Glorified History of Poonch

Nestled amid the verdant mountains of the Pir Panjal, Poonch is a land where breathtaking natural beauty blends seamlessly with a rich social, religious and historical heritage. Its picturesque landscapes, diverse cultural traditions and centuries-old history give the district a distinctive character within Jammu and Kashmir. Through this Special Sunday Supplement, Daily Excelsior takes a closer look at Poonch from different perspectives-its historical journey, religious traditions, vibrant social fabric, cultural heritage and the enduring relationship between its people and the land. From its ancient monuments and sacred places to its traditions, folklore and scenic splendour, the supplement seeks to capture the many dimensions of a region that is as fascinating in its past as it is promising in its future. Poonch is more than a picturesque destination; it is a living story of history, harmony and heritage-one that deserves to be explored, documented and celebrated.

Prof (Dr ) Vivak M Arya, Mohd Irshad

dr.arya999@gmail.com

From ancient Rajawars and the Pir Panjal to the Dogra principality, the trials of 1947 and the emergence of modern Poonch

Poonch, nestled in the majestic Pir Panjal mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, possesses a remarkable history shaped by ancient rulers, diverse communities, changing political powers and the resilience of its people. Its strategic location between the Jammu plains and the Kashmir Valley made it an important passageway for travellers, traders and armies and gave it considerable political and military importance. Yet the history of Poonch is much more than the history of kings and wars. It is a story of communities, culture, architecture and a land that has repeatedly adapted to political change.

Ancient Roots of Poonch

Poonch has a historical identity that extends far beyond the modern boundaries of the district. The region was known to travellers and chroniclers centuries ago. The Chinese Buddhist traveller Hiuen Tsang (Xuanzang) passed through the wider region during the seventh century, providing an early account of the importance of the Pir Panjal area. According to the official history of Poonch district, around 850 CE, a horse trader named Nar became the Raja of Poonch. The association with horses is significant because horse breeding and trading were important to the economy and military life of the north-western Himalayan region. The early medieval history of Poonch was characterised by local hill principalities and ruling families. The term Rajawar is traditionally associated with rulers of such hill territories. Local traditions also identify Loran, historically known as Loran-Kote, as an important early political centre before Poonch town emerged as the principal seat of power. Thus, long before the modern district was formed, Poonch had developed its own political identity and cultural traditions.

Rajawars, Gujjar and Rajput Traditions

The political history of Poonch cannot accurately be reduced to a simple succession of "Gujjar rulers followed by Rajput rulers." Instead, different ruling families and political powers influenced the region at different times. According to renowned historian and columnist K. D. Mani, Gujjar communities have had a longstanding presence in the Pir Panjal region, particularly through pastoralism, horse-related activities, and movement along the mountain routes. An important figure in the later history of Poonch was Rooh-ullah Sangu, a Gujjar leader who became ruler of Poonch in 1798. Poonch also had a strong association with Rajput ruling families. During the Mughal period, Mughal influence expanded into the region. The official district history records that in 1596, Siraj-ud-din was appointed ruler of Poonch by Emperor Jahangir. These developments demonstrate that Poonch's history was shaped by changing relationships between local rulers and larger political powers. Its rulers maintained varying degrees of autonomy while interacting with the political centres of Kashmir, Jammu and Punjab.

Mughal Influence and Poonch Fort

The Mughal period brought Poonch into closer contact with one of the most powerful empires of the Indian subcontinent. The region's strategic location was particularly important because the Pir Panjal routes connected the plains with Kashmir. Poonch's royal heritage is reflected in its historic architecture, particularly Poonch Fort, one of the most recognisable symbols of the district. The fort represents the political importance of Poonch during its princely period and reflects the architectural legacy of successive rulers. Beyond its military significance, the fort symbolises an era when Poonch had its own royal court, administration and distinctive political identity.

Sikh Rule and the Rise of the Dogra's

The beginning of the nineteenth century brought another major transformation. In 1819, Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Sikh forces established control over Poonch, bringing the region into the political sphere of the Sikh Empire. The political landscape changed again after the rise of the Dogra's. Following the Treaty of Amritsar of 1846 and the establishment of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir under Maharaja Gulab Singh, Poonch entered a new phase of political development. In 1850, Raja Moti Singh established the Dogra dynasty in Poonch. This marked the beginning of an important period in the modern history of the region.

The Dogra Principality: 1850-1947

The period from 1850 to 1947 left a lasting architectural and cultural imprint on Poonch. Under Raja Moti Singh and his successors, Poonch developed as a principality with its own court, administrative institutions and royal architecture. Palaces such as Moti Mahal, Baldev Mahal and Sheesh Mahal, together with public buildings, gardens and religious structures, became important elements of the town's cultural landscape. This period is sometimes described as a golden period of Poonch, particularly in relation to its architecture and cultural development. Like other princely territories, Poonch had social and economic inequalities, and the experience of royal rule was not identical for every section of society. Nevertheless, the architectural legacy of the Dogra period remains one of the most visible symbols of Poonch's heritage.

Poonch and the Turning Point of 1947

The year 1947 transformed Poonch's history forever. With the end of British rule and the creation of India and Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir faced the crucial question of accession under Maharaja Hari Singh. Poonch had already become politically unsettled. Economic grievances, taxation and political discontent contributed to unrest, while a significant number of former soldiers from the region had served in the British Indian Army during the Second World War. The situation deteriorated rapidly in 1947 as local unrest, communal violence and the tribal invasion from the north-west became interconnected with the wider Kashmir conflict. Poonch did not simply merge with India through a democratic process. The legally significant event was the accession of the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir to India. Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession on 26 October 1947, and it was accepted by the Government of India on 27 October. The accession occurred amid armed conflict and did not immediately bring peace to Poonch.

The Siege and Defence of Poonch

Poonch emerged as a major centre of the 1947-48 Kashmir conflict, with the town facing a prolonged siege. Under Brigadier Pritam Singh (the Saviour of Poonch), Indian forces, supported by local residents, organised its defence. An airstrip was constructed to bring essential supplies and reinforcements by air. The eventual military operations broke the siege, but the conflict permanently changed Poonch's political geography. The subsequent ceasefire divided the historic territory, with western portions coming under Pakistani administration and the remaining eastern portion under Indian administration. The division separated communities and traditional routes across the Pir Panjal.

Poonch and Rajouri: A Shared Administrative Chapter

The relationship between Poonch and Rajouri forms another important chapter in the region's modern history. Historically, Poonch and Rajouri were not always a single administrative unit. Both possessed their own political histories and ruling traditions. Rajouri, historically associated with Rajapuri, had its own distinctive history and was strongly associated with the Jarral Rajput ruling family.

Following the upheavals of 1947-48 and the reorganisation of the Indian administered territories, Poonch and Rajouri became administratively linked. The Indian administered portion of the historic Poonch principality had been greatly reduced by the ceasefire boundary. Combining Poonch and Rajouri within a common administrative framework helped address the governance requirements of a strategically sensitive and geographically difficult region. For a period, the two areas functioned within a shared administrative structure. Courts, revenue administration, policing and development activities were organised through this arrangement. However, the enormous mountainous terrain created practical difficulties. Communication was limited, and travelling from remote parts of Rajouri to administrative offices in Poonch could be difficult and time-consuming.

Bifurcation of Poonch and Rajouri

As administrative requirements developed, the combined district was eventually reorganised. On 22 September 1967, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir approved the bifurcation, and the reorganisation was implemented from 1 January 1968, resulting in separate districts of Poonch and Rajouri. This was primarily an administrative reorganisation, rather than a political separation through a popular referendum. The creation of separate districts brought administration closer to the people and allowed the two regions to address their own geographical and developmental requirements more effectively.

The Twin Heritage of Pir Panjal

Today, Poonch and Rajouri remain closely connected through their shared heritage. The region is home to diverse communities and linguistic traditions, including Pahari, Gojri and Dogri. Gujjars and Bakerwals have preserved strong pastoral traditions, while settled communities have developed agricultural and rural livelihoods. Modern connectivity has also strengthened the region. The Mughal Road, following an ancient route through the Pir Panjal, has improved connectivity between Poonch, Rajouri and the Kashmir Valley and has become increasingly important for tourism, trade and economic activity. Educational institutions have further strengthened regional connections. Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University in Rajouri serves students from both districts and represents an important educational link between the two neighbouring regions.

Poonch: A Living Legacy

Modern Poonch reflects centuries of history, from the ancient Rajawars and Gujjar and Rajput traditions to Mughal, Sikh and Dogra rule. Its forts, palaces and religious monuments preserve this rich heritage, while the events of 1947 remain an important part of its historical memory. Yet Poonch's greatest legacy lies in the resilience of its people, who have preserved their culture and traditions through generations.

Today, Poonch stands as a living heritage of the Pir Panjal, where history continues through its people, culture and traditions. Presently, the district has three Legislative Assembly constituencies, Poonch Haveli, Surankote and Mendhar, represented by Ajaz Ahmed Jan, Ch. Mohd. Akram and Javed Ahmed Rana, respectively, in the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory.

The authors are working as Professor (SKUAST-Jammu), and DIG (J&K Police)