# Bhimber

Bhimber (Urdu: بھمبر) is a town and the headquarters of the eponymous district in Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir. The town and district are between the Jammu region of Indian-administered Kashmir and Pakistan proper, about 47 km (29 mi) by road southeast of Mirpur.

## History

Bhimber was the capital of the Chibhal dynasty, which lasted from 1400 to 1856.
Bhimbar was listed in the Ain-i Akbari (c. 1595) as a mahal under Lahore Subah, counted as part of the Jech Doab. It was listed with an assessed revenue of 1,200,000 dams and was not listed as supplying any troops to the Mughal army.$^{:322}$
Bhimber lies on the route that was followed by the Mughal Emperors for their frequent visits to the Kashmir Valley. It is also known as "Baab-e-Kashmir" (Door to Kashmir) because of its importance and geographical location, which was ideal for the Mughal Emperors to use to enter Kashmir. Therefore, the Mughals used Bhimber as a staging point for their journey to Srinagar. The Mughal Emperor Jahangir mentions Bhimber in his book Tuzk-e-Jahangiri.
Bhimber is also mentioned on page 19 of the famous Atlas Maior, published in 1665 by Joan Blue, a Dutch cartographer.
The history of Bhimber, a region located in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, is rich and complex, spanning thousands of years. To explore this history in detail over the last 5,000 years, we will consider various aspects, including prehistoric periods, ancient civilizations, early medieval periods, and more recent historical developments. Let’s dive into the key historical phases of Bhimber.
*** Prehistoric and Ancient History (c. 3000 BCE – 500 BCE)
Bhimber’s history dates back thousands of years, though archaeological evidence from this era is scarce. The region, like much of Kashmir, has likely been inhabited since the Neolithic period, around 3000 BCE, with evidence of agricultural and pastoral societies. The strategic location of Bhimber, near the Rawalakot, Kotli, and Mirpur regions, suggests it might have been a part of early cultural exchange networks between ancient civilizations in the Indus Valley and Central Asia.
Bhimber was possibly influenced by the Harappan civilization (2600–1900 BCE), which had extended its reach into the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent, including areas around Kashmir. The material culture of the Harappans, especially their pottery, seals, and urban planning, might have influenced the region.
The Vedic period (c. 1500 BCE – 500 BCE) saw the development of early Hindu religious and philosophical thought. Bhimber's location on the ancient trade routes connecting Central Asia, the northwest Indian subcontinent, and the Indo-Gangetic plains likely made it a critical area in these early exchanges.
*** Classical and Medieval Period (500 BCE – 1200 CE)
By the early centuries BCE, Bhimber became an important part of the region known as Jammu and Kashmir. The Maurya Empire (c. 322–185 BCE), under Emperor Ashoka, might have exerted some influence over the area, as they ruled much of the subcontinent, including parts of modern-day Pakistan. Ashoka is also credited with spreading Buddhism, and Kashmir itself was an important center for the development of Buddhist thought, although there is no definitive evidence of Bhimber being a direct Buddhist stronghold.
From the first to sixth centuries CE, the region came under the influence of several Indian dynasties, including the Kushan Empire (1st–3rd centuries CE) and the Gupta Empire (c. 320–550 CE). The Kushans spread Buddhism in the region, and Bhimber could have been affected by this wave of cultural exchange.
During the early medieval period (from the 7th century), the region witnessed the rise of the Hindu Shahis, who ruled parts of present-day Afghanistan, northern Pakistan, and Kashmir. Bhimber was likely under their control, as the region was a key point of access to the fertile Kashmir Valley, which the Hindu Shahis tried to control.
*** Islamic Influence and the Sultanate of Kashmir (1200 – 1500 CE)
The arrival of Islam in the region occurred in the early medieval period. Islamic rule in Kashmir began with the establishment of the Sultanate of Kashmir in the 14th century. Bhimber was part of the larger political landscape of Kashmir, which eventually saw the spread of Islam. The region became part of the wider Kashmiri Sultanate during the reign of Sultan Shams-ud-Din (c. 14th century), when Muslim rule was established throughout Kashmir.
Bhimber’s close proximity to the Punjab region also meant that it was exposed to influences from the Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire, which began its rule over large parts of South Asia in the early 16th century. The Mughals had a strong presence in the Kashmir Valley, and Bhimber was incorporated into their domain.
*** Mughal Era and Post-Mughal Period (1500 – 1800 CE)
During the Mughal era, Kashmir flourished under rulers like Emperor Akbar (1556–1605) and his successors. Bhimber, being part of Kashmir, would have been indirectly influenced by Mughal administration and their grand architectural and cultural projects in the region. The Mughals promoted the arts, architecture, and the development of infrastructure, which could have impacted the development of Bhimber.
The post-Mughal period saw a decline in centralized authority, and the region experienced instability. Following the Mughal Empire’s collapse in the 18th century, Kashmir, including Bhimber, came under the control of various regional powers. In 1753, the Afghan Durrani Empire, led by Ahmad Shah Durrani, took control of Kashmir. This shift in power further destabilized the region.
*** Sikh Rule and the Rise of Dogra Dynasty (1819 – 1947 CE)
The early 19th century saw the rise of Sikh rule in Kashmir. In 1819, the Sikhs under Maharaja Ranjit Singh annexed Kashmir, including Bhimber. The region experienced significant cultural, social, and economic changes under Sikh rule. The Sikhs were able to establish a degree of stability, but this was short-lived.
In 1846, after the First Anglo-Sikh War, the British East India Company took control of Kashmir under the Treaty of Amritsar. The region was sold to Gulab Singh, a Dogra ruler, who became the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir. Bhimber, as part of the Jammu region, came under Dogra control. The Dogras continued to rule Kashmir until the partition of India in 1947.
*** Partition and Modern History (1947 – Present)
The partition of British India in 1947 created the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, which was ruled by the Dogra Maharaja Hari Singh. However, in the wake of partition, there were significant tensions between India and Pakistan, and the region of Kashmir became a focal point of conflict.
Bhimber, being located near the border of Azad Kashmir (the Pakistani-administered region), was deeply affected by the Kashmir conflict. In October 1947, when Pakistan and India first fought over the Kashmir region, Bhimber and the surrounding areas became involved in military operations.
After the 1947 partition, Bhimber became part of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) region, which is administered by Pakistan. The region saw substantial political and military changes due to the conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. Bhimber itself has been at the crossroads of many regional developments in both the 1947 and 1965 wars, as well as in the subsequent military tensions between India and Pakistan.
Today, Bhimber is part of Azad Kashmir (AJK) and continues to be a part of the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir region.
*** Conclusion
Bhimber’s history stretches over thousands of years, from its earliest prehistoric settlements to its present-day role as a part of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. From early agricultural societies to its position within the Mughal Empire, Sikh rule, and the Dogra Dynasty, Bhimber has seen various cultural, religious, and political transformations. In the 20th century, the region became a key point of contention between India and Pakistan.
The historical depth of Bhimber reflects the broader history of Kashmir, an area known for its complex political history, diverse cultural heritage, and ongoing geopolitical importance.
For references, you may consult works on South Asian history, Kashmir studies, and specific books on the Mughal Empire, Sikh rule, and the Dogra dynasty:
1. **"History of Kashmir" by Sir W. W. Hunter**
2. **"The Kashmir Conflict: A Global Perspective" by R. S. Chauhan** 3. **"Kashmir: A Disputed Legacy 1846–1990" by A. G. Noorani** 4. **"The Kashmir Valley: The Land and Its People" by D. S. Chopra** 5. **"The Mughals and the Kashmir Valley" by R. C. Majumdar**
These resources provide an in-depth exploration of Kashmir and its regions, including Bhimber.

### Modern history

In the 19th century, Chibhal came under the Maharaja Gulab Singh. Around 1822, along with Poonch, it was granted as a jagir (feudal land grant) to Raja Dhian Singh of the Dogra dynasty, Gulab Singh's brother. After the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Sikh court fell into disunity, and Dhian Singh was murdered in court intrigue. Subsequently, the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir was formed under the suzerainty of the British Empire, and these territories were transferred to Jammu and Kashmir. The jagir given to Dhian Singh was respected, however, and Dhian Singh's sons Moti Singh and Jawahir Singh were retained as their Rajas.
In 1852, the brothers Jawahir and Moti Singh quarrelled, and the Punjab Board of Revenue awarded a settlement. Moti Singh was awarded the Poonch district, and Jawahir Singh was awarded Bhimber, Mirpur and Kotli. In 1859, Jawahir Singh was accused of 'treacherous conspiracy' by Maharaja Ranbir Singh (r. 1857–1885), who succeeded Gulab Singh. The British agreed with the assessment and forced Jawahir Singh to exile in Ambala. Ranbir Singh paid Jawahir Singh an annual stipend of Rs. 100,000 until his death, and appropriated his territory afterwards because Jawahir Singh had no heirs.
The appropriated territory was organised as the Bhimber district (wazarat) in 1860. In the decade preceding 1911, the district headquarters was shifted to Mirpur and it came to be called the Mirpur district. Bhimber remained a tehsil headquarters until 1947. It had a Hindu majority population, mostly consisting of Mahajans.

## Geography and climate

Bhimber is a valley. Its hot, subhumid climate and other geographical conditions closely resemble those of Gujrat, the adjoining district in Punjab.
The climate in Bhimber is classified as warm and temperate. Summers have a good deal of rainfall; winters have much less. This location is classified as Cwa by Köppen. The average annual temperature is 23.6 °C (74.5 °F) with a yearly average rainfall of 974 mm (38.3 in). July and August are the wettest months. Temperatures are highest in June.
vteClimate data for Bhimber, elevation: 325 m (1,066 ft) :
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 18.7 (65.7) | 21.6 (70.9) | 26.9 (80.4) | 33.1 (91.6) | 38.5 (101.3) | 40.6 (105.1) | 36.2 (97.2) | 34.3 (93.7) | 34.9 (94.8) | 32.7 (90.9) | 26.7 (80.1) | 21 (70) | 30.4 (86.8) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 12.2 (54.0) | 14.9 (58.8) | 20 (68) | 25.6 (78.1) | 30.7 (87.3) | 33.5 (92.3) | 31.2 (88.2) | 29.8 (85.6) | 29.1 (84.4) | 24.9 (76.8) | 18.3 (64.9) | 13.4 (56.1) | 23.6 (74.5) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 5.7 (42.3) | 8.2 (46.8) | 13.1 (55.6) | 18.2 (64.8) | 23 (73) | 26.5 (79.7) | 26.3 (79.3) | 25.4 (77.7) | 23.3 (73.9) | 17.1 (62.8) | 10 (50) | 5.9 (42.6) | 16.9 (62.4) |
| Average rainfall mm (inches) | 54 (2.1) | 56 (2.2) | 57 (2.2) | 30 (1.2) | 26 (1.0) | 52 (2.0) | 258 (10.2) | 272 (10.7) | 112 (4.4) | 21 (0.8) | 12 (0.5) | 24 (0.9) | 974 (38.2) |
| Source: Climate-Data.org ||||||||||||||

## Notable people

* Ghulam Rasool Raja-Chibh Rajput — Pakistan Army officer
* Raja Muhammad Zulqarnain Khan-Chibh Rajput — politician, ex-President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir
* Chaudhry Anwarul Haq — 15th Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir
* Brig. Ret. Raja Habib ur Rehman(1913-1978)-Fateh Bhimber-Ex Indian National Army-Chibh Rajput
* Raja Shadaab Ali Khan-Urf Baba Shadi Shaheed-Chibh Rajput-Fought Bravely against Sikhs and embraced Martyrdom
* [Raja Sultan Khan-first muslim ruler of Bhimber of Chibh Rajput clan-1800-1840 A.D]
* Manzoor Mirza — economist