Kullu history

Ancient Origins and Mythology

The history of Kullu is closely interwoven with Indian mythology and legends. In ancient Sanskrit texts, including the epics "Ramayana" and "Mahabharata", this area is mentioned as Kulantapitha, which translates as "the end of the habitable world". It is believed that it was here, according to legends, that the sage Manu restored the human race after the great deluge.

The historical foundation of the principality is linked to the Pal dynasty. Raja Behangamani Pal is considered the first ruler to lay the foundations of statehood in this region. Kullu is recognised as one of the oldest principalities in the valley, with a history that can be traced back to the 1st century AD.

Factors in the City's Formation

The transformation of the settlement into an important centre was driven by a combination of geographical and strategic advantages:

• Geography: Its location on the banks of the Beas River provided inhabitants with water and fertile land, essential for survival in mountain conditions.
• Trade Routes: Kullu was situated on a vital caravan route connecting the plains of India with the highlands of Ladakh and Tibet. This made the city a key point for traders and travellers.
• Natural Defence: Surrounded by high mountains, the valley was difficult to access, which allowed local rulers to maintain relative independence and a unique culture for centuries.

Early Culture and Economy

Since ancient times, Kullu has been known as the "Valley of Gods". Religious life has always played a key role here: the administration of the valley was effectively carried out in the name of local deities, the chief of whom later became Raghunath. This created a unique theocratic structure of society.

The economy of the early period was based on subsistence farming and crafts. Weaving received particular development: the processing of wool and the creation of warm shawls with characteristic geometric patterns became the region's hallmark and an important commodity for exchange with neighbouring territories.

Major Milestones in the History of Kullu

• 1st Century AD — According to historical chronicles, Raja Behangamani Pal founds the Pal dynasty and lays the foundations of an independent principality in the valley.
• Mid-15th Century — Raja Sidh Singh consolidates the dynasty's power and makes Naggar Castle the capital and administrative centre of the region.
• 1637–1672 — The reign of Raja Jagat Singh, considered the "Golden Age" of Kullu due to the expansion of borders and cultural flourishing.
• 1651 — A statue of the deity Raghunath (Rama) is brought to the valley, to whom the Raja officially transfers power, becoming merely his regent.
• 1660 — The capital of the principality is moved from Naggar to Sultanpur (modern-day Kullu city), which promotes the development of trade.
• 1820 — The valley is visited by William Moorcroft, who became the first European traveller to describe the beauty and lifestyle of this land.
• 1846 — The territory comes under the administrative control of the British Empire, becoming part of the Kangra district.
• 1870s — British settlers begin experimenting with fruit cultivation, laying the foundation for the famous apple orchards of Kullu.
• 1963 — Kullu is established as an independent administrative district, increasing its political significance.
• 1 November 1966 — As a result of the reorganisation of states, the Kullu district officially becomes part of the mountain state of Himachal Pradesh.
• Late 20th Century — The construction of roads and the airport in Bhuntar opens the valley to mass tourism, turning the city into a popular resort.

Key Stages of City Development

The development of Kullu is the story of the transformation of a secluded mountain principality into a thriving tourism and agricultural hub. Below are the main milestones that defined the modern appearance of the city:

• Relocation of the Capital to Sultanpur (17th Century). The decision to move the administrative centre from Naggar to Sultanpur (present-day Kullu) was a crucial urban planning step. The new location on the banks of the Beas River allowed for better control of trade caravans and facilitated the city's expansion as a commercial hub.
• Spiritual Centralisation and the Dussehra Festival. The establishment of the cult of the deity Raghunath not only changed religious life but also created the foundation for the annual Kullu Dussehra festival. This event has united the scattered villages of the valley for centuries and remains the city's main cultural and tourist magnet today.
• The "Apple Revolution" (Late 19th Century). The introduction of European apple varieties by British settlers radically transformed the region's economy. Horticulture replaced traditional crops, turning Kullu into a prosperous agricultural region and ensuring financial stability for the local population.
• Rise of the Textile Industry. Traditional home weaving evolved into an organised industry. The famous Kullu shawls and caps with geometric patterns gained wide recognition, becoming an important export commodity and a symbol of local identity.
• Transport De-isolation (Mid-20th Century). The construction of the national highway connecting the valley to the plains and the opening of the airport in Bhuntar broke centuries of isolation. This paved the way for mass supplies of goods and ensured an influx of tourists.
• Formation of an Adventure Tourism Hub. In recent decades, the city has reoriented towards the service sector. The use of the Beas River for rafting and the surrounding slopes for trekking has changed the city's economic profile, making it a base for adventure enthusiasts.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Kullu represents a unique fusion of Himalayan traditions and functional solutions dictated by the complex mountain terrain. The city's urban structure historically formed around the Beas River and religious centres, and in the modern era, along the main transport arteries.

Traditional Architecture: Kath-Kuni Style

The dominant historical style of the region is Kath-Kuni. This is an indigenous construction technique, perfectly adapted to the seismically active zone of the Himalayas. Buildings were erected without the use of cement or metal fastenings.

• Structural Features: Walls are formed by alternating horizontal wooden beams and layers of unpolished stone. This "layered" structure allows the building to be flexible and withstand tremors.
• Era: Dominated from ancient times up to the early 20th century.
• Appearance: Characteristic overhanging wooden balconies with carvings and roofs covered with slate tiles.

Temple Architecture: Pahari

The religious structures of Kullu belong to the Pahari school of architecture, which classifies temples into several types depending on the roof shape. These styles developed in parallel with civil construction over centuries.

• Pagoda Style: Multi-tiered pyramidal roofs resembling Nepalese or East Asian pagodas. A striking example in the vicinity is the Hadimba Temple (Manali), the influence of which can also be traced in Kullu.
• Pent-Roof (Gabled Roof): The most common type for local shrines, resembling ordinary mountain homes but with richer decoration.
• Landmark Object: Raghunath Temple in the Sultanpur area. Built in the 17th century, it combines elements of the pyramidal style and palace architecture, serving as the spiritual centre of the city.

Colonial Influence and Modernity

Unlike Shimla, Kullu did not become a centre of large-scale British development, but the colonial period (mid-19th to mid-20th century) brought changes to planning and materials.

• Colonial Style: Manifested in the appearance of bungalows with verandas and the use of corrugated iron for roofs instead of slate. The British introduced more orderly planning in the residential zones of officials.
• Modern Functionalism (Since the late 20th century): With the development of tourism, the city began to be rapidly built up with multi-storey buildings made of concrete and glass (RCC). This chaotic style often clashes with the traditional landscape, forming dense development along the river and the highway.

Urban Dominants

The city is clearly divided into functional zones formed in different historical eras:

• Sultanpur: The historical part of the city with narrow winding streets, the old palace (Rupi Palace), and temples. The spirit of the old principality capital is preserved here.
• Dhalpur: The modern administrative and public centre. Its core is the Dhalpur Maidan — a huge open ground serving as the venue for the famous Dussehra festival. The presence of such an open space in a mountain city is a rare and important urban planning feature.

Historical Rulers

• Raja Behangamani Pal — The founder of the Pal dynasty and the first principality in the Kullu Valley. According to historical legends, he arrived from the Almora region and, having secured the support of local residents, overthrew despotic feudal lords, laying the foundations of the region's statehood in the 1st century AD.
• Raja Jagat Singh (1637–1672) — The most powerful ruler in the history of the principality. His main achievement is considered to be the transfer of the capital to Sultanpur (modern Kullu) and the introduction of the cult of the deity Raghunath (Rama). It was he who initiated the tradition of celebrating the famous Kullu Dussehra festival, which united the scattered communities of the valley.

Figures of Culture and Art

• Nicholas Roerich — A world-renowned artist, philosopher, and traveller. Although not born in Kullu, he spent the last 20 years of his life at an estate in Naggar (the former capital of the valley). Roerich celebrated the beauty of the Himalayas in his paintings and founded the "Urusvati" Himalayan Research Institute, turning the valley into an international cultural centre.
• Devika Rani — A legendary Indian actress, known as the "First Lady of Indian Cinema". After retiring and marrying Svetoslav Roerich, she lived at the estate in the Kullu Valley. She actively participated in the life of the local community and contributed to the preservation of the region's cultural heritage.

Political and Public Figures

• Lal Chand Prarthi (1916–1982) — A prominent freedom fighter, politician, and state government minister. Known as a writer and poet who revived interest in the "Kulvi" language and culture (local dialect). He played a key role in the recognition of the unique identity of the mountain people of Himachal Pradesh.
• Maheshwar Singh — A modern politician and head of the former royal family of Kullu. As a direct descendant of Raja Jagat Singh, he holds the title of "Chharibardar" (chief caretaker) of the deity Raghunath. His role is central to the conduct of the annual Dussehra festival, where he leads the chariot procession.