Kathua at a Glance
"Chota Pahalgaon"
Kathua District is located in the Jammu Province shouldering border with Punjab. The word “Kathua” is derived from the word “Thuan” in Dogri which means Scorpions. One of the schools of thoughts believes that its name is derived from the name of Rishi Kashyap who disguised himself as a Tortoise (Kashua) for strong meditataion. Kathua is also called the city of Sufis owing to the presence of large number of Sufi Shrines of Peers.
Though there is no detailed and fully documented history of Kathua District yet there is also a belief that Jodh Singh, a Rajput of the Andotra clan migrated from Hastinapur to Kathua nearly 2,000 years ago and settled here. The three hamlets of Taraf Tajwal, Taraf Manjali and Taraf Bhajwal were by the same account established by his three sons Teju, Kindal and Bhaju. Tracing their ancestry to these three are the groups now known respectively as Tajwalia, Bhajwalia and Khanwalia Rajputs, of the 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.
Greek historians, who provide an insight into the ancient history of Jammu hills, prominently record the existence in this area of two powerful empires - Abhisara (present day Poonch) and Kathaioi - 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 they gave a tough fight to invading army of Alexander.
There are many places which commemorate a visit to Kathua by Pandavas. Lord Krishna is also said to have come to this area, in order to get back from Jamabant the same diamond which is now known as Koh-i-Noor, part of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.
More Information
Altitude 307 m
Temperature
Summer 48°C
Winter 0°C (Upper Hills)
Best Season October to April (Summer Vacations also attract Tourists & Pilgrims)
Clothing Summer: Light Cottons.
Clothing Winter: Heavy/Medium Wollens.
How to reach Kathua city
Kathua being located on the national highway 1A and is well connected by all three modes of transport i.e. air, rail and road.
By Air: The nearest airport is at Jammu and is 80 Kms from Jammu. All Airlines operate regular daily flights to Jammu connecting different cities.
By Rail: Almost all north, south, east and west bound express and superfast trains halts at Kathua Railway Station.
By Road: One can also reach the city by road. National Highway 1A runs through Kathua district connecting rest of the State and neighbouring State of Punjab.
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