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Chibhal was a princely state founded by a cadet of Katoch Rajputs of Kangra in 1400 A.D.
Contents
History
Chibhal's first ruler was Raja Partab chand Katoch, who was the youngest son of Raja Megh chand Katoch of Kangra. Chibhal was also known to Timur's historians under the name Jibhal. The conversion of the family to Islam is probably of a late date, as Ferishta mentions Howns Raja (Raja Hans Chand) of Bhimbar in A.H. 891, i.e., A.D. I486. But so many of these hill chiefs retained their Hindu names after they became Muslims that the Hindu name alone cannot be taken as a decisive proof of his being Hindu. However, most historians believe Raja Shadeep Chand/Dharam Chand to be first Muslim convert during Babar's reign. The territory of Chibhal originally included upper the hill region bordering Hazara. These areas were lost to Islamic conquests and the Chibs migrated to Bhimber, evicting the original Thakial Rajputs who were ruling there.
The inhabitants of the state were known as Chibhalis. Chibs who ruled this princely state are the direct descendent 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 kilometers 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.
Rulers
The Genealogy of Bhimber From “Indian Princely States” by HENRY SOSZYNSKI.
Forts of Chibhal
Jagir-Shahdara near Lahore
After the giving over of Jammu and Kashmir to Maharaja Gulab Singh, it became necessary to take measures for the protection and maintenance of the minor hill chiefs, who, much against their will had been included in the “properties” forming part of the contract. The matter was arranged in 1847 by Sir Henry Lawrence, Agent and Resident at Lahore, on the one part, and by Diwan Jwala Sahai, the Maharaja’s Minister, on the other. It was agreed that such of the chiefs as elected to settle in British territory should receive perpetual pensions, amounting in the aggregate to Rs., 42,800 annually; the Maharaja ceding to, the British Government the ilaka of Sujanpur, part of Pathankot, and certain lands between the Beas and Chaki rivers north of Gurdaspur in satisfaction of the demands, which were to be met from the British treasuries. The Raja Faiz Talib Khan, styled as Bhimbarwala by Sir Henry Lawrence, was allowed hereunder a cash pension of Rs. 10,000 per annum, the same being declared perpetual in his family, to be enjoyed undivided by one individual at a time. This arrangement did not of course please Faiz Talib, who thus found himself invested with a small pension in lieu his patrimony. But who was obliged to accept what had been fixed for him by Sir Henry Lawrence, as there was no hope of getting better terms from the Maharaja. He took up his abode at Shahdara near Lahore; and be it recorded to his credit that he and his relatives have ever since proved themselves thoroughly loyal to the new Power.
Jagir Pothi, Besa, Deva Battala.
Following Data is collected from the book “Indian Princely States” by HENRY SOSZYNSKI.
STATE: Punjab
DYNASTY: Chib
RELIGION: Muslim
AREA:not known
REVENUE/PENSION: 10,000Rs
VILLAGES:Pothi, Besa.