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The Kangra valley is one of the most
picturesque valley of lower Himalyas. The valley, sheltered by the
sublime Dhauladhar range, is green and luxuriant. It provides a
tremendous contrast in nature of places to be visited. Dharamshala
is full of Buddhist air whereas ancient Hindu Temples like
Brajeshwari, Baijnath, Jawalamukhi and Chamunda Devi dot the
country side.
The history of Kangra valley dates
back to the Vedic times more than 3500 yrs. ago. The area was
exposed to successive invasions, the last being the British
domination over the princes of the hill states. Despite the
onslaughts and political upheavels, the arts and crafts of the
region continued to develop and found lyrical expressions. Crafts
like the exquisitely designed shawls and miniature paintings of
this region are internationally appreciated.
PLACES OF INTEREST
KANGRA TOWN: At the
confluence of the Bener and Majhi streams , over looking the Ban
Ganga torrent, Kangra town is famous for its temples.Notable is
the shrine dedicated to goddess Brijeshwari. Kangra is steeped in
history and its ruined fort - Nagarkot, stands as testimony to its
glorious past. The town was attacked by Mohammed Ghaznavi and
subjugated by Emperor Feroz Tuglak and Maharaja Rant Singh.
Earlier, Kangra was the capital of the great hill state, its
renowned ruler being Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch, a great patron
of arts. The Miniature and Rajpur Schools of hill paintings
flourished during his reign.
BRAJESHWARI DEVI TEMPLE: Just
outside the town is the temple dedicated to Brajeshwari Devi.
Known once for its legendary wealth, this temple was subject to
successive depredation by invaders from the North. Mohammed of
Ghazni is known to have departed with a king's ransom in gold,
silver and jewels in 1009. Destroyed completely in 1905 by an
earthquake, it was rebuilt in 1920.
KANGRA FORT: The remains of
the fort of the rulers of Kangra are located on a strategic
height, overlooking the Ban Ganga and Manjhi rivers.
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