Mahasu (region)

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Mahasu
Mahasudesh
Mahadesh
Geographical region
Clockwise from top:
Jakhu Mandir in Shimla, Renuka Ji Mandir and lake in Sirmaur, Hidimba Devi Mandir in Manali, Chalda Mahasu Mandir in Uttarkashi, Mahasu Devta Mandir in Jaunsar, Shirgul Maharaj Mandir in Sirmaur, View from Shikari Devi Mandir in Mandi district, Bhimakali Mandir in Sarahan
Nickname: 
Devbhoomi
Location of Mahasu region in India
Location of Mahasu region in India
Country India
StatesHimachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Haryana
District(s)Himachal Pradesh: Shimla, Solan, Kullu, Sirmaur, Mandi, Kinnaur

Uttarakhand: Dehradun, Uttarkashi

Haryana: Panchkula, Yamunanagar
Largest cityShimla
Area
 • Total
20,867–21,983 km2 (8,057–8,488 sq mi)
DemonymMahasui
Languages
 • OfficialHindi
 • RegionalMahasu Pahari and it's dialects
 • Regional scriptTakri[1], Pabuchi[2]
Time zoneIndian Standard Time

Mahasu also known as Mahasudesh or Mahadesh, is a term used to refer to the historical and cultural homeland of the Mahasui people primarily covering the upper part of the Northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and western parts of the state of Uttarakhand. It covers Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Kullu, upper Mandi and lower Kinnaur districts in Himachal Pradesh and Jaunsar-Bawar region of Dehradun district and Bangan, Parvat, Rawain, etc.[3] parts of Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand.[4][5][6]

Etymology

[edit]
Mahasu Nag Devta Mandir atop of Mahasu peak, Kufri, Shimla[7]
Mahasu Devta Mandir in Pujeli Banal, Jaunsar

Mahasu region got its name from Mahasu Devta (a form of Lord Shiva).[8] The region is known as the land of Mahasu Maharaj. As many sources said that Mahasu Devta (four brothers) had born in different places of the region like in Hanol in Jaunsar[9], another legend says Mahasu Peak in Kufri in Shimla, one legend says in Sirmaur district.[10] As Mahasu Devta and many forms of different other Devis and Devtas such as Naag Devta and Shirgul Maharaj, etc are worshipped in the region that's why the region is also known as "Devbhoomi".[11][12][13]

History

[edit]
See also: History of Himachal Pradesh

Early and ancient period

[edit]

The Mahasu region forms a part of Western Himalayan cultural belt which is inhabited since prehistoric times by agrarian communities which were adapted to cold and mountainous terrain. Archaeological and folkloric evidences tells the continuity of settlements were based on terrace farming, seasonal migration and social organisation. Since early historic times the region laid on the Shaivite traditions, local deities traditions and Hindu belief. The area did not had a single kingdom but consisted of various small hill chiefdoms.[14][15]

Early medieval period (7th-13th centuries)

[edit]

During this era the Mahasu region remained politically fragmented. The local rulers used to govern small territories which often has forts, temples or river valleys. The region from the early times till even today (in some villages) governed by the local deities for justice delivery, even king's order at that time was not supreme but the Devta's orders were. It is believed that during this era Mahasu Devta cult gained prominence perhaps. The deity emerged as one of the supreme Lords of the region across multiple valleys and rivers.[16]

Late medieval period and hill states

[edit]
See also: Simla Hill States

These states were politically divided and independent but culturally they were interconnected. They shared language, religious practices and Devtas' authority even above kings and rulers of these states.

British colonial period

[edit]
See also: History of Punjab

After the Anglo-Gurkha War (1814–1816), many parts of the region came under the control of Britishers. They overtook many kingdoms.[18] They didn't abolished the hill states but reorganised through indirect rule, they made the Punjab Hill States[19] and Simla Hill States which also included areas of Mahasu region. Britishers gave the idea of Mahasu district at that time which they named after the primary deity and language of the region.[20]

Post-independence reorganisation

[edit]
See also: History of Shimla

After Indian independence in 1947, princely states of the region were merged into the Indian Union like other states of India. In 1948 Mahasu district was officially formed (which included today's Shimla, Solan and Kinnaur districts) after the 1948 integration of various Simla Hill States. On 1 May 1960, Kinnaur district was carved out from Mahasu's Chini tehsil and parts of Rampur.[21] On 1 September 1972, Mahasu district was reorganised and dissolved, with its areas forming the new Shimla and Solan districts as today.[22][23]

Geography

[edit]

Expansion

[edit]

The Mahasu region today is divided into three states, its main region lies in Himachal Pradesh, western parts of Uttarakhand and some parts of Northern Haryana.[24] In Himachal Pradesh the region lies in the following districts: Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Kullu, upper parts of Mandi and some parts of south-western Kinnaur district. In Uttarakhand only three districts have the region's area these are Uttarkashi's western region of Bangan, Parvat, Ravaii, etc. areas and Dehradun district's Jaunsar-Bawar area. In Tehri Garhwal district Jaunpur tehsil adjoining Jaunsar is culturally part of Greater Mahasu region which also includes upper parts of Mussoorie and Landour.[25] In Haryana, Mahasu region lies in Panchkula district's Kalka, Pinjore[26] and Morni Hills, in Yamunanagar district it lies in Kalesar hill regions which also include Kalesar National Park.[27]

Rivers

[edit]
Yamuna river in Dakpathar, a town in Mahasu region

The Mahasu region has three major rivers which flows through it these are Yamuna, Satluj and Beas and these are very important to Mahasui people culturally, religiously and for their livelihood. Major tributaries of Yamuna which are also important part in the lives of Mahasui people are Pabbar which divided Himachal's Rohru and Uttarakhand's Jaunsar, Giri river which divides the Sirmaur district into two parts Giriwaar (Dharti) and Giripaar, Tons river which separates Sirmaur district and Jaunsar-Bawar.[28][29] Other major tributaries are also there of Satluj and Beas which are also very important to the people of the region.[30][31]

Peaks

[edit]
Aerial view of Malana valley with snowy peaks of Indrasan & Deo Tibba

Mahasu region has Himachal Pradesh's many of the highest mountain peaks, highest peak of the region is Parvati Parvat 6,633 metres (21,762 ft) others are Dibibokri Pyramid 6,408 metres (21,024 ft), Indrasan 6,220 metres (20,410 ft), Deo Tibba 6,001 metres (19,688 ft), Solang peak 5,975 metres (19,603 ft), Maiwa Kadinu 5,944 metres (19,501 ft), Umashila 5,294 metres (17,369 ft), Shintidhar 5,290 metres (17,360 ft), Shrikhand Mahadev 5,182 metres (17,001 ft)[32], Inder Killa 4,940 metres (16,210 ft), Patalsu 4,470 metres (14,670 ft), Shacha Peak 3,540 metres (11,610 ft) all lies in Kullu district. Pishu 5,672 metres (18,609 ft), Gushu 5,607 metres (18,396 ft) both lies in Kinnaur and Shimla districts, Chanshal Peak 4,520 metres (14,830 ft), Hatu Peak 3,400 metres (11,200 ft), Kuppar Peak 3,200 metres (10,500 ft), Kamlodi Mata Top 3,115 metres (10,220 ft), Shali Tibba 2,870 metres (9,420 ft), Chhichad Tibba 2,995 metres (9,826 ft) Dlondar Peak 2,854 metres (9,364 ft), Nag Tikkar 2,780 metres (9,120 ft) all lies in Shimla district. Nagru 4,020 metres (13,190 ft), Shikari Devi 3,359 metres (11,020 ft) Kamrunag 3,065 metres (10,056 ft), Tunga Mata Top 3,000 metres (9,800 ft), Shetadhar 2,990 metres (9,810 ft), Propt Dhar 2,900 metres (9,500 ft), Devidarh 2,872 metres (9,423 ft), Prashar 2,730 metres (8,960 ft), Winch Camp 2,700 metres (8,900 ft) all lies in Mandi district. The highest peak of whole Shivalik Range, Churdhar 3,647 metres (11,965 ft) in Shimla and Sirmaur district.[33][34][35][36]

Culture

[edit]
See also: Culture of Himachal Pradesh
Kullu Dussehra
Dakhrain festival being celebrated in Kinnaur

The culture of Mahasu region is deeply rooted in the folk Hindu traditions. The Mahasu region culturally and linguistically distincts from it's neighbours that of Garhwal region and Lower Himachal region (Kangra region). Mahasu region primarily follows Dev Parampara. The region has many temples dedicated to particular Devta or Devi. People of the region has their own Kuldevta and Kuldevi (also known as Kulja in Mahasui). Mahasu Devta is one of the primary deity of the region represented by four brothers and known as Mahasu Devta collectively. Shri Raghunath Mandir in Kullu dedicated to Shri Rama is also one of the most worshipped and prominent deity of the region especially in Kullu and adjoining areas, as Shri Raghunath is another form of Shri Rama and worshipped as God not as Devta.[37] The people of the region mainly believes in the authority of Devtas of the region or their Kul Devta and Kul Devi (family deity) or Gram Devta (village deity).[38][39]

Temples

[edit]
Kath Kuni architecture design

The temples of the region mainly follows Kath Kuni and Nagara architectural styles in which the temples are made up with woods and stone materials, which is beneficial in winters as in snowfall and in heavy monsoons which is required in such mountainous terrain. Temples in the region are usually located on the hilltop.[40][41]

Mahasu Devta Temple

[edit]
Mahasu Devta Mandir at Hanol, Jaunsar

The primary temple of the region is Mahasu Devta Temple located in Hanol, Jaunsar. The temple is dedicated to the primary Devta of the region, Mahasu Devta. There are many temples dedicated to Mahasu Devta in whole of the region, as one is in Renuka Ji Tehsil in Sirmaur district. Mahasu Devta Jatar (Mahasu Devta Fair) is orgainsed in Shimla's Kotkhai area every year in the third Tuesday of Baisakh. Mahasu Devta is one of the primary deities of the region.[42][43][44]

Shirgul Maharaj Temple

[edit]
Shirgul Maharaj Mandir in Chaupal, Shimla

Shirgul Maharaj Devta is also one of the primary deities of the region. His main temple is located on Churdhar peak Sirmaur district.[45] There are various temples dedicated to Shirgul Maharaj in whole of the Mahasu region as in Chaupal in Shimla district and in many other places of the region.

Naag Devta Temples

[edit]
Nag Mandir in Solang, Kullu

The region has many temples dedicated to Naag Devta. Naag Devta (Serpeant God) is also one the primary Devtas of the region. People believe that he saves them from all evils and problems. In maximum villages of the region there is at least one temple dedicated to Naag Devta.[46][47][48] Major Naag Devta temples in the region are Mul Mahunag in Karsog in Mandi district[49], Mahunag Mandir Shagin in Shoghi, Shimla[50], Kamrunag in Mandi district[51], etc.[52]

Ancestoral spirits

[edit]
Gurs (Shamans) of Devta are sitting in opened long hair in the temple to perform the rituals

The people of the region also worship their spirits of their ancestors in the form of Devta or Kuldevta. There are temples dedicated to them and these Devtas connect and communicate to the people in the form of Gur (Shaman) also known as Deenva, Maali, etc. in various dialects of Mahasui.[53]

Clothing and attire

[edit]
Main article: Himachali cap
Himachali caps kept in a shop

The region's traditional attire reflects the cold mountainous environment. People wear Himachali cap as the main headwear worn by both men and women, Dhatu is also a headwear worn by wone of the region. Pattu mainly worn by men and Shawls and Chola by women.[54] Rejta is also a long frock styled attire worn by women of the region.[55] People also wear many handcrafted ornaments and handwoven attires.[56][57][58]

Music and dance

[edit]
See also: Music of Himachal Pradesh
See also: Traditional dances of Himachal Pradesh
Nati, a dance form of the region

The people of the Mahasu region has their traditional dance amd music form Nati.[59] Many other dance forms are also followed by people such as in Sirmaur and Jaunsar apart from Nati, Hathi, Harul and Thandi dance forms are performed by people on festivand celebratory occasions.[60][61] In Keonthal area of Shimla and in Solan Pahari Giddha is also performed in marriages and festivities, as well as Gangi (Pahari form of Tappa) are also performed by ladies of the families.[62]

Jhoori is another type of music form which celebrates romance, the word Jhoori means lover and is accompanied by female dance called Jhoomar.[63] Laman form of music is from Kullu are another type music form that celebrates romance.[64]

Fairs, festivals and ritual calendars

[edit]
See also: Lavi Fair
Shant Mahayagya Gwas in Rohru, Shimla
Bhunda festival in Rohru, in this festival a man slides by rope from uphill to downhill
Procession of Bakralu Devta
A local festival in Rampur Bushahr where Devta palanquin (Ratha) can be seen

As per the people of the region mainly follows Hinduism, all the festivals relation to the region are celebrated with pure joy and enthusiasm like any other region of the country but the different forms of festivals which the people of the region celebrate are as the society of the region mainly involves agrarian community, they have their own ritual calendar of the festivals, such major festivals include Bishu which is spring harvest celebration,[65] Mahasu Devta Jatar (Fair) is organised in Shimla district's Kotkhai area every year on the third Tuesday of the Baisakh is per Hindu Calendar, natives perform Nati and Rasa (another form of traditional dance of the region) in the fair.[66] Fagli which is winter festival involving masked performances.[67] Local deities fairs where the village deities are ceremonially in palanquins (rathas) like Bakralu Devta Bhunda festival[68][69], Shaant Mahayagya Gwas[70] in Rohru and adjoining areas and alike other such feastivals and fairs.[71] Lavi fair is the largest celebrated fair of the region which happens in Rampur Bushahr.[72] Budhi Diwali is also one of the prominent region celebrated in whole of the region like Shimla, Kullu[73] but especially celebrated by the Hatee sub-community in the region, in Sirmaur and Jaunsar, after the actual Diwali for a month.[74][75]

Languages

[edit]
G.A. Grierson's map of Mahasuic group of languages

The regional and native language of the region is Mahasui or Mahasu Pahari. It is spoken in whole of the region, it has many dialects and sub-dialects. In Shimla district, the language is spoken in its standard form but even then it has many dialects such as Kochi, Sudochi, Bishashau, Keonthali, etc.[76] In Solan district Baghati, Baghliani and Hinduri dialects of Mahasui are spoken. In Kalka, Pinjore of Panchkula district in Haryana Baghati dialect is spoken.[77] In North-eastern i.e. hilly parts of Yamunanagar district of Haryana, Dharti (Giriwari) Sirmauri is spoken.[78] In Kullu district Kullui and it's sub dialects like Inner Siraji, Outer Siraji, Rupiyali, Jhechi, etc.[79] Sirmauri dialect in Sirmaur district, in upper Mandi district, Mandyali Pahari, Suketi, Balhi, etc which differs from the Mandeali spoken in lower Mandi district are spoken,[80] in Dehradun district's Jaunsar-Bawar area, Jaunsari and Bawari dialect,[81] in Uttarkashi district's Ravaii, Bangan, Parvat, etc. regions has Bangani, Ranvalti and Parvati dialects are the primary ones in the area.[82][83] These are some of the notable dialects of Mahasui but there are many sub dialects of these dialects also, which change within some distance.[84][85]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
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