History Of Chamba

Chamba has a place that has a very rich history and one of the oldest states in Indian before it became a district of Himachal Pradesh. Although proper documents of the city can only be found form about 600 AD, it's past can be traced back to 2nd Century BC where it's earliest inhabitants were the Kolian Tribes before the Khasas and Audumbaras took over the power. In the 4th century AD during the Gupta period, the Thakurs and Ranas ruled. From the middle of the 6th century, the Rajput dynasty came into power and for three hundred years, kings of Rajput Dynasty ruled from their capital in Bharmour.

In 920, Raja Sahil Varman, the then King of Bharmour, shifted his capital from Bharmour to a more centrally located plateau in the lower Ravi valley, and named the city Champavati, after his favourite daughter. It was later shortened to Chamba. 

Legend has it that Champavati sacrificed herself in order to provide water for the city when it was scarce. There are murals painted on the way to the Champavati Temple which was built by her father, acknowledging her sacrifice. 

During the British invasion, relations with the British were cordial, and all of the Rajas of Chamba came under the British rule and would often exchange gifts with each other. After India becoming an independent nation in August 1947, the princely state of Chamba merged with India on 15 April 1948