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Arki was the capital of the princely hill state of Baghal, which was founded by Rana Ajai Dev, a Panwar Rajput. The state was founded around 1643 and Arki was declared its capital by Rana Sabha Chand in 1650. The Arki Fort is a converted hotel and lovely to visit.
The Arki Fort was built between 1800 and 1805 by Rana Prithvi Singh, a descendent of Sabha Chand. The fort was captured by the Gurkhas in 1806. Rana Jagat Singh, the ruler of Baghal, had to take refuge in Nalagarh. From 1806 to 1815, the Gurkha General Amar Singh Thapa used Arki as his stronghold to make further advances into Himachal Pradesh as far as Kangra.[1][2]
The Gurkhas were, however, driven out by Rana Jagat Singh assisted by Sir David Ochterlony and the British forces during the Gurkha War in 1815–1816. Thereafter Rana Rana Jagat Singh regained control of Arki.[3]
Rana Kishan Singh, who ruled the state from 1840 to 1867, developed the town of Arki in a planned manner. The Rana was a far-sighted ruler and built horse and mule tracks to connect Arki with Shimla and Bilaspur. Many artisans, scholars and businessman from other parts of India settled in Arki during his reign as he provided them with tax free land free of cost.
The Rana was a patron of arts and had muralled interiors installed in the Arki Fort in 1850. The murals are a prime attraction among tourists today.[2]
The ruler of Baghal was Shri Raja Rajander Singh (1928–2010) he overhauled the administration and introduced radical constitutional reforms, M.L.A., Commandant General of Home Guards, Director of Civil Defence.
During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, Rana Kishan Singh assisted the British forces and for which he was presented the title of Raja. Another revolt was suppressed in 1905 with the help of the superintendent of Shimla Hill States. This was as payback for the support he had received earlier to drive Gurkha out.
Arki was the Capital of Bhagal State in pre independence period . There is a fort/palace constructed by the then rulers of this State.Now it is owned as private property by the present generation of the rulers of this State.Its condition is deteriorating day by day because of lack of its proper preservation.
Arki is located in the Siwalik range of Himalaya mountains. Due to its high altitude, Arki enjoys a pleasant weather in the summers with the temperatures hovering between 26 °C and 32 °C. The winters are chilly and the temperature ranges between 4 °C and 8 °C. The rainfall is moderate and occurs mainly during July and August.
Arki is known for its caves and cave temples among which Lutru Mahadev and Mutru Mahadev are very famous.[5]
Sair Fair
The Sair Fair is an annual two-day event held at Arki on sakranti of Ashwin (16/17 September). The fair was famous for buffalo fights . Local people used to train their buffaloes for the event but since 2015 the event is not taking place. The fair is attended by thousands of people every year. Night programs in this fair are always different and people of Arki enjoy the day a lot.[6]
Demographics
As of 2011[update] India census,[7] Arki had a population of 3038. Males constitute 50.52% of the population and females 49.48%. Arki has an average literacy rate of 89%, higher than the national average of 74.04% (census 2011). 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Places of interest
Lutru Mahadev TempleLutru Mahadev temple, Arki,Himachal Prades,India was built in 1621 by king of Baghal. Shiva appeared in his dream and ordered him to make his temple. There is a statue of Shivalinga here. It is 4 km from Arki. Shivratri is also very popular in Lutru Mahadev Temple.
Jakholy Devi Temple (Badhra Kali Temple) was made around 1650. This temple is 7 km from Arki. It is built by king of Baghal for Bhadra Kali. This temple is a shaktipith of Himachal Pradesh.
Bhakhalag is a place of interest which is around 9 km from Arki. This small village is known for its scenic beauty.
Till date only private hospital in arki is K.VARDAAN HEALTH CARE CENTRE, run by Dr.Vimal Pankaj Katoch, ex.EMO Ajit Neuro hospital Amritsar, EMO K.D.hospital Amritsar, EMO NEW HOPE HSP Amritsar.
Pt. Guri Sankar Memorial Polytechnic College Devngar
Arki Fort was built between 1695 and 1700 by Rana Prithvi Singh is in the town.
Mutru Mahaved Temple is a famous temple in the town.
Folklore say that the four temples on the sides of the village save them from any difficult situation from nature: Lutru Mahade Temple, Kali Mata Temple, Devdhar Temple and Shakni Temple.
"Shiv Guffa" Kunihar
" Temple of "Dev Dhar Wala" Isht Dev Of Baghal State At Shayari Ghat. Whhere held fair in "Jayeshth month" (may month).
Gallery
Lutru Mahadev temple, Arki
Lutru Mahadev cave temple, Arki, Himachal Pradesh, India
India
Lutru Mahadev temple, Arki
Lutru Mahadev cave temple, Arki, Himachal Pradesh, India
