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Learn About Places Jammu Kashmir > kathua

kathua

kathua Jammu and Kashmir

Introduction :: Known as Gateway of Jammu & Kashmir State, Kathua district lies in South-East of the State. It is located 32.17' to 32.55' north latitude and 75.32' to 75.76' east longitude. Spread over an area of 2651 sq.Kms constituting 1.9 per cent of the total area of the State, the district has a population of over 4.92 lakh as per 1991 estimates. The sex ratio as per 1981 census was 917 females per 1000 males and density of population 1.86 persons per Sq.kms as per 1991 estimates. The district has literacy percentage of 31.90. For administrative, the district has been divided into four tehsils namely Kathua,Hiranagar,Basholi and Billawar. District broadly comprises three distinct zones. These can be described as border, kandi and hilly areas.The two main rivers of the district areRaviandUjhwhicharemajorcontributors to the prestigious Ravi-Tawi Irrigation Complex. As regards the main ethnic groups,hindus constitutes 91% of the district while Muslims form 7% and Sikh2% of the population.The most important minerals in the district are cement grade lime stone in Basholi.Dogri is the main language spoken by the people of the district. There are a number of Monuments in the district like towering forts and magnificent places at kathua, Lakhanpur, Jasmergarh (Hiranagar),Jasrota,Ramkote,Bhadu and Basholi.

History of Kathua :: Though there is no detailed and fully documented history of Kathua district. It is believed that One Jodh Singh a famous Rajput of Andotra clan migrated from HASTINAPUR to KATHUA nearly 2000 years ago and settled here. The three Hamlets of Taraf Tajwal, Taraf Manjali and Taraf Bhajwal were established by his three sons Viz. Teju, Kindal and Bhaju. Their descendent are now called as Tajwalia, Bhajwalia and Khanwalia Rajputs of Andotra sub-caste. The conglomeration of these three hamlets was loosely called “KATHAI” in earlier times which with the passage of time came to be called as KATHUA.GRREK historians, who provide an insight into the ancient history of JAMMU HILLS prominently record the existence of two powerful empires of Abhisara (Present day POONCH) and KATHAIOI at the time of invasion of India by ALEXANDERA, Strabo describes KATHAIOI as a mighty republic of that era located in the foot hills along river RAVI. The topography of KATHAIOI corresponds with the present day KATHUA. Starbo describes the people of the republic as epitone of bravery and courage and records that they gave a tough fight to invading Army of ALEXANDERA.DOGRI & PAHARI are the main languages spoken. Hindi, English and Urdu are the main medium of education. Offcial language is Urdu.

Historical Places and Monuments

Jasrota :: Was founded by Raja Jas Dev of Jammu in 1019 A.D.Jasrotias ruled this state upto 1834 A.D., when it was given to Raja Hira Singh.

Billawar :: Tehsil headquarter town of the district is belived to be capital. In earlier times Billawar is known as Vallapura, the hilly state finds mention in the Rajatarangni as capital of the state till 1630 A.D.

Mankote :: Was fonded by Raja Manak Dev, a contemporary of Raja Narsingh Dev of Jammu(1272-1314 A.D.). It was renamed by Raja Suchet Singh (1822-43) as Ramkote.

Lakhanpur :: Raja Sangram Singh,founded Lakhanpur state.Lakhanapur is known as the gateway of Jammu & Kashmir.

Bhadu :: A prominent town of Billawar tehsil. Bhadu town is situated on Bhini nallah, a tributary of Ujh river.

Tirikote :: Near Jasrota and Jandi near Hiranagar were also important states/principalities in the district

Tourist Places :: Some of the important tourist potential areas and religious places in the district are

Billawar :: A tehsil headquarter was fonded by Raja Bhopat Pal in 1598-1614. Mahabilvakeshwar temple one of the most revered Shiva temples of the area. It is about 60 ft.high.The temples contains images of Brahma,Vishnu, 5-headed Shiva,Ganesha and Bhairavo.

Basholi :: A small town is situated on the right bank of river Ravi at an altitude of 2170 ft.founded by Raja Bhupat Paul in 1653. It was known for magnificant places which are now in ruins and miniature paintings.

Sarthal :: It is a beutiful meadow,situated at a height of 7000 ft.which remains covered with snow for nearly six months.It is a part of an exciting trekking route. It is located 20 Kms. from Bani.

Bani :: Located at a height of 4200 ft.in the lap of lofty montains. It has a good climate and immense natural beauty. It is situated 88 Kms. from Basholi town and is linked by the road. It is also base camp of trekkers who go to different routs to Bhaderwah, Machhedi etc.

Banjal :: is a beautiful pass located at an altitude of 4500 ft.It is 55 Kms.from Basholi. During March to May the area becomes colourful with lot of flowers blooming. Banjal is also known as "Garden of Natural Flowers". A P.W.D Rest House and Dak Bungalow are also available there.

Ujh :: It is fast developing beautiful picnic spot near the Ujh barrage,hardly 24 Kms from kathua. The old fort of Jasrota has been cleaned up and renovated. A bird sanctuary is being developed on the bank of Ujh river.

Dhar Mahanpur :: is a new emerging tourist resort.It is 27 Kms.from Basholi.

Sukarala Mata :: The most famous shirne dedicated to mother goddess is Sukrala Devi shirne at a distance of 9.60 Kms from Billawar. The holy shirne is the abode of goddess Mal Devi,the re-incarnation of Sharda Devi. The holy shirne have been built by Madho Singh an exiled prince of Chamba. Regular bus services ply directly from Jammu,Kathua,Udhampur and Billawar. Numbers of Sarais of PWD,State Tourism and Shirne Management are there.

Chamunda Devi :: Chamunda Devi temple is located near th main chowk in Basholi Town. The goddess is worshipped here in the shape of natural rock.

Peer Fazal Shah :: The Ziarat of holy Peer is loacted in Parlibund,Kathua.It is 13 Kms.from Kathua. A bath in the spring near the shirne is considered to cure skin diseases.

Trekking Routes :: There are numerous thrilling trekking routes mostly in and around Bani area which pass through virgin mountain areas of beauty. Some of these routes are

Bani :: Bani is a small glaciated valley located at a height of 4200 ft in the lap of lofty mountains. Town Bani is flourished along the river 'SEWA'. Bani experiences temperate and pollar type of climate. Severe winter and moist summer are the main climatice phenomenon of this valley. It is also famous as MINI KASHMIR of Kathua district. It is also base camp of treckers for bhaderwah, chamba etc. Bani is marked by waterfalls, thick forest patches , gushing streams and medows. BANJAL, CHANDEL BHOOND are another famous tourist spots.

Banjal :: It is a colouful area with lot of flowers blooming also known as "GARDEN OF NATURAL FLOWERS'.

Chandel :: It is 10 kms from Bani. It is a small valley having spring by the name of CHANDEl. There are small orchards of apple, almonds and walnuts.

Panyalag :: It is a small town on thee top of HILLS. It is marked by beautiful waterfalls, thick forest patches, gushing streams and green medows. It is about 7 Kms from BANI.

Dullangal :: It is situated on Bani - Billawar trek. It is a small beautiful valley, 12 Kms from Bani.

Chhatargalla :: It is the highest point on the Basohli-Bani Bhaderwah road. It is nearly 15 Kms from SARTHAL.

Sarthal :: It is a beautiful meadow situated at a height of 7000 ft which remains covered with snow for six monhs. The virgin and beauty of the area casts a fascinating spell to any visitor. The area is bounded by snow clad mountains. It is connected to Bhaderwah and to Himachal Pardash. It is 20 Kms from Bani (Block HQ).

Duggan :: It is situated at 7000 ft. It is charming valley spreading to one Kms in width and 5 kms in length with fresh water streams flowing from both sides. . It is blanked with thick CHIR, DEODHAR and SHRUBS. It experiences temperate type of climate. It receives winter rainfall from wetern disturbances and summer rainfall from mansoons. Cold winter and pleasant summer are the main attractinns of this place. This place falls on the way from Bani to Dhaggar. In this area is also located one Old Nag Temple from where annual yatra goes to Kailash Kund.

Jodia di mata :: Jodia Di Mata is a religious center which is visited by hundreds of pilgrims during Navratras. Voluntary groups help in providing basic facilities to pilgrims. Situated 4 Kms. From Banjal (Bani, District Kathua), its altitude is about 7,000 ft. Jodia Di Mata commands lot of faith of local people. It is also a beautiful place, full of natural beauty.

Dhoula Wali Mata :: Dhoula Wali Mata is a religious center. A large number of pilgrims come and offer their prayers, especially during Navratras. According to a popular belief, a Shephered once dreamt that Mata had come to Mandhi Dhar. He went to Mandhi Dhar where Goddess gave Darshan to him as a little girl. The Shepherd started worshipping the goddess regularly. It is said that once it snowed very heavily. The Shepherd who was a regular worshiper ran to Mandhi Dhar to worship her. Realising the difficulty of the shepherd, she said she shall go to where Dhouli Wali Mata is situated now. The shepherd built a temple at Dhouli Wali Mata. This place is located 10 Kms from Jodia Di Mata at a height of 6000 ft. People have to treck to reach this beautiful spot. It can be reached from Katli (Billawarr), Bhoond (Basohli), Banhore (Mahanpur). Regular Bus service is available from Kathua, Jammu, Udhampur, Pathankote to reach Billawar, Bhoond, Basohli, Mahanpur. Sarais are available at the Shrine.

APPROACH
Kathua District is located about 88 Kms. from Jammu, 390 Kms from Srinagar and about 500 Kms. from Delhi and 25 Kms from Pathankote. Kathua District is connected to Jammu, Srinagar, Pathankote, Delhi through National Highway NH-1A. Regular Bus Service is available for Jammu, Srinagar, Udhampur, Katra, Delhi, Pathankote, Chandigarh, Shimla and all other major cities of Punjab, Himachal Paradesh, Haryana, Delhi, UP, Rajasthan.
Kathua is connected through Rail Head to all major cities of the Country. Kathua railway Station is located at Govindsar, 7 Kms from the City Chowk, Kathua. Nearest Airport is Jammu.

CLIMATE
The areas falling in Kathua district experiences wide range of climate from sub-tropical to temperate area and even alpine in higher regions of Bani and Lohai-Malhar blocks. Because of altitudinal varities, there is vast difference between the temperature of two plain thesils of Kathua and Hiranagar with those of Hilly Tehsils of Basohli and Billawar. The Summer temperature rises as high as 48 degree Celcius in the plains and Winter temperature in the upper hilly areas touches sub-zero. Most of the Higher areas in the BASOHLI AND BILLAWAR Tehsils experiences SNOWFALLS for most part of the year. The District experiences rainfall during Winter and early Summer primarily from western disturbances and monsoon rains from second week of July onwards. The hilly areas receives more rains than the plains. The annual rainfall in the district is approx. 1672 mm.

MINERALS
The most important Minerals in the district are Cement Grade Lime Stone in Basohli area. Low Grade Iron deposits in Lohai-Malhar block, Gypsum deposits in village Daulla in Basohli tehsil and Slates in Duggan nallah and near Sewa Nallah in Bani block. Another mineral found near siare in Bani block is Quartzide used in glass making. Bentonite is available in Surrara area of Hiranagar tehsil. Fullersearth, useful in drugs, cement and plaster is also available in the district. Alum exists in Serai nallah near Ramkote and Ujh river. Clay of various colours and varieties is also found at many places.

CULTURE
Kathua District is broadly comprises three distinct zones Viz. Border, Kandi and Hilly. Billawar, Bani, Basohli and Lohai –Malhar Blocks of the district comes under HILLY Area, The culture of this area is PAHARI which resembles the culture of Himachal Paradesh. The other part of the district has DOGRA Culture.Dogri is the main language spoken by the people of the district. Though the dogri spoken in some parts of the district has the influence of Punjabi tone also but the rural areas specially the Hilly areas are free from Punjabi. Their main language is DOGRI/PAHARI. The Language is the rural and hilly areas has maintained its native purity, accent and sweetness. However a very small section of the Population residing in Lohai-Malhar and BANI Blocks also speaks Kashmiri. GOJRI is also spoken by the Gujjar Community settled here and there. However, Dogri is main language spoken in the district.The district is culturally an integerated part of Jammu region and all important religious fairs like Lohri, Maha Shivratri, Id-ul-Fitr, Holi, Ramnavmi, Baisakhi, Basantpanchami, Martyr’s day of Guru Arjun Dev, Raksha Bandhan, Janam Ashtami, Mahanavami, Dussehra, Diwali, id-ul-zuha, Guru Ravi Dass’s b’day, Mahatama gandhi’s b’day Guru Govind Singh’s b’day, Chacha Nehru’s birthday. Above all, the Independence Day and Republic Day are celeberated with great enthusiasm. Holy Navratras also provide special occasion for worship and pilgrimage to holy places culminating into small to big fairs. Ram Lilas are organized in every town as well as in every village of the district. The most famous Ram Lila is performed in BASOHLI.

POPULATION
Kathua District is spread over an area of 2651 Sq. Kms constituting 1.9 percent of the total area of the State. The District has a population of over 5,44,206 comprising 2,85,308 Males and 2,58,898 females as per 2001 census. The density of population of the district has gone upto 205 persons per Square Km. Sex ratio is 907 females per 1000 male. Literacy Rate in Kathua district is 65.29%. The literacy percentage in case of Males is 75.73% and in case of Females is 53.92%. As regards the main ethnic groups, Hindus constitutes 91% of the district while Muslims form 7% and Sikhs 2 %. SC Population is 22.83%.Out of total population of the district, 28.82% were main workers, 14.58% marginal workers while as 56.60% were non-workers. However, Among the main workers, cultivators and agricultural laborers accounted for 60.74% and 5.67 % respectively which obviously indicates that dependence on agricultural is of much more significance than any other sector/ occupation.As per 1981 census, there were 61, 481 households in the district of which 54,041 were in rural area and 7740 in urban areas. Out of occupied residential houses of the district, 50790 were in rural and 7328 in urban area.

GEOGRAPHY
Kathua District is situated at 320 17' to 320 55’ North Latitude and 750 70' to 760 16’ East longitude. The District is surrounded by Punjab in the South-East, Himachal Pradesh in North-East, District Doda and Udhampur in North and North-West, Jammu in the West and Pakistan in the South-West. It has an area of 2651 Sq Kms. The district can be conveniently divided into three distinct Agro-climatic regions. The area falling South of Pathankot-Jammu-Srinagar National Highway consists of deep alluvial soils. The area is mostly irrigated and quite productive. This area touches Pakistan and Punjab border and it is also popularly called Border Area. The second zone falling north of the National Highway extends upto foothills of Himalayas and falling mostly in Shivalik ranges is called Kandi area. It is characterized by shallow soils full of boulders with negligible natural water resources. The area faces acute shortage of water and the productivity of the land is very marginal. Part of Kathua, Barnoti, Hiranagar, Ghagwal, Basohli and Billawar block falls in this category. The third area falls beyond Shivalik ranges and extends upto to Peer Panchal ranges. This area is mountainous in nature with little potential for agriculture.

RIVERS

RAVI RIVER :: It is the most important rivers of the District. It rises from the Himalayan ranges. The length of the river in the district is approximately 55Km. And the average width is about 400 Metres. The main tributory of the Ravi river is Sewa   river. Ranjit Sagar Dam is built on this river.   The water of Ravi river is utilised for drinking purposes. The River ravi is the major contributory to the prestigious Ravi Tawi Irrigation Complex (RTIC). The River ravi feeds a number of small canals and Khuls and is the main source of water for irrigation of agricultural land of the district. It also helps in transportation of timber from hills to plains in bulk besides of providing construction material like sand and stones etc.

UJH RIVER :: The river Ujh is the 2nd most important river of the district. It rises from the Domal Structure of SEOJDHAR of middle Himalayan ranges. The length of the river in the district is 65 Km. And the average width is about 1.2 Kms. The main tributory of the Ujh river is NAAZ and BHINNI Nallahs of Billawar.    Ujh Barrage   is constructed on this river at Village Jasrota.    The water of Ujh river is utilised for drinking purposes.   The River Ujh feeds a number of small canals and Khuls and its water is utilized for irrigation of agricultural land of the district. It also helps in transportation of timber from hills to plains in bulk besides of providing construction material like sand and stones etc.

SEWA RIVER :: The river Sewa in Basohli rises from the Domal Structure of Kali Kundi in the lapse of Himalayan ranges. The length of the river in the district is 125 Km. And the average width is about 250 Metres. The famous SEWA HYDEL PROJECT is being constructed on this river at Village Sewa The water of Sewa river is utilised for drinking purposes.   The River Sewa feeds a number of small canals and Khuls and its water is utilized for irrigation of agricultural land of the district. It also helps in transportation of timber from hills to plains in bulk besides of providing construction material like sand and stones etc. It is the main tribifucatiory of River RAVI.

Religious Places

JODIA DI MATA :: Jodia Di Mata is a religious center which is visited by hundreds of pilgrims during Navratras. Voluntary groups help in providing basic facilities to pilgrims. Situated 4 Kms. From Banjal (Bani, District Kathua), its altitude is about 7,000 ft. Jodia Di Mata commands lot of faith of local people. It is also a beautiful place, full of natural beauty.

DHOULA WALI MATA :: Dhoula Wali Mata is a religious center. A large number of pilgrims come and offer their prayers, especially during Navratras. According to a popular belief, a Shephered once dreamt that Mata had come to Mandhi Dhar. He went to Mandhi Dhar where Goddess gave Darshan to him as a little girl. The Shepherd started worshipping the goddess regularly. It is said that once it snowed very heavily. The Shepherd who was a regular worshiper ran to Mandhi Dhar to worship her. Realising the difficulty of the shepherd, she said she shall go to where Dhouli Wali Mata is situated now. The shepherd built a temple at Dhouli Wali Mata. This place is located 10 Kms from Jodia Di Mata at a height of 6000 ft. People have to treck to reach this beautiful spot. It can be reached from Katli (Billawarr), Bhoond (Basohli), Banhore (Mahanpur). Regular Bus service is available from Kathua, Jammu, Udhampur, Pathankote to reach Billawar, Bhoond, Basohli, Mahanpur. Sarais are available at the Shrine.

Festivals

Lohri (January 13) :: This festival is also known as Makar Sankranti. It heralds the onset of spring. The whole of Jammu region wears a festive look on this day. Thousands take a dip in the holy rivers. 'Havan Yagnas' light up nearly every house and temple in Jammu. In the rural areas, custom requires boys to go around asking for gifts from newly-weds and new parents. A special dance called the 'Chajja' dance is held on the occasion of Lohri. It makes a striking picture to see boys along with their 'Chajjas' elaborately decorated with coloured paper and flowers move on the street in a dancing procession. The whole atmosphere comes alive with the pulsating drum beats.

Purmandal Mela (February-March) :: Purmandal is 39 kms. from Jammu city. On Shivratri, the town is trans- formed for three days as people celebrate the marriage of Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvati here. The people of Jammu also come out in their colourful best to celebrate Shivratri at Peer Khoh, the Ranbireshwar Temple and the Panjbhaktar Temple. In fact, if you visit the Jarnmu region during Shivratri, you'll find a celebration on almost everywhere.

Chaitre Chaudash (March-April) :: Chaitre chaudash is celebrated at Uttar Behni about 25 kms. from Jammu. Uttar Behni gets its name from the fact that the Devak river (also known as Gupta Ganga locally) flows here in the northerly direction.

Baisakhi (April 13 or 14) :: The name Baisakhi is taken from the first month of the Vikram calendar. Every year, on the first day of Vaishakh, the people of Jammu - like the rest of northern India - celebrate Baisakhi. Baisakhi is also known as the harvest festival and is considered auspicious especially for marriages. Rivers, canals and ponds are thronged by devotees who unfailingly take a ritual dip every year. Many people go to the Nagbani Temple to witness a grand new year celebration. Numerous fairs are organized and people come in thousands to celebrate the beginning of the new year and watch the famous Bhangra dance of Punjab. For the Sikhs of Jammu, Baisakhi is the day their tenth Guru Gobind Singhji formed the Khalsa sect in 1699. The Gurudwaras are full of people who come to listen to Kirtans, offer prayers and feast on the prasad from the common kitchen (Langar).