Kotli District
Kotli
district was carved out of district Mirpur in 1975. Prior to
the present status, the district was sub-division of Mirpur
district. The district is bounded by occupied Kashmir in the
east, by Mirpur district in the south. Rawalakot lies in its
north and is bounded to Pakistan in the west.
The
district is divided in three sub-divisions/tehsils covering
total area of 1862 square kilometers. Total population of the
district according to 1998-census stands at 558000 and its population
according to 1999 projections is approx 570,000.
District Kotli is a hilly area rising gradually towards the
high mountains of Poonch district. Its climate is more moderate
than that of Mirpur due to the sub-mountainous topography. The
river Poonch passes through Kotli to be joined by a smaller
river called the Baan at Brahli, a short distance from Kotli.
Kotli city serves as the district headquarters of the district.
The district is linked to Mirpur by two metalled roads, one
via Gulpur and Rajdhani, and the other via Dhungi and Charohi.
It is also directly linked with Islamabad/Rawalpindi via Sehnsa
and Holar.
There are
two theories about the origins of the name of Kotli. One school
of thought claims that in ancient times, Prince Raja Shahswar
Khan built a small residency here and called it Kot later to
be adopted as Kotli. An another theory states that the name
is derived from the Sanskirit word Kotli which means to reside
or take up residence. At one stage the area was inahbited by
the Mangran and Solhan people and was called Kotli Solwhan,
later to be called just Kotli. Kotli is well known for its Mosques
and is often referred to as Madina-al-Masajed.
Tattapani
At a distance of 26Km from Kotli lies Tattapani, a popular tourist
and mythical destination. Thousands of people flock to the Sulphur
Springs each year in the hope to find magical cures for illnesses.
Nakyya
Nakyyal was part of Mehndar sub-division before 1947 and is
now a sub-division of the Kotli district. Situated at 1524m
above sea-level, it is 40Km from Kotli, the area is adorned
with natural beauties.
Khoi Ratt
Khoi Ratta lies 78 Km in the southeast of Kotli city. A vibrant
town, at an elevation of 2570 meters above sea level is famous
for its natural beauties. The lush green and captivating valley
Banah in the area allures the nature lovers to visit the area.
it is also famous for its natural springs and waterfalls. At
Bahees Naraha several springs emerge from the mountains. Close
to Khoi Ratta are the Bagh Fatehpur and Bagh Sain Hazuri which
are known for their natural beauty. Thousands of people flock
to Mai-ka-Makam Shrine, a distance of 4Km from Khoi Ratta, to
pay homage to Mai Toti Sahiba.
Gulpur
Gulpur is located in the southeest of Kotli, on the junction
of the Kotli-Mirpur and Kotli-Rawalpindi road.
Throtchi
Adjoining Gulpur is Throtchi famous for its castle built in
1460. It was here in 1947, that a contingent of local men headed
by Col. Mahmood defeated and chased out the Dogra army. The
Dogra soldier were beseiged at the Throtchi Castle until they
decided to make a run for Jammu. They were chased through Changpur
and Khawas villages, and some through the Mhooli river. They
were eventually caught up at a place called Dabrian, near Joona,
where a final showdown took place. Many of the Dogra soldiers
were killed in the encounter, whilst one or two who were heavily
armed managed to retreat towards Jammu. Dabrian revered as place
of national importance.
Sehnsa
It lies in the west of Gulpur on Kotli-Rawalpindi road. Sehnsa
is a sub-divisional (Thesil) headquarters of Kotli district
in the center of Sehnsa valley. It is situated at a distance
of 35 Kms from Kotli. Nearby is the scenic Bruhian surrounded
by Chir forests and natural beauty.
Area
1862 square kilometers
Population 570,000
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