Lahaul It is believed that the power of the feudals of Lahaul increased after the central power in India declined around the 7th-8th centuries AD. During this period the four landlord families of Lolong, Gumrang, Ghondla and Barbog controlled a large part of Lahaul and their power grew. This tract was probably under the overlordship of the Raja of Spiti and later became a part of Ladakh. It is also believed that some parts of Lahaul were under the loose control of the Raja of Chamba.

Hanging glaciers near Kugti Credit: Karamjeet Singh

Chamba was quite powerful around the middle of the 7th century. It controlled the adjoining areas of Lahaul, including the Pattan Valley up to the shrine of Triloknath or even till Tandi. Spiti was taken over by the Rajas of Ladakh. In 700 AD, the forces of Chamba invaded Kullu and proceeded to the Chandra Valley over the Kugti Pass. It is believed that Lahaul paid tribute both to Kulu and Chamba during this period.

In the lOth century, Ladakh was divided into two kingdoms and at that time Lahaul and Spiti remained a part of Ladakh. For some time, Ladakh became so strong that it defeated Kullu, in spite of the help given to the latter by the rulers of Delhi.

After a new dynasty was established in Kullu in the 16th century, the rulers tried to drive the Ladakhis out of Lahaul but were repulsed by the forces of Tshewang Namgyal. Later on, during weak periods in the history of Ladakh, both Chamba and Kullu tried to occupy parts of Lahaul. The rule of the Rajas of Kullu over parts of Lahaul grew stronger in the 17th century.

During the rule of Biddhi Singh (1672 to 1688) in Kullu, the entire upper Lahaul came under his sway. He also annexed the whole Pattan Valley up to the present boundary with Chamba. Thereafter the influence of Ladakh declined.

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