Princely state
Kahlur (Bilaspur)
| Seat | bilaspur |
|---|---|
| Capital | Kot Kahlur → Bilaspur |
| Dynasty | Chandel Rajputs of Chanderi |
| Group | Punjab Hill States |
| Founder | Bir Chand |
| Founded | 697 CE |
| Merged | 1948 as a separate Part-C state; into HP 1 July 1954 |
Founded in 697 CE by Bir Chand, a Chandel Rajput, with its seat at the fort of Kot Kahlur; the capital moved down to Bilaspur under Raja Dip Chand in the mid-17th century. Kahlur was the parent state of Hindur (Nalagarh) and at its height controlled much of the lower Sutlej.
Kahlur's most examined episode is its quarrel with the Sikh Gurus. Raja Bhim Chand led the hill chiefs against Guru Gobind Singh at the Battle of Bhangani (1688) and again at Nadaun (1691), where the hill rajas and the Guru fought together against the Mughal commander Alif Khan.
- Bilaspur remained a separate Part-C state from 1948 and joined Himachal only on 1 July 1954, as its fifth district.
- The Bhakra dam submerged the old town; its rehabilitation is a standard case study.
- Naina Devi, a Shakti Peeth, lies within the old state.