The district of Doda in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir has a rich and fascinating history that is steeped in legends and tales of great rulers and dynasties. According to State Revenue Department records, the district got its name from its headquarters in Doda, which was named after a migrant from Multan, who was a utensil maker and was persuaded by one of the ancient Rajas of Kishtwar to settle in his territory and set up a utensil factory. Over time, the name Deeda got distorted into Doda, which is still in use today.
The early history of Doda is shrouded in mystery, with few chronicles available that relate to the regimes of the rulers of Kishtwar. The settlement reports indicate that the area was ruled by Ranas, Rajas, and independent chiefs from time to time, including the Jaral Ramas, Katoch Rajas, Bhaus Manhases, Chibs, Thakkars, Wanis, and Gakkars. Doda was the winter capital of the erstwhile state of Kishtwar and was first conquered by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1822 AD.
The Fort of Doda was of great significance in the history of the district, and was one of the seventy forts in the Jammu province, according to the author Thakur Kahan Singh Balowria. The fort was built to provide space for the office of the Thanedar and other police personnel, and was used to store armaments and food grains. As per information available with The Chenab Times, the fort was also built to protect against potential attacks from the Rajas of Bhaderwah, as Doda was the winter capital of the Kishtwar state. The fort had walls made of unbaked bricks and was four feet wide and forty to fifty feet high, with dome-like towers on the right corners and windows at appropriate places. The fort was demolished in 1952 and today, the buildings of the Government Boys Higher Secondary School exist in its place.
The district of Doda has a rich and intriguing history that is steeped in legends and tales of great rulers and dynasties. Its history is a testament to the resilience and strength of the people who lived in the area and their ability to overcome adversity and build a great civilization.
The English Traveller G.T. Vigne, who visited Doda in 1829, had an incredible experience while traveling through the district. He describes his journey from Bhaderwah towards Doda, through a deep and rocky nullah where the Chenab River meets. He crossed the river over one of the dangerous bridges in the Himalayan range, which left a lasting impression on him.
Vigne writes about the unique structure of the bridge in Doda, where a strong rope was spread from one bank to the other, tied firmly with the rocks. A wooden structure was then placed over the rope and additional ropes were tied to it, allowing the structure to move back and forth. This type of bridge was unlike any he had seen before, and he marveled at its ingenuity.
Another type of bridge he encountered during his travels was crossed on foot. Small ropes were bound with pieces of bark and then woven into a thick rope, which was tied to both banks of the river. This rope was not thicker than six or seven inches but was interwoven in such a way that the tips of the boughs stuck out, preventing feet from slipping. Hanging ropes were also provided for those crossing the river to hold onto, providing extra support.
Vigne’s vivid descriptions of the bridges he encountered during his travels give us a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and remarkable engineering skills of the people of Doda. These bridges, though dangerous, were essential for travel and commerce in the region and their existence is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the local communities.
The area, which includes the tehsil of Bhaderwah, has a long and fascinating history dating back to the 10th century. In 1846, the whole of Doda, including Kishtwar, became part of the newly created J&K state after the Amritsar pact between the British government, Lahore Darbar, and Raja Gulab Singh of Jammu.
Bhaderwah, which was once a principality with 15 Tharas or administrative units, has a recorded history going back to the Rajtarangni of Kalhan. In the 15th century, the state of Bhadhrwah was established by a Sicon of the Baloria family of Bilawar. Later, it came under the influence of the Raja of Chamb, until Raja Nagpal, who was known for his spirituality, became the ruler in the 16th century. Raja Nagpal impressed Emperor Akbar with his devotion to Basak Nag and was honored by the emperor.
After Raja Nagpal, Bhaderwah was ruled by his descendants until it was captured by the Raja of Kishtwar. It then became part of Chamba in 1821, until it was transferred to Jammu Darbar in 1846. During this time, Bhaderwah became a military-administered area and Labhjoo was appointed as the Kardar. The Bhaderwah Jagir was later bestowed upon Raja Amar Singh of Jammu and then to his son, Raja Hari Singh. When Raja Hari Singh became the Maharaja of J&K in 1925, he dissolved his Jagirs and converted Bhadhrwah into a tehsil of Udhampur in 1931.
Doda is a culturally diverse district, with its people speaking various languages such as Pahari, Kashmiri, Sarazi, Bhadarwahi, Ladakhi, Kishtwari, Padri, and Bhalessi. The district is renowned for its natural beauty, with several scenic spots that have the potential to attract tourists. These include the Jay valley, Chinta valley, Khani top, Padri, Guldanada, Nalhi, Bhals, Khellani top, Seoz Meadow, Lal Daman, and Ghata, among others. The district also has religious significance with annual Yatras like Subar Nag Yatra, Kalish Yatra, and Mela Pat attracting devotees. The Urs of Shah Freed-ud-Din is also celebrated with reverence. Religious sites such as Chandi Mata temple, Gupat Ganga Temple, and Vasuki Nag temple of Bhaderwah hold importance for tourists.
The Tourism Development Authority has established facilities such as huts, bungalows, and rest houses for tourists in Bhaderwah, but there is still a need for further publicity and better infrastructure, including accommodations and proper approach roads, to fully realize the district’s tourism potential. With its rich history, cultural diversity, and natural beauty, Doda has the potential to become a popular tourist destination, much like the Kashmir valley.
(Inputs from the excerpts of government websites and some notable history records)
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