Jammu and Kashmir

Princely States

Jammu is known as Durgara in history and not as Jammu with the oldest references for the word coming from Chamba's copper plates and Rajatarangini. The first ruler of Jammu, according to legends is Agnigarbh, a descendent of Kusa, the son of Lord Rama. Agnigarbh migrated from Oopa during the rule of his brother Agnibaran, took Sanyasa and in due course of time, ended up in Trigarta. When the king enquired about him, he told of his antecedents. The Raja of Trigarta gave him his daughter and an estate - using it as a springboard, he crossed Ravi and extended his conquests.. Agnibaran's son Vayusrava conquered large tracts of land which formed the kingdom ruling from Erwan or Erasvati.

Bahu Lochan founded Bahu on Tawi and made it his capital. He was killed in a war with Chandrahas, who ruled Punjab and Jambu Lochan, his brother avenged the death by killing Chandrahas and marrying his daughter. He founded the Fort of Jambupura or Jammu at a place where he saw a lion and a deer drinking water together. Puran Karan was asked by the people of Kashmir to restore order in their country. His son Daya Karan was sent to subdue and manage Kashmir while his elder son Dharam Karan succeeded him. Daya Karan's 55 successors are assumed to be the 52 missing kings of Rajatarangini who ruled for 1266 years. Shakti Karan, famously known as Raja Shastri introduced Dogri script. He conquered lands till Banihal. Salya the king of Madra who died in Mahabharata added Jammu area to his kingdom during the reign of Shiv Prakash, fifth in succession from Shaktikaran. Shiv Prakash fled into the hills and the clan returned back to Jammu area 454 years into Kali Yuga under Joti Prakash and reconquered the area. His son, learning of the family history invaded Sialkot, sacked the city amidst much bloodshed and beheaded the king.