The Himachal Pradesh government has set about trying to split its largest district into four, an idea that has found as many opponents within the ruling party as it has found supporters. Kangra, whose population constitutes more than a fifth of the state’s 68.56 lakh, is steeped in history, apart from holding the key to power with 16 Assembly seats. It is mentioned in the Mahabharata as the kingdom of Trigarta, its history is closely tied with Rajput dynasties of the hills, it is the birthplace of Param Vir Chakra winner Major Somnath Sharma, and it includes Dharamsala, known worldwide for its Dalai Lama connection.