Bhaddu

Description

INTRODUCTION

Bhaddu village, with a history dating back centuries, is located in the peaceful surroundings of Tehsil Billawar, District Kathua of Jammu and Kashmir, is a charming village that seamlessly blends tradition with the beauty of nature. A prominent town of Billawar Tehsil, was also once the seat of Imperial Power. It is situated on Bhinni Naalah, a tributary of Ujh river. 

Pincode : 184203

Area : 1246 hectares

Population : 2277

HISTORY OF BHADDU

King Kalash Pal of Basohli had two sons, namely Tung Pal and Tukh Pal. After the death of King Kalash Pal his elder son,Tung Pal ascended the throne of Basohli and his younger brother Tukh Pal was allotted the Hater Jagir. This created a long confrontation between the two brothers but later on they shaked  hands and Tukh Pal selected a Hill top near Hateted and established a capital township of his Kingdom and named it as PADHU which with the passage of time came to be known as Bhadhu and the descendents of Tukh Pal came to be known as Bhadwal Rajputs.

The Dogra state in Jammu was established by Dhruv Dev during the declining years of the Mughal Empire . Raja Gulab Singh , his direct descendant, was 16 years old when, in 1808, the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh conquered Jammu. Gulab Singh and his two brothers, Dhyan Singh and Suchet Singh, went on to enrol in the Sikh treaure.

Bhaddu was given to Raja Suchet Singh and in 1835 it was under the control of the Dogras of Jammu. The state was later given to Raja Gulab Singh of Jammu by a treaty in 1846.

After the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1839, the Sikh court fell into anarchy and palace intrigues took over. Gulab Singh's brothers Dhyan Singh and Suchet Singh as well as his nephew Hira Singh were murdered in the struggles. The British asked for the entire territory between Beas and the Indus in lieu of the indemnity, which included the Kashmir Valley and Hazara in addition to Gulab Singh's dominions. Having accepted the territory, the British then transferred it to Gulab Singh in the Treaty of Amritsar for a payment of 7.5 million rupees .

21st and last independent Raja of Bhaddu which was given to Raja Suchet Singh was Raja Jai Singh. After the murder of Suchet Singh, it came under complete control of the Sikhs in 1835 and by the treaty of 1846, the state was given to Maharaja Ghulab Singh, and the family was finally and formally dispossessed.

There are no historical landmarks left in the village, as they have all been diminished. However, the few remaining traces of the old forts, in the shape of bricks, are tucked away among the shrubs in a confined part of the village, but there are no active measures to preserve them.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The local governance of the village is structured with a sarpanch and a panch representing each ward.

The naib tehsildar office is also located in Bhaddu.

Elections for the panchayat are conducted every five years.

The village consists of seven wards : Upper Dadwara, Moh. Acharya, Central Dadwara, Lower Dadwara, Moh. Julakdi, Pathial, Rehan

HEALTHCARE

Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) renamed as 'Ayushman Arogya Mandir' is build within the village.

The closest government hospital can be found 10 kilometers away in Billawar. Additionally, a pharmacy is located within the village.

EDUCATION

This village was previously recognized as the epicenter of education.

Five to six decades ago, a boys' hostel was constructed on the site of ancient forts, referred to as a boarding house, to accommodate students from distant areas attending the government high secondary school. The structure is currently vacant.

Presently, it houses the Zonal Education Office and 4-5 government schools, along with a Government Industrial Training Institute .

FESTIVALS

The primary celebrations that unite the entire village take place in the main bazaar of Bhaddu during the festivals of Dusshera and Lohri.

Additionally, during the Navaratras, the festival of Dussehra is marked by the nine to ten-day celebration of Ramleela at the Ram Bhavan in the village.Visitors from outside the village arrive to enjoy the enchanting cultural and religious gatherings held here.

Also, the annual mela featuring local wrestling competitions, serve as significant events that unite the village community. 

OCCUPATION

There is no distinct occupation that defines the villagers. A number of them participate in agricultural activities, while others run retail shops, and some are employed in government sectors, having moved to urban areas for a variety of job opportunities.

Additionally, students often migrate to cities to pursue higher education.

In terms of agriculture, the villagers cultivate a range of vegetables and cereals, such as maize and wheat, according to the seasonal variations.

FACILITIES AVAILABLE

Electricity and water connections

Sub post office

Bus stand

Tehsil library

J&K Bank

Police public gymnasium

Transportation (matadors , bus and e-rickshaws)

Uninterrupted internet and mobile network service.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF THE VILLAGE

The village is home to several ancient temples, talab(ponds), a spacious playground which is locally identified as 'chakkan'. The village location offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

The 'Ramleela' attracts visitors from beyond the village. The villagers are skilled in the arts of acting, singing, and dancing, presenting their talents beautifully during the Ramleela, celebrated from the time of Navratri until Dussehra.

SPORT ACTIVITIES

A team is formed by the villagers to compete in local cricket tournaments, with occasional participation in volleyball and football as well. Villagers have access to facilities for volleyball, football, cricket, and table tennis for their enjoyment.

LEISURE ACTIVITIES

The elderly tend to gather at significant locations, especially under trees, where they enjoy playing cards and conversing. In the evenings, children frequently gather at the playground identified as 'chakkan.'

Villagers enjoy leisurely walks or trekking in this picturesque landscape, with certain areas providing magnificent views of both sunrise and sunset.

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Reviews (3)

Eva Gupta

12 Nov, 2024

Great 👍

Eva Gupta

12 Nov, 2024

Great 👍

Eva Gupta

12 Nov, 2024

Great 👍

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