Hamirpur District, an administrative district of Himachal Pradesh, lies in its south western part. Hamirpur town is the headquarters of this district, which lies on Shimla Dharamshala road. Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh has the highest literacy rate in the state. Here, people mostly speak Pahari and Hindi language. As per 2001 Census, total population of the district is 4,12,009, out of which male population is 1,95,971 and female population is 2,16,038.
Hamirpur District is situated between 76 degree 18 minutes to 76 degree 44 minutes east longitude and 31 degree 25 minutes to 31 degree 52 minutes north latitude. Hamirpur District is bounded in the north by Beas River which separates it from Kangra district. In the east Bakar and Seer Khads separate it from Mandi district. In the south, it is bounded by Bilaspur District and in the west by Una district.
History of Hamirpur District
Hamirpur District was made in the year 1972 by carving it out from Kangra District. The history of Hamirpur District is strongly connected with Katoch dynasty that once ruled the region. Its mention can be found in the Indian Puranas and Panini`s "Ashtadhyai", which states that during the era of Mahabharata, this region formed a part of the old Jallandhar-Trigarta Empire. Further, it has also been stated that in the history of Hamirpur District that Gupta dynasty also had their rule over this region.
Geography of Hamirpur District
The tract surrounding Hamirpur District is hilly covered by Shivalik hills. The elevation varies from 400 metres to 1100 metres having the configuration ranging from almost flat-lands that border the portion of Beas River to the lofty heights of cliffs and precipitous slopes of hill-ranges. There are three principal ranges in this region which run in a south-easterly direction. It is situated at lower elevation and has some hilly ranges covered with Pine forests. Beas River flows through the northern part and Sutlej River flows through the southern part of district Hamirpur. Both of these two rivers namely Beas and Sutlej are the famous rivers in Himachal Pradesh. The main hill ranges of the district are known as Jakh Dhar and Sola Singhi Dhar. Jakh Dhar runs in continuation of Kali Dhar range in Kangra District. It enters in Hamirpur District near Nadaun and transverses it into the southeastern direction.
The town of Hamirpur lies to the east of this range where the country is undulating but in the north and north east bare and rugged hills, deep ravines with precipitous sides transform the landscape into a disconcerted area. Chabutra hills have the same dip and strike as in Jakh Dhar and are continued beyond Beas to Changer, a mass of rugged and broken hills. Sola Singhi Dhar is the longest range of the tract in Hamirpur. River system in Hamirpur District includes a number of perennial streams which are tributaries of either river Beas or river Sutlej. Bakar Khad, Kunha Khad and Man Khad drain into river Beas, while sukar Khad and Mundkhar Khad drain into Seer Khad which ultimately mingles into Sutlej River. Various species of plants and forest trees are generally found in this district.
Culture of Hamirpur District
The people have inherited a rich folk literature which is occasionally exhibited during the marriage, fairs and festivals. Various fairs are organised here that form an integral part of the culture of Hamirpur District. As this district was formerly a part of Kangra District, many of its folk songs and cultural activities are inherited from that district. Traditional musical instruments that are used in marriages are Nagara, Shehnai, Dholak, Damroo, Dafli, Thali, Tabla, Flute, Harmonium, etc.
Tourism in Hamirpur District
Hamirpur District is one of the popular tourist spots of Himachal Pradesh. It offers several religious and historical sites that are worth exploring. Narvdeshwar Temple, Bil-kaleshwar Temple, Murli Manohar Mandir, Gasota Mahadev Temple, Awah-Devi Temple, Baba Balak Nath Temple, Jhanyari Devi Temple, Kalanjari Devi, Gurudwara sahib Nadaun, Peer- Saheb Grave and Sujanpur Tira are some of the main tourist spots of Hamirpur District.
At present the known tourist attractions are Deot-Sidh, Temples of Sujanpur Tira and Nadaun. It is well connected by roads from all sides.