Facts about the District Names of Himachal Pradesh

Facts about the District Names of Himachal Pradesh

Here are the facts about the District names of Himachal Pradesh

Bilaspur – The name of the present Bilaspur town traces its origin to Rishi Vyas which was originally known as Vyaspur.

Chamba – Chamba was founded in 920 AD. Raja Sahil Varman who named it after his favorite daughter Champavati.

Hamirpur – The present town derived its name from RAJA HAMIR CHAND.

Kangra – The Ancient name of the city Kangra was Bhimnagar founded by Bhima one of the Pandava brothers.
– Kangra is a composite word made out of Kaan (meaning ear) + Gaddha (Create/ Mold). This was given to Kangra because of the famous ancient plastic surgery for royals who wanted to improve looks and warriors who had lost facial features during wars.

Kinnaur – Kinnaur district was formed in 1960 and it derived its name from the term “kinner”. The natives of Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh are traditionally referred to as Kinners.

Kullu – There is other evidence in history and literature that confirm that the name of this part was “Kalut” and the letter “T” was eventually dropped from the name with the passage of time. Thus, this place got its present name Kullu.

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Lahul and Spiti – The name Lahaul & Spiti, the district comprises two different mountains tracts, one known as Lahaul and the other as Spiti. Hence the name of the district came into being with the formation of these two parts of a revenue district. The names, Lahaul & Spiti, have different origins.

Mandi – The name “Mandi” (and the former name “Mandav Nagar”) has its roots from Great Saga Rishi “Mandav” who prayed in this area, and rocks turned black due to the severity of his penance. Alternatively, the name may have derived from the common word mandi which means “Market” in Hindi.


Shimla – Its name is derived from the goddess Shyamala Devi.

Sirmaur – Origin of the name. About the origin of the name, “Sirmaur” there are quite a few surmises. One view being that the state derived its Sirmaur because of the senior position it held amongst the princely hill states.

Solan – Solan is named after the Hindu Goddess Shoolini Devi.

Una – Una district which is otherwise popular known as Jaswan Dun (Jaswan State) was founded by Raja Purab Chand from the Kangra Royal Family (Katoch family of Kangra). Not much known about the JASWAN STATE until the time of AKBAR when it became subject to the Mughal rule.

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