The website is voluntary development initiative of Attitude Change International, a Darhal based Peace NGO,  to link Darhal Malkan, an unexplored paradise, where our head quarters are located, the politically less privileged area, we belong to,  and the valley of peace from where we launched our peace mission, with the rest of world.

Darhal Malkan, a beautiful valley situated about 23 km north of Rajouri and about 180km north-west to winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Rajouri is 157 km north-west of Jammu and 89 km south-east of Poonch.

Surrounded by gentle sloping mountains on its three sides, this bowl shaped valley looks like a naturally carved stadium. The Darhal River originating from upper reaches of Darhal that flows down through main town towards Rajouri (adds its beauty manifolds.  

With a population between 40,000 - 50,000 inhabitants (as per revenue records 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 Pakastini 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 nowadays. Pahari, Gojri, Kashmiri are main languages of area.

Popularly known as Darhal Malkan or Malikan due to the fact that Maliks, a Muslim Raput 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 is Darhal Malkan. However, an ample number of other castes/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) “Ye mari misr hi”. 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.

Godess “sata –Mata” (seven goddesses) is yet an unexplored site of Hinduism  in the hills of Topa from near Daryar in Thanamang area. Budhism and Hinduism were once predominant in the area as many ruins tell.

The principal crops are Maize, rice and wheat with agriculture as main occupation of majority of people here. However, an enough number now rely a government jobs.

So far literacy is concerned Darhal tops among seven Tehsils of District Rajouri. However, there are number of children especially female children who do not attend school and there is urgent need to send these children to schools. There are about 10 higher secondary schools, governmental and private ones, ironically there is not a single institution of higher education in this area. Despite having a maximum feeding area, Darhal remained only Tehsil in District Rajouri without a degree college displaying a political tyranny to the generations of area.

Politically, the area is still 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 are self explanatory so far our leadership at state level is concerned.

Darhal is famous for its Earthen/clay pots in India. However, preserving the rich cultural heritage is a combined duty of all those concerned.

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 gave up their lives.

The ever peace loving people of Darhal welcome you in the world of Darhal.

We hope this website will serve as window for both Darhalis and rest of world (friends of Darhal)  to know more about each other for greater good.