Chamba

Chamba stands where the Sal joins the Ravi, among the hills of the western Himalayas. Its temples and palaces recall the long line of rajas who ruled the surrounding mountain kingdom. Tradition says Raja Sahil Varman moved his capital here from Bharmour in 920 and named the new town for his beloved daughter Champavati.

The rajas of Chamba preserved their kingdom through centuries of changing power in the plains. Raja Prithvi Singh, who ruled in the seventeenth century, maintained friendly relations with the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and introduced elements of Mughal court life. Chamba also became known for its Pahari painting and textiles, arts shared with other hill kingdoms. Its festivals include the Minjar fair, celebrated with music and dancing.