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History
History of Sirmour
Origin of the Name :
About the origin of the name,”Sirmour” there are quite a few surmises. One view being that the state derived its name as Sirmour because of the senior position it held amongst the princely hill states. Another version is that at the earliest times the capital of the state was at Sirmour and the state was so called after the name of the capital. But,how the word Sirmour originated is not known. Third version being that the state was founded by Raja Rasaloo of Jaisalmer whose one of the ancestor’s name was Sirmour and who belonged to Rasaloo family. Beyond this, nothing definite is traceable.
About the origin of the name,”Sirmour” there are quite a few surmises. One view being that the state derived its name as Sirmour because of the senior position it held amongst the princely hill states. Another version is that at the earliest times the capital of the state was at Sirmour and the state was so called after the name of the capital. But,how the word Sirmour originated is not known. Third version being that the state was founded by Raja Rasaloo of Jaisalmer whose one of the ancestor’s name was Sirmour and who belonged to Rasaloo family. Beyond this, nothing definite is traceable.
History of Sirmour - II
The legend goes that during the earliest history of Sirmour State when Raja Madan Singh used to rule, a woman knowing necromancy presented before the Raja and talked about her acrobatic skill. Raja being susceptible about it, promised her half of his kingdom if she displayed her skill by crossing over the river Giri by means of acrobatic rope.
Legends of Sirmaur::
To his surprise, she succeeded in crossing and when she was returning on the rope one of the courtiers of the Raja feeling apprehensive, cut the rope and consequently the woman was drowned in the river. This treachery on the part of Raja resulted in a flood, which swept the town, and the entire princely family perished leaving the state without a ruler.
The legend goes that during the earliest history of Sirmour State when Raja Madan Singh used to rule, a woman knowing necromancy presented before the Raja and talked about her acrobatic skill. Raja being susceptible about it, promised her half of his kingdom if she displayed her skill by crossing over the river Giri by means of acrobatic rope.
Legends of Sirmaur::
To his surprise, she succeeded in crossing and when she was returning on the rope one of the courtiers of the Raja feeling apprehensive, cut the rope and consequently the woman was drowned in the river. This treachery on the part of Raja resulted in a flood, which swept the town, and the entire princely family perished leaving the state without a ruler.
History of Sirmour - III
One version goes that on this state of affairs, the subjects of the Sirmour State approached the Raja of Jaisalmer to give one of his sons as the ruler of the State, which was conceded and sent one of his sons who as crowned as Raja of Sirmour. According to another version, in about 1097 AD, Raja of Jaisalmer, Ugar Sen who happened to visit Hardwar on pilgrimage and on hearing the throne vacant in the near by state sent his son Soba Rawal who conquered and established his kingdom with the capital at Rajban taking the title of Subans Parkash. He ruled the state uptil 1099 AD and thus after 4 years of rule he expired. Ever since, the name “Parkash” in the princely family of Sirmour continued till to-day and uptil the date of lapse of paramountcy the same dynasty continued to rule Sirmour State. Malhi Parkash ruled the state from 1108 AD to 1117 AD. He was a man of deep religious and charitable disposition. He fought battle with the Raja of Sirinagar of Garhwal and wrested from him the fort of Malda. His decendant Udit Parkash ruled from 1121 to 1127 AD who changed his capital from Rajban to Kalsi in Dehra Dun otherwise his period was not much eventful. Down the decent in the line, comes the name of Somar Parkash who ruled the stae from 1149 AD to 1158 AD, who conquered the fort of Ratesh in Kenothal state and made it his capital. But, Suraj Parkash who ruled from 1158 AD to 1169 AD, returned his capital to Kalsi whereupon his subjects revolted against him and his daughter was killed in the process of defending the fort. Hearing this news, Suraj Parkash returned from Kalsi and subdued the rebels and also overcome the Thakurs of Jubbal, Balsan, Kumharsain, Ghond, Sahri, Theog, Rewain and Kotgarh and forced them to pay tribute. Next century in the history of Sirmour state perhaps passed on uneventfully.
One version goes that on this state of affairs, the subjects of the Sirmour State approached the Raja of Jaisalmer to give one of his sons as the ruler of the State, which was conceded and sent one of his sons who as crowned as Raja of Sirmour. According to another version, in about 1097 AD, Raja of Jaisalmer, Ugar Sen who happened to visit Hardwar on pilgrimage and on hearing the throne vacant in the near by state sent his son Soba Rawal who conquered and established his kingdom with the capital at Rajban taking the title of Subans Parkash. He ruled the state uptil 1099 AD and thus after 4 years of rule he expired. Ever since, the name “Parkash” in the princely family of Sirmour continued till to-day and uptil the date of lapse of paramountcy the same dynasty continued to rule Sirmour State. Malhi Parkash ruled the state from 1108 AD to 1117 AD. He was a man of deep religious and charitable disposition. He fought battle with the Raja of Sirinagar of Garhwal and wrested from him the fort of Malda. His decendant Udit Parkash ruled from 1121 to 1127 AD who changed his capital from Rajban to Kalsi in Dehra Dun otherwise his period was not much eventful. Down the decent in the line, comes the name of Somar Parkash who ruled the stae from 1149 AD to 1158 AD, who conquered the fort of Ratesh in Kenothal state and made it his capital. But, Suraj Parkash who ruled from 1158 AD to 1169 AD, returned his capital to Kalsi whereupon his subjects revolted against him and his daughter was killed in the process of defending the fort. Hearing this news, Suraj Parkash returned from Kalsi and subdued the rebels and also overcome the Thakurs of Jubbal, Balsan, Kumharsain, Ghond, Sahri, Theog, Rewain and Kotgarh and forced them to pay tribute. Next century in the history of Sirmour state perhaps passed on uneventfully.
History of Sirmour-IV
However, the period of Jagat Parkash from 1342 to 1356 was known for its mal-administration with the result the aforesaid Thakurs again revolted against the suzerainty. His son Bir Parkash who took over the reign of state in 1356 Ad and ruled till 1366 AD was an energetic ruler and crushed the revolt of the misery junction of Rawin and Jubbal States.
However, the period of Jagat Parkash from 1342 to 1356 was known for its mal-administration with the result the aforesaid Thakurs again revolted against the suzerainty. His son Bir Parkash who took over the reign of state in 1356 Ad and ruled till 1366 AD was an energetic ruler and crushed the revolt of the misery junction of Rawin and Jubbal States.
History of Sirmour-V
During the time of subsequent rulers the capital of the state shuttled between Neri, Kot and Gargah in Ratesh Pargana. But, during the time of Budh Parkash it was shifted to Kalsi again. The present capital at Nahan was founded in 1621 AD by Karam Parkash who ruled the state from 1616 to 1630 AD. He became a spirtual desciple of Baba Banwari Dass whose decendant still hold the temple of Jagan-Nath at Nahan. It is believed that Shah Jahan, the Mugal Emperor of India had requested Karam Parkash for 2,000 horses to conquer Srinagar in Garhwal. The request was accepted by raja. But his commander Nijabat Khan after initial successes in capturing the forts of Shergarh, Kalsi, Bairat etc., met a disaster in his adventure. Whereupon he lost his position and he was replaced by Mirza Khan as Fauzdar who with the help of Raja Subhag Parkash of Sirmour and other jagirdars of hills, conquered Srinagar in Garhwal. Raja Subhag Parkash in recognition of his services received a firman on hehalf of the Mughal Emperor and area of Kotaha was annexed to Sirmour State.
During the time of subsequent rulers the capital of the state shuttled between Neri, Kot and Gargah in Ratesh Pargana. But, during the time of Budh Parkash it was shifted to Kalsi again. The present capital at Nahan was founded in 1621 AD by Karam Parkash who ruled the state from 1616 to 1630 AD. He became a spirtual desciple of Baba Banwari Dass whose decendant still hold the temple of Jagan-Nath at Nahan. It is believed that Shah Jahan, the Mugal Emperor of India had requested Karam Parkash for 2,000 horses to conquer Srinagar in Garhwal. The request was accepted by raja. But his commander Nijabat Khan after initial successes in capturing the forts of Shergarh, Kalsi, Bairat etc., met a disaster in his adventure. Whereupon he lost his position and he was replaced by Mirza Khan as Fauzdar who with the help of Raja Subhag Parkash of Sirmour and other jagirdars of hills, conquered Srinagar in Garhwal. Raja Subhag Parkash in recognition of his services received a firman on hehalf of the Mughal Emperor and area of Kotaha was annexed to Sirmour State.
History of Sirmour-VI
Raja Subhag Parkash was a good administrator and took keen interest in the development of the state, particularly in the field of agriculture. This led to the confirement of area of Kalakhar (area near Dehradun) by the Mugal Princes. Again, during the reign of Budh Parkash during 1664 to 1684 AD, the Mughal Prince passed on the fort of Bairat and Kalsi from Raja of Srinagar who had occupied the fort which originally belonged to Sirmour state. It is believed that Raja of Sirmour had closed correspondence with the Begum Jahan Area whom he sent musk, wild pomegranates and wild fowls etc. Budh Parkash’s son Jog Raj succeeded his father under the title of Mat Parkash, who ruled between 1684 and 1704 AD, and was recognized by the Mughal Emperor. One of the interesting features of his reign was the visit of Guru Gobind Singh to Paonta, who resided there for 3 years when he was expelled from Anandpur by the Raja of Bilaspur for failing to confirm to his directions. Later the Raja of Bilaspur and Srinagar fought a battle with the Guru at Paonta where the former were killed and the guru emerged victorious and the present Gurdwara of Paonta Sahib marks the spot where the Guru had won the battle.
Raja Subhag Parkash was a good administrator and took keen interest in the development of the state, particularly in the field of agriculture. This led to the confirement of area of Kalakhar (area near Dehradun) by the Mugal Princes. Again, during the reign of Budh Parkash during 1664 to 1684 AD, the Mughal Prince passed on the fort of Bairat and Kalsi from Raja of Srinagar who had occupied the fort which originally belonged to Sirmour state. It is believed that Raja of Sirmour had closed correspondence with the Begum Jahan Area whom he sent musk, wild pomegranates and wild fowls etc. Budh Parkash’s son Jog Raj succeeded his father under the title of Mat Parkash, who ruled between 1684 and 1704 AD, and was recognized by the Mughal Emperor. One of the interesting features of his reign was the visit of Guru Gobind Singh to Paonta, who resided there for 3 years when he was expelled from Anandpur by the Raja of Bilaspur for failing to confirm to his directions. Later the Raja of Bilaspur and Srinagar fought a battle with the Guru at Paonta where the former were killed and the guru emerged victorious and the present Gurdwara of Paonta Sahib marks the spot where the Guru had won the battle.
History of Sirmour-VII
Mat Parkash died in 1704 AD issueless. Therefore, Hari Parkash ascended the throne in 1704 AD and continued to rule uptil 1712 AD. On his death, his son Bije Parkash ruled the state from 1712 AD to 1736 AD. There upon his son Partap Prakash was the ruler from 1736 to 1754 AD. He was a weak ruler and many of his feudatories rebelled against his rule. In 1754 AD his sin Kirat Parkash ascended the throne and ruled for 16 years up to 1770 AD. He was an efficient ruler and effected great reforms inhis state. He won battles over the Raja of Srinagar of Garhwal and thereafter he annexed Narayangarh, Rampur, Thanadhar, Morni, Pinjore, Ramgarh and Jagatgarh. Having won the aforesaid principalities he consolidated his power over the entire area and entered into alliance with Raja Amar singh of Patiala and secured from him Saifabad. Further in alliance with Raja of Shirinagar of Garhwal, he fought battles with Gorkhas and forced a treaty on them. After his death in 1770 AD, his son Jagat Parkash ruled the state uptil 1789 AD. This period, of course, was not much of historical happenings and quietly passed on to his son Dharam Parkash who ruled the state from 1789 to 1793 AD. During his time, it is said that Raja Ram singh of Nalagarh encroached a portion of his territory which he got recovered and also occupied the fort of Khushalpur near Dehradun from Raja of Srinagar of Garhwal. Further in his time Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra attacked the Bilaspur state whereupon Bilaspur Raja sought help from Raja of Sirmour.
Mat Parkash died in 1704 AD issueless. Therefore, Hari Parkash ascended the throne in 1704 AD and continued to rule uptil 1712 AD. On his death, his son Bije Parkash ruled the state from 1712 AD to 1736 AD. There upon his son Partap Prakash was the ruler from 1736 to 1754 AD. He was a weak ruler and many of his feudatories rebelled against his rule. In 1754 AD his sin Kirat Parkash ascended the throne and ruled for 16 years up to 1770 AD. He was an efficient ruler and effected great reforms inhis state. He won battles over the Raja of Srinagar of Garhwal and thereafter he annexed Narayangarh, Rampur, Thanadhar, Morni, Pinjore, Ramgarh and Jagatgarh. Having won the aforesaid principalities he consolidated his power over the entire area and entered into alliance with Raja Amar singh of Patiala and secured from him Saifabad. Further in alliance with Raja of Shirinagar of Garhwal, he fought battles with Gorkhas and forced a treaty on them. After his death in 1770 AD, his son Jagat Parkash ruled the state uptil 1789 AD. This period, of course, was not much of historical happenings and quietly passed on to his son Dharam Parkash who ruled the state from 1789 to 1793 AD. During his time, it is said that Raja Ram singh of Nalagarh encroached a portion of his territory which he got recovered and also occupied the fort of Khushalpur near Dehradun from Raja of Srinagar of Garhwal. Further in his time Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra attacked the Bilaspur state whereupon Bilaspur Raja sought help from Raja of Sirmour.
History of Sirmour-VIII
The help was readily offered. Raja of Sirmour himself commanded his forces and after a pitched battle he lost his life, whereupon his brother Karam Parkash ascended the throne and ruled from 1793 to 1815 AD. He was an indolent king as a result he lost all the feudatories for ever. In his time, the princely house was known for court conspiracies, where with the help of some courtiers his brother Rattan Prakash tried to seize the throne of Sirmour. But, Karam Parkash appealed to Kaji Ranjor Thapa, Commander in Chief of the Gorkha army at Dehradun for help. Commander Thapa was looking for a opportunity and immediately rendered help and crushed the court consipirators of Rattan Parkash. However, he did not return the principality to Karam Parkash, the real ruler of Sirmour State and he was left in lurch with the result, he had to live at Subathu under the Ramgarh State. But after the death of Kushal singh, the Ramgarh and his sons ordered Karam Parkash to leave their state and he accordingly moved to Buria where he spent his time until death in 1826 AD. At this time Rani Goler, wife of Karam Parkash appealed to the British Commander at Ludhiana, Col. Ochteclony for assistance to recover the state from the illegal occupation of the Gorkhas.
The help was readily offered. Raja of Sirmour himself commanded his forces and after a pitched battle he lost his life, whereupon his brother Karam Parkash ascended the throne and ruled from 1793 to 1815 AD. He was an indolent king as a result he lost all the feudatories for ever. In his time, the princely house was known for court conspiracies, where with the help of some courtiers his brother Rattan Prakash tried to seize the throne of Sirmour. But, Karam Parkash appealed to Kaji Ranjor Thapa, Commander in Chief of the Gorkha army at Dehradun for help. Commander Thapa was looking for a opportunity and immediately rendered help and crushed the court consipirators of Rattan Parkash. However, he did not return the principality to Karam Parkash, the real ruler of Sirmour State and he was left in lurch with the result, he had to live at Subathu under the Ramgarh State. But after the death of Kushal singh, the Ramgarh and his sons ordered Karam Parkash to leave their state and he accordingly moved to Buria where he spent his time until death in 1826 AD. At this time Rani Goler, wife of Karam Parkash appealed to the British Commander at Ludhiana, Col. Ochteclony for assistance to recover the state from the illegal occupation of the Gorkhas.
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History of Sirmour-IX
This appeal coincided with general declaration of war by British Government against the Gorkhas. The British Commander moved from Ludhiana and on the way drove away the enemy out of Kalinagar fort in Dun. Thereafter, the British Army reached at Nahan and attacked the Gorkhas who were hiding inside the Jatak fort, 7 KMs from Nahan. But, the British army had to suffer heavy loss of men and materials and the Gorkhas continued to remain entrenched in the fort until they evacuated it in pursuance of the treaty entered into the Nepal Governemt with the British India Government in 1815. |
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History of Sirmour-X
The British, however, did not reinstate Karam Parkash instead the sanad was granted to his son Fateh Parkash and the Goler Rani was appointed as regent during his minority. Fatedh Parkash on attaining majority in 1827 was vested with the full powers of the state. The Jaupsar pargana with the forts of Morni, Jagatgarh, Kiardadun were retained by the British under them. However, in 1833, Kiardadun was restored to Fateh Parkash on the payment of Rs.50,000.00 to the British. Raja fateh Parkash had best of the relations with the British during his 35 years of reign from 1815 to 1850 AD. In 1836, during the first Afgan war, Fateh Parkash assisted the British with men and material, which was acknowledged by the British Government. During the first Sikh war in 1839-46 Raja sinrour again sided with the British and sent a contingency to reinforce the British Army at Hari-ki-Pattan.
The British, however, did not reinstate Karam Parkash instead the sanad was granted to his son Fateh Parkash and the Goler Rani was appointed as regent during his minority. Fatedh Parkash on attaining majority in 1827 was vested with the full powers of the state. The Jaupsar pargana with the forts of Morni, Jagatgarh, Kiardadun were retained by the British under them. However, in 1833, Kiardadun was restored to Fateh Parkash on the payment of Rs.50,000.00 to the British. Raja fateh Parkash had best of the relations with the British during his 35 years of reign from 1815 to 1850 AD. In 1836, during the first Afgan war, Fateh Parkash assisted the British with men and material, which was acknowledged by the British Government. During the first Sikh war in 1839-46 Raja sinrour again sided with the British and sent a contingency to reinforce the British Army at Hari-ki-Pattan.
History of Sirmour-XI
On his death, his son Raghubir Parkash ruled the state from 1850 to 1856 AD. He was succeeded by Shamsher Parkash who ruled for 42 years from 1856 to 1898. He has married to the daughter of the Rja Keonthal who ws a lady of great beauty and ability and who used to conduct the judicial and administrative business of the state in the absence of the Raja. On her death, he abandoned the palace and made Shamsher Villa his residence which was built by him. In her memory, he laid the garden known as Ranital Bag at Nahan.
On his death, his son Raghubir Parkash ruled the state from 1850 to 1856 AD. He was succeeded by Shamsher Parkash who ruled for 42 years from 1856 to 1898. He has married to the daughter of the Rja Keonthal who ws a lady of great beauty and ability and who used to conduct the judicial and administrative business of the state in the absence of the Raja. On her death, he abandoned the palace and made Shamsher Villa his residence which was built by him. In her memory, he laid the garden known as Ranital Bag at Nahan.
History of Sirmour-XII
He was bravery able and far sighted urler and modernized the administration of the state. He established police, judicial, revenue courts, district board and public works department at Nahan became the first municipality in the principality during his time. Dispensaries, Schools and Post Offices were opened and an attempt was made to develop iron mine at Chheta which proved to be unremunerative
He was bravery able and far sighted urler and modernized the administration of the state. He established police, judicial, revenue courts, district board and public works department at Nahan became the first municipality in the principality during his time. Dispensaries, Schools and Post Offices were opened and an attempt was made to develop iron mine at Chheta which proved to be unremunerative
History of Sirmour-XIII
He married in 1910 to the eldest daughter of Maharaja Dev Shamsher Jang Bahadur of Nepal who was highly educated, intelligent, polished in manners and charitable in disposition. During First World was, Raja Amar Parkash sent a contingent of state force to Mesopotamia to fight for the British Empire who rendered a good service in the war. In recognition of his services, he was given the distinction of KCSI. in 1915 and in 1918 he was made a Lieutenant Colonel and in 1921 he was titled KCIE and in 1931 his salute was raised from 11 guns to 13 guns as a personal distinction.
He married in 1910 to the eldest daughter of Maharaja Dev Shamsher Jang Bahadur of Nepal who was highly educated, intelligent, polished in manners and charitable in disposition. During First World was, Raja Amar Parkash sent a contingent of state force to Mesopotamia to fight for the British Empire who rendered a good service in the war. In recognition of his services, he was given the distinction of KCSI. in 1915 and in 1918 he was made a Lieutenant Colonel and in 1921 he was titled KCIE and in 1931 his salute was raised from 11 guns to 13 guns as a personal distinction.
History of Sirmour-XIV
He effected many reforms of which Surendra Water Works Nahan was completed. He opened free primary Schools throughout the state and built hostels for the students and high school buildings. He inaugurated Mahima Library and got the road metalled from Nahan to Kala Amb which was completed in 1927. In the field of revenue administration, the important land mark of his time was the revision of settlement in 1931 which made the state revenue records reliable and uptodat. He died in August, 1933 away from his kingdom to hill in treatment of his Maharani in Europe.
He effected many reforms of which Surendra Water Works Nahan was completed. He opened free primary Schools throughout the state and built hostels for the students and high school buildings. He inaugurated Mahima Library and got the road metalled from Nahan to Kala Amb which was completed in 1927. In the field of revenue administration, the important land mark of his time was the revision of settlement in 1931 which made the state revenue records reliable and uptodat. He died in August, 1933 away from his kingdom to hill in treatment of his Maharani in Europe.
History of Sirmour-XV
His son, Maharaja Rajendra Parkash succeeded him in 1933. During his father’s time itself, he was trained in the state carft thoroughly. He was a keen sportsman also. He had marriage alliance with the Nagod state in Central India since 15th April, 1936. The most important aspect of his administration was the promulgation of Usurious Loans Act. One of the most interesting activities during the reign of the last ruler was the increased activity of the freedom fighters in the state in which Praja Mandal played the predominat role in mobilizing public opinion against the state and the British India Government which ultimately culminated into state’s succession to the Union of India and final merger in Himachal Pradesh.
His son, Maharaja Rajendra Parkash succeeded him in 1933. During his father’s time itself, he was trained in the state carft thoroughly. He was a keen sportsman also. He had marriage alliance with the Nagod state in Central India since 15th April, 1936. The most important aspect of his administration was the promulgation of Usurious Loans Act. One of the most interesting activities during the reign of the last ruler was the increased activity of the freedom fighters in the state in which Praja Mandal played the predominat role in mobilizing public opinion against the state and the British India Government which ultimately culminated into state’s succession to the Union of India and final merger in Himachal Pradesh.
Courtesy : Sh Rajendra Tewari Ji (Poanta Saheb)
an other story
Origin of the Name
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About the
origin of the name, ”Sirmour” there
are quite a few surmises. One view being that the state derived
its name as Sirmour because of the senior position it held
amongst the princely hill states. Another version is
that at the earliest times the capital of the state was at Sirmour and
the state was so called after the name of the capital. But, how the word
Sirmour originated is not known. Third version being that the
state was founded by Raja Rasaloo of Jaisalmer whose one of
the ancestor’s name was Sirmour and who belonged to Rasaloo
family. Beyond this, nothing definite is traceable.
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Legends of Sirmaur
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The
legend goes that during the earliest history of Sirmour State when Raja Madan
Singh used to rule, a woman knowing necromancy presented before the Raja and
talked about her acrobatic skill. Raja being susceptible about it,
promised her half of his kingdom if she displayed her skill by
crossing over the river Giri by means of acrobatic rope. To
his surprise, she succeeded in crossing and when she was returning on the
rope one of the courtiers of the Raja feeling apprehensive, cut the rope and
consequently the woman was drowned in the river. This treachery on
the part of Raja resulted in a flood, which swept the town, and the entire
princely family perished leaving the state without a ruler.
One
version goes that on this state of affairs, the subjects of the Sirmour State
approached the Raja of Jaisalmer to give one of his sons as the ruler of the
State, which was conceded and sent one of his sons who as crowned as Raja of
Sirmour. According to another version, in about 1097 AD, Raja of
Jaisalmer, Ugar Sen who happened to visit Hardwar on pilgrimage and on
hearing the throne vacant in the near by state sent his son Soba Rawal who
conquered and established his kingdom with the capital at Rajban taking the
title of Subans Parkash. He ruled the state uptil 1099 AD and thus
after 4 years of rule he expired. Ever since, the name
“Parkash” in the princely family of Sirmour continued till to-day and up till
the date of lapse of paramountcy the same dynasty continued to
rule Sirmour State. Malhi Parkash ruled the state from 1108 AD to
1117 AD. He was a man of deep religious and charitable
disposition. He fought battle with the Raja of Sirinagar of
Garhwal and wrested from him the fort of Malda. His descendant
Udit Parkash ruled from 1121 to 1127 AD who changed his capital from Rajban
to Kalsi in Dehra Dun otherwise his period was not much
eventful. Down the decent in the line, comes the name of Somar
Parkash who ruled the state from 1149 AD to 1158 AD, who conquered the fort
of Ratesh in Kenothal state and made it his capital. But, Suraj
Parkash who ruled from 1158 AD to 1169 AD, returned his capital to Kalsi
whereupon his subjects revolted against him and his daughter was killed in
the process of defending the fort. Hearing this news, Suraj
Parkash returned from Kalsi and subdued the rebels and also overcome the
Thakurs of Jubbal, Balsan, Kumharsain, Ghond, Sahri, Theog, Rewain and
Kotgarh and forced them to pay tribute. Next century in the
history of Sirmour state perhaps passed on uneventfully. However,
the period of Jagat Parkash from 1342 to 1356 was known for its
mal-administration with the result the aforesaid Thakurs again revolted
against the suzerainty. His son Bir Parkash who took over the
reign of state in 1356 Ad and ruled till 1366 AD was an energetic ruler and
crushed the revolt of the misery junction of Rawin and Jubbal States.
During
the time of subsequent rulers the capital of the state shuttled between Neri,
Kot and Gargah in Ratesh Pargana. But, during the time of Budh
Parkash it was shifted to Kalsi again. The present capital at
Nahan was founded in 1621 AD by Karam Parkash who ruled the state from 1616
to 1630 AD. He became a spiritual disciple of Baba Banwari Dass
whose descendant still hold the temple of Jagan-Nath at Nahan. It
is believed that Shah Jahan, the Mugal Emperor of India had requested Karam
Parkash for 2,000 horses to conquer Srinagar in Garhwal. The
request was accepted by raja. But his commander Nijabat Khan after
initial successes in capturing the forts of Shergarh, Kalsi, Bairat etc., met
a disaster in his adventure. Whereupon he lost his position and he
was replaced by Mirza Khan as Fauzdar who with the help of Raja Subhag
Parkash of Sirmour and other jagirdars of hills, conquered Srinagar in
Garhwal. Raja Subhag Parkash in recognition of his services
received a firman on behalf of the Mughal Emperor and area of Kotaha was
annexed to Sirmour State.
Raja
Subhag Parkash was a good administrator and took keen interest in the
development of the state, particularly in the field of
agriculture. This led to the confinement of area of Kalakhar (area
near Dehradun) by the Mugal Princes. Again, during the reign of
Budh Parkash during 1664 to 1684 AD, the Mughal Prince passed on the fort of
Bairat and Kalsi from Raja of Srinagar who had occupied the fort which
originally belonged to Sirmour state. It is believed that Raja of Sirmour had
closed correspondence with the Begum Jahan Area whom he sent musk, wild
pomegranates and wild fowls etc. Budh Parkash’s son Jog Raj
succeeded his father under the title of Mat Parkash, who ruled between 1684
and 1704 AD, and was recognized by the Mughal Emperor. One of the
interesting features of his reign was the visit of Guru Gobind Singh to
Paonta, who resided there for 3 years when he was expelled from Anandpur by
the Raja of Bilaspur for failing to confirm to his
directions. Later the Raja of Bilaspur and Srinagar fought a
battle with the Guru at Paonta where the former were killed and the guru
emerged victorious and the present Gurdwara of Paonta Sahib marks the spot
where the Guru had won the battle.
Mat
Parkash died in 1704 AD issueless. Therefore, Hari Parkash
ascended the throne in 1704 AD and continued to rule uptil 1712 AD. On his
death, his son Bije Parkash ruled the state from 1712 AD to 1736 AD. There
upon his son Partap Prakash was the ruler from 1736 to 1754 AD. He was a weak
ruler and many of his feudatories rebelled against his rule. In
1754 AD his son Kirat Parkash ascended the throne and ruled for 16 years up
to 1770 AD. He was an efficient ruler and effected great reforms
in his state. He won battles over the Raja of Srinagar of Garhwal
and thereafter he annexed Narayangarh, Rampur, Thanadhar, Morni, Pinjore,
Ramgarh and Jagatgarh. Having won the aforesaid principalities he
consolidated his power over the entire area and entered into alliance with
Raja Amar singh of Patiala and secured from him Saifabad. Further
in alliance with Raja of Shirinagar of Garhwal, he fought battles with
Gorkhas and forced a treaty on them. After his death in 1770 AD,
his son Jagat Parkash ruled the state uptil 1789 AD. This period,
of course, was not much of historical happenings and quietly passed on to his
son Dharam Parkash who ruled the state from 1789 to 1793
AD. During his time, it is said that Raja Ram singh of Nalagarh
encroached a portion of his territory which he got recovered and also occupied
the fort of Khushalpur near Dehradun from Raja of Srinagar of
Garhwal. Further in his time Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra attacked
the Bilaspur state whereupon Bilaspur Raja sought help from Raja of
Sirmour. The help was readily offered. Raja of Sirmour
himself commanded his forces and after a pitched battle he lost his life,
whereupon his brother Karam Parkash ascended the throne and ruled from 1793
to 1815 AD. He was an indolent king as a result he lost all the feudatories
for ever. In his time, the princely house was known for court
conspiracies, where with the help of some courtiers his brother Rattan
Prakash tried to seize the throne of Sirmour. But, Karam Parkash
appealed to Kaji Ranjor Thapa, Commander in Chief of the Gorkha army at
Dehradun for help. Commander Thapa was looking for a
opportunity and immediately rendered help and crushed the court conspirators
of Rattan Parkash. However, he did not return the
principality to Karam Parkash, the real ruler of Sirmour State and he was left
in lurch with the result, he had to live at Subathu under the Ramgarh
State. But after the death of Kushal singh, the Ramgarh and his
sons ordered Karam Parkash to leave their state and he accordingly moved to
Buria where he spent his time until death in 1826 AD. At this time Rani
Goler, wife of Karam Parkash appealed to the British Commander at Ludhiana,
Col. Ochteclony for assistance to recover the state from the illegal
occupation of the Gorkhas. This appeal coincided with general
declaration of war by British Government against the Gorkhas. The
British Commander moved from Ludhiana and on the way drove away the enemy out
of Kalinagar fort in Dun. Thereafter, the British Army reached at
Nahan and attacked the Gorkhas who were hiding inside the Jatak fort, 7 KMs
from Nahan. But, the British army had to suffer heavy loss of men
and materials and the Gorkhas continued to remain entrenched in the fort
until they evacuated it in pursuance of the treaty entered into the Nepal
Government with the British India Government in 1815.
The
British, however, did not reinstate Karam Parkash instead the sanad was
granted to his son Fateh Parkash and the Goler Rani was appointed as regent
during his minority. Fatedh Parkash on attaining majority in
1827 was vested with the full powers of the state. The Jaupsar
pargana with the forts of Morni, Jagatgarh, Kiardadun were retained by the
British under them. However, in 1833, Kiardadun was restored to
Fateh Parkash on the payment of Rs.50,000.00 to the
British. Raja fateh Parkash had best of the relations with
the British during his 35 years of reign from 1815 to 1850 AD. In
1836, during the first Afgan war, Fateh Parkash assisted the British with men
and material, which was acknowledged by the British Government. During
the first Sikh war in 1839-46 Raja sinrour again sided with the British and
sent a contingency to reinforce the British Army at Hari-ki-Pattan.
Raja then
established Nahan Foundary. His greatest achievement was said to
be the colonization of Kiardadun which wa hitherto a wild and dense forest
track. The land reforms of the state for the first time was
settled and the proprietary right conferred on the
Zamindars. Forests were preserved which became a source of revenue
to the state.
Raja
Shamsher Parkash was appointed as a member of the Imperial Legislative
Council and also conferred with a title of Khillat in recognition of the
services rendered by him during the mutiny in 1857. In 1876, he
was conferred with K.C.S.I and in 1886 G.C.S.I. and as personal distinction
he was entitled to 13 guns salute. In 1896 the Sirmour state was taken
out of the political control of the Superintendent of Shimla Hill State and
Placed under the Commissioner of Delhi.
He
effected many reforms of which Surendra Water Works Nahan was
completed. He opened free primary Schools throughout the
state and built hostels for the students and high school
buildings. He inaugurated Mahima Library and got the road metalled
from Nahan to Kala Amb which was completed in 1927. In
the field of revenue administration, the important land mark of his time was
the revision of settlement in 1931 which made the state revenue records
reliable and up to date. He died in August, 1933 away from his
kingdom to hill in treatment of his Maharani in Europe.
His
son, Maharaja Rajendra Parkash succeeded him in 1933. During his
father’s time itself, he was trained in the state craft
thoroughly. He was a keen sportsman also. He had marriage alliance
with the Nagod state in Central India since 15th April,
1936. The most important aspect of his administration was the
promulgation of Usurious Loans Act. One of the most interesting
activities during the reign of the last ruler was the increased activity of
the freedom fighters in the state in which Praja Mandal played the
predominate role in mobilizing public opinion against the state and the British
India Government which ultimately culminated into state’s succession to the
Union of India and final merger in Himachal Pradesh.
Source : http://hpsirmaur.nic.in/history.htm
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