Kathua district General information
Kathua district is a district in state of Jammu and Kashmir. Kathua District is situated at 320 17' to 320 55’ North Latitude and 750 70' to 760 16’ East longitude. The District is surrounded by Punjab in the South-East, Himachal Pradesh in North-East, District Doda and Udhampur in North and North-West, Jammu in the West and Pakistan in the South-West. It has an area of 2651 Sq Kms. DOGRI & PAHARI are the main languages spoken. Hindi, English and Urdu are the main medium of education. Offcial language is Urdu.
Kathua District is spread over an area of 2651 Sq. Kms constituting 1.9 percent of the total area of the State. The District has a population of over 5,44,206 comprising 2,85,308 Males and 2,58,898 females as per 2001 census.
History
Though there is no detailed and fully documented history of Kathua district. It is believed that One Jodh Singh a famous Rajput of Andotra clan migrated from Hastinapur to Kathua nearly 2000 years ago and settled here. The three Hamlets of Taraf Tajwal, Taraf Manjali and Taraf Bhajwal were established by his three sons Viz. Teju, Kindal and Bhaju. Their descendant are now called as Tajwalia, Bhajwalia and Khanwalia Rajputs of Andotra sub-caste. The conglomeration of these three hamlets was loosely called “KATHAI” in earlier times which with the passage of time came to be called as Kathua.
Greek historians, who provide an insight into the ancient history of Jammu hills prominently record the existence of two powerful empires of Abhisara (present day Poonch) and Kathaioi at the time of invasion of ancient Pakistan by Alexander, Strabo describes Kathaioi as a mighty republic of that era located in the foothills along river Ravi. The topography of Kathaioi corresponds with the present day Kathua. Starbo describes the people of the republic as epitone of bravery and courage and records that they gave a tough fight to invading army of Alexander.
PLACES OF INTEREST
BANI BANJAL: It is a colouful area with lot of flowers blooming also known as “GARDEN OF NATURAL FLOWERS’.
CHANDEL: It is 10 kms from Bani. It is a small valley having spring by the name of CHANDEl. There are small orchards of apple, almonds and walnuts.
PANYALAG: It is a small town on thee top of HILLS. It is marked by beautiful waterfalls, thick forest patches, gushing streams and green medows. It is about 7 Kms from BANI.
DULLANGAL: It is situated on Bani - Billawar trek. It is a small beautiful valley, 12 Kms from Bani.
CHHATARGALLA: It is the highest point on the Basohli-Bani Bhaderwah road. It is nearly 15 Kms from SARTHAL.
SARTHAL: It is a beautiful meadow situated at a height of 7000 ft which remains covered with snow for six monhs. The virgin and beauty of the area casts a fascinating spell to any visitor. The area is bounded by snow clad mountains. It is connected to Bhaderwah and to Himachal Pardash. It is 20 Kms from Bani (Block HQ).
JODIA DI MATA: Jodia Di Mata is a religious center which is visited by hundreds of pilgrims during Navratras. Voluntary groups help in providing basic facilities to pilgrims. Situated 4 Kms. From Banjal (Bani, District Kathua), its altitude is about 7,000 ft. Jodia Di Mata commands lot of faith of local people. It is also a beautiful place, full of natural beauty.