KULU - Indian tourism Himachal pradesh

KULLU ITS NAME

Kullu drives its name from “Kalut” which was a tribe in the upper valley of River Beas, as mentioned by Barahmir in Brihat Sahinta. In Mahabharat also, the ruler Parvateshwer of Kalut fought against Arjuna. Again Kshem Dhurti, a king of Kalut was killed in the war of Mahabharat. Certain coins of first century and later period were found in which the king of kalut was mentioned. There are other evidences in history and literature that confirm that the name of this part was ‘KALUT’ and “T” dropped from the name with the passage of time. As such, this place got the name “Kullu”.

A BRIEF HISTORY

On the basis of the evidences in religious books, some scholars believe that the origin of mankind started from the valley. If the Sapt Sindhu was the home of Aryans, then this valley has the pride position to be the cradle of the ancient, civilization of the world. Arjika (Beas) was one of those seven rivers. Before the rise of any central power, it was ruled by a number of Ranas and Thakurs, whose domain was restricted to two or three villages. These Ranas and Thakurs used to rule with iron hand and fought among themselves. Vehangmanipal of paryag came to Kullu anf founded an empire of Pal dynasty. There were 85 Rajas of Pal dynasty who ruled for about 1500 years. They were followed by 16 other Rajas who used Singh in place of Pal with their names. Last Raja was Jeet Singh whose kingdom was snatched by Sikhs in 1840 AD.

In 1846 AD, according to the Lahore agreement, this area passed to the British. Kullu was made a sub-division of Kangra District. Lahul-Spiti was attached to Kullu for administration. In 1960 Lahul-spiti was made a separate District. Kullu was also declared a district in 1963 and was a part of Punjab upto October, 1966. On 1^st November, 1966, on reorganization of states, kullu became a District of Himachal Pradesh.

THE LAND

The area of kullu District is 5503sq.km. It is 19.6% of the total area of Himachal Pradesh. Kullu occupies the fourth position in respect of area among the District of Himachal Pradesh. Bara Bhangal ranges separate the District from Kangra in the west. River Satluj serves as boundary between Kullu, Shimla and kinnaur in the South-west. Lahul and Spiti is to its north-East and the middle Himalayan ranges separate it from kullu.

Kullu valley is parallel to the South and is one mile wide and over 50 miles in length.