Chibhal was a princely state founded by a cadet branch of the Katoch Rajputs of Kangra in 1400.

 

History

Chibhal's first ruler was Raja Partab chand Katoch, who was the youngest son of Raja Megh chand Katoch Raja of Katoch Clan in Kangra. Chibhal was also known to Timur's historians under the name Jibhal. The territory of Chibhal originally included upper the hill region bordering Hazara. The inhabitants of the state were known as Chibhalis. The northern barrier of India, a popular account of the Jammu and Kashmir territories by Frederic Drew 1877, page 30-31. Chibs who ruled this princely state are the direct descendants of Raja Chib Chand Katoch from whom the term Chib, Chibhan and Chibhal are derived. In 1822, the state's territories were reduced to no more than twenty five kilometres due to invasions from the Sikh Empire. The state was then referred to as the state of Bhimber. At that time it included the towns of Bhimber, Samhani and Mangal Devi. The Chibhalis were known to fiercely resist the Sikhs. They were seen as a threat by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and thus they were invaded and annexed into the Sikh Empire.

 

About Bhimber District

The Bhimber District is the southernmost district of the 10 districts of Pakistan's dependent territory of Azad Kashmir. It has an area of 1516 km², and the district headquarter is the town of Bhimber. Bhimber was previously a state of Kashmir. It is historical place of Azad Kashmir. Raja Sultan Khan was chained, blinded and killed by Maharaja Gulab Singh and Ranjeet Singh in 1825 at Fort Bahu as he defeated the forces of Ranjeet Singh ( Maharaja of Punjab). Historically it is said that Raja Dharam (who later converted to Islam) had two sons named as Bhoom(بھوم) chand and Roop(روپ) chand. His state was bifurcated after his death. His Hindu son Bhoom chand (بھوم چند) built a colony (کالونی) which later named as Bhoompur (بھوم پور) and now Bhimber. Bhimber is famous for the fort of Baghsar which was built by Mughals. The road which connects Bhimber to Srinagar via Rajori is known as Mughal road or salt road built by Engr Qasim of the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar. The touristic points are Dev vatala , Baghsar , Thub patani and the valley of Samahni. Bhimber is strategically important site from defense and military standpoint. Politically it is one of the most significant constituency of AJK. It is a gateway to Kashmir and Punjab as well. Bhimber is in one of the top 10 districts of Pakistan with regard to the literacy rate. Most people are connected with the field of agriculture. There are significant number of people who are working in the foreign countries to earn their livelihood.

 

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