CHAMBA

Chamba, formerly a princely State for centuries is now a district and very important for its historical associations, antiquities, natural features, temples and legends. The district derives its name from the main town, which is now the district headquarters. It lies mostly astride the main Himalayas and is bounded on the North-West and West by Jammu and Kashmir, on the North, the North-east and East by Ladakh area of Jammu and Kashmir and Lahul and Spiti, and on the South-east and South by the districts of Kangra and Gurdaspur.

The Mountain systems and ranges along with river basins determine the natural divisions. There are three well defined snowy ranges and a number of rivers, including the Bias, Ravi and Chenab. The springs, mountain glades, peaks, snow fields, glaciers, ice caves, valleys, high passes, forests and pastures make the district extremely interesting. The flora is typical Sub-Himalayan and Himalayan. Some specimens of fauna and avi-fauna are rare.

More than ninety per cent of the population follows the Hindu religion. There are some Arya-Samajis, Buddhist Tibetans, Muslims, Christians and Tribals who follow their semi-animistic faith, Even the traditional Hindus have not discarded certain beliefs like worship of trees, mountains or spirits of the soil. The Nag cult (serpent worship) has a strong-, hold. But Siva and Shakti and the latter in various forms along with Vishnu are the three well-known traditional Hindu gods that have a strong hold on the Hindus of this district.

Author - P.C.Choudhury

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