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The Bushahr Kingdom, tucked away in the beautiful and rugged landscapes of the Indian Himalayas is a region with an illustrious past full of history, tradition and culture. A royal legacy defines the identity of this former princely state in what is now Himachal Pradesh. The royal families and their grand palaces seem to have magnificence that are somewhere lost in history while heritage punishes itself with the antiquity of Indian traditions mixed up in Himalayan culture.
Birth and Growth of Bushahr State
The history of Bushahr Kingdom is ancient and mediaeval. The kingdom was founded in the early 8th century and lasted for over twelve hundred years. Situated amidst high peaks of the Himalayas, in Sutlej Valley its strategic location helped it to grow as a trading centre. The Rajas of Bushahr, as the rulers were known, belonged to a warrior caste called Rajputs, famous for their valour and shrewd political wisdom.
Initially the kings in power of Bushahr smartly aligned themselves with powerful neighbouring kingdoms that allowed them to strengthen their stand over the massive region. The kingdom sought to extend its territory, and over the period of time created a fortress that ran all along from fertile plains of Sutlej River to the Himalayan high-altitude passes. The capital of the kingdom was originally at Kamru and later among apple orchards in Sarahan, a village famous for its centuries-old temples and palaces.
History of Bushahr : The Royal Lineage
Under a whole line of powerful kings ruled the Kingdom Bushahr, whose rule was planted in certain periods in the history of this region. Raja Kehri Singh the one of the most famous rulers, who came to rule in the 17th century. Kehri Singh visionary and a master strategist, his diplomatic skills are considered to have made Bushahr one of the most important allies in the region and helped retain its independence even as kingdoms much larger than Bushahr fell around it.
Raja Padam Singh, who had succeeded his father as the powerful ruler of Jind during British colonial rule in India. Unlike most other princely states, Bushahr retained peace with the British authorities and as a result was able to prosper. The time of Padam Singh’s rule was marked by modernisation, with the construction of roads, schools and administrative buildings linking the kingdom to events happening in other parts of India.
Padam Palace; A Stately Dismount
This heritage of Bushahr Kingdom is aptly symbolised by the Padam Palace, which was constructed in the early 20th century by Raja Padam Singh. This particular attraction is known as the erstwhile palace but has been designed to represent a unique fusion of Himachali and European architecture demonstrating how different styles influenced one another in this romantic kingdom.
The palace is distinguished by its long wood carvings, steep things and a massive number of fortifications. Constructed of deodar wood, a material characteristic to regional architecture as it is stronger and more resilient. The large balconies and vast windows of the imperial, grand façade overlook beautiful views between valleys crossed with mountains which is enough for its strategic location.
There are grand halls and royal chambers at Padam Palace, filled with opulent furnishings reflecting the lifestyle of Bushahr royalty. The main hall which served as the royal “court” of days gone by and is lined with chandeliers, antique furniture, well-crafted woodwork celebrating every inch from this unique site in both culture and craft.
Padam Palace, along with being a home to the royals, was also a political and cultural centre during Raja Padam Singh’s reign. It hosted British guests, and a lot of historical decisions were made there. Though today the palace no longer serves as residence to the royal family, it holds an important position in Bushahr’s cultural history and continues to attract tourists & heritage lovers awestruck by its magnificence.
Sarahan: The Cultural Heart of Bushahr
The previous capital city of the Bushahr Kingdom, Sarahan is still home to a myriad of cultural and historical treasures. Sarahan is perched at an elevation of 7,589 m and blessed with lush green forests all around & majestic snow covered peaks which offer stunning views to one and all from the wonders Himalayas fell cola. Bhimakali Temple is the most famous temple of the town, a great building reflecting Hindu and Buddhist architecture.
Bhimakali Temple is the centre for pilgrimage that represents a significant touchstone of spiritual heritage in this region. Wooden architectural style, detailed carvings and plating of gold domes on it gives the ambiance that is able to make a mention. The temple was said to be constructed by the Pandavas during their exile in incan and is a place where people have been worshipping since centuries. Bhimakali is regarded as the kuldevi of Chand and all other Kshatriyas, who believe themselves to be descendants of Banasura.
A magnificent example of exquisite architecture having multi-tower wooden building, padam palace also known as the royal palace in Sarahan where Bhimakali Temple is also situated was said to be the home for some generations of Bushahr’s who ruled this land and offered silver sheets on against stones resembling animal snouts massed at unusual places. The palace reflects the natural beauty of its surroundings and is an exquisite example of traditional Himachali architecture, with wooden structures, sloping roofs supported by thick walls to withstand heavy snowfall; built as wooden homes for this region were subjected to fires. The palace, absent of its royal family now but a proud relic and reminder of the kingdom’s colourful past.
Cultural Heritage- Festivals, Traditions and Art
The Bushahr Kingdom had rich traditions and cultural heritage which is still preserved in the form of a number of colourful festivals, mostly related to farming that flourish on till today; amidst oldest architectural legacies located here. A very important cultural celebration is the Sazo Festival, held in January. This festival, considered to be of the Deity God who goes into heaven after today, is a big occasion for the people of Bushehar. This is signified by music, dance and feasting that epitomise the religious beliefs and practices of its indigenous dwellers.
The other key cultural celebration is Phulaich Festival, an agricultural festival celebrating the abundance of nature. On Phulech, natives pluck flowers from the hills and dedicate it to their god for giving blessings of crops. With the festival, they remain rooted to their past and tiger country which has been part of them for generations.
Classical music and dances also play a crucial role in Bushahr’s cultural heritage. The Nati Dance and is performed in festivals (fair) held before Dussehra, Diwali, Lohri etc. as well during wedding ceremonies of the region are one among the finest entertainments mentioned here. With a fringe band of the Nagada and Dhol (traditional instruments), they run in circles to devote harmony & consistency amid them.
Role of Bushahr in Modern Himachal Pradesh
The princely states were dissolved after India won independence in 1947 and while the Bushahr Kingdom no longer professes power, its imprint remains on Himachal Pradesh’s political panorama. Subsequent to the British era, the last ruling king of Bushahr was Virbhadra Singh who tried his best for post-independence India and remained Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh many times. His leadership and influence on the state’s development show that Critter Country still has some paw prints left from Localalia.
The region that was known as the Bushahr Kingdom, in modern times is now present very much inside Kinnaur district which is a famous tourist place for its scenic beauty. The Sutlej River divides the former kingdom and runs through it is also an economic lifeline for people as its water sustains agriculture and powers hydropower projects in the region.
Recommendation: Upholding The Legacy Of Royals
The royal legacy of the Bushahr Kingdom Full of History, Tradition and Culture Despite being a land of grand palaces and temples in Sarahan, vibrant festivals that get celebrated yearly or local art forms which are practised to keep the heritage alive in hearts. Padam Palace is the perfect example of the region’s royal nature which gives a look at royalty, heritage and culture during Bushahr raj.
The historical sites of the Bushahr Kingdom take one to a world that remained untouched by time and civilization where royalty, spirituality and nature were coexisting. From a peak into the grandiose architecture of Bhimakali Temple, to reliving the past at Padam Palace, anyone with penchant for travel and history shall succumb to the profound legacy this Himalayan realm amasses.
