Bhaderwah
Bhaderwah | |
|---|---|
from top, left to right: view of Bhadarwah town with Kailash Kund range in the background; Mela Patt, a folk celebration in Bhadarwah; Kailash Kund Lake or Kablas Dal | |
  Bhaderwah Location in Jammu and Kashmir, India  Bhaderwah Bhaderwah (India) | |
| Coordinates: 32°58′48″N 75°42′49″E / 32.980033°N 75.713706°E | |
| Country |  India |
| Union Territory |  Jammu & Kashmir |
| Division | Jammu |
| District | Doda |
| Area | |
• Total | 112.17 km2 (43.31 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1,613 m (5,292 ft) |
| Population (2011)[1] | |
• Total | 75,376 |
| • Density | 670/km2 (1,700/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Bhaderwahi |
| Languages | |
| • Spoken languages | Bhaderwahi, Kashmiri, Dogri, Gaddi, Hindi, Gojri, Khașāli[2] |
| Time zone | UTC +05:30 (Indian Standard Time) |
| Additional District Commissioner Bhaderwah | Chowdhary Dil Mir (KAS) |
| BDC Chairperson[3] | Omi Chand[4] |
| Website | bhaderwah |
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Bhaderwah or Bhadarwah (also Bhaderwah Valley) is a town, tehsil, and sub-district in the Doda district of Jammu Division of Jammu and Kashmir, India.[5][6]
Etymology and names
[edit]The name Bhaderwah derives from the Sanskrit word Bhadarwasa meaning "a place of living of supreme and intellect mankind".[7] Alternatively, the name may derive from Bhadarkashi, a name given to the town for the ancient temple of Hindu goddess Bhadrakali located in the area.[8][9] The area is called Bhadar Avkash (lit. 'a good resting place') and Bhadar Pura in the 12th century Sanskrit chronicle Rajatarangini, with the former likely a name given to the region by foreign Kashmiri rulers.[10][11] The area is sometimes referred to as Chota Kashmir or "little Kashmir" because of topographic similarities with the Kashmir valley,[12] and is called Bhadarkashi by the Hindus of the region.[9]
History
[edit]The early history of Bhaderwah is not well-known,[13] Padhas (who are Pandits) and Meghas are believed to be the original inhabitants of the region.[14] Bhaderwah was ruled by its native rulers up until 8th century AD.[11] During the 10th-11th centuries AD, it came under the rule of Ananta and Kalsha of neighbouring Kashmir.[11] The region finds mentions in the 12th century chronicle, Rajatarangini. Local hill chieftains or Ranas of the Pal clan (originally Chanderbansi Baloria Rajputs from Billawar princely state) ruled the area during the 8th-16th centuries AD. The lineage of Pal rulers started from Raja Radhikpal, (son of Raja Bhogpal of Balor and brother of sadhkpal who was given principality of Basohli) followed by his son Bhaderpal (named after Bhaderkali temple constructed by Raja Radhik Pal), Prithvi pal, Ajaypal, and many more. According to folk history, a local ruler named Nag Pal impressed Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century with his spiritual prowess, compelling the emperor to make several offerings to him.[15] The event is since commemorated annually during a celebration known as Mela Patt, on Naga Panchami.[16][17]
By the end of the 16th century, it was annexed by the rulers of Chamba, who exercised influence over the Pal rajas. In 1820, the cousin of last ruler of Pal dynasty, Raja Pahadchand, ascended the throne and fought against Chamba forces who were led by Wazir Nathu. Raja Pahadchand won the battle but Wazir Nathu attacked again on Bhaderwah with the help of the Sikhs and captured Bhaderwah. The Raja of Chamba gave the throne of Bhaderwah to his younger brother Charhat Singh. After the death of Charhat Singh, Raja Zorawar Singh was made Governor of Bhaderwah. Many Kashmiri shawl weavers settled in the town during this time. The region became part of the Dogra Kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir following the Treaty of Amritsar in 1846, according to which the possessions of Chamba state to the west of Ravi river, including the Bhaderwah principality, were given to Gulab Singh.[18]
Dogra rule
[edit]In 1886, Bhaderwah was bestowed as a jagir to Amar Singh, prime minister of the Dogra Kingdom, by Maharaja Pratap Singh. In 1890, the first census was conducted in Bhaderwah. Amar Singh exercised control over the jagir until his death in 1912, following which it passed onto his son Hari Singh, who would later become the Maharaja of the princely state. Bhaderwah's status as a jagir ended in 1930, and it was fully absorbed into the princely state, becoming a tehsil of district Udhampur in 1931.[19] The Jagir comprised Bhadarwah, Bhalessa and the vast area left of river Chenab from Thathri up to Marmat (Doda).
Culture
[edit]Bhaderwah is also a land of fairs and festivals like Mela Pat, Subar Dhar Mela, Kud dance, Pahari folk songs and music. It also has heritage sites like the Ratangarh Fort, hundred-years-old Jamia Masjid, and an ancient Vasuki Nag Temple. The area has rich culture of various communities
Demographics
[edit]| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 1911 | 2,563 | — |
| 1921 | 2,603 | +0.15% |
| 1931 | 2,895 | +1.07% |
| 1941 | 2,989 | +0.32% |
| 1951 | 3,559 | +1.76% |
| 1961 | 4,129 | +1.50% |
| 1971 | 5,211 | +2.35% |
| 1981 | 6,075 | +1.55% |
| 2001 | 10,516 | +2.78% |
| 2011 | 11,084 | +0.53% |
| Source: [1] | ||
According to the 2011 census of India, the Bhaderwah tehsil had a population of 75,376 while the population of the Bhaderwah town was 11,084. This gave the tehsil a population density of 670 persons per km2 (1,700 per square mile). Out of the total population of the tehsil, 39,051 individuals were male and 36,325 were female, giving it a sex ratio of 930 females for every 1000 males. The tehsil had a literacy rate of 75.51%. Scheduled castes formed 19.3% of the population, while scheduled tribes were 6.2%.[20]
Religion
[edit]Per the 2011 census, Hindus formed a majority of Bhaderwah tehsil's population, constituting 58.02% of the total.[20][21] The remaining population is mainly Muslim (41.71%) with small numbers of Christians (0.13%) and Sikhs (0.11%). Hindus have historically formed a majority in the region, with the former Bhaderwah Jagir recording a 61.13% Hindu majority in the 1911 census.[22]
Languages
[edit]A majority of the population of Bhaderwah tehsil are speakers of the Bhadarwahi language, with around 53% of the total population speaking the language as a mother tongue, according to the 2011 census.[23] The tehsil also had a large Kashmiri-speaking minority (33.6% of the total), and significant numbers of speakers of Dogri (4.7%), Gaddi (3.35%), Hindi (1.6%) and Gojri (1.5%) languages.[23]
Climate
[edit]
| Climate data for Bhaderwah (1991–2020, extremes 1977–2020) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 21.8 (71.2) |
24.8 (76.6) |
29.7 (85.5) |
32.6 (90.7) |
38.4 (101.1) |
39.3 (102.7) |
39.4 (102.9) |
37.2 (99.0) |
35.1 (95.2) |
32.4 (90.3) |
28.7 (83.7) |
22.9 (73.2) |
39.4 (102.9) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 11.6 (52.9) |
13.4 (56.1) |
18.8 (65.8) |
23.4 (74.1) |
27.2 (81.0) |
29.9 (85.8) |
30.4 (86.7) |
29.3 (84.7) |
27.8 (82.0) |
24.4 (75.9) |
19.3 (66.7) |
14.6 (58.3) |
22.7 (72.9) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | −0.4 (31.3) |
1.2 (34.2) |
4.4 (39.9) |
7.9 (46.2) |
10.9 (51.6) |
14.6 (58.3) |
17.9 (64.2) |
17.4 (63.3) |
13.5 (56.3) |
7.6 (45.7) |
3.8 (38.8) |
0.9 (33.6) |
8.4 (47.1) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −10.8 (12.6) |
−9.2 (15.4) |
−6.5 (20.3) |
−2.5 (27.5) |
0.2 (32.4) |
5.2 (41.4) |
7.0 (44.6) |
8.1 (46.6) |
2.5 (36.5) |
−3.0 (26.6) |
−2.5 (27.5) |
−10.3 (13.5) |
−10.8 (12.6) |
| Average rainfall mm (inches) | 133.6 (5.26) |
177.3 (6.98) |
151.1 (5.95) |
116.5 (4.59) |
83.8 (3.30) |
83.4 (3.28) |
129.6 (5.10) |
136.4 (5.37) |
94.0 (3.70) |
28.5 (1.12) |
36.7 (1.44) |
55.0 (2.17) |
1,227.9 (48.34) |
| Average rainy days | 7.0 | 8.3 | 8.4 | 7.5 | 7.3 | 7.2 | 9.3 | 9.9 | 5.0 | 2.3 | 2.6 | 3.2 | 77.8 |
| Average relative humidity (%) (at 17:30 IST) | 63 | 63 | 55 | 52 | 52 | 54 | 64 | 68 | 62 | 52 | 55 | 57 | 58 |
| Source: India Meteorological Department[24][25] | |||||||||||||
Tourism
[edit]Bhaderwah is an emerging tourist destination. Local administration is working to set Bhaderwah on the world tourism spot. The administration is emphasising on creating Shopping Malls, luxury hotels, gaming facilities, food courts, and other amenities to attract international and domestic tourists along with promotion of religious and historical destinations.[26] The Vibrant Bhaderwah Festival, a 5-day program, including performances by Singers, fireworks, cultural performances, Film Screenings and many more. The festival is organised in collaboration by Directorate of Tourism Jammu, the District Administration Doda, the Academy of Art, Culture and Language, and the Bhaderwah Development Authority (BDA). The last festival was organised from 27 December 2023 to 31 December 2023. It concluded on New Year 2024. It was attended by more than one lakh people. Bhaderwah is also emerging as a destination for Wedding tourism and MICE tourism.[27]
|- |Udhampur - Batote |55 Kms - NH-1A |- |Batote - Pul Doda |50 Kms - NH-1B |- |Pul Doda – Bhaderwah |30 Kms |}[clarification needed]
Adventure
[edit]Bhaderwah has exciting activities for adventure enthusiasts. Khani Top and Thuba are ideal for paragliding offering exhilarating descents into the Bhaderwah valley. The mountains overlooking the valley offer abundant camping and trekking opportunities. Jantroon Top in Chiralla, Subar Dhar, Hanga Noori to Seoj, Khellani to Seoj, Hanga- Devchatar- Chilli- Khellani. Chinta, Thanala and Padri meadows have wonderful slopes for snowboarding and skiing.
Tourist destination of Bhaderwah Valley
[edit]- Padri Top
- Chinta valley
- Sonbain
- Jai Valley
- Padri Pass
- { Bhallara valley }
- (shanani valley)
- jantroon dhar
References
[edit]- ^ a b c A-4 Towns And Urban Agglomerations Classified By Population Size Class In 2011 With Variation Since 1901. Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India (Report).
Class - IV Population of 10,000 and 19,999 (Report). - ^ Kaul, P.K. (2006). Pahari and Other Tribal Dialects of Jammu. Vol. I. Delhi: Eastern Book Linkers. p. 31.
- ^ Block Development Councillor
- ^ "Members of BDC - District Doda". India. 20 November 2019. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
- ^ "Explore Bhaderwah in Jammu Province". Department of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
- ^ "Administrative Setup | District Doda | India". Retrieved 7 February 2022.
- ^ Sharma, Neetika (2021), "Naag Deity Worship in Bhaderwah: A Case Study of Jaatra Ritual", in Abha Chauhan (ed.), Understanding Culture and Society in India: A Study of Sufis, Saints and Deities in Jammu Region, Springer Nature, p. 224, ISBN 978-981-16-1597-9
- ^ Qazi, S.A. (2005), Systematic Geography of Jammu and Kashmir, New Delhi: APH Publishing, p. 242, ISBN 81-7648-786-4
- ^ a b Drew, Frederic (1875), The Jummoo and Kashmir Territories: A Geographical Account, Part 73, E. Stanford, p. 105
- ^ Kaul, P.K. (1993), Himalayan Principalities in Jammu, Kangra and Bahadarwah, Jay Kay Book House, p. 134
- ^ a b c Sharma 2021, p. 224.
- ^ Chauhan, Abha, ed. (2021), Understanding Culture and Society in India: A Study of Sufis, Saints and Deities in Jammu Region, Springer Nature, p. 287, ISBN 978-981-16-1597-9
- ^ Kaul 1993, pp. 135–140.
- ^ Sharma 2021, p. 225.
- ^ Kaul1993, pp. 172–173.
- ^ Excelsior, Daily (6 February 2016). "Past, present of Doda". Daily Excelsior. Retrieved 14 June 2021.
- ^ "Three-day historic Mela-Patt begins". Daily Excelsior. 11 September 2021. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
- ^ Kaul 1993, pp. 201–202.
- ^ Kaul 1993, pp. 220-.
- ^ a b Sharma 2021, p. 218.
- ^ a b C-1 Population By Religious Community – Jammu & Kashmir (Report). Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
- ^ Kaul 1993, pp. 128–129.
- ^ a b c C-16 Population By Mother Tongue – Jammu & Kashmir (Report). Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
- ^ "Climatological Tables of Observatories in India 1991-2020" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
- ^ "Station: Badarwah Climatological Table 1981–2010" (PDF). Climatological Normals 1981–2010. India Meteorological Department. January 2015. pp. 57–58. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
- ^ "DC Doda discusses Bhaderwah Tourism Promotion Plan with private stakeholders". Universal News Timeline. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
- ^ "5-Day Vibrant Bhaderwah Winter Festival Concludes on a high note". Jammu Link News. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
External links
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