Bhaderwah

Last updated

Bhaderwah
Bhaderkashi
Tehsil/Sub District
Bhadarwah (crop).jpg
Bhaderwahi folk.jpg
Kelash.jpg
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
India Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Bhaderwah
Location in Jammu and Kashmir, India
India location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Bhaderwah
Bhaderwah (India)
Coordinates: 32°58′48″N75°42′49″E / 32.980033°N 75.713706°E / 32.980033; 75.713706
Country Flag of India.svg  India
Union Territory Government of Jammu and Kashmir.svg Jammu & Kashmir
Division Jammu
District Doda
Area
[1]
 • Total112.17 km2 (43.31 sq mi)
Elevation
1,613 m (5,292 ft)
Population
 (2011) [1]
 • Total75,376
 • Density670/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 BhaderwahChowdhary Dil Mir (KAS)
BDC Chairperson [3] Omi Chand [4]
Website bhaderwah.com

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]

Contents

Etymology and names

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

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 10th-11th centuries BC, it came under the rule of Ananta and Kalsha of neighbouring Kashmir. [11] The region finds mention in the 12th century chronicle Rajatarangini. Local hill chieftains or Ranas of the Pal clan ruled the area during the 12th-16th centuries BC. 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 BC, it was annexed by the rulers of Chamba, who exercised influence over the Pal rajas. In 1820, a local warrior Shaktu Kotwal defeated the Chamba army to install the short-lived rule of Raja Pahar Chand. [14] The next year, Chamba regained controlled over the region with the help of the Sikh empire. 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

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

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

Historical population
YearPop.±% 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

Religion in Bhaderwah (2011) [21]
ReligionPercent
Hinduism
 
58.02%
Islam
 
41.71%
Other or not stated
 
0.27%

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

Languages of Bhaderwah (2011) [23]

   Bhadarwahi (52.67%)
   Kashmiri (33.62%)
   Dogri (4.73%)
   Gaddi (3.35%)
   Hindi (1.58%)
   Gojri (1.54%)
  Others (2.51%)

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

Bhaderwah under snow Bhaderwah in Snow.jpg
Bhaderwah under snow
Climate data for Bhaderwah (1981–2010 normals, extremes 1977–2012)
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
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)12.1
(53.8)		13.1
(55.6)		18.2
(64.8)		23.4
(74.1)		27.3
(81.1)		30.5
(86.9)		30.5
(86.9)		29.8
(85.6)		28.4
(83.1)		24.6
(76.3)		20.1
(68.2)		14.8
(58.6)		22.7
(72.9)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)−1.0
(30.2)		0.2
(32.4)		3.5
(38.3)		7.2
(45.0)		10.1
(50.2)		13.9
(57.0)		16.9
(62.4)		16.5
(61.7)		12.4
(54.3)		6.6
(43.9)		3.0
(37.4)		0.4
(32.7)		7.5
(45.5)
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)		−6.5
(20.3)		−10.8
(12.6)
Average rainfall mm (inches)125.3
(4.93)		170.9
(6.73)		171.5
(6.75)		123.8
(4.87)		94.1
(3.70)		74.8
(2.94)		141.0
(5.55)		121.0
(4.76)		92.2
(3.63)		38.8
(1.53)		35.9
(1.41)		72.5
(2.85)		1,262.6
(49.71)
Average rainy days6.88.58.67.57.47.19.89.34.92.62.43.978.5
Average relative humidity (%) (at 17:30 IST)63645751515164686051545858
Source: India Meteorological Department [24]

Tourism

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. [25] 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 27th December 2023 to 31st 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. [26]

|- |Udhampur - Batote |55 Kms - NH-1A |- |Batote - Pul Doda |50 Kms - NH-1B |- |Pul Doda – Bhaderwah |30 Kms |}[ clarification needed ]

Adventure

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

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doda district</span> District in Jammu and Kashmir

Doda district is an administrative district of the Jammu division of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in the disputed Kashmir region.

The Tawi is a river that flows through the Jammu region in the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The Tawi is a major left bank tributary of the river Chenab.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kashmiris</span> Ethnolinguistic group native to the Kashmir Valley

Kashmiris are an Indo-Aryan ethnolinguistic group speaking the Kashmiri language and originating from the Kashmir Valley, which is today located in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.

Dhar is a surname commonly found among the Hindu Bengali Kayastha community in West Bengal, India. Dhar or Dar is also used by some Kashmiri clans and communities native to the Kashmir Valley in Jammu and Kashmir, India, and common today among Kashmiri Hindus and Kashmiri Muslims.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samba district</span> District of Jammu and Kashmir administered by India

Samba district is an administrative district in the Jammu division of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in the disputed Kashmir region. It was formed in 2006. Before its formation, this area was part of Jammu district and Kathua district.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir</span> Tourist places in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is home to several valleys such as the Kashmir Valley, Chenab Valley, Sindh Valley and Lidder Valley. Some major tourist attractions in Jammu and Kashmir are Srinagar, with its renowned Dal Lake and Mughal Gardens, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Bhaderwah, Patnitop and Jammu. Every year, thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit holy shrines of Vaishno Devi and Amarnath which has had a significant impact on the state's economy.

Salooni is the tehsil headquarter and Sub-Division in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Salooni is an important regional administrative and economic centre. It has a mini secretariat, SDM office, government senior secondary school, Degree College,CSK HP Krishi Vishvavidyalaya Mountian Agriculture Research and Extension Stations, community health centre and many other sub-division level important government offices. Salooni falls under Dalhousie legislative constituency. The entrance to the small township has a series of few quaint shops, followed by small ground with an ancient goddess Kali temple at other end.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paddar</span> Sub-division in Jammu & Kashmir, India

Paddar, also spelled Padar, is a Sub-District and remote valley in the Kishtwar district of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It falls in the Jammu division. It consists of two tehsils namely Machail and Atholi Paddar The valley covers the entire southeastern portion of the Kishtwar district. It borders Zanskar (Ladakh) in the north and east, Pangi in the south and the rest of Jammu and Kashmir in the west. The valley is known for its Sapphire mines. Albeit Sapphires are located in the valley of Paddar in Jammu division, they are known as Kashmiri sapphires which is a misnomer. It lies along the Chandrabhaga river (Chenab) in the Great Himalayas. Paddar is one of the most remote regions of Jammu and Kashmir. There are a number of small valleys within Paddar, such as Machail, Gandhari, Kabban, Ongai, Bhuzunu, Barnaj, Bhuzas, Kijai Nallah, and Dharlang, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chenab Valley</span> Valley and proposed administrative division in Jammu and Kashmir, India

The Chenab Valley is a river valley formed by the Chenab River. The term is also used collectively for Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts of Jammu Division in the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. These districts were formerly part of a single district, called Doda.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jammu division</span> Administrative division in Jammu and Kashmir, India

The Jammu division is a revenue and administrative division of the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in the disputed Kashmir region. It is bordered by the Kashmir division to the north. It consists of the districts of Jammu, Doda, Kathua, Ramban, Reasi, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur and Samba. Most of the land is hilly or mountainous, including the Pir Panjal Range which separates it from the Kashmir Valley and part of the Great Himalayas in the eastern districts of Doda and Kishtwar. Its principal river is the Chenab.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thathri</span> A town and a tehsil in Jammu and Kashmir

Thathri is a town and a notified area committee in Doda district in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Thathri valley is located in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, about 85 km from Batote. Apart from having ample forests, the town contains many small streams flowing through its various parts. It is located on the banks of the Chenab River and the town area is spread over 1.50 sq. Km².

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jai Valley</span> Tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir

Jai Valley is an enchanting valley located 32 kilometres (20 mi) northeast of Bhaderwah town in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The Bhaderwah-Jai road, which passes through the corniferous deodar forests of Nakshri, Balote, Bhalara and Chinta Valley connects the valley with the Bhaderwah town. The valley has green meadows which act as the attraction for tourists in summers and the snow-covered landscape during winters. Jai valley has about 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) long meadows, bisected by a stream called Jai Nallah which merges with a tributary of river Chenab at Kahara in tehsil Thathri. It is also known by the names Jai Garh and Jai Top. The valley is also connected through a 37 kilometres (23 mi) long road with Gandoh. There is no Mobile Network in this valley.

Chinta Valley is a valley and a village located 20 kilometres (12 mi) northeast of Bhaderwah town on Bhaderwah-Jai road. It is covered with thick coniferous forests from all sides with a stream flowing through it known as Chinta Nallah. A village called Thuba divides the valley from Bhaderwah.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bhal Padri</span> Hill Station in Jammu and Kashmir

Bhal Padri is a hill station situated above a group of small valleys covered with a dense forest located in the Changa, Bhalessa. area of Doda district. It borders Padri Pass, Bhaderwah at a distance of 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) northeast. Rivulets and streams flow through this valley.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bhalessa</span> Region in Jammu and Kashmir, India

Bhalessa is a geographical area within Doda district in the Jammu region of India-administered Kashmir. It consists of the Bunjwah and Bhalessa Valleys, and comprises the three Tehsils of Kahara, Chilly Pingal and Gandoh.

Padri Top or Padri Pass is a hill station situated 41 kilometres (25 mi) North of Bhaderwah on [interstate link] Bhaderwah–Chamba National Highway. It has 99.7 kilometres (62.0 mi) long meadows and used for adventure sports like snow-skiing in winters and Paragliding in summers. It is the highest Pass on Bhaderwah-Chamba National Highway located between the borders of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.

Bhalla is a village and tehsil of Doda district in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Bhalla is located about 15 kilometres from Doda and 25 kilometres from Bhaderwah on the Doda-Bhaderwah Highway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bhaderwah–Chamba Road</span> Highway connecting Jammu and Kashmir with Himachal Pradesh

The Bhaderwah–Chamba Road is an interstate link road that connects the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The road runs through the valleys and mountains of the western Himalayas, providing a transportation link between the two states.

Bhaderwahi people are an Indo-Aryan ethnolinguistic group native to the Bhaderwah Valley in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, India, who traditionally speak the Bhadarwahi language.

References

  1. 1 2 3 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).
  2. ↑ Kaul, P.K. (2006). Pahari and Other Tribal Dialects of Jammu. Vol. I. Delhi: Eastern Book Linkers. p. 31.
  3. ↑ Block Development Councillor
  4. ↑ "Members of BDC - District Doda". India. 20 November 2019. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
  5. ↑ "Explore Bhaderwah in Jammu Province". Department of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
  6. ↑ "Administrative Setup | District Doda | India" . Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  7. ↑ 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
  8. ↑ Qazi, S.A. (2005), Systematic Geography of Jammu and Kashmir, New Delhi: APH Publishing, p. 242, ISBN   81-7648-786-4
  9. 1 2 Drew, Frederic (1875), The Jummoo and Kashmir Territories: A Geographical Account, Part 73, E. Stanford, p. 105
  10. ↑ Kaul, P.K. (1993), Himalayan Principalities in Jammu, Kangra and Bahadarwah, Jay Kay Book House, p. 134
  11. 1 2 3 Sharma 2021, p. 224.
  12. ↑ 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
  13. ↑ Kaul 1993, pp. 135–140.
  14. 1 2 Sharma 2021, p. 225.
  15. ↑ Kaul1993, pp. 172–173.
  16. ↑ Excelsior, Daily (6 February 2016). "Past, present of Doda". Daily Excelsior . Retrieved 14 June 2021.
  17. ↑ "Three-day historic Mela-Patt begins". Daily Excelsior . 11 September 2021. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
  18. ↑ Kaul 1993, pp. 201–202.
  19. ↑ Kaul 1993, pp. 220-.
  20. 1 2 Sharma 2021, p. 218.
  21. 1 2 C-1 Population By Religious Community – Jammu & Kashmir (Report). Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
  22. ↑ Kaul 1993, pp. 128–129.
  23. 1 2 3 C-16 Population By Mother Tongue – Jammu & Kashmir (Report). Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
  24. ↑ "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.
  25. ↑ "DC Doda discusses Bhaderwah Tourism Promotion Plan with private stakeholders". Universal News Timeline. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  26. ↑ "5-Day Vibrant Bhaderwah Winter Festival Concludes on a high note". Jammu Link News. Retrieved 31 December 2023.


This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.