Who are Katoch?

Katoch Kuldevi 

Picture Katoch Kuldevi Kangra Fort (Jai Ho Maa)

Katoch clan is a name of one of the ruling caste from India. Katoch is a prominent Rajput (Kshatriyas) caste of India and they basically belong to Chandravanshi Rajput clan. Katochs have the main predominance in the states of the Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand, and Jammu. Katoch means a good skillful swordsman and earlier, Katochs were known for their sword skills. Katoch Royal family is the oldest surviving Royal family in the world and they still live in 'Clouds End Villa', Dharamsala.

Famous Kangra Fort

Few of great and famous kings of this clan were king Porus who fought against King Alexander, King of Kangra Sansar Chand Katoch under whom Katoch kingdom flourished and saw his golden period and Rajanaka Bhumi Chand who founded Katoch dynasty. The main link between the Katoch clan and Kangra (HP, India) can be established by the long period of rule by the Katoch kings over Kangra and adjoining areas up to Jalandhar and Multan (Pakistan). More information can be found at this link-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangra-Lambagraon.


Katoch clan is believed to have come into existence in 4300 BC when Rajanaka Bhumi Chand founded Katoch dynasty and he also made Famous Jawalaji Temple. People can find a mention about Rajanaka Bhumi Chand in Brahmand Purana, an ancient Hindu religious literature. As per Purana, he originated from the Sweet of Maa AMBIKA (Maa Parvati) to fight with cruel Rakshasha (devil). After killing Rakshasha, Maa Parvati blessed him with Kingdom of Trigarta situated between three rivers of Satluj, Beas, and Ravi.

Entry Gate Kangra Fort

Katoch Kings are believed to have fought in Mahabharata and against Lord Rama, Ashoka and many famous invaders like Alexander, Mahmud of Ghazni, Katochs are known for their courage, bravery and hard work. At the time of the British rule, only Katoch surname was enough to join the army. Initially Katochs were mainly evolved in agriculture and army; however, now Katochs have migrated to the different places and are engaged in different kind of the jobs.