The ‘Guleria’ Rajput clan came into existence in 1247 CE with Raja Hari Chand being the first ruler.
Incident which triggered carving of a new identity – ‘The Hunt’
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.
Return from the dead
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.
The Guler Fort
Guler Fort since no longer in use is largely overgrown with vegetation today. However it does not reflect the glorious history that it represents.
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 and independent path of himself and his generations to come. He set an example of virtue for the clan to follow.