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Rajouri
—  city  —
View of old Jhula Bridge at Medina Colony,Rajouri. View of old Jhula Bridge at Medina Colony,Rajouri.
Rajouri Location of Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir and India
Coordinates	33°23′N 74°18′E / 33.38°N 74.3°E / 33.38; 74.3Coordinates: 33°23′N 74°18′E / 33.38°N 74.3°E / 33.38; 74.3
Country	India
State	Jammu and Kashmir
District(s)	Rajouri
Population	41,552(Including Kheora and Jawahar Nagar) (2011[update])
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Area • Elevation	• 915 metres (3,002 ft)

Rajouri is a town and a municipal committee in Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir. An important town en route Poonch, Rajauri is important for defence point of view. Rajauri is about 130 kilometres (81 mi) away from Jammu city on the Poonch Highway. Rajauri is also called the Vale of Lakes as there are many lakes around the city. Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University is based in the town. The area has seen a decline in tourists due to the Kashmir conflict.

Introduction[link]

The District drives its name from Rajouri town which itself had been historically known as Rajapuri/Rajapura. Rajouri District had been part of Poonch district prior to 1967. On 22 September 1967, the government bifurcated district Poonch into two districts namely 'Rajouri' and 'Poonch', to facilitate the process of development and better supervision of economic activities in this area. By this way, Rajouri emerged as a District from 1 January 1968. The District has an area of 2,630 km² with peculiar physical features. The District is situated in the west of Jammu Division and is surrounded by the Poonch, Udhampur and Jammu Districts. The District comprise of six Tehsils, namely Rajouri, Nowshera, Sunderbani, Kalakote, Koteranka and Thannamandi and seven blocks of Rajouri, Manjakote, Darhal Malkan, Budhal, Kalakote, Sunderbani and Nowshera.^[1]

History[link]

New Rajauri Bridge

Rajouri, during ancient times known as Rajapura or Rajapuri – ‘the land of Kings’ - finds its mention in the travelogue of Chinese traveler Yuan Chawang who visited the town in 632 AD and described it as a part of Kashmiri dominion. Still earlier in the Buddhist period, it formed a part of Gandhar territory (north-west Punjab and parts of north-western frontier province of Pakistan) and later was included in the domain called Daravabhisara which comprised the hilly stretch from Poonch to Kashmir. Those days Laharkote in Poonch district and Rajouri had emerged as two powerful states of the area.^{[citation needed]}

Based on evidence in the ancient text, the Mahabharata,^{[citation needed]} combined with the evidence from Chinese pilgrim Yuan Chawang,^[2] the region of Kashmir including the districts of Hazara, Poonch and Abhisara had been under the overlordship of the Republican Kambojas with Rajapura as their metropolis during epic times.^[3][4][5]

According to F. E. Pargitor,^{[citation needed]} second branch of Aryan emigrants crossed Himalayas in the north and west and settled in Rajouri and Poonch area. Rajouri, Bhimber and Naushera were included within the territory of Abhisar, which was one of the hill states of Punjab Kingdom. Early records of fragmentary nature show that in 4th century BC there existed in the north west of India a federal type of political set up in which Abhisar with its capital Rajouri was also included. At the time of Alexander's invasion, Rajouri was at the height of its glory. In Mauryan period, the town of Rajouri was a great trade centre. During the Mughal rule, the rulers of Rajouri have embraced Islam though they retained the title of Raja.

Albaurni visited Rajouri with Sultan Masud (son of Sultan Mehmud) in 1036 AD. In his book India he wrote name of Rajouri as Raja Vari.^{[citation needed]} Srivar, the writer of Raj Tirangini written during the reign of Sultan Zain-Ul-Abdin, also named this area as Raja Vari.^{[citation needed]} It appears that Raja Vari is the changed shape of Raj Puri. Praja Bhat another writer of Raj Tirangini of 16th century AD wrote this place as Raj-Vare in his book.^{[citation needed]} Mirza Zafarulla Khan, writer of Tarikh Rajgan-E-Rajour, described in his book that this place was originally known as Raj-Avar and then changed from Rajour to Rajouri.^{[citation needed]} But the old people in the villages still call the place as Rajour. With the passage of time the name changed from Raja's Raj Avar to Raja Puri, Rajpuri to Raj Vari, Raj Vari to Raj Vara, Raj Vara to Raj Avar, Raj Avar to Rajour and then Rajour to Rajouri.^{[citation needed]} As per Rajtirangini of Kalhana,^{[citation needed]} Rajouri emerged as principality in about 1003 AD. The first ruler of this kingdom was Raja Prithvi Paul. From 1033 to 1194 AD these Pauls ruled this state. They were Raja Prithvipaul, Raja Janki Paul (1035 AD), Raja Sangram Paul (1063 AD), Raja Som Paul (1101 AD), Bahu Paul (1113 AD) and Amna Paul (1194 AD). Raja Prithvi Paul defeated Pir Panchal Pass at the time of invasion of Sultan Mehmud in 1021 AD. Raja Sangram Paul defended his Principality Rajouri when Raja Harash of Kashmir assaulted his country in 1089 AD. Sangram Paul fought so bravely that Raja Harash was compelled to return from Prithvi Paul fort without capturing Rajouri.^{[citation needed]}

As per Tarikh-Rajgan-e-Rajour, Noor-Ud-Din who migrated from Punjab to Rajouri revolted against Raja Amna Paul.^{[citation needed]} Raja Amna Paul was killed in the revolt and Noor-Ud-Din became the Raja of Rajouri. In this way Raja Noor-Ud-Din aid the foundation of Jaral Muslim rule in Rajouri in 1194 AD. to 21 October 1846 AD. Rajouri Principality remained governed by Jaral Rajas. The renowned Rajas of this dynasty were Raja Noor-Ud-Din (1194 AD), Raja Anwar Khan (1252 AD), Raja Sardar Khan (1289 AD), Raja Shah-Ud-Din (1412 AD), Raja Mast Wali Khan (1565 AD), Raja Taj-Ud-Din (1604 AD), Raja Anayat Ullah Khan (1648 AD), Raja Azmat Ullah Khan (1683 AD), Raja Izzat Ullah Khan (1762 AD), Raja Karam Ullah Khan (1676 AD), Raja Aggar Ullah Khan (1808 AD) and Raja Raheem Ullah Khan (1819 AD). Raja Raheem Ullah Khan was the last Muslim Ruler of Rajouri who governed this principality up to 21 October 1846.^{[citation needed]}

Jaral Muslim Rajas rebuilt Rajouri city during their rule. Number of Fort, Sarai, Mosque and Baradaries were constructed with the help of Mughals, on Mughal road. The area of Rajouri principality comprised proper Rajouri, Thanna, Bagla Azim Garh, Darhal, Behrote, Chingus, Nagrota and Phalyana etc. The total revenue of Rajouri was Rs.3.00 lacs in 1846. Raja Aggar Ullah Khan (1808–1819) fought bravely, first against Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1815 and then Raja Gulab Singh in 1819. These Muslim Rajas were very liberal and accommodating. Raja Azmat Ullah was having Hindu Minister of Mehta family of Rajouri. Hindu Rajputs were given preference at the time of employment in armed forces.^{[citation needed]}

The successive Jarral Rulers were also responsible for the proper upkeep of Mughal route from Gujarat to Kashmir, dotted by a dozen stations in between. The town also called Rampur as per the revenue document, gained popularity during the Mughal period as the Mughal Ruler, during their movement from Delhi to Kashmir and back, used to stay at the station for some time.^{[citation needed]}

In 1846 Amritsar pact was signed between British Government and Raja Gulab Singh of Jammu. In the light of this pact, Jammu and Kashmir State was handed over to Raja Gulab Singh and he was designated as Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir.^{[citation needed]}

After taking the charge of Rajouri in 1846, Maharaja Gulab Singh changed the name of Rajouri to Rampur. He appointed Mian Hathu as Governor of Rajouri. Mian Hathu remained in Rajouri up to 1846 AD. He constructed a beautiful temple in between Thanna Nallah near Rajouri city. He also rebuilt Rajouri Fort of Jarral Ruling Dynasty at Dhannidhar village. After Mian Hathu, Rajouri was converted into a Tehsil and affiliated with Bhimber District. In 1904 AD, this Tehsil was bifurcated from Bhimber and affiliated with Reasi District. After Independence, Rajouri became part of the newly constituted Poonch-Rajouri District. On 1 January 1968, Rajouri emerged as a new District on the map of the State.^{[citation needed]}

Rajauri Day[link]

“Rajauri Day” is observed on April 13 to pay homage to those who laid down their lives for the liberation of Rajouri town from Pakistani raiders in 1948.^[6]

Geography[link]

Rajauri is located at 33°23′N 74°18′E / 33.38°N 74.3°E / 33.38; 74.3.^[7] It has an average elevation of 915 metres (3001 feet).

Climate[link]

The Climate of Rajauri is somewhat cooler than rest of the areas of Duggardesh plains.Summers are short and pleasant while sometimes they may be irritating.The summer temperature generally doesnot cross 31 degrees.Winters are cool and chilly characterized with rainfall due to western disturbances.Snowfall is scanty but may occur in cool months like that of Dec 2012.Rainfall is 769 millimetres (26.3 in) in the wettest months. ‎

‎

Demographics[link]

As of the 2011 census,^[8] Rajouri had a population of 37,552 while the population under the municipal limits is 41,552. Males constitute 57% of the population and females 43%. Rajouri has an average literacy rate of 77%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 83%, and female literacy is 68%. In Rajouri, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. The people are mostly Gujjars, Dogras and Paharis.

Muslims make up 55% of the population, Hindus 42% and Sikhs 2.4%.^[9]

Education in Rajouri[link]

The Rajouri is becoming education hub for not only J&K but rest of India also. There is a Government Post Graduate College in Kheora area of Rajouri just 5 km from Rajouri Bus stand. The college offers P.G. Courses of Master of Computer Applications (M.C.A) and Master of Science in Chemistry (M.Sc Chem.). The college also offers UG courses in BCA, BA, BSc, BCom etc. There is also a university in Rajouri City known as Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSB) running PG Courses such as MCA, MBA, M.A (Arabic), M.Sc (Mathematics), MTMand U.G courses in Engineering.

Lakes of Pir Panjal Rajouri[link]

The Pir Panjal falling under the jurisdiction of Rajouri-Poonch districts is a repository of beautiful lakes situated at an altitude between 13,000–14,500 ft. In the local parlance, lake is called "Sar" and meadow is called "Marg". This stretch of Pir Panjal is full of lakes and meadows and a place to be well enjoyed by the tourists. There are more than 27 lakes between Simar Sar to Nandan Sar in an area of 900 km². Of these seven lakes are big in size and rest are smaller. Next to Kaunsar Nag, Bhag Sar is the biggest lake. Most of the big lakes are situated at the boundary line between Jammu division and the Kashmir valley and drain into the Kashmir valley. The important lakes are Sukh Sar, Akal Dakshni, Nandan Sar, Chandan Sar, Katori Sar, Raviwalli marg group of lakes, Chamar Sar, Bhsg Sar, Diya Sar, Padyaran Sar I and II, Katori Sar in Bela Marg and Smat Sar. All the above lakes are situated in the highlands of Pir Panjal Range and freeze during winter and become available for rafting or boating only during summer season i.e. during the months from June to October.

Sukh Sar[link]

This is the first lake if one approaches these groups of lakes from northern direction. This is an oval shaped lake situated at an elevation of about 3000 m and is very small in size.

Akal Darshni[link]

This lake is situated next to Sukh Sar at a distance of about one km. Akal Darshani is worshipped by all Bakerwals who pass through this route and consider it very sacred. Lake is triangular in shape and the colour of water looks black in comparison to blue colour of other lakes. It is located slightly at higher altitude to that of Sukh Sar at an elevation of about 3,300 m. This lake is about 200 m wide and 400 m long.

Nandar Sar[link]

This lake is one of the biggest and beautiful lakes located at such a high altitude. Nandan Sar is oval in shape and more than one km in length. Water lake is deep blue in colour. To approach this lake one has to ascend the slope from Akal Dakshni and then descend towards Kashmir watershed. Lake is located at an elevation of about 3,500 m. The water of this lake flows through Jadi Marg nullah into the valley.

Chandan Sar[link]

At half an hour trekking distance from Nandan Sar is located Chandan Sar amidst a depression formed by lofty mountains across the nullah to east. Chandan Sar is located at an elevation of about 3,600 m and is as big as Nandan Sar.

Katori Sar[link]

From Chandan Sar route again enters Rajouri District through dharhal pass (3,650 m) in westerly direction. Just near is the saddle and irregular shaped lake, with blue waters, welcomes the travels. This is Katori lake or Sar at an elevation of about 3550 metres.

Ravi Walli Marg group of lakes[link]

From Katori Sar as one descends down due west, water of four lakes gives a panoramic view of Ravi Walli Marg. The four lakes located in this Marg are Kokar Sar, Neel Sar, Bhag Sar and Ding Sar. Altitude of this place is about 3,300 m and is one of the best camping sites at this altitude.

To approach Chamar Sar one has to reach Sarota Marg located along the Chamar Nala and camp here for one night. Chamar Sar is one day's trekking from Ravi Walli Marg. It is better to approach Chamar and Bhag Sar from Sarota Marg and come back same day. Chamar Sar is bean shaped like located at an altitude of 3,300 m. This lake if full of icebergs till late July. Circumference of this lake is more than 12 km. This lake is source of chamar Nala which ultimately joins Bafliaz Nala near Behram Gala.

Bhag Sar[link]

Bhag Sar is the highest lake situated in this series of lakes in atapani/Budhal mountains at an elevation of about 3700 metres. It is an oval shaped lake and is inaccessible for a common man. It is enclosed from all the four sides and is always full of icebergs. To approach this lake one has to skirt around the chamar Sar from left side and then ascend the glacier up to 4,000 m from where the lake is visible.

Diya Sar[link]

This lake is also accessible from Sarota Marg located due west from Chamar Sar. Shape of the lake is typical like an Indian earthen lamp and so named as Diya Sar. This lake is about one km long and located at an elevation of about 3,600 m.

Padyaran Sar (I & II)[link]

To reach Padyaran Sars, one has to ascend the steep one km cliff of Diya Sar Gali at an elevation of 3,800 m. From the Gali one enters famous Rupari Corridor towards hill terrain of an catchments. Just below Diya Sar Gali, at an elevation of 3,400 m twin lakes of Padyaran Sar can be seen. Both are bean shaped lakes. Padyaran I is slightly bigger than Padyaran II. Most of the time, these lakes remain under snow. Nomadic Bakerwals of Taryath, Tatapani, Khawas, Metka, Moghla, Kandi, Bakori, and Budhal cross Rupari pass to enter Kashmir valley.

Katori Sar in Bela Marg[link]

This is a saucer shaped lake located on western and of Bela Marg, at an altitude of 3,300 m. It is one of the smallest lakes formed due to pooling of water from melting snow and dries out till end of September.

Gum Sar[link]

This is another small lake at the foot of Dhakyar peak at an elevation of 3,600 m. Dhakyar peak is the highest peak in this range. It is pyramidical mountain with height of about 4,660 m.

Samot Sar[link]

Samot Sar is located on northern end of Badjari Marg, at an elevation of about 3,550 m. This is an oval shaped blue water lake with maximum length of about one km. Samot Sar is nearest accessible lake from Budhal side (1,800 m). From Budhal it takes about four hours to reach on foot up to lake. Budhal is approachable by road from Rajouri.

References[link]

1. ^ Page on Rajouri from Government of India Portal
2. ^ Watters, Yuan Chawang, Vol I, p 284.
3. ^ See: Political History of Ancient India, 1996, p 133, 219/220, Dr H. C. Raychaudhury, Dr B. N. Mukerjee.
4. ^ A History of India, p 269-71, N. R. Ray, N. K. Sinha.
5. ^ Journal of Indian History, P 304, University of Allahabad. Department of Modern Indian History, University of Kerala - 1921; Military History of India, 1980, p 38, Hemendra Chandra Kar — History.
6. ^ News Article from The Tribune dated 14-April-2007
7. ^ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Rajouri
8. ^ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2004-06-16. http://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999. Retrieved 2008-11-01. 
9. ^ "Census of India — Administrative divisions". Censusindia.gov.in. http://censusindia.gov.in/Tables_Published/Basic_Data_Sheet.aspx. Retrieved 2011-09-19. 

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Asian Games
Silver	2010 Guangzhou	Heavyweight

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