Jhang (Punjab)

 

Jhang is located at the confluence of the Chenab river and the Jhelum river at Trimmu Barrage, on the east bank of the Chenab river. It is accessible from Faisalabad at the distance of 76 km via Jhang Faisalabad Road, otherwise turn right from Lahore-Karachi National Highway - N5 from Chichawatni via Toba Tek Singh at the distance of 90 km.

Large part of Jhang is plain cultivable land, except Kirana Hills near the River Chenab. The Chenab River flows in the middle of the district and divides into two equal parts. The Jhelum River enters into city to west of the Chenab and flows toward south until meets the Chenab River at Domel. A part of Jhang extends to the Thal Desert extends from the bank of the Jehlum River to the districts of Khushab and Bhakkar.

The old name of the region was Jhand Sial due to its rulers and large percentage of population are are the Sial. It was founded by Maharaja Rai Sial, also known as founder of the Sial Tribe, in 1288. The area was ruled by them since until its last ruler Ahmad Khan Sial was defeated by Ranjit Singh. After that, it was just called as Jhang.

The Kirana Hills, also known as Black Mountains, is a small and rocky mountain range between Sargodha and Rabwah. It is an attractive and beautiful place in Sargodha City. It is the highest peak in this area at an elevation of 980 feet. Wild boars are also available surrounding the hill.

The Thal area is entirely different completely covered in sand dunes as compare to other alluvial lands. The color of the soil in this region is light reddish brown. There are some patches of good soil, where some bushes and tree are grown. Due to some rain, grass does grow that dry out after the rain days.

Jhang is famous for production of high quality rice due to fertile land of the Jhelum and Chenab rivers. This high quality production of rice plays an important role in the exports of country.

The land of Jhang district is also better for the growth of various trees such as kikar, shisham, ber, jand, ukanh, pilu, and sohajna. Kikar and shisham wood is best for furniture making, whereas some trees have medicinal benefits.

Due to thickness of forest some of the areas due to trees and different shrubs, number of animals such as wolf, hyena, wild cat, hare, and wild pig are much common there. Instead of mammals, different species of birds as well as reptiles such as cobra are also commonly available.

The shrine of Sultan Bahu, a sufi poet and scholar, is situated in Jhang and large number of people from various areas of Pakistan visit it every year. He was 17th century Punjabi Sufi poet, historian, and scholar. There are more than forty books on Sufism belong to him, however, its Punjab poetry had become more famous. His shrine is located in Garh Maharaja in Ahmedpur Sial in the Jhang district. The most important feature of his shrine is relocating the position of the shrine. Due to the Chenab River changed its course, there was need to relocate shrine two time in past. His body remained intact with water both of the times and that was witnessed by those present at the time. His annual Urs or celebration is conducted from the first to 10th of the Islamic month of Muharram.

Another most important attraction is the tomb of Heer Ranja, who were the main characters of the most famous local romantic story. The tomb of Heer Syal and Dheedo Ranjha, who lived during 15th century, is situated on Faisalabad Road in the Jhang city. Tomb was constructed after few years of their death. Both of them are buried in single grave in the square shape building with a dome and small turrets at the corners. The dome is open but there will be no rain inside the tomb through the dome. In 1766, Waris Shah, a Punjabi poet, had written poetic narrations of their tragic story. There annual Urs is held during the Islamic month of Muharram.

Head Trimmu is located just after the confluence of the Chenab River and the Jhelum River. It is good place for fishing and boating. Three canals are originated from the Head for the purpose of irrigation in the surrounding areas as well as restoring the deficiency of water in the eastern rivers after the Indus Water Treaty between Pakistan and India.

The weather becomes extreme hot in the summer season and hot wind blows consistently. In winter season, weather becomes cool and pleasant with frosty night. In monsoon, there is considerable amount of rainfall between July to September.