Nadaun (Jagir) Homepage and Map : Rajput Provinces of India

Dynasty

Katoch history page

State

Himachal Pradesh (Hamirpur)

Villages

22 Area

315 Square Kilometers km²

Hindi Name

नादाऊं

Last Updated

12^th Nov, 2020

Wikipedia

Wikipedia link to Nadaun (Jagir) Nadaun

Present Head

Raja Shri MAHESHWAR CHAND KATOCH, 6^th Raja of Nadaun since 1970. Born 1952, educated at the Doon School, Dehradun. Married Rani Suman Lata Devi, daughter of Ram Dev Sharma of Bangana District Una, H.P.

History

Origin and Foundation of Nadaun Jagir

The history of Nadaun is inextricably linked with the ancient Katoch Dynasty, which ruled over the kingdom of Trigarta (modern-day Kangra and its surrounding hill regions). Nadaun, situated on the scenic banks of the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh, served as an important administrative and recreational outpost for the rulers of Kangra. The foundation of the Nadaun Jagir as an independent estate, however, dates back to the early 19^th century, following the decline of the sovereign Kangra State under Raja Sansar Chand II.

Raja Sansar Chand's reign was marked by intense conflicts with the Gurkhas of Nepal and the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Following the Treaty of Jawalamukhi in 1809, the Kangra Fort and surrounding territories came under Sikh suzerainty. Upon Sansar Chand's death, his son Raja Jodhbir Chand was granted the estate of Nadaun as a jagir by Maharaja Ranjit Singh for the maintenance of the royal family. This event marked the formal establishment of the Nadaun branch of the Katoch dynasty.

The Reign of Raja Jodhbir Chand and Sikh Relations

Raja Jodhbir Chand was a pivotal figure in cementing the status of the Nadaun Jagir. His sister, Mehtab Devi (famously known as Katochan Rani), was married to Maharaja Ranjit Singh, which ensured a strong diplomatic alliance and protected the interests of the Katoch clan during a turbulent period in Punjab's history. Under Jodhbir Chand's administration, Nadaun flourished as a vibrant cultural center. The town became renowned for its pleasant climate, courtly etiquettes, and natural beauty, giving rise to the popular local proverb, "Aaye Nadaun, Jaye Kaun" (Who comes to Nadaun would ever want to leave).

The British Era and Consolidation

Following the defeat of the Sikh Empire in the First Anglo-Sikh War (1845–1846), the territory of the outer hills, including Kangra and Nadaun, was annexed by the British East India Company. Recognizing the influence and local standing of Raja Jodhbir Chand, the British administration chose to confirm his proprietary rights over the jagir. A formal sanad (treaty/patent) was granted to him in 1846, establishing his status as a tributary chief under British suzerainty.

During the Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848–1849) and the subsequent uprising of local hill chiefs, Raja Jodhbir Chand remained loyal to the British, assisting in maintaining order in the region. In recognition of these services, the British government granted him a fresh sanad in 1848, confirming his dynastic rights and granting him the title of Raja as a personal distinction, which was later made hereditary. He was also honored as a Knight Commander of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India (KCSI).

Historical Significance and the Battle of Nadaun

Long before it became a formal jagir, Nadaun was the site of the historic Battle of Nadaun fought in 1691. In this battle, a coalition of hill chiefs, led by Raja Bhim Chand of Bilaspur and actively aided by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, successfully defeated the Mughal forces under Alif Khan. This victory is detailed in Guru Gobind Singh’s autobiographical work, the Bachittar Natak, making Nadaun a site of immense historical and religious significance for both Rajputs and Sikhs.

Post-Independence and Modern Era

Following India's independence in 1947, the princely states and jagirs of the Punjab Hill States were integrated into the Indian Union. The Nadaun Jagir formally acceded to India, and its administrative territories were merged into the newly formed state of Himachal Pradesh. The royal family of Nadaun, continuing the legacy of the Katoch dynasty, transitioned into democratic India, with several members playing active roles in local administration, preservation of hill heritage, and regional politics.

Today, Nadaun is a bustling town in the Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh. The ruins of the old palace, historical temples, and the serene banks of the Beas River continue to stand as testaments to the cultural and historical legacy of the Katoch rulers of Nadaun.

Genealogy

Raja Sir JODHBIR CHAND, 1^st Raja of Nadaun 1823/1873, son of Raja Sansar Chand II of Kangra, born 1815, he was granted the jagir of Nadaun for his family's maintenance; in 1846 as a result of the first Sikh War the territory came under the dominion of the British, who granted a sanad in favour of the Raja, in recognition of his services; in 1848, after the second Sikh War, he was granted a fresh sanad by the British in respect of the jagir of Nadaun, married and had issue.
- Raja Amar Chand (qv)
- Mian Prithi Singh, born 1838, married and had issue. He died 1907.
  - Kunwar Oman Chand, born 1888.
- Mian Hari Singh, born 1840, Extra Assistant Commissioner of the Punjab, died 1903.
- Mian Sher Singh, born 1844, Assistant District Superintendant of Police in the Punjab, married and has issue, three sons. He died 1900.
  - Kunwar Jit Singh, born 1867, married and had issue.
    - Kunwar (name unknown) Singh, born 1891.
  - Kunwar Kehar Singh, born 1870.
  - Kunwar Keshari Singh, born 1887.
- Mian Suchet Singh, born 1848, married and has issue. He died 1895.
  - Kunwar Khushal Singh, born 1875, died 1908.
  - Kunwar Basant Singh, born 1879, died 1897.
  - Kunwar Thakur Chand, born 1886, died 1908.
- Mian Chet Singh, born 1849, died 1869.
- Mian Ishri Singh, born 1851, married and had issue. He died 1900.
  - Kunwar Barham Chand, born 1888, married and had issue.
Raja AMAR CHAND, 2^nd Raja of Nadaun 1873/1890, born 1837, married a niece of the Raja of Jasrota, and had issue. He died 1890.
- Raja Narendra Chand (qv)
Raja NARENDRA CHAND, 3^rd Raja of Nadaun 1890/1924, born 1860, C.S.I. [cr.1907], the title of Raja was conferred as a hereditary distinction on 15^th March 1909 by the Viceroy, married (amongst others) (a), 1873, the daughter of Rana Karam Chand of Jubbal, married (b), a Rani from Mankot, and had issue. He died 1924.
- Raja Mahendra Chand (qv)
- Kunwar Devi Chand, born 1892.
- Kunwar Nawal Kishor Chand, born 1895.
- Kunwar Khargendra Chand, married and had issue.
  - Kunwar Pratap Chand Katoch, married and had issue.
    - Kunwar Joginder Chand Katoch, married and is settled in Haridwar.
- Kanwar Bhim Chand, married and had issue.
  - Kanwar Virender Chand Katoch, married to Kusum Singh and had issue.
    - Kanwar Hitender Chand Katoch, married Kanwarani Usha, and has issue.
      - Kanwar Hitesh Chand Katoch, born 14^th November 1991 in Nadau, H.P., presently undertaking a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering from Giani Zail Singh College of Engineering and Technology, Bathinda, P.B; Married to Deeksha Katoch.
        
        Pradvik Katoch
      - Kumari Neha Katoch, presently undertaking a B.C.A. from Punjab Technical University in Rayat Institute of Management, Roopnagar, Punjab.
    - Kanwar Ravinder Chand Katoch, married to Kanwarani Rachna and has issues, one son and two daughters.
      - Kanwar Shummy Katoch, born 25^th May 2001, educated at SDGC Nadaun and MBA from Lovely professional University Jalandhar LPU. Working at Indigo Airlines simulators Training private LMT. Greater Noida.
      - Kumari Kritika Katoch
      - Kumari Rajneesh Katoch, married and has issue.
Raja MAHENDRA CHAND, 4^th Raja of Nadaun 1924/1935, born 1888, married 1^stly, a Princess of Nalagarh, married 2^ndly, the elder daughter of Raja Durga Singh of Bhajji, married 3^rdly, the younger daughter of Raja Durga Singh of Bhajji, and had issue, as well as further issue. He died 1935.
- Raja Rajendra Chand (by 2^nd wife) (qv)
- Kunwar Gajendra Chand (by 3^rd wife), married Kunwarani Puran Devi, daughter of a Mian of Anu, Hamirpur, and has issue, two daughters.
  - Kumari Kusum Prabha, married Kunwar Jagdish Jamwal, and has issue, two daughters.
  - Kumari Vijaylaxmi, married Thakur Nakul Dev Rana, Zamindar of Garhshankar, and has issue.
- Kunwar Upendra Chand (by 3^rd wife), born 1922, married 1945, Kumari Sheela Devi, born 1927, died 1979, daughter of Kanwar Kesari Singh of Chamba, and has issue.
  - Kumari Surya Prabha, married and had issue, a son and a daughter. She died in 1998.
  - Kumari Veena Prabha, married and has issue, two sons and a daughter.
  - Kumari Vinod Prabha, married to Kunwar Anoop Singh of Nahan, and had issue. She died 1996.
  - Kumari Chandra Prabha, married and had issue, a daughter. She died 2005.
  - Kunwar Kuldeep Chand, married Kunwarani Sunita devi, and has issue.
    - Kumari Aishwarya Prabha
    - Kunwar Mahi Pal Chand
    - Kumari Santosh Prabha
- Rajkumari Rajeshwari Bala Sundari (by 3^rd wife), married Lt.-Col. Ghandarva Singh Charak, son of Chatur Singh (Governor of Gilligut hajari, Bazestan for Jammu and Kashmir State), and has issue, four daughters.
  - Kunwarani Neena Singh Hada, married Kunwar Raghubir Singh of Dabri Thikana, Kotah (born 1^st Oct 1942, died 10^th Aug 2015), and has issues.
    - Monisha Singh Diwan, born 20^th June 1971, Head of Early Childhood Development at Aga Khan Education Service India, married to Prakash Diwan of Baroda, Gujarat, Director at Altamount Capital Management and has one issue.
      - Rohan Diwan, born 20^th August 1996, currently in the 2^nd Year of College at Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition (IHMCTAN) at Mumbai.
    - Akshay Singh Hada, born 15^th Nov 1978, CEO of Nano IT Consulting, married Sapna Vaid, served as Associate Vice President at Hinduja Global Solutions, currently CEO at Sound of The Sun; has one issue.
      - Nabhay Singh Hada, born 26^th July 2007, currently in Grade 3.
  - Kunwarani Indira Jamwal, married Kunwar Duleep Singh of the Bazir family of Jammu and Kashmir, and has issue.
    - Harshvardhan Singh Jamwal, born 2^nd August 1979, currently (2011) working for Tata Tea, Golaghat, Darjeeling.
    - Kamda Singh, born 30^th November 1983, educated at St. Mary Presentation School in Jammu, a graduate in journalism, married Capt. Bhawani Singh Ranawat, born 13^th January 1983.
  - Kunwarani Shalini Hada, married Kunwar Himmat Singh of Dabri Thikana (younger brother of Kunwar Raghubir Singh, above), and has issue.
    - Reetika Hada, schooling completed from Fravashi Academy, graduated from H.R. College of Commerce and Economics. Post Graduate in Advertising and Marketing. Currently (2021) working with MORE Marketing Services, Mumbai, Maharashtra. Married to Kunwar Bhagyaveer Singh Ranawat of Karjali in Udaipur.
      - Kumari Naisha Ranawat, born 20^th August 2012, currently (2021) studying in Utpal Shanghvi Global School, Mumbai.
    - Utsav Singh Hada, graduated from IHM (Mumbai); currently (2011) working for Balaji films, Mumbai.
  - Kumari Amita, married Suhas Khastriye of Nasik, industrialist and hotelier, and has issue.
    - Nikita Singh Kshatriye, schooling from Fravashi Academy, Nasik, college from Commerce at HR College, Mumbai. Trained Clinical Hypnotherapist from California Hypnosis Institute. Trained with Dr. Brian Weiss and Doreen Virtue in USA. Working as a Healer and a Hypnotherapist.
    - Dhruv Singh Kshatriye, educated at Fravashi Academy, graduated in Hotel management from Duke’s university (USA) and currently (2011) studying at Stanford University, California.
- Rajkumari Tripu Bala Sundari (by 3^rd wife), married Capt. Thakur Man Singh Chauhan of Pauri-Garhwal, Uttaranchal (son of Thakur Dr. Devi Singh, served in the British Army under the Gurkha Regiment); educated at Chiefs College, Lahore and agraduate in Law, and had issue.
  - Kunwar Kiran Dev Pal Singh Chauhan, born 4^th July 1957 at Agra, M.A. (English, Honours), currently holding the office of Assistant Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Department of Excise and Taxation, Government of Himachal Pradesh, married 5^th December 1981 at Mukerian, Punjab, Kunwarani Chitter Rekha Chauhan, daughter of Kunwar Yudhvir Singh Guleria (served as officer in King George's Commission and later served as Forest Officer for the Punjab Government, son of Sardar Inder Singh Guleria) and his wife, Kunwarani Sushila Kumari of Mirthal, and has issue.
    - Kumari Ambika Singh Chauhan, born 12^th October 1982, public school educated, received her degree in Architecture in 2005 and a Master’s degree in Interior design from the University of Westminster, London as well as her diploma in business administration from Chennai, India; worked as assistant architect with international practices in India and London for 3 years and is currently (2011) teaching at the Department of Architecture, National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur (H.P.).
    - Kumari Vandana Singh Chauhan, born 19^th November 1985, educated at Army Public school, graduated in Law (Honours) from Shimla University and has also completed short courses in Industrial relations and personnel management, and International Business Management from Chennai, India as well as a Diploma in Intellectual Property Rights from WIPO; LL.M. from Kurukshetra University.
    - Kumari Ripunjaya Kumari Chauhan, born 27^th October 1988, educated at Army Public school, graduated in Economics (Honours) from St. Bedes College, Shimla; Masters degree in Economics (Honours) from Punjab University, Chandigarh.
    - Kunwar Raghavendra Pal Singh Chauhan, born 18^th February 1999, presently (2011) studying at Army Public School.
- Kunwar Sohan Singh (by a secondary wife), married Kunwarani Durga Devi, daughter of the Chief Kotwal of Nadaun Forts, and has issue, three sons and four daughters.
  - Kunwar Keshav Chand, born 1956, worked with C.I.S.F., married Kunwarani Neena Katoch, and had issue, two daughters. He died 1988.
    - Kumari Shabnam, married Naval Officer Sanjay Singh Jaswal of Tilla.
    - Kumari Rita, married Sandeep Pathania of Fatehpur, works with Metlife, Mumbai.
  - Kuwar Kameshwar Chand, born 16^th October 1958, married Kunwarani Rajesh Kumari, and has issue.
    - Kunwar Anirudh Singh, born 17^th July 1986, a commerce graduate, currently (2011) works with Honda.
    - Kumari Avantika, born 8^th September 1989, currently undertaking an M.B.A. from Punjab Technical University.
  - Kunwar Gagan Chand, born 29^th August 1963, married Kunwarani Kamlesh Kumari, and has issue.
    - Kunwar Uday Singh, born 25^th February 1992.
    - Kunwar Abhey Singh, born 5^th February 1995.
  - Kumari Prem Lata, married Surup Singh Pathania, and has issue.
    - Ashok Kumar
    - Suman Lata, married Satish Kumar.
  - Kumari Madhu Lata, married Nihal Singh Guleria, and has issue.
    - Hitender Singh, married Sunita Devi.
    - Sonia Kumari, married Aman Chandel.
    - Renuka Kumari, married Kamal Pal.
  - Kumari Sunita, married Surjit Singh Jamwal, and has issue.
    - Shailja Kumari, married.
    - Priyanka Kumari, married Pankaj Rana.
    - Arun Jamwal, undertaking a B.Tech. degree from Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar.
    - Varun Jamwal, undertaking a B.Tech. degree from Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar.
  - Kumari Anjana, married Balvinder Singh Guleria, and has issue.
    - Shivani Kumari
    - Himani Kumari
    - Ankush Singh Guleria
Raja RAJENDRA CHAND, 5^th Raja of Nadaun 1935/1970, born 1908, married 1^stly, Rani Shiv Kumari, daughter of Kunwar Shambhu Singh, Zamindar of Narauli, Moradabad District, U.P., married 2^ndly, Rani Vidya Devi, educated at St. Bede's College, Shimla, daughter of the Thakur of Theog, and had issue. He died 1970.
- Raja Shri Maheshwar Chand (by Rani Vidya Devi) (qv)
- Rajkumari Chandra Prabha (by Rani Shiv Kumari), born 1943 in Lahore, India, married 11^th May 1963, Kunwar Sachindra Singh of Doonga in Dehradun District, and has issue. (19/1 Subhash Road, Doonga House, Dehra Dun, Uttaranchal, India)
  - Kumari Shailini Kumari, born 11^th August 1964, married Kunwar Yudhister Pal of Kutlehar, and has issue, two sons.
    - Akshay Pal, born 28^th December 1985, educated at Mayo College, Ajmer, presently working as a Software Engineer with Infosys, Pune.
    - Abhimanyu Pal, born 25^th March 1991, educated at Mayo College, Ajmer and is presently undertaking a Law degree from Symbiosis University, Pune.
  - Kumari Ragni Kumari, born 22^nd January 1966, married 1^stly to Thakur Digvijay Singh, son of His Highness Sardar Singh of Palasni and has a daughter, married 2^ndly to Shri Devendra Paul C.A., and has issue. (London, U.K.)
    - Aparna Singh, born 9^th December 1988; educated at Welham Girl's School and is presently undertaking a course in Political Science at L.S.R. College, New Delhi.
  - Kumari Malini Kumari, born 14^th April 1967, married Kunwar Kirnesh Jung Chauhan of Haripur and Ganguwala, H.P., and has issue, two sons.
    - Akhilesh Jung Chauhan, born 20^th March 1991, educated at Welham Boys School, Dehra Dun and is presently (2010) studying at Jaypee University, Wanganaghat, H.P.
    - Arikesh Jung Chauhan, born 24^th April 1996, presently studying at Welham Boys School, Dehra Dun.
  - Kunwar Atendra Singh, born 17^th February 1970, married Kunwarani Rachna Kumari, daughter of Shri Ramrakash Pal Singh of Behmet, Dehradun District, and has issue, a son and daughter.
    - Avantika Singh, born 14^th October 1998, presently studying at Welham Girls School, Dehra Dun.
    - Amritesh Singh, born 27^th July 2003, presently attending the Riverdale Prep. School, Dehra Dun.
  - Kunwar Agendra Singh, born 3^rd December 1971, married Kanwarani Jyoti Singh, daughter of Thakur Sahib Gopal Singh of Bilara, Jodhpur, and has issue, two daughters.
    - Arukshita Kumari, born 15^th July 2004, presently attending ApeeJay School, New Delhi.
    - Aadhya Kumari, born 2007.
Raja Shri MAHESHWAR CHAND KATOCH (see above)

Information