Katoch

Katoch is the name of a Rajput clan belonging to the Chandravanshi Kshatriya lineage. Their traditional areas of residence was Trigarta Kingdom, Jalandhar, Multan i.e. the areas of residence are mainly in the Indian states of Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu.

The Katoch dynasty is considered to be the oldest surviving royal dynasty in the world. They first find mention in the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata and the second mention is in the recorded history of Alexander the Great's war records. One of the Indian kings who in the time of Alexander ruled area near Kangra is said to be a Katoch king. In Mahabharata they are referred to as Trigarta who fight Arjuna. Raja Susarma Chandra fought Pandav Arjuna. He was ally of Duryodhana and sworn enemy of Virat and Matsya Kingdoms.

The katoch's were also known for their sword skills.

In past centuries, they ruled several princely states in the region. The originator of the clan was Rajanaka Bhumi Chand. Their famous Maharaja Sansar Chand-II was a great ruler. The ruler Rajanaka Bhumi Chand Katoch founded the Jwalaji Temple in Himachal Pradesh.

The history of the Katoch Dynasty has been show cased at the Maharaja Sansar Chand Museum adjoining the Kangra Fort. The Museum provides audio guides for the fort and the museum.

The Maharaja Sansar Chandra Museum was officially inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the 6th of April 2011.