Samba District – History
Carved out from Jammu district and established as a separate district in 2007.
Historically under the rule of Dogra Rajputs.It is strategically located and has military significance due to proximity to international border (IB) with Pakistan.
Famous Temple: Baba Chamliyal shrine near the IB is an important cultural-religious site shared across the border.
🌍 Geography of Samba
Located in Jammu Division, bounded by Jammu, Kathua, and Udhampur.
Lies mostly in the Shiwalik foothills with a mix of plains and low hills.Has international border with Pakistan (approx. 55 km).
Climate: Semi-arid to sub-tropical.
Major tehsils: Samba, Ghagwal, Vijaypur, Purmandal, Ramgarh.
📊 Census 2011 Data
-
Total Population: 3,18,898
Female: 1,49,774
Male: 1,69,124
Sex Ratio: 885 females/1000 Male literacy
Literacy Rate: 81.41%
Male: 88.47%, Female: 73.38%
Area: ~ 904 sq. kmPopulation Density: ~ 353 persons per sq. km
Urban Population: ~11%
🏞️ Tourist Places in Samba
| Place | Description |
|---|---|
| Baba Chamliyal | Shrine of Baba Dalip Singh Manhas, attracts people from both India and Pakistan. |
| Purmandal Temple | Known as 'Chhoti Kashi', with many old temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. |
| Utterbehni | Sacred town on Devika River, known for religious fairs. |
| Chichi Mata Temple | Respected temple on NH-44, part of religious pilgrimage circuit. |
| Mansar Lake (nearby) | Though in Udhampur, very close to Samba, known for turtle sanctuary and scenic beauty. |
💰 Economy of Samba
Agriculture-based economy: Paddy, wheat, maize are major crops.
Industrial Growth Centre (IGC), Samba is a major industrial hub in J&K.SIDCO set up various industries – pharmaceuticals, steel, chemicals, etc.
Small-scale industries: handicrafts, food processing.
Tourism, religious visits, and defense-related employment also contribute.
🌊 Rivers and Lakes
Basantar River – Major river flowing through Samba; famous for battle of Basantar (1971 war).
Devika River – Sacred river in Purmandal and Utterbehni region.Lakes – No major lakes inside Samba; nearby Mansar Lake is important.
Culture of Samba District (J&K)
🏞️ General Cultural Overview
Samba is known as the "Land of Warriors", rich in Dogra culture and heritage.
The district preserves traditional Dogra customs, folk music, and festivals.
The people of Samba are primarily Dogras, with a strong influence of Hindu traditions, although there is also a mix of Muslim and Sikh communities.
The region is known for vibrant attire, folk dances, festivals, and cultural fairs.
Samba is known as the "Land of Warriors", rich in Dogra culture and heritage.
The district preserves traditional Dogra customs, folk music, and festivals.The people of Samba are primarily Dogras, with a strong influence of Hindu traditions, although there is also a mix of Muslim and Sikh communities.
The region is known for vibrant attire, folk dances, festivals, and cultural fairs.
💃 Folk Dances of Samba
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Kud Dance
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Performed during festivals and religious occasions.
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Done in honor of local deities (especially during devotional gatherings at night).
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Both men and women perform, moving rhythmically in a circle.
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Heren Dance
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Performed during the Lohri festival.
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A men-only dance that involves storytelling through dance.
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Phumniyan
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Performed by women during social gatherings and marriages.
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Involves graceful hand movements and Dogri songs.
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Gwatri Dance
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A mix of dance, singing, and dramatic narration.
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Usually accompanied by a bard narrating heroic tales of Dogra warriors.
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Jagarana
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A devotional vigil dance with songs sung throughout the night.
-
Meant to appease gods or celebrate divine blessings.
-
Kud Dance
-
Performed during festivals and religious occasions.
-
Done in honor of local deities (especially during devotional gatherings at night).
-
Both men and women perform, moving rhythmically in a circle.
-
-
Heren Dance
-
Performed during the Lohri festival.
-
A men-only dance that involves storytelling through dance.
-
-
Phumniyan
-
Performed by women during social gatherings and marriages.
-
Involves graceful hand movements and Dogri songs.
-
-
Gwatri Dance
-
A mix of dance, singing, and dramatic narration.
-
Usually accompanied by a bard narrating heroic tales of Dogra warriors.
-
-
Jagarana
-
A devotional vigil dance with songs sung throughout the night.
-
Meant to appease gods or celebrate divine blessings.
-
🎎 Traditional Attire
Men: Kurta, churidar pyjama, turban (pagri).
Women: Ghagra, choli, and odhni in bright colors; Dogri suit is also common.
Jewelry: Silver ornaments are popular among rural women.
Men: Kurta, churidar pyjama, turban (pagri).
Women: Ghagra, choli, and odhni in bright colors; Dogri suit is also common.Jewelry: Silver ornaments are popular among rural women.
🎉 Festivals Celebrated
Lohri, Baisakhi, Navratri, Diwali, Holi are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Ramnavmi Mela at Purmandal is a major religious and cultural event.
Gurpurab and Eid are also celebrated by Sikh and Muslim communities respectively.
Lohri, Baisakhi, Navratri, Diwali, Holi are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Ramnavmi Mela at Purmandal is a major religious and cultural event.Gurpurab and Eid are also celebrated by Sikh and Muslim communities respectively.
🪘 Music and Instruments
Traditional Dogri songs and folk instruments like dhol, nagara, flute, and chimta.
Music is often religious, heroic, or romantic in theme.
Traditional Dogri songs and folk instruments like dhol, nagara, flute, and chimta.
Music is often religious, heroic, or romantic in theme.📚 Language
Dogri is the main spoken language.
Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi are also used in day-to-day communication.
Dogri is the main spoken language.
Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi are also used in day-to-day communication.❓ MCQ Based on Samba Culture
Q1. Which of the following dances is performed to honor deities in Samba district?
A. Rouf
B. Kud
C. Bhangra
D. Gidda
🟩 Answer: B. Kud
Q2. The Dogri folk dance performed by women in Samba is called:
A. Heren
B. Jagarana
C. Phumniyan
D. Gwatri
🟩 Answer: C. Phumniyan
Q3. What is the local language predominantly spoken in Samba district?
A. Kashmiri
B. Punjabi
C. Dogri
D. Urdu
🟩 Answer: C. Dogri
Important Personalities from Samba
Q1. Which of the following dances is performed to honor deities in Samba district?
A. Rouf
B. Kud
C. Bhangra
D. Gidda
🟩 Answer: B. Kud
Q2. The Dogri folk dance performed by women in Samba is called:
A. Heren
B. Jagarana
C. Phumniyan
D. Gwatri
🟩 Answer: C. Phumniyan
Q3. What is the local language predominantly spoken in Samba district?
A. Kashmiri
B. Punjabi
C. Dogri
D. Urdu
🟩 Answer: C. Dogri
Important Personalities from Samba
Chander Prakash Ganga – Former Minister of Industries & Commerce, J&K.
Local freedom fighters and religious personalities, especially connected with Purmandal & Baba Chamliyal traditions.📍 Basic Information
Full Name: Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal
Date of Birth: 26 December 1975Place of Birth: Badhori village, Samba district, Jammu & Kashmir
Service: Indian Army (Corps of Engineers)
Current Role (2025): Director, National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh
🏔️ Mountaineering Achievements
🗻 Seven Summits (Highest peaks of all 7 continents)
| Continent | Peak | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Asia | Mount Everest | 2012, 2013, 2016 |
| Africa | Mount Kilimanjaro | 2010 |
| South America | Aconcagua | 2013 |
| Europe | Mount Elbrus | 2014 |
| Australia | Carstensz Pyramid | 2015 |
| North America | Mount Denali | 2017 |
| Antarctica | Vinson Massif | 2019 |
🏅 First Indian Army officer to scale all Seven Summits
Honors & Awards
Sena Medal (2022)
Vishisht Seva Medal & BarTenzing Norgay National Adventure Award (2013)
IMF Gold Medal
Sher-e-Kashmir Award
World, Asian & Indian Records in Adventure
Allah Rakha khan
Ustad Allah Rakha Khan was born in Phagwal village of Samba district, Jammu.
He was a disciple of Mian Qadir Baksh, the founder of the Punjab Gharana of Tabla.Known for accompanying Pandit Ravi Shankar (sitar) internationally, promoting Indian classical music globally.
Credited with popularizing Tabla as a solo instrument and in global collaborations.
His son, Ustad Zakir Hussain, is also a world-renowned tabla maestro.
He played a key role in introducing Indian rhythm to Western audiences.
📝 MCQ Questions
-
Ustad Allah Rakha Khan, the legendary tabla player, belonged to which district of Jammu & Kashmir?
a) Poonch
b) Srinagar
c) Samba
d) Udhampur
✅ Answer: c) Samba -
Allah Rakha Khan is associated with which musical instrument?
a) Sitar
b) Tabla
c) Sarod
d) Flute
✅ Answer: b) Tabla -
Ustad Allah Rakha Khan belonged to which Gharana of Tabla?
a) Delhi Gharana
b) Lucknow Gharana
c) Benares Gharana
d) Punjab Gharana
✅ Answer: d) Punjab Gharana -
Who among the following is the son of Ustad Allah Rakha Khan?
a) Shivkumar Sharma
b) Zakir Hussain
c) Amjad Ali Khan
d) Ravi Shankar
✅ Answer: b) Zakir Hussain -
Allah Rakha Khan played tabla alongside which famous sitar player internationally?
a) Vilayat Khan
b) Ravi Shankar
c) Bismillah Khan
d) Ali Akbar Khan
✅ Answer: b) Ravi Shankar
He revolutionized Dogri poetry by bringing in Western forms like the sonnet.
Became the youngest Sahitya Akademi Awardee in Dogri at just 29.His contributions highlight the cultural richness of Samba district.
Symbol of modern Dogri literature, merging tradition with innovation.
🧠 MCQ for Practice
Q. Kunwar Viyogi, a prominent Dogri poet, hailed from which district of Jammu & Kashmir?
A) Udhampur
B) Kathua
C) Samba
D) Rajouri
🟩 Correct Answer: C) Samba
Important points for exam JKSSB
Samba formed in 2007 from Jammu.
Basantar River flows through it.Famous for Baba Chamliyal shrine near IB.
Hosts Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) under SIDCO.
Purmandal – known as "Chhoti Kashi".
Borders Pakistan, has high strategic military importance.
❓MCQ Questions on Samba District
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When was Samba declared as a separate district?
a) 2004
b) 2007 ✅
c) 2009
d) 2011 -
Which river flows through Samba district?
a) Tawi
b) Basantar ✅
c) Devika
d) Chenab -
Which shrine in Samba is visited by devotees from both India and Pakistan?
a) Chichi Mata
b) Baba Chamliyal ✅
c) Raghunath Temple
d) Ranbireshwar Temple -
What is the literacy rate of Samba as per 2011 census?
a) 72.8%
b) 76.1%
c) 81.41% ✅
d) 88.3% -
Purmandal is famously called:
a) Mini Vaishno Devi
b) Chhoti Kashi ✅
c) Dev Bhumi
d) Temple Town -
Samba has an Industrial Growth Centre established by:
a) MSME
b) NABARD
c) SIDCO ✅
d) KVIC -
Which of the following rivers is sacred and flows near Utterbehni and Purmandal?
a) Tawi
b) Chenab
c) Devika ✅
d) Ravi -
Which district borders Samba to the east?
a) Jammu
b) Kathua ✅
c) Udhampur
d) Reasi -
What is the population density of Samba as per 2011 Census?
a) 180
b) 353 ✅
c) 421
d) 312 -
Which border state/country lies to the southwest of Samba district?
a) Punjab
b) Himachal Pradesh
c) Pakistan ✅
d) Haryana
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Samba District – MCQs
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Samba district was carved out from which district?
a) Udhampur
b) Kathua
c) Jammu ✅
d) Reasi -
In which year was Samba declared a separate district?
a) 2004
b) 2007 ✅
c) 2010
d) 2001 -
Which river is associated with the 1971 India-Pakistan war and flows through Samba?
a) Chenab
b) Basantar ✅
c) Devika
d) Ravi -
Which shrine in Samba is located near the International Border and attracts cross-border attention?
a) Chichi Mata
b) Baba Chamliyal ✅
c) Raghunath Temple
d) Ranbireshwar Temple -
What is the literacy rate of Samba district as per Census 2011?
a) 75.22%
b) 81.41% ✅
c) 78.03%
d) 83.17% -
Which town in Samba district is referred to as "Chhoti Kashi"?
a) Vijaypur
b) Purmandal ✅
c) Ghagwal
d) Ramgarh -
Which of the following is a major industrial area in Samba?
a) Purmandal
b) SIDCO IGC Samba ✅
c) Chhani
d) Narwal -
What is the population density of Samba district as per Census 2011?
a) 421
b) 353 ✅
c) 312
d) 278 -
Which river is considered sacred and flows near Purmandal and Utterbehni?
a) Jhelum
b) Devika ✅
c) Basantar
d) Suran -
Which of the following districts does NOT border Samba?
a) Jammu
b) Udhampur
c) Rajouri ✅
d) Kathua -
Which important lake is located near Samba and is a tourist destination?
a) Wular Lake
b) Dal Lake
c) Mansar Lake ✅
d) Gadsar Lake -
Which goddess is worshipped at Chichi Mata temple near Samba?
a) Durga
b) Kali
c) Vaishno Devi ✅
d) Saraswati -
Samba district shares an international border with which country?
a) China
b) Nepal
c) Pakistan ✅
d) Bangladesh -
Which tehsil is not part of Samba district?
a) Ramgarh
b) Purmandal
c) Hiranagar ✅
d) Vijaypur -
Which of the following personalities is a known political leader from Samba?
a) Ghulam Nabi Azad
b) Altaf Bukhari
c) Chander Prakash Ganga ✅
d) Dr. Farooq Abdullah -
What is the sex ratio of Samba district as per 2011 census?
a) 912
b) 885 ✅
c) 930
d) 902 -
Which division does Samba belong to?
a) Kashmir
b) Ladakh
c) Jammu ✅
d) Chenab -
The Industrial Growth Centre in Samba is managed by which body?
a) MSME
b) NABARD
c) SIDCO ✅
d) NAFED -
What is the total population of Samba as per Census 2011?
a) 2.91 lakh
b) 3.18 lakh ✅
c) 3.40 lakh
d) 2.74 lakh -
Which town in Samba is known for religious fairs on the banks of the Devika river?
a) Samba
b) Ghagwal
c) Utterbehni ✅
d) Bari Brahmana
Devika River – Key Points for Exams
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Devika River (also called Gupt Ganga) |
| Origin | Sudh Mahadev, Udhampur district |
| Length | Approx. 55–60 km |
| Flows through | Sudh Mahadev → Udhampur → Vijaypur → Samba → merges into Ravi River |
| Mouth/End | Confluence with Ravi River near Punjab-J&K border |
| Religious Significance | Called “Sister of Ganga”; considered sacred in Hinduism |
| Special Feature | The river flows underground in some parts of Samba, hence called Gupt Ganga |
| Projects | Devika River Rejuvenation Project under National River Conservation Plan (NRCP), launched by PM Modi in 2019 |
| Pollution Issues | Increasing urban pollution; efforts for cleanliness under river revival projects |
📌 Importance of Devika River
-
One of the sacred rivers of Jammu region.
-
Known for ritual baths especially during Shivratri & other Hindu festivals.
-
People believe bathing in Devika is equivalent to bathing in the Ganges.
-
It holds mythological and religious value, often compared with Varanasi.
-
Source of local water and culture in Samba and Udhampur.
❓MCQ Questions on Devika River (Samba District)
-
Devika River is believed to have originated from which place?
A) Mansar Lake
B) Sudh Mahadev
C) Patnitop
D) Surinsar Lake
✅ Answer: B) Sudh Mahadev -
Devika River is also known by what other name?
A) Vitasta
B) Tawi
C) Gupt Ganga
D) Vasuki
✅ Answer: C) Gupt Ganga -
Which major river does the Devika River merge into?
A) Chenab
B) Tawi
C) Ravi
D) Jhelum
✅ Answer: C) Ravi -
Devika River flows through which of the following districts?
A) Kathua and Jammu
B) Samba and Udhampur
C) Doda and Kishtwar
D) Rajouri and Poonch
✅ Answer: B) Samba and Udhampur -
Devika River is considered the sister of which holy river?
A) Yamuna
B) Brahmaputra
C) Saraswati
D) Ganga
✅ Answer: D) Ganga -
Devika River Rejuvenation Project was launched under which national scheme?
A) Smart Cities Mission
B) Namami Gange
C) National River Conservation Plan
D) Jal Jeevan Mission
✅ Answer: C) National River Conservation Plan -
In which year was the Devika Rejuvenation Project launched by the Prime Minister?
A) 2017
B) 2019
C) 2020
D) 2022
✅ Answer: B) 2019