Kirpal Chand Katoch was the ruler of Kangra in 1691. When Mian Khan sent the chief of Jammu, Alif Khan, to collect revenue from the hill chiefs of Kangra area, Raja Kirpal Chand Katoch and Raja Dyal (of Bijharwal) submitted to Alif Khan. Bhim Chand of Kahlur refused to pay tribute. Bhim Chand sought the help of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib. Guru Sahib helped the hill chiefs and a battle was fought, at Nadaun (about 32 km from Kangra), on March 19, 1691. Kirpal Chand fought bravely. When it became dark, the battle stopped. In the middle of the night Alif Khan fled the battlefield. Kirpal Chand again fought on the side of the Mogul, in the battle of Guler (February 18, 1696). In this battle he was killed.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)