PUNJAB HISTORY

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               Punjab has a long history. Archiologist have traced the earliest traces of life in the region to about 7000 B.C . The Indus valley civilization grew from small village and settlements to highly refined urban life. At its height, around 3000 B.C., it boasted the splendid cities of Harrapa (Near present Day Sahiwal in West Punjab) and Moen-jo Doro in the lower Indus valley. The majestic past of the cities is silently told by the ruins of the civilization . Perhaps we will never know the reasons of  the
decline of  such glorious past .

Aryan Migration :-
              Amoung other reasons , one of the reasons of  the decline of  Indus Valley Civilization could be a series of raids or small scale migration from North-West between 1500 B.C to 100 B.C . The next thousand years of the history of Punjab is dominated by the Aryans . They used to call it Arya-Varta or the land of Arya . Here is where the oldest books of human history called the Rig-Vedas are supposed to have been written. The Aryans spoke Sanskrit , which became common language of the people .

Easternmost Satrapy of the Persians :-
              The location of Punjab was on the outskirts of the Great Persian empires . It was often attacked by the Persian rulers . The Persian King Darius the great was able to occupy some parts of Punjab . But he was Persian King Gustasp who completed the occupation of Punjab in 516 B.C . . Soon, Punjab became the wealthiest of all the Satrapies i.e provinces of the Persian kingdom .
              At that time the greatest rival of the Persians were the Greeks . They also had their designs on India. Persian emperor Darius I appointed Skylax , the Greek to explore the area around Indus for its commercial viability . Skylax later wrote a book "Peripulus" in which he mentioned about the area and its richness . Hectaeus (500 BC) and Herodotus (483-431 BC) also wrote about the ``Indian Satrapy'' of the Persians. In Greek maps we find the mention of the mightiest of river of all the world called the Indos (Indus) and its tributaries of Hydaspes (Jehlum), Akesines (Chenab), Hydroatis (Ravi), Hyphasis (Satluj) and Hesidros (Beas).

Alexanders's Invasion :-
             The legendary king Great Alexander of Greece had an ambition . Ambition of Conquering the World . Around 321 B.C after crushing the might of Persians , he entered India through its North-West frontiers . The place, which is modern day Punjab, was then under the rule of Persians and was the richest place on earth .
              Alexander invited all the local rulers of Punjab to submit to his authority . Some of the rulers did the same , but the ruler of the kingdom between rivers Hydaspes(Jehlum) and Akesines(Chenab) , the legendary king Porus , refused to submit to his authority . He was a true Indian and was not willing to disgrace National honour by giving in to Alexander's unreasonable demands . As a result , fierce battle took place . Both sides suffered heavy casualites . Porus lost his sons and got injured. In the end Alexander's forces took over Punjab and they brought Porus to Alexander's court .

               Here the legendary conversation took place . Alexander asked Porus "How should I treat you ?" . Porus shot back
``In the same way as a king treats another king.'' . Alexander was struck by his genius and bravery . He returned the kingdom back to Porus .
                Alexander as with his other occupied areas established two cities in the area of Punjab, where he settled people from his multi-national armies which included a majority of Greeks and Macedonians. These cities along with the rule of the Indo-Greek thrived long after Alexander's departure.

               Alexander's Eastern empire (from Syria to Punjab) was inherited by Selecus Nicator, the founder of Seleucid dynasty. However the Greek empire in the east was disrupted by the ascendency of the Bacterians. The Bacterian King Demetrius I added Punjab to his Kingdom in the second century BC. The best known of the Indo-Greek kings was Menander who established his independent kingdom centered at Taxila in 170 BC. He later moved his capital to Sagala (The modern Sialkot). Menander soon captured territories east of his kingdom and grew to rival the power of Bacterians. Menander died in a vain attempt to conquer Bacteria in 130 BC. Menander's successors maintained the their rule on Punjab till 55 BC when the whole area was disrupted by the events happening in greater Euro-Asia.

              In the middle of the second century BC, Yui Chi tribe of modern China began to move westward which caused in turn to Sakas or Scythians to move. Northern Sakas successfully wrestled the power of the areas from the Indo-Greeks. Another Central Asiatic people to make Punjab their home were the white Huns who made continuous campaigns towars this part of the world. Finally establishing their rule in the later 3rd century AD.
               
Muslim Invasions :-
               Following the birth of Islam in Arabia in 6th century AD, Arabs rose to power and replaced the Persians as the major power in the area. In 711-13 AD Arabs advanced to the land of five rivers, occupying Multan. Further north the area that survived the Arab attcks was divided into small kingdoms.

               Meanwhile in Ghazni after the death of Subuktgin, the Turk, his son Mahmud assumed power in 997 AD. He was to expand his father's kingdom far to the west and east of Ghazni through his military conquest. He was to attack Punjab 17 times during his reign. The Ghaznavids were uprooted by the Ghauris who extended their rule as far as Dehli. Shahabuddin Ghauri annexed Lahore to his kingdom in 1186. After Ghauri's death his governor Qutbudin Aibak became an independent ruler of Punjab and founded the Mamluk sultenate. Khiljis' replaced the Mamluks in 1290. The rule of Khiljis was briefly disrupted by the two successful raids by the Mongols who marched their way to dehli twice during Alauddin khilji's rule. tughluqs succeeded Khiljis in 1320 AD. Tughluq rule was replaced by the Sayyids in 1414 AD. Lodhis gained control of Dehli in 1479 AD.

               After that Mugals came and captured relatively the whole of India and remained in power for about 250 years .

The Rise of Sikh Power :-
                During the 15th century , Punjab was inhabited by both Hindus and Muslims . There were very serious differences between them . Frequent clashes between members of these religions were a common thing . During these times , in 1469 A.D , Guru Nanak was born at Talwandi, now in Pakistan .  He was to show the world a new light , the path of brotherhood amoung Hindus and Muslims . Soon he became famous accross Punjab and thousands of people started following his teachings . His followers were called the "SIKHS" .

                Guru Angad Sahab Ji succeeded Guru Nanak in 1539 .He was followed by Guru Amardas Sahab Ji,Guru Ramdas Sahab Ji, Guru Ajan Dev Sahab Ji, Guru Har Gobind Sahab Ji, Guru Har Rai Sahab Ji, Guru Har Krihan Sahab Ji, Guru Teg Bahadur Sahab Ji and finally by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

                After Guru Gobind Singh Ji , the Sikhs started following the holy book, Shri Guru Grandh Sahab Ji, written and compiled by all the Gurus . All the Gurus gave only one message . There is only one God. Only the methods of worshiping him differ. Ram for Hindus and Rahim for Muslims are basically same.          
        
                The 10th Guru was Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He was a true warrior . On 13th April 1699 , he He modified his Sikhs to a community , different from normal Hindus . From now on , Sikhs were required to keep long hair on head and beard . They were also required to wear a Pagdi i.e. a Turban .

                  He faught several battles with Mughal emperor Aurangzeb , who was forcefully converting Hindus to Muslims . He gave the people of Punjab a sense of pride . He was a great leader of  men . He converted an ordinary looking Sikh community to a community of  Warriors . After he passed away in 1708 A.D , the Sikhs started worshiping the Guru Granth Sahib , the holy book , which contains the vanis( i.e sayings ) of all the 10 Gurus and other spiritual leader of that time .

                   Around 1757 A.D , both Punjab and Sind , had fallen to Ahmad Shah Abdali's rule . But they were confronted with the rising power of the Sikhs in Punjab . Taimur Khan , an Afgan Governer, faught several small battles with the Sikhs and was able to turn them away from Amritsar .He razed to the ground the fort of Ram Rauni. But this state of affairs did not last long and the sikh misal joined hands and defeated Taimur Shah and his Chief minister Jalal Khan. The Afghans were forced to retreat and Lahore was occupied by the Sikhs in 1758, Jassa singh Ahluwalia proclaimed Sikh's sovereignty and became its head. He struck coins to commemorate his victory.

                   When ahmad Shah Abdali was engaged in his campaign against the Marathas at Panipat in 1761, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia plundered Sirhind and Dialpur, seized some places in Ferozepur district and took under his possesion Jagraon and Kot Isa Khan on the other bank of Sutlej. He captured Hoshioarpur and Naraingurh in Ambala and levied tribute from the chief of Kapurthala. He then marched towards Jhang. Sial chief offered stout resistance. When Ahmad Shah left in Feb 1761, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia again attacked Sirhind and extended his territory as fas as Tarn Taran. He crossed Bias and capture Sultanpur.

                   Ahmad Shah died in June 1773. After his death power of Afghans declined in Punjab. Taimur Shah ascended the throne at Kabul. By then misals, had established themselves in Punjab. They had under their control the area as far as Saharnpur in east, Attock in west, Kangra Jammu in north and Multan in south. Efforts were made by Afghan rulers to dislodge Sikhs from their citadels. Taimur Shah attacked Multan and defeated the Bhangis. The Bhangi sardars, Lehna Singh, and Sobha singh were driven out of Lahore in 1767 by the Abdali but soon reoccupied it. They remained in power in Lahore till 1793-the year when Shah Zaman succeeded to the throne of Kabul.

                    Ahmad Shah died in June 1773. After his death power of Afghans declined in Punjab. Taimur Shah ascended the throne at Kabul. By then misals, had established themselves in Punjab. They had under their control the area as far as Saharnpur in east, Attock in west, Kangra Jammu in north and Multan in south. Efforts were made by Afghan rulers to dislodge Sikhs from their citadels. Taimur Shah attacked Multan and defeated the Bhangis. The Bhangi sardars, Lehna Singh, and Sobha singh were driven out of Lahore in 1767 by the Abdali but soon reoccupied it. They remained in power in Lahore till 1793-the year when Shah Zaman succeeded to the throne of Kabul.

                    Shah Zaman could not sit idle. In 1796 he moved, crossed Indus for the third time and dreamt of capturing Delhi. His ambition knew no bounds. By now he had collected 3000 strong afghan army. He was confident a large number of Indians will joing with him. Nawab of Kasur had already assured him help. Sahib Singh of Patiala betrayed his countrymen and declared his intentions of helping Shah Zaman. Shah Zaman was also assured help by the Rohillas, Wazir of Oudh, and Tipu Sultan of Mysore. The news of Shah Zaman invasion spreadlike wild fire, people started fleeing to hills for safety. Heads of Misals, though bound to give protection to th epeople as they were collecting Rakhi tax from them wer the first to leave the people in lurch. By December Shah occupied territory upto Jhelum. When he reached Gujarat Sahib singh bhangi panicked and left the place.

                    Next was the territory of Ranjit singh. He was alert and raised an army of 5000 horsemen. But they were inadequately armed with only spears and muskets. The afghans were equipped with heavy artillery. Ranjit singh thought of a stiff united fight against the invaders. He came to Amritsar. A congregation of Sarbat Khlasa was called and many sikh sardars answered the call. An almost unanimous opinion prevailed that Shah zaman's army should be allowed to enter the Punjab, and they all should retire to hills.
                    Forces were reorganised under the command of Ranjit singh and they marched towards Lahore. They were able to gave Afghans a crushing defeat in several villages and ultimately sorrounded the city of Lahore. Sorties were made in night in which they would kill a few Afghan soldiers and then leave the city in the thick of darkness. Following this tactic they were able to dislodge Afghans at several places.

                    In 1797, Shah Zaman, suddenly left for Afghansistan as his brother Mahmud had revolted. Shahanchi khan with considerable force was left at Lahore. The Sikhs however followed Shah upto Jhelum and snatched many goods from him. The Sikhs returned and in the way were attacked by the army of Shahnachi khan near Ram Nagar. The Sikhs routed his army. It was the first major achievement of Ranjit Singh. He became the hero of the land of Five Rivers and his reputation spread far and wide.

                     Again in 1798 Shah Zaman attacked Punjab to avenge his defeat in 1797, people took refuge in hills. Sarbat Khalsa was again called and Sada Kaur again pursueded Sikhs to fight till the last man. This time even muslims were not spared by Shah zaman forces and he won Gujarat very easily. Sada Kaur aroused the sense of Sikhs of national honour and if they had left Amritsar then she will command the forces against Afghans. She said an Afghani soldier was no match to a Sikh soldier . They would be give befitting reply and by the grace of Sat Guru they would be successful.   

                     The Afghans had plundered the towns and villages as they had vowed and declared openly that they would exterminate the Sikhs; but in the process the Mulsims suffered most as Hindus and Sikhs had already left for the hills. The Muslims thought that they would not be touched but their hopes were belied and their provisions were forcible taken away by the Afghans. Shah Zaman sought help of raja Sansar Chand of Kangra, that he will not give any food or shelter to Sikhs. He agreed. Shah Zaman attacked Lahore and sikhs were sorrounded from all sides, they had to fight a grim battle. The Afghans occupied Lahore on Nov 1798, and planned to attack Amritsar. Ranjit Singh collected his Men and faced Shsh forces about 8 Km from Amritsar. It was a well-matched encounter which forced Afghns at last to retire. They were humilated and fled towards Lahore. Ranjit Singh pursued them and sorrounded Lahore. Afghan supply lines were cut. Crops were burnt and other provisions plundered so that they did not fall into Afghan's hands. The Afghans never expected such a humilating defeat at the hands of Sikhs. Nizam-ud.din of Kasur attakced Sikhs  near Shahdara on the banks of Ravi, but his forces were no match to sikhs. Here too, Muslims suffered the most. The retreating Afghans and Nizam-ud-din forces plundered the town which antagonsed the local people.

                  The Afghans struggled hard to dislodge siks but in vain. Sikh cordon was so strong that they made impossible for the Afghans to break it and proceed towards Delhi. Ranjit singh became terror to them. The moment Zaman Shah left, Ranjit singh pursued his foces and cought them unawares near Gujranwala. They were chased furhter up to Jhelum. Many Afghan were put to death and their war equipment was taken into possesion and they were made to run for their lives. Shah Zaman was overthrown by his brother and was blinded. He became a helpless creature and 12 years later came to Punjab to seek refuge in Ranjit singh's darbar, who was now the ruler of land. Life sometimes can take such turns also !!

                  Ranjit singh combined with Sahib Singh of Gujrat (Punjab) and Milkha Singh of pindiwala and a large Sikh force, fell upon the Afghan garrison while Shah Zaman was still in vicinity of Khyber Pass. The Afghan forces fled towards north after having been routed by the Sikhs leaving behind at Gujrat their dead including the Afghan deputy

                  By this time the people of the country had become aware of the rising strength of Ranjit singh, the rising star on the horizon. He was the most popular leader of the Punjab and was already yearnig to enter Lahore. The people of Lahore being extremely oppressed raised their voices of wailing to the skies and were looking towards their liberator. Muslims joined Hindus and Sikh residents of Lahore in making an appeal to Ranjit Singh to free them from the tyrannical rule.

                  A petition was written and was signed by Mian Ashak Mohammad, Mian Mukkam Din, Mohammad Tahir, Mohammad Bakar, Hakim Rai, and Bhai Gurbaksh Singh. It was addressed to Ranjit singh to free them from Bhangi sardars. Ranjit singh was invited to liberate lahore as early as possible. He mobilised a 25000 Army and marched towards Lahore on July 6, 1799.

                   It was a last day of Muharram when a big procession was to be taken out in the town in the memory of the two grandsons of Prophet Mohammad who were martyred in the battlefield without having a drop of water. It was expected that Bhangi sardars will also participate in procession and mourn with their Shia brethren. By the time procession was over Ranjit singh had reached outskirts of city.

                   Early morning on July 7 1799, Ranjit singh's men had taken their positions. Guns glistened and the bugles were sounded. Rani Sada kaur stood outside Delhi gate and Ranjit singh proceeded towards Anarkali. ranjit singh rode along the walls of the city and got the wall mined. A breach was blown. . It created pani and confusion. Mukkam Din, who was one of the signatories to the petition made a proclamation with the beat of drum that town had been taken over by him and he was now head. He ordered all the city gates to be opened. Ranjit singh entered the city with his troops through the Lahori gae. Sada kaur with a detachment of cavalry entered through Delhi gate. Before Bhangi sardars had any inkling of it, a part of the citadel ws occupied without any resistance. Sahib singh and Mohar singh left the city and sought shelter at some safer place. Chet singh was left either tofight, defend the town or flee as he like. He shut himself in Hazuri Bagh with only 500 men. Ranjit singh's cavalry sorrounded Hazuri Bagh and Chet singh surrendered and he was given permission to leave the city along with his family.

                   Ranjit singh was well entrenched in the town now. Immediately after taking possesion of the city, he paid visit to Badashahi mosque. This gesture increased his prestige and his status was in the eyes of people. He won the hearts of the subjects, Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs alike. It was July 7, 1799 when victorious Ranjit Singh entered Lahore.

                    During the rein of  Maharaja Ranjit Singh , the Sikhs had even ruled on Afganistan . The Sikh religion flourished and the territorial boundaries increased . Ranjit Singh constructed many Gurdwaras . He constructed the famous Sachkhand Sahib at Nanded in Maharashtra . He also covered the famous Har Mandir Sahib (Golden Temple) with Gold .

                     After his death in 1839, the Sikh governers started fighting with each other for supremacy . Slowly the Sikh kingdom started declining and the British took over it .

The British and the Post Independence Era :-
                      The British ruled Punjab for 200 years like the rest of India . During this period they committed many atrocities
on the locals . Many of  the Freedom Fighters of  the Great Indian Freedom Struggle were from Punjab . Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev , Lala Lajpat Rai, Udham Singh were some of the brave sons of  this soil who laid down their life for the country . In addition thousands of unsung heros sacrificed themselves in the "Jalia Wala Bagh" incident . 

                       At last on 15 th August 1947 , India became independent . But it came at a heavy price . The Great Indian nation was partitioned on the basis of  religion into two states of  India and Pakistan . Western Punjab was dominated by Muslims and went to Pakistan while Eastern Punjab was dominated by Hindus and Sikhs and remained in India .Hindus and Muslims with people of other religions had lived here for ages . Although there were some differences between them , still the common culture and traditions joined them

                        As agreed by Indian and Pakistani leaders , the minority Hindus and Sikhs in Pakistan would be allowed to live there only and the Muslims would be allowed to live in India . The Indian government followed the decesion but their Pakistani counterparts did not control the Muslim mobs in their side . Thousands of  Hindus and Sikhs were mercilessly killed in the Pakistani Punjab . Then its repercussions followed in Indian side of  Punjab . What followed after that, had never happened in the civilized history of  human beings . Around 500,000 people were killed from both sides . Another 50 million people had to migrate to other side of the border . Hindus and Sikhs started migrating from Pakistan to India and Muslims from India to Pakistan .

                        Slowly and surely things started getting to normal . Soon big-hearted and hard working Punjabis made Punjab the jewel in the crown of India .

                         Punjab was again divided into the states of  present day Punjab,Haryana and Himachal Pradesh for administrative reasons in 1966 .

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