KULU-MANALI

As observed by the historians the early historical records Of the State are scanty and unreliable. The area being far in the interior of the mountains seems to have remained, more or less, independent till brought into subjection by Akbar along with the other hill States. It was frequently involved in war with the neighboring States, especially Kashmir, Mandi and Kangra, and for a time the superficial area was as much as 10,000 square miles.

On the decline of the Mughal power it came, in 1786, under the control of Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra, and in 1809 became tributary to the Sikhs. In 1841 it was annexed to the Sikh kingdom. After the First Sikh War, Kulu was included in the territory ceded to the British Government as part of the war indemnity. Kulu does not have the rich historical, archaeological or epigraphical antiquities like Chamba.

In Kulu the most interesting remains of antiquity are the temples of Nirmand in Outer Saraj and Hat at Bajaura, with an ancient inscription at Salanu. Mandi and Suket also have ancient temples.

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