | |||
| This 16th century fort nestles at the foot of the Himalayas and overlooks the river Ravi. It was constructed by a Rajput chief, Jaspal Singh Pathania around 1505 A.D., who made it his capital to have control over the Kangra and the Nurpur regions. It was the refuge of Ram Singh Pathania who rebelled against the British during 1848. He was caught while offering prayer to the goddess Durga at a nearby place, Daula Dhar early in 1849.(Presently known as a Village of Dalla Near Dharkalan) | |||
| It is situated in the interior of ]. The fort of Kotla lies almost half way to Gaggal in ] from ]. This fortress was originally built by the Guleria Rajputs. It was seized during the reign of Raja Suraj Mal Pathania, and a younger brother, Madho Singh, was made the Quiledar or the commander of the fort.<ref>Forts and Palaces of the Western Himalaya | |||
| By Aśoka Jeratha, Indus Publishing, p52</ref> For more information on Kotla, see ]. | |||
| ===Taragarh Fort=== | |||
| This fortress was captured by ] Pathania from Chamba state and was secretly fortified by him and his sons in preparation for his infamous rebellion against Mughals(1640–42). This fort was never seized or captured.<ref>Dogra Legends of Art & Culture | |||
| By Aśoka Jeratha, Ashok Jerath,Indus Publishing,p172,173</ref> However, Raja Jagat Singh Pathania was persuaded to stop the war against the ]. ] knew that Jagat Singh could not be browbeaten and he could use his help in times of war. Therefore he sent for a compromise on mutually agreed terms. | |||
| The '''folklore''' associated with the siege of fort goes that the Mughals forces cordoned the fort for such longtime that they planted mango plants which fruited before the end of siege (this place near taragarh fort today is called ''Amb ka Bagh'' literally meaning Mango orchard). Yet this long siege could not break the will of Raja jagat Singh and his men whose ration had diminished. According, to folklore the men of Raja Jagat Singh one day to fool cordoning forces used milk of female dog (who had given litter inside fort but fed in Mughal camp) to prepare a ''kheer'' (milk pudding) and threw it out side the fort. When the cordon commander of Mughal forces saw this he died of shock and the news reached the Mughal emperor who was forced to negotiate with Raja Jagat Singh Pathania. | |||
| It is situated in the interior of Kangra. The fort of Kotla lies almost half way to Gaggal in Himachal pradesh from Pathankot. This fortress was originally built by the Guleria Rajputs. It was seized during the reign of Raja Suraj Mal Pathania, and a younger brother, Madho Singh, was made the Quiledar or the commander of the fort. For more information on Kotla, see Kotla, Himachal Pradesh. | |||
| ===Mau or Maukot Fort=== | |||
| It was nearest to the plains, almost half way to Nurpur from Pathankot, situated on a low hill of Shiwalik range running east to the Chakki river. It was an enclosure surrounded by dense forests, a Castle of great strength. It was a legend in its times, a saying was in vogue: ''Mau Ki Muhim Yaro Maut Ki Nishani Hai'', 'The expedition to Mau, friends is a call to death'.<ref>History of the Panjab Hill States | |||
| By J. Hutchison, J.P. Vogel,Asian Educational Services,p237</ref><ref>Forts and Palaces of the Western Himalaya | |||
| By Aśoka Jeratha,Indus Publishing,p46</ref> | |||
| ===Isral Fort=== | |||
| This fortress was constructed by Raja Jagat Singh Pathania where he used to spend the spring season. This fort was never seized or captured. However, Raja Jagat Singh Pathania was persuaded to stop the war against the Mughals. Shahjahan knew that Jagat Singh could not be browbeaten and he could use his help in times of war. Therefore he sent for a compromise on some mutually agreed terms. | |||
| This fort was exactly half way to Taragarh from Nurpur fort. It was founded by Raja Nag Pal, in honour of victory of Sukh Pal his brother. Raja Nag Pal was crowned in this fort about 1397. It was an ideal fort commanding the splendid view of the surroundings. It was rich in buildings like palaces, Diwankhana and stable for the horses of the royal family. Now nothing is left. But the site is still known as Diwankhana by the local people. The site is lying in dense forests south of Sulyali village.<ref>Forts and Palaces of the Western Himalaya | |||
| By Aśoka Jeratha,Indus Publishing,p51</ref> | |||
| There were some other forts situated in the territory of the Pathania Kingdom, but they were either destroyed by the massive earthquake which struck this region in April 1905, or were completed destroyed by the Mughal armies.{{Citation needed|date=September 2008}} | |||
| Mau or Maukot Fort | |||
| ==The Rebellion Of Ram Singh Pathania== | |||
| It was nearest to the plains, almost half way to Nurpur from Pathankot, situated on a low hill of Shiwalik range running east to the Chakki river. It was an enclosure surrounded by dense forests, a Castle of great strength. It was a legend in its times, a saying was in vogue: Mau Ki Muhim Yaro Maut Ki Nishani Hai, 'The expedition to Mau, friends is a call to death'. | |||
| ] | |||
| Isral Fort | |||
| Keeping in tune with their valorous tradition, the last battle fought by the ] of the Kingdom of ] was in 1848 against the British by Ram Singh Pathania, for his King who was still a minor. | |||
| ===Ram Singh Pathania's Campaign (1845–1849)=== | |||
| This fort was exactly half way to Taragarh from Nurpur fort. It was founded by Raja Nag Pal, in honour of victory of Sukh Pal his brother. Raja Nag Pal was crowned in this fort about 1397 A.D. It was an ideal fort commanding the splendid view of the surroundings. It was rich in buildings like palaces, Diwankhana and stable for the horses of the royal family. Now nothing is left. But the site is still known as Diwankhana by the local people. The site is lying in dense forests south of Sulyali village. | |||
| In 1845 after death of Raja Bir Singh, ruler of Nurpur (then a hill state in present Himachal Pradesh), the natives wanted to name Prince Jaswant Singh Son of Bir Singh as their new King. Therefore, King's Minister Sham Singh (Father of Ram Singh Pathania) escorted Prince Jaswant from Chamba to a Camp at Kushinagar near Nurpur. Since the prince was a minor the British objected to his being named as new king and sought to take over administration of the Nurpur state. Minister Sham Singh along with other ministers approached Colonel Lee of British Army to recognize minor Prince as their new King. However, Colonel Lee mocked and insulted this delegation led by Sham Singh on their authority to declare new King. Ram Singh Pathania angered by insult of his father Sham Singh pledged to avenge it. In defiance to British Raj he declared Prince Jaswant as new king. This was the start of Guerilla campaign led by brave Ram Singh Pathania. On the morning of 15 Aug 1845 after a fierce battle he evicted British troops from the fort of 'Shahpur Kandi'. | |||
| There were some other forts situated in the territory of the Pathania Kingdom, but they were either destroyed by the massive earthquake which struck this region in April 1905 A.D., or were completed destroyed by the Mughal armies. | |||
| Ram Singh had organized his main defenses around hilly terrain of 'Kumni da Pail' area. This is from where he led guerilla raids to frustrate the several attempts undertaken by British troops to recapture forts of 'Nurpur' and 'Shahpur Kandi' which were under Ram Singh. | |||
| The Rebellion Of Ram Singh Pathania | |||
| Finally then Lt Governor of Punjab, John Lawrence sent a strong contingent led by Gen Wheeler to capture Ram Singh dead or alive. Ram Singh shifted his defences from 'Kumni da Pail' to further deeper into hills of 'Dallah dhee Dhar'. Here in a major battle with the troops of 51 Sikh Light Infantry in January 1849 Ram Singh's men inflicted heavy losses on British troops. Following words are inscribed on the grave of British officer killed in this action:- | |||
| Keeping in tune with their valorous tradition, the last battle fought by the Rajputs of the Kingdom of Nurpur was in 1848 A.D. against the British by Ram Singh Pathania, for his King who was still a minor. | |||
| <blockquote>In the sacred memory of Lieutenant John Peal, 51st Sikh Local Infantry:- | |||
| Ram Singh Pathania's Campaign (1845–1849) | |||
| He succumbed on 17th Jan 1849 to wounds received in action near Dallah on 16 Jan 1849 when engaged with insurgents under Ram Singh while gallantly leading his men. This tablet is placed in his memory by the officer (51st Sikh F.F.)</blockquote> | |||
| In 1845 after death of King Veer Singh, ruler of Nurpur (then a hill state in present Himachal Pradesh), the natives wanted to name Prince Jaswant Singh Son of Veer Singh as their new King. Therefore, King's Minister Sham Singh (Father of Ram Singh Pathania) escorted Prince Jaswant from Chamba to a Camp at Kushinagar near Nurpur. Since the prince was a minor the British objected to his being named as new king and sought to take over administration of the Nurpur state. Minister Sham Singh along with other ministers approached Colonel Lee of British Army to recognize minor Prince as their new King. However, Colonel Lee mocked and insulted this delegation lead by Sham Singh on their authority to declare new King. Ram Singh Pathania angered by insult of his father Sham Singh pledged to avenge it. In defiance to British Raj he declared Prince Jaswant as new king. This was the start of Guerilla campaign led by brave Ram Singh Pathania. On the morning of 15 Aug 1845 after a fierce battle he evicted British troops from the fort of 'Shahpur Kandi'. | |||
| Ram Singh had organized his main defenses around hilly terrain of 'Kumni da Pail' area. This is from where he led guerilla raids to frustrate the several attempts undertaken by British troops to recapture forts of 'Nurpur' and 'Shahpur Kandi' which were under Ram Singh. | |||
| Finally then Lt Governor of Punjab John Lawrence sent a strong contingent led by Gen Wheeler to capture Ram Singh dead or alive. Ram Singh shifted his defences from 'Kumni da Pail' to further deeper into hills of 'Dallah dhee Dhar'. Here in a major battle with the troops of 51 Sikh Light Infantry in January 1849 Ram Singh's men inflicted heavy losses on British troops. Following words are inscribed on the grave of British officer killed in this action:- | |||
| In the sacred memory of Lieutenant John Peal, 51st Sikh Local Infantry:- He succumbed on 17th Jan 1849 to wounds received in action near Dallah on 16 Jan 1849 when engaged with insurgents under Ram Singh while gallantly leading his men. This tablet is placed in his memory by the officer (51st Sikh F.F.) | |||
| Such was the intensity of Ram Singh Pathania's campaign against the British that locals still sing a ballad praising his courage: | Such was the intensity of Ram Singh Pathania's campaign against the British that locals still sing a ballad praising his courage: | ||
| Killa Pathania Khoob Ladayya, Balley Pathania Khoob Ladayya, Dallay di Dhara Dafale Jo Bajdi, Kumni Bajjay Tamur... |
<blockquote>Killa Pathania Khoob Ladayya, Balley Pathania Khoob Ladayya, Dallay di Dhara Dafale Jo Bajdi, Kumni Bajjay Tamur...</blockquote> | ||
| After the battle of Dhaula Dhar the British bribed a local Priest to tell them when and where Ram Singh could be found alone and unarmed. Based on this information British soldiers laid an ambush and captured Pathania while he was offering prayer on the banks of the Ravi river near the Shahpurkandi fortress. Some historians believe that he was betrayed by the Raja's of Jammu and Guler, and handed over to the British. | |||
| <blockquote>Translation: Pathania fought valiantly alone, When Dafli (a one-sided percussion instrument) sounded in 'Dallay di Dhara' (the area where the battle took place), Who hit drums...</blockquote> | |||
| Because of this rebellion, which locals believed was first armed revolt against British Raj, Ram Singh Pathania was sentenced to life imprisonment and deported to Rangoon (Burma). He died there on 11 November, 1856. | |||
| After the battle of Dhaula Dhar the British realized that it would be impossible to defeat and capture Ram Singh in a Military operation, therefore they used another means to capture him. They bribed a local Priest to tell them when and where Ram Singh could be found alone and unarmed. Based on this information British soldiers laid an ambush and captured Pathania while he was offering prayer on the banks of the Ravi river near the Shahpurkandi fortress. Some historians<ref>Social, Cultural, and Economic History of Himachal Pradesh | |||
| During the main Hindu festivals such as Dusshera Durga Puja, the Baren or Martial Ballads of Ram Singh Pathania are sung to the accompaniment of dafale by singers known as Adavale and folk artists. These songs are sung in all the districts of Himachal Pradesh as well as the Gurdaspur district of Punjab. | |||
| By Manjit Singh Ahluwalia,Indus Publishing,p44</ref> believe that he was betrayed by the Raja's of ] and ], and handed over to the British. | |||
| Because of this rebellion, which many believed was the first armed revolt against British Raj, Ram Singh Pathania was sentenced to life imprisonment and deported to Rangoon (Burma). He died there on 11 November 1850. | |||
| Every year on 17 August, a fair honoring Ram Singh is held at Dhauladhar, near Shahpurkandi, Pathankot, where the sword and Armour of the lionheart, Ram Singh Pathania is displayed. First Freedom Fighter | |||
| During the main Hindu festivals such as ] ], the Baren or ] ] of Ram Singh Pathania are sung to the accompaniment of dafale by singers known as Adavale and folk artists. These songs are sung in all the districts of ] as well as the ] district of ]. | |||
| He was the first Indian to take on the British rule in the 18th Century, but you won’t find the name of Wazir Ram Singh Pathania when you read the Indian history book. Ram Singh fought a heroic battle against the British between 1846 and 1849, and halted their advance in most part of Northern India, particularly in the Punjab province. When the whole country came under the British rule, the state of Nurpur had remained independent under the Jaswanth Singh. When Nurpur state declared independence from the British Raj in October 1848, Dilip Singh was the paramount power, Jaswant singh (Bir Singh’s Son) was the Maharaja of Nurpur and (Ram singh) was the wazir. | |||
| Every year on 17 August, a fair honoring Ram Singh is held at dhaula dhar, near Shahpurkandi, ], where the sword and Armour of the lionheart, Ram Singh Pathania is displayed. | |||
| After the death of Maharaja Ranjit singh, the British took control of the Punjab including the kingdom of Nurpur. Following the death of King Bir singh, people wanted the prince Jaswant Singh to be crowned as king. But the British opposed. Wzir Ram singh went to Lahore and met Col. Lee who was then in charge of the East India Company, Norh Zone. But the discussion ended without a resolution. Moreover, Ram singh was insulted by Col. Lee. | |||
| ==Politics== | |||
| To fulfill the desire of the people of Nurpur State, Wazir Ram singh revolted against the British Raj and with a handful of warriors launched a guerrilla warfare with the British establishment. Soon he installed prince Jaswant Singh as King of Nurpur state and declared independence from the | |||
| Post Independence and after the creation of ] the 'Pathanias' have played a very active role in the political sphere of Himachal Pradesh. Pathania politicians from the Kangra-Chamba belt of Himachal have contributed immensely in development of the state.{{Citation needed|date=November 2010}} | |||
| British rule. In 1846, he became the Wazir of the state. | |||
| ==External links== | |||
| He joined forces with young men, moved from Basa, camped at Naga Bari under the command of Mangal Singh Manhas, and carried out a string of attacks on the British establishment. One day, his rag-tag army carried out a surprise attack on Mamoon Post of the British Army and took control. He would have retained his control for a long while had the Rajput of Trahari not refused to join forces with him. | |||
| * | |||
| * | |||
| * | |||
| ==References== | |||
| Then he moved to shahpur and occupied the town, burned the British flag and hoisted his flag on the Fort of Shahpur Kandi. He escaped when a huge army of British invaded the town in attempt to re-establish their rule in the area. Ram Singh left Shahpur. He soon took positions on a wooded Kopra height near Nurpur. John Lawrence, then the British Commissioner of Punjab, came hunting for him. Ram singh had to withdraw after a bloody battle. Ram singh later took shelter at Rasual (Gujrat) Camp of The Sikh Sardar Sher Singh and Basakha singh. They supported him sending a Sikh army of 500 soldeirs. | |||
| <div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;"> | |||
| <references/> | |||
| *Twarikh Rajgan-E-Pathania-E-Nurpur (History of the Pathania Rajas) - Mian Rughunath Singh Pathania | |||
| Ram singh established his camp in the Fort and took up position on Dalla Height in January 1848. | |||
| *DOGRAS: Handbook for the Indian Army - Lieut. -Colonel W.B. Cunningham, M.C., 2nd Battalion, 17th Dogra Regiment. 1932 | |||
| *The Martial Races Of India - Lieut. -General Sir George MacMunn K.C.B., K.C.S.I., D.S.O. (Colonel commandant of The Royal Artillery) 1933 | |||
| *History of the Punjab Hill States - John Hutchison, Jean Philippe Vogel, J. Ph Vogel | |||
| *Annals and Antiquities of Rajast'han or the Central and Western Rajpoot States of India - Col James Tod | |||
| *Forts and Palaces of the Western Himalayas - Aśoka Jeratha | |||
| *Dogra Legends of Art and Culture - Aśoka Jeratha | |||
| *History and Culture of Himalayan States - Sukhdev Singh Charak | |||
| *The Princely and the Noble Families of the Former British Empire - Mark Brentnall | |||
| *Advanced History of Ancient India - Shiri Ram Bakshi | |||
| *Legends Of The Panjab Vol. II - R.C. Temple | |||
| *Report of a Tour in the Punjab in 1878-79 -Alexander Cunningham | |||
| British went over him again in early 1848. A huge army under the command of General Wheeler surrounded the the Fort. And the battle began. In a fierce battle that lasted for several weeks led to the death of several people including two British officers. One of them was LT. John Peel, nephew of then British Prime Minister. British rulers set up a memorial in memory of his death at Dalla-Ka –Dhar. It reads: “Lt. John Peel ,Nephew of the British Prime Minister,sacered to the memory of 1st sikh Local Infantry Who Succumbed on the 17th January-1849 to wounds received in action near Dalla on 16th January When engaged with Insurgent under Ram singh While Gallantry Leading His Men.” | |||
| The British were determined to capture Wazir Ram singh, but he took shelter in Kangra. But Ram Singh was ultimately caught when he was performing a pooja. He was later deported to Singapore, where he died on August 17,1849. People in Nurpur region still sing songs in his memory and pay homage to the great warrior. “Wazir Ram Singh Pathania Khoob Laraya…………” n 1845 after the death of Raja Veer Singh, ruler of Nurpur, the natives wanted to place his son Jaswant on the Gaddi/throne. Minister Sham Singh escorted Jaswant from Chamba to a Camp at Kushinagar near Nurpur. However, the British objected to Jaswant as new King (since Jaswant was minor), and took over the administration of this small princely state. Sham Singh along with other minister approached British officers to recognize the jurisdiction of Jaswant. The delegation led by Sham was mocked and insulted by the British officials. Ram Singh son of Minister Sham was teenager at that time when he learnt about his father’s insult at the hands of British he was furious. In defiance to British Raj he declared Jaswant as new King and appointed himself as his new leader. On the early morning of 15 Aug 1845 in a fierce battle he evicted British troops stationed at fort of ‘Shahpur Kandi’. | |||
| Ram Singh organized his main defenses around the hilly terrain of ‘Kumni da Pail’ area. This is from where he led guerrilla raids to frustrate British troops. When army contingent under General Wheeler was sent by then Punjab Lt Governor to capture Ram Singh dead or alive he shifted his defenses further deeper into hills of ‘Dallah di Dhar’. Here in major battle with troops of 51 Sikh Local Infantry in Jan 1849 Ram Singh Pathania’s men inflicted heavy causalities on British troops. Following words are inscribed on the grave of British officer killed in action:- | |||
| “In the sacred memory of Lt John Peal, 51 Sikh Local Infantry. He succumbed on the 17th Jan 1849 to wounds received in action near Dallah on 16 Jan 1849 when engaged with insurgents under Ram Singh while gallantly leading his men. This tablet is placed in his memory by the officers 51st Sikh F.F” | |||
| ==References== | |||
| <references/> | |||
| ] | ] | ||
Revision as of 16:07, 19 June 2017
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Pathania" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (February 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Pathania is a Rajput clan. They mostly live in and around Himachal Pradesh, in North India. They established the kingdom of Nurpur in Himachal Pradesh during the 11th century and ruled there until 1849.
- Not to be confused with Pathan
Pathania is the name of the branch of the Tomara Clan of Chandravanshi, Rajputs, descended from Lord Arjuna, the hero of Mahabharata. It is one of the ruling Rajput clans of India. They mostly live in and around Himachal Pradesh, in North India. The Pathania clan established the Kingdom of Nurpur in Himachal Pradesh, in the 11th century and ruled it until 1849, This clan has to its credit two Maha Vir Chakra winners in the Indian Army, among other war and peace time gallantry awards. This clan has also served valiantly in the British armed forces of India.
Rana Jethpal: founder of the royal house of Pathania
Until 1164 a Tomara Dynasty reigned in the Rajput principality of Delhi. Anangpal II, the Tomara King claimed descent from the Pandavas, who founded Indraprastha, the ancient Delhi. He therefore presents the phenomenon of a King occupying a throne established by another ancestor, King Yudhishtra, 2250 years before him.
The Kingdom of Delhi was founded by Anangpal Tomar, whose dynasty, by virtue of descent from the Pandavas, claimed to be Lords Paramount of India
— From A Pageant of India by Adolf Simon Waley
The great Vikramaditya of the year 56BC is claimed to be an ancestor of the Tomara Pathania Rajputs.
The principal era to which the luni-solar system is exclusively adapted is that of Vikramaditya, called Samvat. The prince from whom it was named was of the Tuár dynasty, and is supposed to have reigned at Ujjain (Ujjáyini)
In the Hindu tradition in India and Nepal, the widely used ancient calendar is Vikrama Samvat or Vikrama's era. This is said to have been started by the legendary king following his victory over the Sakas in 56 BC.
Rana Jethpal (1100?), the younger brother of King Anangpal II of Delhi, came to Jallandhar Doab also called Bist Doab to conquer a territory for himself. After crossing the Beas river he captured a fort called Bhet, and for this reason, he acquired the name Rana Bhet. After this he came upon the city of Pathankot (possibly ancient Pratisthana), and following the customed tradition of Rajputs, in which the King almost in all instances took his name from the name of the country where he exercised his dominion, he came to be known as a Pathania Rajput, instead of a Tomara.
Brief history
The Kingdom of Nurpur had its capital at Pathankot, now in Gurdaspur district of Punjab, India. The kingdom included Pathankot and a large tract on the plains of the Punjab; also the whole of the present Nurpur Tahsil of Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, with the addition of Shahpurkandi, now in Gurdaspur , and also a small tract to the west of the Ravi, called Lakhanpur, now in Jammu & Kashmir State. The Kingdom was bounded on the north by Kangra and Chamba, on the south by the Punjab plains, and on the west by the Ravi river. The Capital was at pathankot, which was known as Paithan in the medieval times. All through their history the Pathania clan rebelled against the foreign invaders, both Muslims and the British. Although sometimes the Pathania Kings held the high office's of Generals known as Mansabdar (Army Commander, reserved for Hindu and Muslim Princes of note) in the Mughal military and captured many a kingdom for the Mughal Emperor in Hindustan and beyond the Indus up till Uzbekistan, yet repeatedly they rebelled against the forces of the Mughal's and other foreign invaders.
Some Forts/Castles of the Clan
Nurpur (Dhameri) Fort
Built in the 11th century. It was one of the primary strongholds of the Clan. It was also the main seat of the royal family.
Shahpurkandi Fort
This 16th century fort nestles at the foot of the Himalayas and overlooks the river Ravi. It was constructed by a Rajput chief, Jaspal Singh Pathania around 1505, who made it his capital to have control over the Kangra and the Nurpur regions. It was the refuge of Ram Singh Pathania who rebelled against the British during 1848. He was caught while offering prayer to the goddess Durga at a nearby place, Daula Dhar early in 1849.(Presently known as a Village of Dalla Near Dharkalan)
Kotla Fort
It is situated in the interior of Kangra. The fort of Kotla lies almost half way to Gaggal in Himachal pradesh from Pathankot. This fortress was originally built by the Guleria Rajputs. It was seized during the reign of Raja Suraj Mal Pathania, and a younger brother, Madho Singh, was made the Quiledar or the commander of the fort. For more information on Kotla, see Kotla, Himachal Pradesh.
Taragarh Fort
This fortress was captured by Raja Jagat Singh Pathania from Chamba state and was secretly fortified by him and his sons in preparation for his infamous rebellion against Mughals(1640–42). This fort was never seized or captured. However, Raja Jagat Singh Pathania was persuaded to stop the war against the Mughals. Shahjahan knew that Jagat Singh could not be browbeaten and he could use his help in times of war. Therefore he sent for a compromise on mutually agreed terms.
The folklore associated with the siege of fort goes that the Mughals forces cordoned the fort for such longtime that they planted mango plants which fruited before the end of siege (this place near taragarh fort today is called Amb ka Bagh literally meaning Mango orchard). Yet this long siege could not break the will of Raja jagat Singh and his men whose ration had diminished. According, to folklore the men of Raja Jagat Singh one day to fool cordoning forces used milk of female dog (who had given litter inside fort but fed in Mughal camp) to prepare a kheer (milk pudding) and threw it out side the fort. When the cordon commander of Mughal forces saw this he died of shock and the news reached the Mughal emperor who was forced to negotiate with Raja Jagat Singh Pathania.
Mau or Maukot Fort
It was nearest to the plains, almost half way to Nurpur from Pathankot, situated on a low hill of Shiwalik range running east to the Chakki river. It was an enclosure surrounded by dense forests, a Castle of great strength. It was a legend in its times, a saying was in vogue: Mau Ki Muhim Yaro Maut Ki Nishani Hai, 'The expedition to Mau, friends is a call to death'.
Isral Fort
This fort was exactly half way to Taragarh from Nurpur fort. It was founded by Raja Nag Pal, in honour of victory of Sukh Pal his brother. Raja Nag Pal was crowned in this fort about 1397. It was an ideal fort commanding the splendid view of the surroundings. It was rich in buildings like palaces, Diwankhana and stable for the horses of the royal family. Now nothing is left. But the site is still known as Diwankhana by the local people. The site is lying in dense forests south of Sulyali village.
There were some other forts situated in the territory of the Pathania Kingdom, but they were either destroyed by the massive earthquake which struck this region in April 1905, or were completed destroyed by the Mughal armies.
The Rebellion Of Ram Singh Pathania
Keeping in tune with their valorous tradition, the last battle fought by the Rajputs of the Kingdom of Nurpur was in 1848 against the British by Ram Singh Pathania, for his King who was still a minor.
Ram Singh Pathania's Campaign (1845–1849)
In 1845 after death of Raja Bir Singh, ruler of Nurpur (then a hill state in present Himachal Pradesh), the natives wanted to name Prince Jaswant Singh Son of Bir Singh as their new King. Therefore, King's Minister Sham Singh (Father of Ram Singh Pathania) escorted Prince Jaswant from Chamba to a Camp at Kushinagar near Nurpur. Since the prince was a minor the British objected to his being named as new king and sought to take over administration of the Nurpur state. Minister Sham Singh along with other ministers approached Colonel Lee of British Army to recognize minor Prince as their new King. However, Colonel Lee mocked and insulted this delegation led by Sham Singh on their authority to declare new King. Ram Singh Pathania angered by insult of his father Sham Singh pledged to avenge it. In defiance to British Raj he declared Prince Jaswant as new king. This was the start of Guerilla campaign led by brave Ram Singh Pathania. On the morning of 15 Aug 1845 after a fierce battle he evicted British troops from the fort of 'Shahpur Kandi'.
Ram Singh had organized his main defenses around hilly terrain of 'Kumni da Pail' area. This is from where he led guerilla raids to frustrate the several attempts undertaken by British troops to recapture forts of 'Nurpur' and 'Shahpur Kandi' which were under Ram Singh.
Finally then Lt Governor of Punjab, John Lawrence sent a strong contingent led by Gen Wheeler to capture Ram Singh dead or alive. Ram Singh shifted his defences from 'Kumni da Pail' to further deeper into hills of 'Dallah dhee Dhar'. Here in a major battle with the troops of 51 Sikh Light Infantry in January 1849 Ram Singh's men inflicted heavy losses on British troops. Following words are inscribed on the grave of British officer killed in this action:-
In the sacred memory of Lieutenant John Peal, 51st Sikh Local Infantry:- He succumbed on 17th Jan 1849 to wounds received in action near Dallah on 16 Jan 1849 when engaged with insurgents under Ram Singh while gallantly leading his men. This tablet is placed in his memory by the officer (51st Sikh F.F.)
Such was the intensity of Ram Singh Pathania's campaign against the British that locals still sing a ballad praising his courage:
Killa Pathania Khoob Ladayya, Balley Pathania Khoob Ladayya, Dallay di Dhara Dafale Jo Bajdi, Kumni Bajjay Tamur...
Translation: Pathania fought valiantly alone, When Dafli (a one-sided percussion instrument) sounded in 'Dallay di Dhara' (the area where the battle took place), Who hit drums...
After the battle of Dhaula Dhar the British realized that it would be impossible to defeat and capture Ram Singh in a Military operation, therefore they used another means to capture him. They bribed a local Priest to tell them when and where Ram Singh could be found alone and unarmed. Based on this information British soldiers laid an ambush and captured Pathania while he was offering prayer on the banks of the Ravi river near the Shahpurkandi fortress. Some historians believe that he was betrayed by the Raja's of Jammu and Guler, and handed over to the British.
Because of this rebellion, which many believed was the first armed revolt against British Raj, Ram Singh Pathania was sentenced to life imprisonment and deported to Rangoon (Burma). He died there on 11 November 1850.
During the main Hindu festivals such as Dusshera Durga Puja, the Baren or Martial Ballads of Ram Singh Pathania are sung to the accompaniment of dafale by singers known as Adavale and folk artists. These songs are sung in all the districts of Himachal Pradesh as well as the Gurdaspur district of Punjab.
Every year on 17 August, a fair honoring Ram Singh is held at dhaula dhar, near Shahpurkandi, Pathankot, where the sword and Armour of the lionheart, Ram Singh Pathania is displayed.
Politics
Post Independence and after the creation of Himachal Pradesh the 'Pathanias' have played a very active role in the political sphere of Himachal Pradesh. Pathania politicians from the Kangra-Chamba belt of Himachal have contributed immensely in development of the state.
External links
References
- The Princely and Noble Families of the Former Indian Empire: Himachal Pradesh V. 1 by Mark Brentnall, Indus Publishing, p. 352
- History of the Panjab Hill States By J. Hutchison, J.P. Vogel,Asian Educational Services,p219
- ^ Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan Or the Central and Western Rajput States of India,Col James Tod,Asian Educational Services,p29,p48,p80
- The Princely and Noble Families of the Former Indian Empire: Himachal Pradesh V. 1 By Mark Brentnall,Indus Publishing,p352
- Advanced History of Ancient India By Shiri Ram Bakshi
- Annals of Rajasthan Annals of Mewar: The Annals of Mewar By James Tod, Tod Payne C. H, C H Payne,Asian Educational Services,p39
- A Pageant of India by Adolf Simon Waley, Houghton, 1927, p123
- Essays on Indian Antiquities by James Prinsep, Edward Thomas, Henry Thoby Prinsep, J.Murray 1858, p250
- Pre-Mussalman India by M. S. Nateson, Asian Educational Services 2000, p131
- The cyclopædia of India and of Eastern and Southern Asia by Edward Balfour, B. Quaritch 1885, p502
- Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan by James Tod, William Crooke, 1920, p912
- Essays on Indian Antiquities, Historic, Numismatic, and Palæographic, of the Late James Prinsep by James Prinsep, Edward Thomas, Henry Thoby Prinsep, Publ. J.Murray, 1858, p157
- Wooden Temples of Himachal Pradesh By Mian Goverdhan Singh,Indus Publishing,p39
- History of the Panjab Hill States By J. Hutchison, J.P. Vogel,Asian Educational Services,p220
- History of the Panjab Hill States By J. Hutchison, J.P. Vogel,Asian Educational Services,p213
- The Princely and Noble Families of the Former Indian Empire: Himachal Pradesh V. 1 By Mark Brentnall,Indus Publishing,p351
- Forts and Palaces of the Western Himalaya By Aśoka Jeratha, Indus Publishing, p52
- Dogra Legends of Art & Culture By Aśoka Jeratha, Ashok Jerath,Indus Publishing,p172,173
- History of the Panjab Hill States By J. Hutchison, J.P. Vogel,Asian Educational Services,p237
- Forts and Palaces of the Western Himalaya By Aśoka Jeratha,Indus Publishing,p46
- Forts and Palaces of the Western Himalaya By Aśoka Jeratha,Indus Publishing,p51
- Social, Cultural, and Economic History of Himachal Pradesh By Manjit Singh Ahluwalia,Indus Publishing,p44
- Twarikh Rajgan-E-Pathania-E-Nurpur (History of the Pathania Rajas) - Mian Rughunath Singh Pathania
- DOGRAS: Handbook for the Indian Army - Lieut. -Colonel W.B. Cunningham, M.C., 2nd Battalion, 17th Dogra Regiment. 1932
- The Martial Races Of India - Lieut. -General Sir George MacMunn K.C.B., K.C.S.I., D.S.O. (Colonel commandant of The Royal Artillery) 1933
- History of the Punjab Hill States - John Hutchison, Jean Philippe Vogel, J. Ph Vogel
- Annals and Antiquities of Rajast'han or the Central and Western Rajpoot States of India - Col James Tod
- Forts and Palaces of the Western Himalayas - Aśoka Jeratha
- Dogra Legends of Art and Culture - Aśoka Jeratha
- History and Culture of Himalayan States - Sukhdev Singh Charak
- The Princely and the Noble Families of the Former British Empire - Mark Brentnall
- Advanced History of Ancient India - Shiri Ram Bakshi
- Legends Of The Panjab Vol. II - R.C. Temple
- Report of a Tour in the Punjab in 1878-79 -Alexander Cunningham