Himachal Region Katoch Rulers of Kangra Singara Chandra Deva c. 12th–13th century CE Copper AE Jital

Katoch Rulers of Kangra, Singara Chandra Deva, c. 12th–13th century CE, Denomination: AE Jital, Composition: Copper, Weight: 3.65 grams, Diameter: 13 mm. Reference: Tye 70, Extremely fine, Scarce.

Obverse: Stylized horseman right

Reverse: Nagari legend in 3 lines: Maharaja/ Sri Singara/ Chandra Deva

Singara Chandra Deva was a Katoch Rajput ruler of Kangra, active during the c. 12th–13th century CE, a shadowy phase of early medieval north Indian history. His authority lay in the hill regions of Himachal Pradesh, where the Katoch dynasty traditionally ruled Kangra (Trigarta) and exercised influence over adjoining areas such as Jaswan, Guler, and Datarpur. Kangra, dominated by the massive Kangra Fort, was among the strongest fortresses in the Himalayan foothills. After the establishment of Islamic rule in the plains, the Hindu kings of Kangra remained largely isolated, leaving few inscriptions or chronicles. Consequently, rulers like Singara Chandra Deva are primarily known through scarce coins, such as his AE jital, which preserves his royal title and confirms continued Katoch sovereignty in this obscure transitional period.