In the ancient historical geography of the Western Himalayas, the region known as 'Jalandhara' or 'Jalandharapitha' encompassed not only the plains of Punjab but also extensive hill territories that included parts of which modern district in Himachal Pradesh?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The ancient religious and political entity of Jalandhara extended deep into the lower hills, prominently incorporating the Kangra and Una valleys, as evidenced by texts like the Puranas and Tantric literature where Jalandhara is revered as a major Shakti Peetha. This hilly tract served as a bridge between the plains of the Indus river system and the high mountain passes leading to Tibet. The historic Baijnath temple and Jawalamukhi shrine are situated within this cultural sphere.