Virbhadra is last Raja

Virbhadra’s Kamru Fort

Mohinder Negi              (Cover Story)

Kamru Fort, the wood and stone structure, was the original seat of the rulers of the erstwhile princely state of Bushahr. Placed over a packing of dressed stone that acts like the pedestal for an exalted piece of art, the tower-like fort of Kamru is five storeys high. Its tower like architecture resembles that of the Bhima Kali complex. It serves as an excellent example of an architectural style that is unique to this part of the world. The fort houses many deities, including Kamakhya Devi installed in the upper story that is believed to have been brought here several centuries ago from Assam. Locals feel that many old manuscripts placed in Kamru Fort can reveal astonishing historic facts if efforts are made to understand them. About 300 years ago rulers of Bushahr established their capital at Kalyanpur and a town Rampur was also established nearby.  Present Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh is the last Raja of erstwhile Bushahr princely state.

Exact Timing of Construction Still a Mystery

Bushahr was one of the famous princely states of western Himalayas and rulers were known as Suryavanshi King, also known by the name of Chatarpati Raja. King of Bushahr was granted highest place in Delhi Darbar during the rule of Akbar. There is a record of installation of 108 rajas of this principality in Kamru Fort located in Sangla. King of Rampur-Bushahr principality was known as Maharaja only after coronation in Kamru Fort. There are different opinions about the exact timing of construction of Kamru Fort. However, some of the old scripts obtained from this fort reveal that a fort was to be constructed near the house of Tongchyan family in Kamru village. People used to collect stones and wood for construction purpose near the house but, to their astonishment, all the material was found near the present location of the Kamru Fort next morning. One night Tongchyan family observed that a lion was shifting all the material from the storage place to the present location of the fort. Taking it as a divine power; the locals then constructed the fort after performing religious ceremonies. It was a community effort by villagers from Yuh Thukpa to Dhu Thupka areas that resulted in construction of this fort. Special wood from Litang forest was used in the construction work.

Five Story Structure

The entire structure is a five story building in which entrance of any person is barred in two underground storeys as these are believed to have been sealed. In addition there are five big rooms on the first floor whereas food grains were kept in during earlier times. Idols of gods and goddesses, including Badrinath and Kamakhya Devi, are established on third floor. According to local legend it is believed that this temple is abode of 84 lakh gods and goddesses. Arms and ammunition were placed in fourth floor.

Rare Manuscripts

Knowledgeable locals claim that many invaluable manuscripts written in tankri are lying in the fort that can reveal the historic facts about the fort. They urge the government to initiate steps for revealing the historic facts written in these manuscripts. There are certain stones lying in the fort that were used for lighting the fire through friction. Locals say that earlier roof of the fort was made up of wood but was changed with stones during the rule of Maharaja Padam Singh of Bushahr princely state.

Needs Conservation, Renovation

This fort came under the control of local villagers who are managing its affairs after country’s independence. Priest of local deity Badri Vishal performs all the religious ceremonies here. Though the state government is providing funds for its repair from time to time but locals feel that this ancient and historic fort needs proper care and repair. They add that money was also required for conservation of historic forts.

Virbhadra is Last Raja of Erstwhile Bushahr Princely State

Mahender Badrel

Present Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh is last Raja of Bushahr princely state whose history is believed to be as old as Pandavas era. Initially Sarahan, known as Shonitpur, used to be winter capital of Bushahr principality. Virbhadra’s ancestor Pradymana was the first raja and Virbhadra Singh is the last raja of this principality. Raja Ram Singh of Bushahr principality decided to establish a capital about 300 years ago due to extreme cold conditions prevalent in higher reaches. Rampur town was established after Raja preferred Kalyanpur area over two other places for establishing his capital. Later Maharaja Padam Singh built the royal palace in 1919 that was completed in 1930. In addition, tehsil office was constructed near the Padam Palace. Many heritage buildings were also constructed during the rule of Maharaja Padam Singh. Darbar was being held in these buildings and courts decided various legal matters. Maharaja Padam Singh had the last word on all decisions related to people before the independence. Maharaja Padam Singh passed away before independence due to ill health.

13 Years Old Virbhadra was Coronated 

Present Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh was coronated as Raja of Bushahr princely state before the independence of the country when he was 13 years old. However, Bushahr princely state was merged in Mahasu district as all princely states ceased to exist after the independence of the country on August 15, 1947. Last rulers of erstwhile Bushahr princely state are looking after the palaces located in Sarahan and Rampur that have still maintained their grandeur.

Virbhadra’s Entry in Politics

Virbahdra fought first Lok sabha election from Mahasu constituency for Congress party in 1962 when he was 26 years old. His opponent was former minister late Jai Behari Lal Khachi. Virbhadra traveled 1600 kilometer on foot to cover the entire constituency and later wrote a book ‘Barhte Kadam‘. After winning the Lok Sabha election, Virbhadra Singh never looked back in politics and is presently serving as Chief Minister of Himachal for a record sixth time.

 Court Complex for Justice to People

A judicial complex was also built along with Padam Palace in 1919. Whenever Maharaja Padam Singh visited here, he used to settle legal matters while sitting in judicial complex. After independence, these building were used to house government offices. The judicial seat of rulers of erstwhile Bushahr  princely state now houses SDM office with other parts housing police, fire brigade and postal departments. These buildings have been declared heritage properties but are in a dilapidated condition. The government offices are maintaining inside premises of the building but outer look of these buildings is in bad condition.