Conservation Management Plan for the Cultural Heritage of Sujanpur Tira:

Abstract

Sujanpur Tira is a palace-fort located 22 kilometres from Hamirpur town on the Kangra border. In 1758, Raja Abhay Chand of the Kangra Katoch dynasty erected the fort. Sujanpur Tira served as the Katoch dynasty's royal home for more than a century. In the early nineteenth century, the fort was also the home of Raja Sansar Chand, who is credited with being the patron of the Kangra School of miniature painting. The fort was established in the year 1750 by Maharaja Abhay Chandra with the goal of serving as the military post of his realm. The fort was also utilized by British rulers during their time in India in the last years of its existence. The fort's architecture is reminiscent of mediaeval fortifications, and it overlooks Sujanpur's village. Sujanpur Holi became popular during Raja Sansar Chand's reign, and was celebrated by him and his royal family, as well as his courtiers and intelligentsia. Since then, Sujanpur Holi has become a well-known event that is celebrated with tremendous fervor and splendor each year. Sujanpur Tira Fort played a major role in the affairs of the Katoch Dynasty and the Kangra Region. Maharaja Sansar Chand, who is credited with ushering in the region's golden period, designed it. During his lifetime, politics, the economy, art and architecture, education, and reading all advanced substantially. He was also responsible for the promotion of Kangra painting and art, which may be seen in the Narbadeshwara and Gauri Shankar temples. Monumental remains may still be discovered in Tira. The palaces, courts, and temples of Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch still exist in Tira, albeit they have been devastated by time, earthquakes, and other natural calamities. Many of the ruins can be seen, and one can imagine how beautiful they once were. From the 'Chuagan' ground, one can still see the daily court, Baradari. In addition, he built a vast water reservoir to accommodate Tira's daily water needs.