The Battle of Rehlu in 1794 was a watershed moment in the history of the hill states of present-day Himachal Pradesh, marking the high point of Kangra’s dominance under the ambitious Raja Sansar Chand II. It was a fierce clash fought in the Rehlu region, near the modern-day village of Rait, that pitted the expansionist Kangra ruler against a powerful alliance of the Chamba and Nurpur principalities.

Background: Sansar Chand’s rise and Chamba’s defiance
After acquiring formal possession of the Kangra Fort, Sansar Chand embarked on a campaign to restore the ancient glory of his Katoch dynasty. His expansionist policies brought many hill states under his sway, but they also created rivals. Chamba, under the able leadership of Raja Raj Singh, was one such state that resisted Sansar Chand’s authority. The rivalry came to a head over the strategically vital Rehlu region.

What was the strategic importance of Rehlu region and fort?

The strategic importance of the Rehlu region and fort can be understood from several historical perspectives, including its location between rival hill states and its use by ambitious rulers.

Territorial control and expansion

• Buffer zone: The Rehlu region acted as a critical buffer zone between the powerful Kangra state and its neighbors, particularly Chamba. For Raja Sansar Chand II of Kangra, seizing Rehlu was a crucial step toward expanding his dominion and consolidating his power over the surrounding hill states.
• Assertion of dominance: After acquiring the Kangra fort, Sansar Chand sought to re-establish the empire of his ancestors. Attacking Chamba over Rehlu and winning the ensuing battle at Nerti served to assert his claim as the supreme power in the hills and force the submission of other local chiefs. 

Defensive and administrative functions

• Fortification: Like many forts in Himachal Pradesh, the Rehlu Fort was built in a strategically advantageous location, likely on high ground, to provide a natural defense against invaders. Its defensive capabilities made it a valuable military asset for controlling the surrounding area.
• Center of governance: Historical hill forts often served as administrative centers for revenue collection and governance, and Rehlu would have likely played a similar role. By controlling the fort and the territory, a ruler could collect taxes from traders and assert judicial authority. 

Control of trade routes

• Regional trade: While not on the major trans-Himalayan trade routes like the Shipki La Pass, the Kangra and Kullu valleys were still important for regional trade. Control of the Rehlu region would have allowed a ruler to oversee and profit from local trade and commerce moving through the foothills. 

Use by Sikh forces

• Resistance against Mughals: In the 18th century, the Rehlu Fort’s importance was further highlighted when Sikh forces under Banda Singh Bahadur used it as a base of operations against the Mughals. Its fortifications and strategic position would have provided a secure stronghold for the Sikh ruler during his campaigns. 

Overall, the Rehlu region and its fort were not just territorial prizes but vital assets that enhanced a ruler’s power by expanding their territory, solidifying their authority, and controlling local trade and administration.

The Battle of Rehlu (1794) at Nerti

The conflict was sparked by Sansar Chand’s demand for the cession of the Rehlu pargana by the Chamba ruler, Raja Raj Singh. Raj Singh not only refused but also arrived at the Rehlu fort himself with his forces. The decisive clash took place near the present-day village of Nerti.

• The forces: Sansar Chand, supported by the chief of Guler, led a powerful army, while Raj Singh rallied his forces in an alliance with the Raja of Nurpur.
• The battle: Sansar Chand orchestrated a surprise attack that took the Chamba-Nurpur forces off guard. The fighting was intense and Raja Raj Singh was killed on the battlefield.
• The outcome: Raj Singh’s death led to the rout of his forces, securing a decisive victory for Sansar Chand and expanding his influence in the region.

Legacy and the Nerti Fair

The memory of Raja Raj Singh’s heroic death is preserved in local tradition and commemorated annually at the Nerti Fair.

• Shiv Temple: In 1796, Raja Raj Singh’s son, Raja Jit Singh of Chamba, built a Shiva temple at Nerti on the spot where his father was martyred. The temple became the focal point for the annual fair.
• Nerti Fair: Initially instituted in 1799 to commemorate the anniversary of Raja Raj Singh’s death, the fair evolved into an event that also celebrates reconciliation between the Kangra and Chamba regions.
• Location change: While originally held in Nerti and nearby villages, the fair’s main location was shifted to the village of Rait in 1960 due to the construction of a new national highway, making it more accessible.
• A historical tradition: The fair, now a modern cultural event, continues to draw large crowds and features traditional songs, dances, and local trade, honoring the legacy of Raja Raj Singh and the historical significance of the region.

Sikh Influence and the Fate of Rehlu Fort

By the early 19th century, regional politics shifted again:

• In 1809, following a treaty between Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Lahore and Raja Sansar Chand, the Sikhs took control of Kangra Fort, also impacting Rehlu.
• In 1821, Dessa Singh Majithia, Subedar of the hill states, laid siege to Rehlu Fort. The Chamba queen, avoiding bloodshed, surrendered the taluka to the Sikhs.

Later, under Maharaja Gulab Singh of Jammu, Rehlu was given as a jagir to the Mirza family, descendants of Rajouri’s rulers. For over a century, the Mirza family resided in Rehlu Fort.

The Earthquake of 1905 and Decline

The devastating Kangra earthquake of 1905 marked the beginning of Rehlu Fort’s decline:

• The fort collapsed, killing 35 members of the Mirza family.
• Despite this tragedy, the family continued to live in the area until 1947, when Partition forced them to migrate to Pakistan.
• Since then, the fort has been abandoned and left to decay.

Present Condition of Rehlu Fort

Today, Rehlu Fort lies in ruins:

• The once-proud walls are broken, overrun by wild grass and soil.
• Neglect has turned the site into a hub for drinking and gambling, instead of preserving its heritage.
• Locals believe the fort has suffered more due to administrative apathy than even the earthquake of 1905.

The Battle of Rehlu (1794) and the legacy of Raja Raj Singh’s sacrifice continue to echo in the cultural memory of Himachal Pradesh through the Nerti Fair and local traditions. Yet, the ruins of Rehlu Fort stand as a stark reminder of the fragile state of our heritage.