NP ARKI

Arki was the capital of the princely hill state of Baghal, which was founded by Rana Ajai Dev, a Panwar Rajput. The state was founded around 1643 and Arki was declared its capital by Rana Sabha Chand in 1650. The Arki Fort is a converted hotel and lovely to visit. The Arki Fort was built between 1800 and 1805 by Rana Prithvi Singh, a descendent of Sabha Chand. The fort was captured by the Gurkhas in 1806. Rana Jagat Singh, the ruler of Baghal, had to take refuge in Nalagarh. From 1806 to 1815, the Gurkha General Amar Singh Thapa used Arki as his stronghold to make further advances into Himachal Pradesh as far as Kangra. The Gurkhas were, however, driven out by Rana Prithvi Singh assisted by Sir David Ochterlony and the British forces during the Gurkha War in 1815-1816. Thereafter Rana Prithvi Singh regained control of Arki. Rana Kishan Singh, who ruled the state from 1840 to 1867, developed the town of Arki in a planned manner. The Rana was a far-sighted ruler and built horse and mule..