Dharamshala, April 25
The history of the Katoch dynasty dates back nearly 8,000 to 9,000 years, with references found even in the Mahabharata period, historian Dr. Chet Ram Garg said at a seminar in Dharamshala. He noted that links to the dynasty have also been traced to regions such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh.
Speaking at a one-day seminar on the history of the Katoch dynasty and Kangra, Garg said the dynasty’s tradition is ancient and extends as far as Multan. The event was organized jointly by research institutions and departments of Dharamshala College.
He said the seminar’s findings will be documented over the next 15 days, including references to folklore, historical texts, and epics. The Nereti research institute will assist in this work.
Garg said while there is growing awareness among youth about history, many aspects have been overlooked over time. He also pointed to the need to study recently discovered old coins to determine their historical value. He added that efforts are underway to compile a comprehensive history of Himachal Pradesh, including political, social, economic, and cultural aspects, and to present it for further academic research.
