by Rahul Singh Guleria
The ‘Guleria’ Rajput clan came into existence in 1247 CE with Raja Hari Chand being the first ruler.
Return from the dead
Raja Hari Chand was the Raja of Kingdom of Kangra in the 13th century. When Raja Hari Chand was out on a hunt and fell into a well after separating from his hunting party. After a fruitless search and presuming the King was dead and Raja’s younger brother ‘Karam Chand’ ascended the throne.
However Raja Hari Chand was still alive and has fallen into a dry well during the hunt. He survived in the well for 22 days, before being rescued by a passing merchant. Upon hearing what had transpired at Kangra, Hari Chand decided not to attempt recovery of his kingdom from his younger brother. Instead he then proceeded to select a spot where he built the town of ‘Guler’ as the seat of his new kingdom.
Legacy of Raja Hari Chand Guleria
The legacy of Raja Hari Chand Guleria is not just about forming a separate Rajput clan. But more critically of sacrifice and being large hearted to leave the larger kingdom to the younger brother. And yet carving a brave but separate path of himself and his generations to come. He was the example of values for the clan to follow.
1 Comment
Mr Rahul I am also a Guleria Rajput. We are the descendants of Raja Mann Singh, the nineteenth king of Guler. My ancestors established their Riyast at kotla with Dian Singh being the first ruler. He was succeeded his brother Kishan Singh. Raja Kharak Singh was the last ruler . Thereafter, Kotla fort was handed over to Ranjit Singh under a treaty. The royal family moved to Mirthal where they received jagir of 27 Villages given by Maharajah Ranjit.