Kathua district, Administrative district in Jammu and Kashmir, India
Kathua district spreads between flat plains and Himalayan foothills, mixing agricultural land with rising terrain. Rivers wind through valleys and fields, with villages and towns scattered across the varied landscape.
The region traces back to the ancient Kathaioi state, which successfully resisted during Alexander's campaigns in the 4th century BCE. This early independence marked the territory as a distinct political entity before later annexations.
Religious sites scatter across the villages, serving Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh communities who share the same landscape. These gathering places shape local traditions and daily rhythms for people of different faiths.
National Highway 44 connects this region to larger cities, making travel straightforward. Eight administrative blocks handle local services across the many villages throughout the territory.
Basohli, a town here, preserves a painting tradition from the 17th century with bold colors and distinctive features. This local art form remains part of the town's identity and is still practiced today.
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