HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 298: Model Answer

Question: Throw light on the emergence and growth of early medieval state of ‘Kullu’. (8 marks/120 words)

Answer.

 According to Literary sources, Kullu was also known as Kuluta and its name is mentioned in sources like Ramayana, Mahabharata, Brihat Samhita, Rajtarangini of Kalhan etc.

The region under Kullu state comprises Lahaul, Rohtang pass, portion of Satluj Valley and seven waziris. The founder of Kullu, Bihangmani Pal, is believed to have migrated from Prayag. Jagatsukh was the oldest capital of Kullu. Later on, Visudh Pal shifted the capital from Jagat Sukh to Naggar.

Invasions on Kullu State:

• During the reign of Rudra Pal, Raja of Spiti attacked Kullu and Rudra Pal was made to Pay tribute to Spiti. After that a battle took place in the area nearby Rohtang pass where Prasidh Pal liberated his country from Spiti and Lahaul from Chamba.
• Meru Varman of Chamba invaded Kullu and defeated Sri Dateshwar of kullu.
• There were famous Twelve year war of Kullu with Chamba, which took place during the reign of Narad Pal.
• Ladakh also attacked the Kullu and Raja of Kullu promised to pay tribute.
• Kullu became subsidiary state of Suket.

Rajas which helped in expansion and Consolidation of Kullu State

• Bahadur Singh: The subjugation of the Ranas and Thakurs was started by Sidh Singh and completed by his son Bahadur Singh. Wazir Ruppi was made part of kullu during Bahadur singh reign, he also brought Harkandi Kothi, Chung Kothi under his control. He extended his territory towards the right bank of Beas from Raisain to Bajaura, half of inner Seraj and Chhota Bangahal.
• Sri Jareshwar Pal liberated Kullu from Chamba with the help of Bushahr.
• Jagat Singh: The capital was shifted from Naggar to Sultanpur. He annexed the Laga and Sari area. He annexed whole outer Seraj which was part of Suket and Bushahr. Aurangzeb was the only one to recognize Jagat Singh as the raja of Kullu.
• Man Singh: He annexed the Chhota and Bara Banghal from Mandi. He fixed a boundary between Kullu and Ladakh at Lingti Plain.

So, we can say that Kullu emerged as Strong state and expanded its boundaries with the help of above-mentioned Rajas.