Rajouri

Rajouri, in the Pir Panjal region of Jammu & Kashmir, has long been a key frontier valley on routes linking the plains of Punjab with the Kashmir Valley. In ancient and early medieval times, the wider area formed part of hill kingdoms and tribal belts that controlled passes, forests and grazing lands between the Chenab–Jhelum river systems. Because of its location on mountain corridors, Rajouri saw the movement of traders, soldiers and pilgrims for many centuries.

During the medieval period, Rajouri (then often written as Rajauri/Rajauri) was ruled by local Hindu and later Muslim chiefs, sometimes semi-independent, sometimes vassals under larger powers such as the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals. The old Mughal Road, used by emperors travelling between Delhi and Srinagar via Pir Panjal, passed close to this region, bringing imperial camps, officials and caravan trade through its valleys.

In the 19th century, after the rise of the Dogra dynasty, Rajouri was incorporated into the princely state of Jammu & Kashmir, governed through local jagirdars and administrators. At the time of Partition in 1947–48, Rajouri became a major conflict zone, changing hands and suffering heavy damage before returning to Indian control. Since then it has remained a strategic border district, marked by army presence and security concerns, but also slowly recognised for its scenic hills, mixed communities and potential for heritage and nature tourism.