Katas Raj temples
The Shri Katas Raj Temples, also known as Qila Katas, are a cluster of Hindu temples that surround the sacred pond named Katas. This complex is located in the Pothar Plateau region of Pakistan. The complex is well worth a visit.
The Katas Raj temple is popular with Hindus. It is said that the Hindu god Shiva lived here with his wife Sati. After Sati died, Shiva became depressed and cried in grief. Those who visit this temple bathe in the pond, which is believed to give them salvation and forgiveness of their sins. Hindu pilgrims of all faiths perform pilgrimages to the temple.
The Katas Raj temple is now under the control of the Evacuee Trust Property Board of the Pakistan government. In 2006, the archaeology department of Punjab province was in charge of the temples. The LK Advani visit prompted the government to renovate the site. Since then, the shrine has been a barometer of the relationship between India and Pakistan. The former regime of Pervez Musharraf encouraged Indian pilgrims to visit the site during the Shivratri festival. However, Pakistan’s current prime minister Nawaz Sharif has taken steps to change that.
The Katas Raj temples have long been a Hindu holy place. They were built on the site of an ancient temple complex. The temple complex contains two temples, one of which is the Katas Raj. The Katas Raj temple is a huge structure. Its name comes from the Sanskrit word kataksha, meaning tearful. According to a local Hindu legend, Lord Shiva wept inconsolably after the death of his wife Sati. His tears fell on the earth and formed the ponds that are now found in the area. The Katas Raj temple is also linked to the Mahabharata story. The Pandavas spent four years in exile in Katas, where they met Lord Shiva.
Mair-Minhas Rajputs
The Mair-Minhas Rajputs of the Chakwal district are a distinct group of people. The majority of these people are Muslim, and they are a Martial Race. Consequently, they are naturally engaged in Pakistan’s military affairs. They are known to be the most valiant warriors in Punjab. They ruled over the upper Punjab and the Valley of Kashmir until the British came to India in 1849. Their area of habitation is largely arid and there is no irrigation system.
The Mair-Minhas tribe came to power after King Aurangzeb’s death. They were allied with the Mughals, and their chief, Gadabeg Khan, was reappointed as Taluqdar and Chaudhry of Dhan Chaurasi by Moazzam Shah. This continued the Kassar Chaudhary rule in the area, and they were the largest Muslim landholders in the area during the Sikh era.
The Chakwal district is located in the southern part of Punjab province, about 90 km from Islamabad. It was named after Chaudhry Chaku Khan, a chief of the Mair-Minhas Rajput tribe from Jammu. It was first established as a taluka in 1525 C.E. and was later elevated to district status in 1985.
Mughal Kassar tribes
The Kassar people of Chakwal are an ethnic group with Mughal ancestry. They are found in the northern part of Dhani, particularly in the Chakwal and Jhelum districts. In 1931, a census reported a population of 4000 Kassar men. Their culture is similar to that of the nearby Mair and Kahut tribes and their customs are similar to those of these tribes. Like the Mair and Kahut, Kassar people use the title Chaudhary. In addition to Chakwal and Jhelum, Kassar people are found in the districts of Khushab and Rawalpindi.
The Chakwal area has a rich history that goes back several centuries. The region is a mixture of mountainous terrain and scrub forests. In 1857, the Mughal Kassars and Chaudharials helped to cement the British Raj by escorting the treasury from Chakwal to Rawalpindi.
There are a few notable places of worship in the region, including the Chehl-Abdal shrine at 3,500 feet above sea level. Nearby, there are also numerous other important places of worship, such as the Kitas temple. The name of this temple is mentioned in the sacred Hindu book, Maha Bharat. The sanctuary itself is a complex of 100 stairways and drab rooms.
Alexander the Great’s fort
In the Afghan language, the fort is called Bala Haizar, or “The Castle.” It was built by Alexander the Great in the third century BC during his push into India. Since then, it has been used by many armies, including the British, Russians, and American troops.
The Chakwal area is rich in culture and history. It was once a popular picnic spot for the Mughal and British dynasties. The area also produced many fine men including the former prime minister of India, Manmohan Singh. Chakwal’s history also has links to the British Raj, as its population included many soldiers.
Near the fort, you’ll find fossils dating back millions of years. In addition to ancient history, there are a number of archaeological sites. In fact, there’s an ancient geographer here who measured the radii of the earth. You can visit the fort and other historic sites in Chakwal.
The area is home to many Rajput tribes. Several of the villages are named after their respective clans. Besides the Narma, there are also the Dhudhi, Khingar, and Kurar.
Swaik lake
Swaik Lake is one of Pakistan’s most beautiful lakes. It is located about 30 km from Chakwal and is 135 km from Islamabad. The trail to the lake is wide to begin with, but after about fifteen minutes narrows and leads into a small valley. The landscapes are breathtaking, and the water is crystal clear.
Swaik Lake is a popular tourist attraction in Chakwal. It is located about 10 kilometers from Kallar Kahar and is accessible via M2 motorway that connects Lahore and Islamabad. There are several attractions in the area, including a waterfall that drops water from the rocks into the lake.
The lake is a popular, underrated tourist attraction. Located on the M-2 motorway, it is accessible in less than a day. The lake is easy to reach and is suitable for families who want a quick day trip. It is also close to Neela Wahn and the Katas Raj temple complex, which are both around 30km from Chakwal.
The best time to visit Swaik Lake is July to August. The best time to visit is during the daytime. Since the lake is remote, there are very few rest areas and shops. Newcomers should be careful, and choose their tour packages carefully.
Caste system
In the district of Potohar in northern Punjab, you’ll find a town called Chakwal. This city is the district’s administrative centre. There are four Tehsils within the district. In the past, Chakwal was ruled by the Khokhar and Dogra Rajputs. Then, during the Moghul emperor Babar’s reign, seven tribes settled in the area.
While a population of a hundred thousand is considered small, Chakwal is home to a vastly different social structure. The community is highly religious, traditional, and follows the traditional caste system. For example, when visiting the village, you may be asked to identify your caste.
Originally, the district was made up of a number of castes based on occupation. For example, the Tarkhan were the carpenters and labourers, while the Lohar were the smiths and barbers. Those of higher castes often wore kotis over their shalwar kamez. Some women wore a burqa, which is a long, black, overflowing garment. Most of the people wore sandals.
Though Chakwal is predominantly Muslim, it was also home to a large number of Hindus before independence. The caste system is based on graded inequality. Hence, women in Chakwal are expected to observe purdah when out of the house, and the men must not interfere with them. Similarly, they do not celebrate Hindu festivals as zealously as they do in other areas.
Travel to Chakwal
Travel to Chakwal by road and fly. You can fly or drive to Chakwal from Lahore. The distance between the two cities is approximately 3 hours. You can check the weather and road conditions before leaving. You can also find hotels recommended by the MICHELIN guide. If you want to avoid long drives, try flying.
Flights from Chakwal are reasonably priced. A one-day trip costs about $78. It is recommended to book your flight as early as possible. Taking standby flights can save you money, but you should plan ahead. The cheapest month to fly to Chakwal is late September, when airfares are at their lowest.
The city is known for its rich history and culture. It was once a popular picnic spot for Mughals and British Lords. It has also produced fine men such as India’s prime minister, Manmohan Singh. The local language, Dhani, is a mix of Pothohari and Saraiki.
