Tracing Kathua’s Ancient Roots: Name and Legend

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 Nestled along the banks of the Ravi River is Kathua, a distt more than just a picturesque district of Jammu.

Alexander vs the kingdom of Hydraotes

Long before modern borders and districts existed, ancient Greek historians like Strabo referred to a region here as the Kathaioi Republic, highlighting its early significance as a self governing polity in the foothills of the Himalayas, at the time of invasion of India by Alexander. Strabo describes Kathaioi as a mighty republic of that era, located in the foothills along the Ravi River. The topography of Kathaioi corresponds with the present day Kathua. Strabo describes the people of this republic as the epitome of bravery and courage, and records that they gave a tough fight to invading army of Alexander.






Origin of the name of Kathua from Kathai

One Jodh Singh a famous Rajput of Andotra clan migrated from HASTINAPUR to KATHUA nearly 2000 years ago and settled here. The three Hamlets of Taraf Tajwal, Taraf Manjali and Taraf Bhajwal were established by his three sons Viz. Teju, Kindal and Bhaju. Their descendent are now called as Tajwalia, Bhajwalia and Khanwalia Rajputs of Andotra sub-caste. The conglomeration of these three hamlets was loosely called “KATHAI” in earlier times which with the passage of time came to be called as KATHUA.





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