A Journey Through the Lanes of Memory & Annals of Chamba & Basohli (An Autobiography of Teacher)

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The Author, Sh. K.L.Gupta started his professional journey as a J.B.T teacher and concluded as a Principal of a Sr. Sec. school, as such he has observed the educational culture of his times from within and provided his readers a window to peep through all the aspects of education.

Ironically, it is a subject, which doesn't interest many. So, instead of giving details of his personal life, an effort has been made to diversify it by including the historical development of the two ancient most Himalayan states of Chamba and Basoli. The state of Chamba owes its scion to Rama, the hero of Ramayana, while Basoli from that of Pandavas. Nestled and protected in the lap of Himalayan mountains, the state escaped from the waves of Mughal invasions and protected its rich culture.

According to the author, no systematic effort was made to explore the history and culture of Chamba after the earlier 20th century AD, as such there still remains enough scope and material for its exploration.

The author leads his readers through the pangs of people of transhuman valley, Pangi, where to maintain their authority, the rulers offered a special funeral allowance to its employees and gold coin to carry the mailbag.

With times, this valley today serves as a heaven for nature lovers. His personal experiences too are universal since each one of us has to pass through these phases of life sooner or later, where these experiences can be of much help because 'Man is defeated only when he accepts defeat.

The edifice of my personality was built on the tenets of rich cultural traditions inherited from my mother. At the time of my early childhood, the family passed through very hard days, which compelled all the members of the family to cut their coat according to their cloth. Gradually the habit to remain within means developed into one of the tenets of my personality. This tenet of mine proved always an asset and never a liability at any stage of life, for which I have had to offer no regrets at any time.

Nestled in the lap of north-western Himalayan terrains, Chamba kingdom was established by Raja Sahilla Varman in the tenth century AD. Before that the nucleus of the state was Bharmaur (Brahmapura kingdom) which lies in the Budhal valley. Raja Sahilla Varman shifted the state capital from Bharmaur to Chamba, a central place from where he could control a much wider area of his vast kingdom. The nomenclature of 'Chamba' seems to have been derived from 'Champak' or 'Champa', as this area was profusely covered with the clusters of Champa trees. The copper-plate charters apparently confirm this suggestion as in some of the charters, the capital town is mentioned as 'Champak-pur'.

It is a maiden attempt upon my part to write a book. I humbly admit the fact that my this very first venture, may not fit properly into the parameters of a good book and may be found wanting in many respects.

The main motive, which encouraged me to tread the path, unknown to me so far, was my strong urge to share my experiences not only with my own people but also with the generations to come, who may happen to go through the pages of this book and find something worthwhile, which may benefit their lives too. Dr. Avinash Gupta, son of my elder sister, who knows me and my way of life thoroughly since my early childhood, became a catalyzing agent before I actually started to pen it down.

By passing the tradition, I can't help expressing my grateful acknowledgments and respectful regards to Sh. Jai Ram Thakur, Hon'ble Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh, Sh. Pawan Nayyar, Vidhayak Chamba Sadar, Padam Shree Awardee Sh. Vijai Sharma and Sh. S.N Joshi, former Bureaucrat, presently member Central Sahitya Academy and Columnist The Tribune, for their courtesy to extend me their good wishes. Their good wishes will prove as a long Cherished treasure at the twilight of my life.

The volume my readers are going through today has been possible due to the unflinching support and time to time boosting, I received from my well-wisher Dr. Rajesh Sehgal who threw open to me his rich library, photographs and all other collections on the princely state, Chamba.