Located at an altitude of 996 metres (3,268 ft) above mean sea level, the town is situated on the banks of the
Ravi River (a major tributary of the Trans-
Himalayan Indus River), at its confluence with the Sal River.
Chambial were the Rulers of
Chamba dynesty
[2]
. Chambials use suffix Varmans.
Though historical records date the history of the Chamba region to
the Kolian tribes in the 2nd century BC, the area was formally ruled by
the Maru dynasty, starting with the Raju Maru from around 500 AD, ruling
from the ancient capital of
Bharmour, which is located 75 kilometres (47 mi) from the town of Chamba.
[3]
In 920, Raja Sahil Varman (or Raja Sahil Verma) shifted the capital of
the kingdom to Chamba, following the specific request of his daughter
Champavati
[4]
(Chamba was named after her). From the time of Raju Maru, 67 Rajas of
this dynasty have ruled over Chamba until it finally merged with the
Indian Union in April 1948, although Chamba was under
British suzerainty from 1846 to this time.
[3]
The town has numerous temples and palaces,
[4][5]
and hosts two popular jatras (fairs), the "Suhi Mata Mela" and the
"Minjar Mela", which last for several days and involve music and
dancing. Chamba is also well noted for its arts and crafts, particularly
its
Pahari paintings, which originated in the Hill Kingdoms of
North India between the 17th and 19th century and its handicrafts and textiles.
[6][7][8]
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