Kirana Bar (Kɪrāṇā Bār; Punjabi: کرانہ بار (Shahmukhi); Punjabi pronunciation: [kɪɾɑːnɑː bɑːɾ]) or Gondal Bar (Gōndal Bār; Punjabi: گوندل بار (Shahmukhi); Punjabi pronunciation: [ɡəndəl bɑːɾ]) is a subregion of the Bar region in Punjab, Pakistan, located between the Jhelum River and the Chenab River.

Etymology

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The region is named after the Kirana Hills, a small mountain range located in the area.[1] It is also known as Gondal Bar, after the Gondal Jat clan, who held significant influence over the region in the 18th century.

Geography and Agriculture

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Kirana Bar comprises the central and southern parts of the Chaj Doab and includes the present-day districts of Mandi Bahauddin, Sargodha, and the southern parts of Gujrat. Additionally, it extends to the western parts of Chiniot, such as Lalian, and some areas in Jhang District.[2]

The fertile lands of Kirana Bar are ideal for agriculture, particularly after the introduction of canal irrigation.[3] Even slight rainfall transforms the area into a verdant carpet of grass. The region produces superior crops compared to other parts of Punjab, especially in areas like the Sandal Bar. Moving westward towards the Jhelum River, however, the soil quality declines due to increasing salinity (kallar).[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Punjab Government (1883). Gazetteer Of The Jhang District. p. 3.
  2. ^ Punjab Government (1883). Gazetteer of the Jhang District. p. 3.
  3. ^ Soofi, Mushtaq (13 June 2014). "Punjab Notes: Bar: forgotten glory of Punjab". Dawn. Retrieved 26 May 2023.
  4. ^ Haroon Shuaib (19 March 2021). "Hafizabad: Romance of Rice". Youlin Magazine. Retrieved 26 May 2023.