Darhal Malkan, a beautiful valley situated about 23 km north of Rajouri and about 180km north-west to Jammu, the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Darhal (Rajouri) is located at 33°23′N 74°18′E / 33.38°N 74.3°E / 33.38; 74.3. The weather is moderate than that of Jammu and Srinagar.. Surrounded by gentle sloping mountains on its three sides, this bowl shaped valley looks like a naturally carved
stadium. The zig zag Darhal River originating from upper reaches of Darhal that flows down across main town towards Rajouri adds its beauty manifolds. The valley looks even more beautiful when it is covered by silvery snowfall in the winters. With a population between 40,000 - 50,000 inhabitants (as per revenue records about 35,000), Darhal has 23 panchyats spread over its 11 main villages viz. Chowkian, Sagrawat, in the west, Thanamang in the centre and Bari Darhal in the north, Dodaj and Topa in east, and Nadian, Leeran, Mulhot and Ujhan in the South. A typical Pahari culture that extends from Pakistani parts of Panjab to Himachal Pradesh through Poonch, Rajouri, Uri and up to Indian Punjab, Darhal depicts a blend of Punjabi, Dogri, Gojri and Kashmiri cultures. Pahari, Gojri and Kashmiri are main languages of area. Popularly known as Darhal Malkan or Malikan due to the fact that Maliks, a Muslim Rajput caste believed to be diverged from Mughal dynasty, predominantly harbour the main area. And as per an encyclopaedia, maximum Maliks living anywhere altogether in one place in the world are in Darhal Malkan. However, an ample number of other communities living here together for centuries make Darhal a symbol of peace, brotherhood and communal harmony. Darhal main Mosque (Jama Masjid) one of most beautiful sites in area, in the heart of Darhal town attracts thousands of devotes to assemble for weekly (Juma) prayers, besides the regular daily prayers. It houses one of two Madrassas in its premises. The other Madrassa is located in the premises of Sher-e-Kashmir Higher Secondary School, in the main town. A predominantly Muslim area, Darhal is a land of sufi saints. And a sufi saint Hazrat baba Larvi (RA) regarded this valley as his misr (Egypt) “Ya mari misr hi”(it is my Egypt). The main pilgrimage sites are Khangha of Peer Rasool Shah sahib in Chowkian, Peer Mastan Shah Sahab in Arot, Bari Darhal, Peer Jamadar sb, Topa, Khanghah Panthal near Bus Stand, in Dodaj and more importantly Khanghah of Sain Ganji Badshah in the south (10Km from Darhal and Rajouri towns) are some of famous religious sites here. Goddess “sata –Mata” (seven goddesses) is yet an unexplored site of Hinduism in the hills of Daryar (Topa), near Thanamang. Budhism and Hinduism were once predominant religions in Darhal as many ruins tell. Valley Darhal has a huge tourism potential, provided its natural beauty is brought on tourism map with certain developmental initiatives. If it is connected with Mughal road through its upper reaches, it will be shortest route from Rajouri to Srinagar. Many beautiful places like shaker marg, Khari marg, Nil sar, sukh Sar, Nandan Sar, Kal Dachni, Dood Wali sar shall not only be explored but become more accessible through future road connectivity from Darhal. The principal crops of area are maize, rice and wheat with agriculture as main occupation of majority of people here. The vegetable and pulses growing trends are also seen among the people as new way of generating income. Many people depict the tribal character of livelihood. Traditionally, they move to three places along with their cattle in an year, perhaps in the search of fodder for the cattle. They go to Dhokhs (meadows) in the upper reaches during the monsoons (mid June – mid September), stay at their main home place (where maize crop is sown) for next 3-4 months and then return downward in late winters to mang (Pahari word meaning - area where rice crop is usually grown) until they return to dhoks or homes. However, due to increasing employment and economic development in recent times, this trend has considerably been changed. So far literacy is concerned, Darhal ranks among the tops in seven Tehsils of District Rajouri. However, there are number of children especially girl who do not attend school. There are about dozen governmental and private higher secondary schools in Darhal, however, the area is yet looking forward to a degree college in near future. Politically, the area is passing through the ordeals of real and visionary leadership since independence. Last to get a Tehsil, yet no institution of Higher Education as mentioned above. Nonetheless, the area has a sub-district hospital with reasonably good facilities, and good network of road connectivity in almost every village. So far flora and fauna are concerned Darhal displays a rich Pir Panjal type biodiversity. However, due to depletion of forest covers, illegal encroachments, many species of animals have either disappeared or migrated to other areas. Nevertheless, in the recent years a return of biodiversity has been observed. A wild life sanctuary in the upper reaches can be set up to preserve the wild life of the region. Darhal is famous for its pottery (clay pots) in India. However, preserving the rich cultural heritage is a matter of concern. People of Darhal are also known for their hospitality, straightforwardness, bravery and belief in traditions. About 160 men form Darhal took part in World War 1, 5 of them gave up their lives there. A monument in their memory built at bus stand Darhal attracts visitors upon their entry into valley of peace.
