From the end
of the 17th century to 1837 Poonch was ruled by the Muslim Rajas of Loran. It then fell
into the hands of Raja Faiz Talab Khan of Rahuri. In 1846 after the Treaty of Amritsar, it
was handed over to Mahrajah Gulab Singh. He handed over Poonch and some other areas to his
nephews, Jawahar Singh and Moti Singh with some legal stipulations. Poonch was annexed and
converted into a Jagir by Mahrajah Hari Singh in 1935-36 by deposing the Raja of Poonch.
The Dogras always found it difficult to rule in Poonch. In 1947, the people of Poonch
started an armed struggle against the Dogra and Indian forces. Rawalakot is the
district headquarters and is situated in the heart of district Poonch. The altitude of
this beautiful saucer-shaped valley is 1615m, and is situated 76 Km from Kohala. During
summer, the place becomes full of green grass and beautiful flowers including many
varieties of roses.
Located 12Km from Rawalakot is Paniolla full of calm and charming
characteristics.
About 20Km from Rawalakot and at 1981m above sea-level is Banjosa. A very
attractive site full of scenic beauty which also houses a small lake with boating
facilities.
Pullandri and Sudhanuti are situated at 1372m above sea-level. Located 97Km from
Rawalpindi (Pakistan) via Azad Pattan, they have wonderful and picturesque landscape with
green mountains all around.
Trarkhal is a small town situated 129Km from Kohala and at 1982m above sea-level.
Trarkhal is most famous for its radio station which was used for transmitting news to
Indian-Occupied-Kashmir.
Located some 112Km from Rawalakot at 2134m above sea-level is Aliabad. This
place is sorrounded by thick mixed forests of Deodar, bluepine and fir.
|