Chamba

Though historical records date the history of the Chamba region to the Koli tribes in the 2nd century BC, the area was formally ruled by the Maru dynasty, starting with the Raju Maru from around 500 AD, ruling from the ancient capital of Bharmour, which is located 65 kilometres (40 mi) from the town of Chamba. In 920, Raja Sahil Varman (or Raja Sahil Verman) shifted the capital of the kingdom to Chamba, following the specific request of his daughter Champavati (Chamba was named after her). From the time of Raju Maru, 67 rajas of that dynasty ruled over Chamba until it finally merged with the Indian Union in April 1948 (although Chamba was under British suzerainty from 1846 to that time).

The town has numerous temples and palaces, and hosts two popular fairs, the Suhi Mata Mela and the Minjar Mela, which last for several days and feature music and dancing.