Bhalessa cultural history

The folk people of Bhalessa were called Bhalls in the past which makes one to believe that queen
Bhala of Raja Nagpal have been from Bhaderwah. There are variety of opinions from different
people regarding the origin of its name “Bhalessa” some talk it as Land of “Bhaley Manus”
(Bhaley Lougun Ka Desh) which is meant the decent people with distinct identity. Dr. P K Koul
who conducted a research on Bhaderwah, Chamba, Kangra and Bhalessa in early nineties opine
that the Bhalessa area derived its name from Queen Bhalla-The Queen of Nagpal. Some people
regard it as land of “Bhalay Loug” (The right people with right destiny)

It has become very difficult for the person of my stature to gauge the history of this otherwise
hilly terrain. Before the Roots of Bhalessa saw a light of the day, I go through the pages of
several researches conducted on the Himalayan region. The historical evidence regarding the
area like of Bhalessa is not found widely in the books like “Rajtarangni” of Kalhana or other
regional studies.
Nevertheless, some of the historians like Dr. P K Koul, Parvaiz Deewan (IAS) and Wali Mohd.
Aseer has had spared their three lines regarding Bhalessa.
Bhalessa as it is commonly called comprised of the twin valleys of Bonjwah drained and carved
by the rivults and Bhalessa drained by Kalgoni stream whereas the former emerges from the
mountain ranges of Chamba near the Sach Peak. The later emerges from the Katari range near
Son Bain (Golden Spring) mountain. The two rivults unite near Donadi, a few miles above
Thathri on the National Highway 1 B where it finally merges into the chenab river.
The upper valley is very beautiful and picturisque. In former times the valley of Bhalessa were
easily communicable from Churah Wazarat of Chamba state through more then one pass, namely
Padri Gali (12862') and Mahlwar Pass (13027'). On the north, it is bounded by snow clad peaks
of Kishtwar and Padder and in the east it is bounded by chamba district of Himachal Pradesh
through a padri pass.
The main divisions viz a viz locations are Neeli, Jatota, Pingal, Chilli, Nanota and Basnota, these
areas seemed scattered owing to the The area is having several picturesque places like Bal Padri,
Kanthi Dhar, Soin Bhagar, Naglotan etc. The area of Bhaderwah and Bhalessa comprise of
glaciated mountain slopes and terraced fields.
The Churah and Bhalessa must have been closely linked in the social and cultural fields as is
evident today by a large of relations between Chamba and Bhalessa. There seemed a unity in
social structure.
Bhalessa is full of meadows popularly known as Dhar like Kanthi, Naglotan, Soin Bhagar,
Roharhi, Dagan, Bal Padri, etc. the area is mountainous, it has umpteen number of trekking
routes which pass through places with unbelievable captivating scenic beauty.
The place is a comfortable base for trekkers and mountaineers, on their way to the Great
Himalayas. By road, bus services from Doda connect Bhalessa.
Tiny patches of maize and mustard, like patchwork quilts, straddled the edge of the stream that
rushed down from the snow-capped peaks in the distance with an irrepressible passion to merge
into the Chenab beyond. Children played cricket on improvised pitches on patches of land left
fallow or lazed around on conical haystacks.

Weather-beaten Bakkarwal men-with their hennaed beards and loosely wound turbans, led flocks
of hairy mountain goats. Their children and womenfolk followed after them, driving mules laden
with pots, pans and bedding their mobile homes. The perfect picture of serenity. It has a Muslim
majority, with a Hindu minority of a little more than a third of the population.

The history of Bhalessa and Bhaderwah dates back to 200 B.C. When the revered
Buddhist scholar Nagsena was invited to a discussion by king Mender in his palace at
Sakla.Kishtwar. In the discussions Nagsena replied all the questions of the king who then
embraced Buddhism and became king Milinda. Nagsena recorded the discussion in “Millinda
Panha” a Pali Treatise on the fundamental principles of Buddhist philosophy.
The principality of Bhaderwah Bhalessa was distributed into 15 administrative units. The total
area of Bhaderwah Jagir (including Bhalessa etc) was 533 sq.miles which after amalgamation
with Udhampur district in 1931 was reduced to 213 sq.miles only. The earliest mention of the
place is traced from Rajatarangni around (1112-28A.D.)
Bhalessa had come into existence in the year 1948 and its Headquarter is located at a
distance of 241 Kmts from the Jammu winter capital and 282 kmts. from the Srinagar, the
summer capital of the state. The area is located between 32-52 and 41-97 degree longitude.
The altitude of the area varies from 3200 to 15000 ft. from the sea level. The area is surrounded
by Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh.
The form of the land is rugged and mountainous surrounded by the sprawling
mountains of Himalayas from north to west. These are named as great Himalayas. Besides there
are other lofty ridges and peaks. The nullahas like historical Kalgoni streem merge into river
Chenab at Thathri. Nullahs called “Kalguni” is Pavitur in the sense that it is surrounded by
historical Basaka Nag temple at the corner of village Kilhotran.
The main river in Bhalessa is Kalgoni straching from “Kansozoo” that merge into the
chenab after. Besides this there are some other small Streems/ Nullahs such as Beer Sow with its
origin from Ludoo Kansar with enormous hight, Kanchu sohow near Makhan Chuchool (local
popular name of hindus and muslims) has its origin near Goha Kahagugasar. These rivers flow
through gorges and are mainly exploited for generation of Hydel Power. Of late Bhalessa is rich
in natural resources if exploited may contribute for the states economy.
The climate is almost dry. The rainfall is scanty, because of this reason the area is declared
as Drought Prone Area by the Ministry of Rural Development Govt of India. The temperature
remains snow bound for five-six months of the year. Summer is generally without rain and
precipitation often occurs during the winter season.
The soil is generally loose and Gruti and in some places Sandy with very low
moisture. The incidence of soil erosion is very high and roads blockage is frequent during the
rainy season.
The places are notorious for fall of slides during every rainy season and cause
inconvenience to all. The Soil conservation Department is surveying the area but no concrete
steps has been put in place by the concerned officers to aware the people about the soil
conservation schemes.
The role of NGOs is strongly laudable in this direction for contributing their bit
owing to which many wastelands became green. Bhalessa is rich in coniferous forest wealth.
The forest provides timber of important varieties viz, Deodar, Fir, Kail, Chir,
etc.These also yield products like dhoop, resin, guchian and other products. For rehabilitation of
degraded forests and increase the forest area by plantation in the area taken up in a big way of
the forest Department.
There might be some world’s oldest Deodars s in Jitota Zone of Bhalessa. The precious
stones in the area are also expected to be found in the Dudwar area in abundance. The main
crops are Maize, and wheat.

There is enough potential to hold back the tourist in Bhalessa and areas around for at least a
fortnight. Imagine how much good it could do to the local economy. Places of pilgrimage if
promoted will help bringing the tourist to these areas even while the infrastructure is being
developed. Of course The Tourism Development Authority required have to be established.
Bhalessa presents beautiful picturesque as well as attractive fields on way to Padri
Top which could be promoted as a health resort as well as a picnic spot. This is a connection line
of Bhalessa and Bhaderwah. An everlasting Glacier, Bal Padri is just 15 Km from Padri Top/
Dhaar/ Khanni Top on foot/ horse back from Bhaderwah side. It is on huge heights and one
could find large snow field here even in the month of June. Enough scope exists for Gandola
rope ways. Bhadherwah to Kansar could be a good Gandola venture with Khanni Top, Padri
Dhaar , Nagni MataTemple and Jaai Valley are lying around Bhalessa. Unfortunately, the area
has been divided and has not taken care of geographical proximity or administrative
conveniences. The areas like Bonjawah, Kahara, Basnota, Pingal and Cilly. There seemed more
or less discrimination meted to people of these areas.
Bhalessa is presently a part of Bhaderwah Constituency including some little part of
Bhatyas and chilly hamlets, whereas the areas like of Basnota (Kahara) and Bonjawah are part of
Inderwal assembly segment.
Owing to the scatteredness of these areas the composite culture has been deteriorated.
The regional chauvinism led its head high due to its political dislocation. The local traditional
ethos has been damaged and area has been little progressed& planned. It may be due to poor
administrative and political set up. The areas like Kahara and Bhatyas are disconnected owing to
inadequate administrative presence.

Of late, the people in governance are in favor of creation of separate constituency under
the pretext of Delimitation Commission report. Administrative reforms are already in place. The
recent changes seemed to be happened. The Tehsil Thathri and Tehsil Bhalessa carved out of
Sub- Division Bhaderwah very recently is a milestone in the history. Tehsil Bhalessa has been
upgraded as Sub – Division. This way there again remain two Sub-Divisions i.e. Bhaderwah and
Bhalessa with three Tehsils namely Bhaderwah, Bhalessa and Thathri in District Doda.
As such, in any case one Sub-Division is to have two Tehsils while the other will remain Sub-
Division for one Tehsil. It may be in place to mention that the distance from Thathri to Tehsil
Headquarter Bhalessa is only 30 Kms whereas distance from Thathri to Bhaderwah is around 60
Kms. Furthermore, the distance from Bhalessa to Bonjwah is only 20 kms and is geographically
very close to Bhalessa.
However, In view of the above considerations the government proposed that new Sub-Division
Bhalessa shall comprise, Tehsil Bhalessa and Tehsil Thathri.
Previously, a demand was projected by the public that twenty three villages falling in three
Patwar Halqas namely Kansoo, Jora and Malanoo be attached with Tehsil Bhalessa after their
deletion from Tehsil Thathri.
The demand for the setting up of Niabats at Bhatyas and Kahara is justified as the area is
disconnected administratively.
Another demand received by the government team during its visit to the area pertained to
attachment of eleven villages of Patwar Halqas Patnazi and Jawalapur commonly known as
Bunjawa with Tehsil Thathri after their detachment from Tehsil Kishtwar on the ground of
proximity of the area and convenience of the people.
After considering all counter claims in respect of these demands and taking into consideration,
the proximity of Patwar Halqas, administrative convenience and public demand, the team
recommended strongly that eight villages of Patwar Halqa Kansoo namely Kansoo, Bathri, Indlu,
Dichhal, Bhatoli, Dharyouth, Piyakal, Kuthyara with population of 5,744 can be deleted from
Tehsil Thathri and added in Tehsil Bhalessa. The demand for attachment of Patwar Halqas Jora
and Malanoo with Bhalessa Tehsil is not found justified and agreeable. The government find it
unjustified. This was suggested by the committee formed by the government.
The area of Bonjawah is in close proximity with Bhalessa including Bhatyas and
Khara. Geographically Bonjawah, Khara, Bhatyas and Gandoh Bhalessa upto khaljugasar is a
single geographical unit.
Unfortunately, the area has been divided and has not taken care of its geographical
proximity, Bhalessa is presenty a part of Bhaderwah Constituency including some little part of
Bhatyas and chilly, whereas the areas like of Khara and Bonjawah are part of Inderwal assembly
segment thereby the local composite culture has been deteriorated. The regional chauvinism has
its head high due to its political dislocation. The local composite culture has been damaged and
area seemed little progressed & planned.

The locals are in favour of creation of separate political and administrative unit
under the pretext of Delimitation commission by combining Tehsil Bhalessa, Khara, Bhatyas,
Chilly and Bonjawah and deleting Bhalessa from Bhaderwah and Bonjawah from Inderwal.
It will be a progressive step if Bhalessa-Bhatyas –Bonjawah might be carved as a
separate political and administrative unit. The state government should set up a committee for
taking into account the sentiments of all three zones viz Tehsil Bhalessa, Bonjawah and Bhatyas
Pingal & Chilly areas.
The advantage of separate unit may lead to the progress as far as developmental
arena is concerned. The local community especially the people of all these areas be taken in
confidence while preparing the final document on achievable motherhood so that the people of
the area might get solace of the problems of inadequate development and help to maintain the
age old tradition, folk lore and above all culture and geographical oneness.

Deterioration of Identity by the perspective rulers

Basnota, Nanota, Pingal, Jitota, Chilly

Nestling amongst high mountainous and cliffy terrain, off shooting high where skies are the
limits, it is most prominent townships like Bonjawah, Basnota, Chilly and Pingal in Doda
District.
The spirituality attunes the skies resting aside castes, creed and colours and above all religions,
The Ruby Gems on mountainous slopes glows and glitters and marble of Thathri twinkle amidst
dense, vibrant, lush green uplands.
The topography of the area is hilly and mountainous. There is Lack of transport communication
as compared to other areas of the erstwhile Doda District.

It is the most backward which is evident from the low literacy rate, dilapidated road conditions,
poor road net work, low per capita income, Non-existence of industries and lack of adequate
agricultural inputs.
There is enough potential to hold back the tourist in the area for at least a fortnight. Imagine how
much good it could do to the local economy. Places of pilgrimages if promoted will help
bringing the tourist to these areas even while the infrastructure is being developed. Of late, The
Tourism Development Authority required to be established firstly.
Bhalessa presents beautiful picturesque as well as attractive fields on way to Padri Top which
could be promoted as a health resort as well as a picnic spot. It is on huge heights and one could
find large snow field here even in the month of June.

Of late, the people in governance are in favor of creation of separate constituency under the
pretext of Delimitation Commission report. Administrative reforms are already in place. The
recent changes seemed to be happened. The Tehsil Thathri and Tehsil Bhalessa carved out of
Sub- Division Bhaderwah very recently is a milestone in the history. Tehsil Bhalessa has been
upgraded as Sub – Division. This way there again remain two Sub-Divisions i.e. Bhaderwah and
Bhalessa with three Tehsils namely Bhaderwah, Bhalessa and Thathri in District Doda.
As such, in any case one Sub-Division is to have two Tehsils while the other will remain Sub-
Division for one Tehsil. It may be in place to mention that the distance from Thathri to Tehsil
Headquarter Bhalessa is only 30 Kms whereas distance from Thathri to Bhaderwah is around 60
Kms. Furthermore, the distance from Bhalessa to Bonjwah is only 20 kms and is geographically
very close to Bhalessa.
However, In view of the above considerations the government proposed that new Sub-Division
Bhalessa shall comprise, Tehsil Bhalessa and Tehsil Thathri.
Previously, a demand was projected by the public that twenty three villages falling in three
Patwar Halqas namely Kansoo, Jora and Malanoo be attached with Tehsil Bhalessa after their
deletion from Tehsil Thathri.
The demand for the setting up of Niabats at Bhatyas and Kahara is justified as the area is
disconnected administratively.
Another demand received by the government team during its visit to the area pertained to
attachment of eleven villages of Patwar Halqas Patnazi and Jawalapur commonly known as
Bunjawa with Tehsil Thathri after their detachment from Tehsil Kishtwar on the ground of
proximity of the area and convenience of the people.
After considering all counter claims in respect of these demands and taking into consideration,
the proximity of Patwar Halqas, administrative convenience and public demand, the team
recommended strongly that eight villages of Patwar Halqa Kansoo namely Kansoo, Bathri, Indlu,
Dichhal, Bhatoli, Dharyouth, Piyakal, Kuthyara with population of 5,744 can be deleted from
Tehsil Thathri and added in Tehsil Bhalessa. The demand for attachment of Patwar Halqas Jora
and Malanoo with Bhalessa Tehsil is not found justified and agreeable. The government find it
unjustified. This was suggested by the committee formed by the government.
The area of Bonjawah is in close proximity with Bhalessa including Bhatyas and Khara.
Geographically Bonjawah, Khara, Bhatyas and Gandoh Bhalessa upto khaljugasar is a single
geographical unit.
Unfortunately, the area has been divided and has not taken care of its geographical proximity,
Bhalessa is presenty a part of Bhaderwah Constituency including some little part of Bhatyas and
chilly, whereas the areas like of Khara and Bonjawah are part of Inderwal assembly segment
thereby the local composite culture has been deteriorated. The regional chauvinism has its head
high due to its political dislocation. The local composite culture has been damaged and area
seemed little progressed & planned.

The locals are in favour of creation of separate political and administrative unit under the pretext
of Delimitation commission by combining Tehsil Bhalessa, Khara, Bhatyas, Chilly and
Bonjawah and deleting Bhalessa from Bhaderwah and Bonjawah from Inderwal.
It will be a progressive step if Bhalessa-Bhatyas –Bonjawah might be carved as a separate
political and administrative unit. The state government should set up a committee for taking into
account the sentiments of all three zones viz Tehsil Bhalessa, Bonjawah and Bhatyas Pingal &
Chilly areas.
The advantage of separate unit may lead to the progress as far as developmental arena is
concerned. The local community especially the people of all these areas be taken in confidence
while preparing the final document on achievable motherhood so that the people of the area
might get solace of the problems of inadequate development and help to maintain the age old
tradition, folk lore and above all culture and geographical oneness.