Jasrota was one of ten states founded by members of the Jammu ruling family. They were all tributaries to the Raja of Jammu. It was probably the first of those to be established, although its origin is disputed. Some sources say that it was founded by Raja Jas Dev of Jammu ( 1020–1053) and given to his brother, Karan Dev. Others say that Karan Dev was a son of Bhujdev, a ruler of Jammu, and that the state came into existence in either the 12th or early 13th century, when Karan Dev's military prowess enabled him to win over the jagirdars and landlords of the area; in this latter interpretation, Jas Dev was Karan Dev's nephew. There is agreement that Karan Dev was the founder of the ruling Jasrotia family.