Overview of District Kangra
Kangra district lies between 31˚ 21′ to 32˚ 59′ N latitude and 75˚ 47′ 55″ to 77˚ 45′ E longitude. It is situated on the southern escarpment of the Himalayas. The entire area of the district is traversed by the varying altitude of the Shivaliks, Dhauladhar and the Himalayas from north-west to south-east. The altitude varies from 500 metres above mean sea level (amsl) to around 5000 metres amsl. It is encapsulated in the north by the districts of Chamba and Lahaul & Spiti, in the south by Hamirpur and Una, in the east by Mandi and in the west by Gurdaspur district of Punjab. The present Kangra district came into existence on the 1st September, 1972 consequent upon the re-organization of districts by the Government of Himachal Pradesh. It was the largest district of the composite Punjab in terms of area till it was transferred to Himachal Pradesh on the 1st November, 1966 and had six tehsils namely Nurpur, Kangra, Palampur, Dehragopipur, Hamirpur and Una. Kullu was also a tehsil of Kangra district up to 1962 and Lahaul & Spiti which also formed a part of Kangra was carved out as a separate district in 1960. On the re-organisation of composite Punjab on the 1st November, 1966 the area constituting Kangra district were transferred to Himachal Pradesh along with the districts of Shimla, Kullu and Lahaul and Spiti and tehsils of Una and Nalagarh and three villages of Gurdaspur district.
Kangra district derives its name from Kangra town that was known as Nagarkot in ancient times. Kangra proper originally was a part of the ancient Trigarta (Jullundur), which comprises of the area lying between the river “Shatadroo” (probably Sutlej) and Ravi. A tract of land to the east of Sutlej that probably is the area of Sirhind in Punjab also formed a part of Trigrata. Trigrata had two provinces. One in the plains with headquarters at Jullundur and other in the hills with headquarters at Nagarkot (the present Kangra)
The Kangra valley is one of the most picturesque valleys of lower Himalayas. The valley, sheltered by the sublime Dhauladhar range, is green and luxuriant. It provides a tremendous contrast in nature of places to be visited. Dharamshala is full of Buddhist air whereas ancient Hindu Temples like Bajreshwari Devi, Chamunda Devi, Baijnath Shiv temple and Jwala Devi ji dot the country side.
The history of Kangra valley dates back to the Vedic times more than 3500 years ago. The area was exposed to successive invasions, the last being the British domination of the princes of many small the hill states. Despite the onslaughts and political upheavals, the arts and crafts of the region continued to develop and found lyrical expressions. Crafts like the exquisitely designed shawls and miniature paintings of this region are internationally appreciated.
Brief introduction of Kangra District
- Total Area of district Kangra = 5739 sq. KM
- Population according to 2011 Census = 15,07,223 people
- Administrative Sub-Divisions = 08
- Police Sub Divisions = 07
- Police Stations = 22 (including one women Police Station)
- Police Posts = 24
Important Events in the functional domain of Kangra Police:
- International Cricket Stadium Dharamshala: International Test Matches, One Day International matches and IPL matches organized in Cricket Stadium at Dharmashala.
- Major Tourist Destinations: District Kangra has many tourist destinations, which attracts large no. of tourists (including religious & adventure), which increase the traffic volume tremendously.
- Major Shrines: Three major shrines i.e. Jawalaji, Kangra & Chamunda are in this district. Apart from this maximum area of Chintpurni Temple also falls under this district.
- Domestic Airport at Gaggal
- Maharaja Ranjit Sagar Dam (Pong Dam)
- H.P. Government Vidhan Sabha sessions organized in winter at Dharamshala.
- Security cover to H.H. the Dalai Lama is also provided by HP Police under the close supervision of this district.
- His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teaching attracts large no. of foreigners. Many Buddhist’s temples and monasteries/nunneries are also located in the district.
- Road density within the district is quite high as with high vehicles ownership which results in large local traffic inflow within the district.
- Kangra Police cater to the most populated district of Himachal Pradesh i.e. more than 15 lacs i.e 21.98% of total population of the State.