Sandal Bar

Sandal Bar (Sāndal Bār; Punjabi: ساندل بار (Shahmukhi); Punjabi pronunciation: [ˈsændəl bɑːɾ]), also known as Jangal Bar, is a sub-region of the Bar region in Punjab, Pakistan, located between the Chenab and Ravi rivers, covering parts of the Rechna Doab.

Etymology

The region is believed to be named after Sandal Trees that once grew abundantly across the area. There is another theory suggesting that it was named after Sandal, the grandfather of the 16th-century Punjabi chieftain Dulla Bhatti.

History

Sandal Bar has been an important region in the history of Punjab, known for its role in resistance movements against foreign rule. The region is associated with several significant figures who challenged the authority of the Mughal and later British empires.

Dulla Bhatti, a 16th-century Punjabi chieftain, is one of the most prominent figures linked to this region. He led a resistance against the Mughal Empire and became a symbol of defiance and resistance to imperialism. Dulla Bhatti’s struggle has been immortalized in Punjabi folklore, and he is celebrated for his resistance to Mughal oppression.

The region has also been a source of inspiration for many great Punjabi poets, including Sultan Bahu, who was known for his Sufi poetry and spiritual teachings in the 17th century. His works continue to influence Punjabi literature to this day.

The Sial dynasty, founded by Walidad Khan Sial, also had an impact on the region in the 18th century. The dynasty, which ruled from 1723 to 1747, had Jhang as its capital and contributed to the development of local governance during its time.

Additionally, the region saw resistance against British colonial rule through the efforts of leaders like Rai Ahmad Khan Kharal, a Punjabi Muslim chieftain who led a revolt against the British in the 19th century. His resistance has also contributed to the region’s history of struggle against foreign domination.

Geography and Agriculture

Sandal Bar is located between the Chenab River and the Ravi River in Punjab, Pakistan. It is primarily situated in the lower half of the Rechna Doab, an area formed by the confluence of the Ravi and Chenab rivers. The region covers fertile lands that have been developed for agriculture through canal irrigation, particularly following the establishment of the Chenab Colony.

It includes the modern-day districts of Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Hafizabad, Khanewal, Vehari, Toba Tek Singh, and parts of Sheikhupura (specifically Safdarabad and Sheikhupura).

The fertile soil of Sandal Bar is well-suited for agriculture, with wheat, cotton, sugarcane, and rice being the main crops. The area also benefits from canal irrigation systems introduced during British colonial rule, which transformed the previously barren lands into productive agricultural fields.

Additionally, the region is home to the Nili-Ravi buffalo, a breed of buffalo found particularly in the valley of the Ravi River and sometimes referred to as the Sandal Bar Buffalo. Historically, the best specimens of the breed have been kept by nomadic tribes, who take pride in maintaining large numbers of the animals. They pay great attention to breeding, though little to feeding. The Nili-Ravi breed is known for its milking qualities.

Notable people

• Sultan Bahu – Punjabi Muslim poet
• Arshad Nadeem – Olympic Gold Medalist Athlete (Javelin thrower)
• Maulana Tariq Jameel – Pakistani Islamic television preacher, scholar
• Dulla Bhatti – 16th-century Punjabi rebel and folk hero
• Rai Ahmad Khan Kharal – Punjabi Muslim chieftain and freedom fighter

See also

• Bar region
• Chenab River
• Ravi River
• Rechna Doab
• Dulla Bhatti