According to the early history of Chamba District it is believed that this area was at one time inhabited by Koli tribes. However, it was later, conquered by the Khasas. The Khasas too after a time came under the sway of Audumbaras (2nd century BC). The Audmabaras had republican form of government and they worshiped Lord Shiva. From the Gupta period (4th Century AD), Chamba region was under the control of Thakurs and Ranas who considered themselves superior to the low Koli tribe and Khasas. With the rise of Gurjara Pratiharas (7th Century AD), Rajputs came to power.
Further, the history of Chamba District states that in around 500 AD, a legendry hero called Maru migrated to north-west from Kalpagrama (a mythical place from where majority of the Rajput dynasties claim their descent). His successors continued to rule over the country from that capital city for over three hundred years until Sahilla Varman shifted his capital from Brahmaputra to the centrally located plateau in the lower Ravi valley. He named the town after his beloved daughter Champa. The layout of the plan of Chamba seems to be in conformity with the ancient texts. From then on the rajas of Chamba continued to rule from here in an uninterrupted and direct line of descent. Chamba is the only state in northern India to preserve a well-documented history from approximately 500 AD. Its high mountain ranges have given it a sheltered position and helped in preserving its centuries old relics and numerous inscriptions. The temples erected by rajas of Chamba more than a thousand years age continue to be under worship and the land grant-deeds executed on copper plates by them continue to be valid under the law.
Interestingly, the Muslims never invaded Chamba, though it had its occasional fights with the neighbouring states in the hills having similar cultural background. Thus, the damage to Chamba from these invasions was seldom serious and never beyond the possibility of repair. Even the powerful Mughals were kept at bay on account of difficulties involved in communications and long distances. Akbar tried to extend a loose control over the hill states including Chamba and attached fertile tracts of these states to the imperial territory south of Dhauladhar. Aurangzeb once issued orders to the Raja of Chamba Chatter Singh (1664-1694 AD) to pull down the beautiful temples of Chamba. But instead the raja in clear defiance to the Mughal ruler placed glided pinnacles on the temples. He was ordered to come down to Delhi to face the imperial wrath. But Aurangzeb himself had to leave for the Deccan from where he could not disentangle till the end of his life. On the whole, northern India experienced comparatively peaceful condition during the Mughal regime Raja Prithvi Singh (1641-1664 AD), visited the imperial court many times. He introduced the Mughal style of court life including Mughal-Rajput art and architecture in Chamba.
By the last quarter of 18th century the Sikhs forced the hill states to pay tribute to them. After Ranjit Singh`s death, Chamba became un-protected and was drawn into the vortex of the disintegration of the Sikh Kingdom. The Sikh army invaded the British territory in the year 1845 and the troops of Sikh army, which were stationed in Chamba, were withdrawn. When Sikh`s were defeated it was decided to merge Chamba in Jammu and Kashmir but on account of the timely intervention of Wazir Bagha (of Chamba) it was taken under the British control.
On 15th of April, 1948 merging three principal states namely Chamba, Mandi-Suket, Sirmour and all the other state falling in Shimla hills formed Himachal Pradesh. Subsequently, for better administration Chamba was divided into five zones known as Mandlas. These Mandlas were later reamed as Wizarats. This five fold division of Chamba region continues till today. The Wizarats are now called Tehsils. These are Bharmaur, Chamba, Bhattiyat, Churah and Pangi.
