Kullu. One such building exists in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. Whose history has been special not only with the kings here but also under the rule of the British government. This royal fort present in Naggar Valley of Kullu is known as Naggar Castle. This fort has been built in Kathkuni, the hill style of house building.
After the kings, Naggar has also been the capital of the British.
Famous historian of Kullu, Surat Thakur told that the story of construction of this fort by Naggar is also very interesting. The stones used to build this fort have been brought by hand by human chain from the area of Badagran located opposite after crossing the river. Naggar has not only been the capital of kings but the British government also used this area as its capital. And the entire governance was run from the fort of this castle.
History of Naggar Castle
Naggar remained the capital of the kings of Kullu province for 1460 years. This place is not only full of natural beauty, but many amazing places can also be seen here. According to folklore, it was built by Raja Siddh Singh in the sixteenth century. Then material was brought by forming a human chain of men and women from the ruins of Raja Bhosal’s palace situated on the other side of the Vyas river. This palace is built in wood and stone in Kashtakuni style, and not a single iron or metal nail was used in it. This palace was once the royal palace of the kings, but when Raja Jagat Singh established his capital in Sultanpur, it started being used as a summer palace. There have been many owners of this palace, and every story associated with it is unique.
The entire palace was sold for a gun
The Raja of Kullu used this palace as his summer capital for years, but in 1846 AD, when the British took control of Kullu and Kangra, Raja Gyan Singh handed it over to the First Assistant Commissioner Major ‘in exchange for just a gun. Gave it to ‘Hey’. Later Major ‘Hay’ sold it to the government, and it started being used as a summer court. After independence, this palace was opened to the common people.
The earrings of the kings were kept here
Historian Dr. Surat Thakur tells that in the castle of Naggar, there were tombs of all the members of the royal family who ruled here. That is, by making their figures in stone, the names of those kings and all the information about how long they ruled were scratched on the stone after their death and kept in the same castle. However, now these bags have been taken out of the castle and kept safe in the art gallery.
The most sacred part is present here in the castle
Jagati Pat temple is also present in a corner of the castle, which is considered one of the most sacred places in the history of Kullu. There is a big rock present here, which is considered to be the parliament of Gods and Goddesses. According to historical beliefs, it is said that once a person of British rule insulted this place and stepped on it. After which one edge of this stone broke and the Englishman died.
Even the earthquake couldn’t harm it.
This palace has been constructed with wood and stone in Kashtakuni style in such a way that it can withstand even the shocks of severe earthquakes. While the devastating earthquake of 1905 caused huge damage to the surrounding areas, this palace remained safe from that earthquake too.
recognition of national heritage
1978 Naggar Castle was handed over to Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, after which it started being run as a hotel. Today this place is also very popular for pre-wedding shoots. Many films have also been shot in Naggar Castle. It was declared a national heritage by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India on 9 August 2012.
Tags: cultural heritage, himachal pradesh news, Kullu Manali News, Local18
FIRST PUBLISHED: November 20, 2024, 23:58 IST
