Geographical Location of District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
Total area of Kangra is 5739Km2 in term of area it is fourth largest district and in term of Human population it is the largest district.
Physiographical Description of District Kangra
- Kangra valley is wide open valley located on the foothill of Dhauladhar range. It is the most contrasted valley in term of its Landscape and climate.In north and north east it is separated from Chamba, Lahaul and Kullu by Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal range and in south Chintpurni Dhar made boundary with district Una ,in East Paprola range (Sikandar Dhar) separate it from district Mandi.
- Whereas Hathidhar formed the natural boundary with district Chamba . Western Border of district is open and connected with district Gurdaspur of Punjab.
Physiographic Map of District Kangra
Physiographic Description of Kangra Valley
Geographically district can be divided into northern high mountain zone, the Great Outwash Plains, Siwaliks hills and Lower Flood Plains/Piedmont Plains.
- Northern high Mountain zone are represented by presence of Pir panjal and mighty Dhauladhar mountain chain. Pir panjal after transferring the Chamba entered the district in Bara Bhangal where it join the Dhauladhar,resultant geographical knot is among the most rugged mountain zone of Himalaya. Here human population is confined only to lower valley and is accessible to outside world during the few months of the years. Thamsar Pass , crossing of which demand high physical endurance connect the Bara Bhangal with main Kangra valley.
- The Great Kangra Outwash Plain , created by Glacier and fast furious river are among the most fertile zone of Himalaya. The entire Landscape is dotted with Dhauladhar grantoid. It is in these rocks ,one of the oldest inscription of Himachal was inscribed around 200BC. Kulh system of Kangra, is most remarkable human Gravity irrigation sytem. This is the most populated region of district.
- Further South of Plain is highly dissected zone (Shivalik hills) locally known as Changar. This least Populated area of entire district. Jawalamukhi Dhar is the second most important range of district. It passes from mid of district. Famous Jawalaji temple is located on this range. Similarly Ghar Wali Dhar is important Anticline near Dhauladhar ,it subdivide the Beas watershed in two parts. Rise of Jawalamukhi Dhar and Paror anticline can be explained with activation of Jawalamukhi Thrust.
- Two hogback mountain chain passes from the mid of district. These mountain are covered with forest. Western edge of district along the border of Punjab has Piedmont Plains and Floodplains.District is drained by two drainage basin viz.Beas and Ravi.
Kangra Agriculture System
Fertile Plains of Kangra known for their Gravity Driven Irrigation system locally called as Kuhls. Kuhl is probably world’s oldest Gravity driven irrigation system. Kuhls has potential to be included in UNO, FAO designated GIAHS status. Kuhls are nearly 300 years old irrigation system and probably much more older. While most kuhls were constructed by Local Farmers , the Local Kings supported the construction of Major Kuhls. ( More Details –Why Kuhls of Kangra Need to be Recognized Under FAO’s GIAHS Framework.)
Dhauladhar Mountain Range, District Kangra
- Dhauladhar is the most prominent mountain range and Principal range of district. It start rising on Ravi bank near Dalhousie and enter Kangra in Shahpur. From Shahpur, it continue its journey toward East and merged with Pir Panjal range in Bara Bhangal area.
- Altitude of range increases toward east and maximum altitude is achieved at central part near Dharamshala. It stand like gigantic wall, its rise from plain is abrupt and steep, rivers originating here are torrential in nature and actively engaged in vertical erosion and river capturing. Dhauladhar is also the place of many important Peaks, glaciers , lakes and Passes. Talus cones or scree cones or talus slopes, are also found on the foot of Dhauladhar.
Drainage System of District Kangra.
- Beas is the principal river of District. It enter the district at Harsi, Jaisingpur. In Kangra ,velocity of river decrease significantly and vertical erosion replaced very lateral erosion. Its swift course ahs led to creation of Interlocking Spur Topography. Beas form the natural boundary with district Hamirpur. In its lower course Pong Dam (1975) has been constructed. Around 260 km2 area (roughly 4.5% of District ) has been submerged under the Dam. Construction of Dam was resulted into one of the biggest event of displacement and internal migration in the history of State. Beas contribute very little to irrigation of due to its rise Bank. But in Lower course in few Canal has been construct on it..
- Ravi originated in Bara Bhangal Area of district Kangra, H.P. it drained the roughly 11% area of District. Around 12 % area of Ravi. The Point where Ravi originate is also mingling point of Pirpanjal mountain range and Dhauladhar mountain range. It is home to many towering peaks and glaciers.
Demography of District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.
With total population of 15,10,075 ( Census 2011) , district Kangra is the largest District Himachal Pradesh. District has register 12.77% Decennial Growth rate. 96.76 % District population 15,10,075 is about Hindu. Population density of district is about 263 and sex ration is 1012. ( More details Demography of Himachal Pradesh, Census 2011 with ))Maps.
