Katoch

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

In past centuries, they ruled several princely states in the region. The titular Maharaja of Kangra-Lambagraon is acknowledged as being the head of the clan. 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 (now in Himachal Pradesh ).

The Katoch Dynasty has four branches:

1. Jaswal clan
2. Guleria clan
3. Sibaia clan
4. Dadwal clan

Raja Ram Singh of Sibaia clan defeated the army of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and re-captured the fort of Siba State. The British attempts to conquer the Siba State were thwarted by Sunder Singh (Kanwar ji), brother of Raja Ram Singh.

At present, Raja Adityadev Chand Katoch is the present Senior head of Katoch Clan Rajputs, Raja Maheshwar Chand Katoch the junior head of Katoch Clan Rajputs. Raja Chain Singh is the head of Jaswal clan, Raja Dr. Ashok K. Thakur is the head of the Sibaia clan, and Kanwar Deepak Singh is the head of Dadwal clan. The seat of the head of Guleria clan is vacant since 1956.