| Lok Sabha Constituencies in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir (MP Constituencies) | Udhampur |
| MLA Assembly Constituencies in Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir | Bani Basohli Billawar Hira Nagar Kathua |
About Kathua District :
Kathua District is situated at 320 17′ to 320 55′ North Latitude and 750 70′ to 760 16′ East longitude. The District is surrounded by Punjab in the South-East, Himachal Pradesh in North-East, District Doda and Udhampur in North and North-West, Jammu in the West and Pakistan in the South-West. It has an area of 2651 Sq Kms. The district can be conveniently divided into three distinct Agro-climatic regions. The area falling South of Pathankot-Jammu-Srinagar National Highway consists of deep alluvial soils. The area is mostly irrigated and quite productive. This area touches Pakistan and Punjab border and it is also popularly called Border Area. The second zone falling north of the National Highway extends upto foothills of Himalayas and falling mostly in Shivalik ranges is called Kandi area. It is characterized by shallow soils full of boulders with negligible natural water resources. The area faces acute shortage of water and the productivity of the land is very marginal. Part of Kathua, Barnoti, Hiranagar, Ghagwal, Basohli and Billawar block falls in this category. The third area falls beyond Shivalik ranges and extends upto to Peer Panchal ranges. This area is mountainous in nature with little potential for agriculture
Though there is no detailed and fully documented history of Kathua district. It is believed that One Jodh Singh a famous Rajput of Andotra clan migrated from HASTINAPUR to KATHUA nearly 2000 years ago and settled here. The three Hamlets of Taraf Tajwal, Taraf Manjali and Taraf Bhajwal were established by his three sons Viz. Teju, Kindal and Bhaju. Their descendent are now called as Tajwalia, Bhajwalia and Khanwalia Rajputs of Andotra sub-caste. The conglomeration of these three hamlets was loosely called “KATHAI” in earlier times which with the passage of time came to be called as KATHUA.
GRREK historians, who provide an insight into the ancient history of JAMMU HILLS prominently record the existence of two powerful empires of Abhisara (Present day POONCH) and KATHAIOI at the time of invasion of India by ALEXANDER, Strabo describes KATHAIOI as a mighty republic of that era located in the foot hills along river RAVI. The topography of KATHAIOI corresponds with the present day KATHUA. Starbo describes the people of the republic as epitone of bravery and courage and records that they gave a tough fight to invading Army of ALEXANDER.
DOGRI & PAHARI are the main languages spoken. Hindi, English and Urdu are the main medium of education. Offcial language is Urdu.
District at a Glance :
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Tourist Places :
BANJALIt is a colouful area with lot of flowers blooming also known as “GARDEN OF NATURAL FLOWERS’.
CHANDELIt is 10 kms from Bani. It is a small valley having spring by the name of CHANDEl. There are small orchards of apple, almonds and walnuts.
PANYALAGIt is a small town on thee top of HILLS. It is marked by beautiful waterfalls, thick forest patches, gushing streams and green medows. It is about 7 Kms from BANI.
DULLANGALIt is situated on Bani – Billawar trek. It is a small beautiful valley, 12 Kms from Bani.
CHHATARGALLAIt is the highest point on the Basohli-Bani Bhaderwah road. It is nearly 15 Kms from SARTHAL.
SARTHALIt is a beautiful meadow situated at a height of 7000 ft which remains covered with snow for six monhs. The virgin and beauty of the area casts a fascinating spell to any visitor. The area is bounded by snow clad mountains. It is connected to Bhaderwah and to Himachal Pardash. It is 20 Kms from Bani (Block HQ).
DUGGANIt is situated at 7000 ft. It is charming valley spreading to one Kms in width and 5 kms in length with fresh water streams flowing from both sides. . It is blanked with thick CHIR, DEODHAR and SHRUBS. It experiences temperate type of climate. It receives winter rainfall from wetern disturbances and summer rainfall from mansoons. Cold winter and pleasant summer are the main attractinns of this place.
This place falls on the way from Bani to Dhaggar. In this area is also located one Old Nag Temple from where annual yatra goes to Kailash Kund.
JODIA DI MATAJodia Di Mata is a religious center which is visited by hundreds of pilgrims during Navratras. Voluntary groups help in providing basic facilities to pilgrims. Situated 4 Kms. From Banjal (Bani, District Kathua), its altitude is about 7,000 ft. Jodia Di Mata commands lot of faith of local people. It is also a beautiful place, full of natural beauty.
DHOULA WALI MATADhoula Wali Mata is a religious center. A large number of pilgrims come and offer their prayers, especially during Navratras. According to a popular belief, a Shephered once dreamt that Mata had come to Mandhi Dhar. He went to Mandhi Dhar where Goddess gave Darshan to him as a little girl. The Shepherd started worshipping the goddess regularly. It is said that once it snowed very heavily. The Shepherd who was a regular worshiper ran to Mandhi Dhar to worship her. Realising the difficulty of the shepherd, she said she shall go to where Dhouli Wali Mata is situated now. The shepherd built a temple at Dhouli Wali Mata. This place is located 10 Kms from Jodia Di Mata at a height of 6000 ft. People have to treck to reach this beautiful spot. It can be reached from Katli (Billawarr), Bhoond (Basohli), Banhore (Mahanpur). Regular Bus service is available from Kathua, Jammu, Udhampur, Pathankote to reach Billawar, Bhoond, Basohli, Mahanpur. Sarais are available at the Shrine.
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