Kullu

In the world of Kullu, there has always been a constant and ever-evolving interest. Whether we are talking about a historical figure, a cultural phenomenon or a scientific topic, Kullu has left its mark on humanity in one way or another. Its influence has spread over time and continues to impact today. In this article, we will closely explore the importance of Kullu and how it has shaped our society, as well as the implications it has for the future. From its beginnings to the present, Kullu has generated countless discussions, debates and studies that seek to understand its scope and meaning in people's lives.

For other uses, see Kullu (disambiguation).

Kullu
Kulu
Town
Kullu Valley, Beas River
Kullu is located in Himachal Pradesh
Kullu
Kullu
Location in Himachal Pradesh, India
Kullu is located in India
Kullu
Kullu
Kullu (India)
Coordinates: 31°57′N 77°07′E / 31.95°N 77.11°E / 31.95; 77.11
Country India
StateHimachal Pradesh
DistrictKullu
Government
 • TypeDemocratic
Elevation
1,279 m (4,196 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total
18,536
 • Rank11th in HP
Languages
 • OfficialHindi
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
175101
Telephone code01902
Vehicle registrationHP-34, HP-35, HP-49, HP-58, HP-66
Sex ratio1.17 (1000/852) ♂/♀
Websitewww.hpkullu.nic.in

Kullu (Hindi: [kʊlːuː]) is a municipal council town that serves as the administrative headquarters of the Kullu district of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is located on the banks of the Beas River in the Kullu Valley about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) north of the airport at Bhuntar, Kullu.

Kullu Valley is a broad open valley formed by the Beas River between Manali and Larji. This valley is known for its temples and its hills covered with pine and deodar forest and sprawling apple orchards. The course of the Beas river, originating from Beas Kund[1] presents a succession of hillside settlements studded amongst forests of deodar that tower above pine trees on the lower rocky ridges. Together with the river Beas running through the valley, the town of Kullu offers truly magnificent views. Kullu Valley is sandwiched between the Pir Panjal, Lower Himalayan and Great Himalayan Ranges, located in Northern India, 497 k.m. away from the capital of India.

History

Historical references about the Kullu valley date back to ancient Hindu literary works of Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas.[2] During Vedic period several small republics known as "Janapada" existed which were later conquered by the Nanda Empire, Mauryan Empire, Shunga Empire, Gupta Empire, Pala Dynasty and Karkoṭa Empire. After a brief period of supremacy by King Harshavardhana, the region was once again divided into several local powers headed by chieftains, including some Rajput principalities, these principalities were later conquered by Mughal Empire, Maratha Empire, Sikh Empire.[3]

The Buddhist pilgrim monk Xuanzang visited the Kullu Valley in 634 or 635 CE. He described it as a fertile region completely surrounded by mountains, about 3,000 li in circuit, with a capital 14 or 15 li in circumference. There were some twenty Buddhist monasteries, with about 1,000 monks, most of whom following the Mahayana tradition. There were also some fifteen Hindu temples, and both faiths occupied the region. There were meditation caves near the mountain passes inhabited by both Buddhist and Hindus. The country is said to have produced gold, silver, red copper, crystal lenses and bell-metal.[4]

Geography

Kullu town lies on the bank of Beas River.

Kullu town has an average elevation of 1,278 m (4,193 ft). It lies on the bank of Beas River.

Demographics

As of 2011 India census,[5] Kullu had a population of 437,903. The male population in Kullu is 225,452 whereas the female population is 212,451. The sex ratio of Kullu is 942 females per 1000 males, which is higher than the national sex ratio. The average literacy rate of Kullu is 79.4%; the male literacy rate is 87.39% and the female literacy rate is 70.91%. The people speak the Kullui language.

Administrative

Kullu town, as the administrative headquarters of Kullu district, has the offices of Deputy Commissioner, the Superintendent of Police and the District courts.

References

  1. ^ Jutta., Mattausch (2016). Reise Know-How Ladakh und Zanskar. Reise Know-How Verlag Peter Rump. ISBN 978-3-8317-4694-1. OCLC 964402368.
  2. ^ "Mythological References". Kullu - Himachal Pradesh, District Administration. 11 May 2015. Archived from the original on 21 September 2017.
  3. ^ Verma 1995, pp. 28–35, Historical Perspective.
  4. ^ Watters (1904-1905), pp. 298, 335.
  5. ^ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2004. Retrieved 1 November 2008.

Further reading

  • Francke, A. H. (1914, 1926). Antiquities of Indian Tibet. Two Volumes. Calcutta. 1972 reprint: S. Chand, New Delhi.
  • Hutchinson, J. & J. PH Vogel (1933). History of the Panjab Hill States, Vol. II. 1st edition: Govt. Printing, Pujab, Lahore, 1933. Reprint 2000. Department of Language and Culture, Himachal Pradesh. Chapter X Kulu State, pp. 413–473.
  • Verma, V. (1995). The Emergence of Himachal Pradesh: A Survey of Constitutional Developments. Himachal Pradesh (India): Indus Publishing. ISBN 81-7387-035-7. Retrieved 15 June 2011.
  • Watters, Thomas. (1904–1905): On Yuan Chwang’s Travels in India. 1904–1905. London. Royal Asiatic Society. Reprint: Delhi. Munshiram Manoharlal. 1973.
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