Bhaderwah was ruled by its native rulers up until 8th century AD. During the 10th-11th centuries AD, it came under the rule of
Ananta and Kalsha of neighbouring Kashmir. The region finds mentions in the 12th century chronicle, Rajatarangini. Local hill chieftains or
Ranas of the Pal clan (originally Chanderbansi Baloria Rajputs from Billawar princely state) ruled the area during the 8th-16th centuries AD. The lineage of Pal rulers started from Raja Radhik Pal, (son of Raja Bhogpal of Balor and brother of Sadhkpal who was given principality of Basohli) followed by his son Bhadra Pal (named after Bhaderkali temple constructed by Raja Radhik Pal), Prithvi Pal, Ajay Pal, and many more. According to folk history, a local ruler named Nag Pal impressed Mughal emperor
Akbar in the 16th century with his spiritual prowess, compelling the emperor to make several offerings to him. The event is since commemorated annually during a celebration known as
Mela Patt, on
Naga Panchami. By the end of the 16th century, it was annexed by the rulers of
Chamba, who exercised influence over the Pal
Rajas. In 1820, the cousin of last ruler of Pal dynasty, Raja Pahadchand, ascended the throne and fought against Chamba forces who were led by Wazir Nathu. Raja Pahadchand won the battle but Wazir Nathu attacked again on Bhaderwah with the help of the Sikhs and captured Bhaderwah. The Raja of Chamba gave the throne of Bhaderwah to his younger brother Parakram Singh. After the death of Parakram Singh, Raja
Zorawar Singh was made Governor of Bhaderwah. Many Kashmiri shawl weavers, settled in the town, during this time. The region became part of the
Dogra Kingdom of
Jammu and Kashmir following the
Treaty of Amritsar in 1846, according to which the possessions of Chamba state to the west of
Ravi river, including the Bhaderwah principality, were given to
Gulab Singh.
Dogra rule In 1886, Bhaderwah was bestowed as a
jagir to Amar Singh, prime minister of the Dogra Kingdom, by Maharaja
Pratap Singh. In 1890, the first census was conducted in Bhaderwah. Amar Singh exercised control over the
jagir until his death in 1912, following which it passed onto his son
Hari Singh, who would later become the Maharaja of the princely state. Bhaderwah's status as a
jagir ended in 1930, and it was fully absorbed into the princely state, becoming a tehsil of district Udhampur in 1931. The Jagir comprised Bhadarwah,
Bhalessa and the vast area left of river Chenab from
Thathri up to Marmat (Doda). ==Culture==