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:: Chakwal Brief Histroy ::
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History Of Chakwal
Location
Chakwal district borders the districts of Rawalpindi and Attock in the north, district Jhelum in the east, district Khushab in the south and district Mianwali in the west. The total area of district Chakwal is 6,609 square kilometres, which is equivalent to 1,652,443 acres. As enumerated in the 1998 census, the total population is 1,083,725 of which 12.01% only were urban making Chakwal the most rural district in Punjab. [1]
Lying at the beginning of the Potohar plateau and the Salt Range, Chakwal is a barani district and the terrain is mainly hilly, covered with scrub forest in the southwest, and levelled plains interspaced with dry rocky patches in the north and northeast. The tribes, clans and castes that inhabit this area are the Awans, Jatt Bhutta, Mair Minhas Rajputs, Kahuts, Mughal Kassars, Janjua Rajputs, Gujars, Gondals, Syeds, Arains and the Sheikhs. The physical features of the district, its tribes, its society and its economy all combine to make Chakwal one of the main recruiting areas for the Pakistan Army and the Pakistan Air Force. Other main occupations of the people are agriculture and mining. Transport and poultry business is also important.
At present district Chakwal consists of 3 subdivisions - Chakwal, Talagang and Choa Saidan Shah; 1 sub-tehsil- Kallar Kahar, 23 qanungois and 198 patwar circles. The police subdivisions correspond with those of the district administration and there are 11 police stations- Chakwal City, Saddar, Kallar Kahar, Dhumman, Nila, Dhudhial, Talagang City, Saddar, Tamman, Lawa and Choa Saidan Shah. The political establishment of Chakwal comprises two seats in the National Assembly, NA-60 and NA-61, and four in the Provincial Assembly- PP-16, PP-17, PP-18 and PP-19. There is one district council, two municipal committees- Chakwal and Talagang and one town committee- Choa Saidan Shah.
The culture of Chakwal is primarily based on the way of living as taught in Islam.
Tehsils of Chakwal
In Chakwal one of the most prominent caste is Bhatti Rajputs who were the biggest landowners within the town boundaries of chakwal. Ch.Muhammad Amir Khan Bhatti is the most prominent political figure of the chakwal city who remained as Chairman Municipal Committee Chakwal and later on Tehsil Nazim. He ruled over the local politics of chakwal over more than three decades. The most prominent personalities of the Bhatti Rajputs of chakwal are Ch Shaukat Mahmood Deputy Director FIA who is well known for his highest integrity and professionalism. Ch.Noor Sultan was another great personality of the Bhatti Rajputs of Chakwal. Raja Ashraf Bhatti is another great personality. No history of chakwal could be complete without the mention of Bhatti Rajputs of Chakwal.
- Chakwal (City)
- Choa Saidan Shah
- Talagang
- Kallar Kahar
Towns and villages
Budhial
Budhial is a village located about 25 kilometres from Talagang. This a beautiful village, and has many places worth seeing, like the Chashma Ankar which is located south of the village. A book named Tareekh-e-Budhial (History of Budhial) has been written on the history of village Budhial and the different sub-castes living in it. Almost 95% of the people living in Budhial are Awan by cast. Other villages near Budhial are Patwali, Singwala, Misrial and Tamman. Budhial has an elementary school for boys, an elementary school for girls, a madrassah for boys and a madrassah for girls where girls and boys from different nearby villages are getting education.
Khoday
This village is situated in North of City Chakwal total population of this village is near about 6,000. Most of the people of this village are now residing in UK, Hong Kong And Middle East. this village is popular for ox racing in district. The biggest tribe of this village are the Awans.
Tamman
Tamman is a medium sized village, located 30 km towards west from Talagang (geographical coordinates are 33° 40' 38" North, 72° 51' 21" East).It is one of the oldest town with more than 10,000 population. It does not seem wrong, if we say that it is a town of SARDARS. It is famous for its raw and untouched beauty, which lie with in the remains of the Tethys sea bed. It gained importance because of the influential leaders and politicians that have emerged over time from this village. They all belonged to one family, the Sardars of Tamman who practically own the town. Sardars of Tamman have politics in their veins. The Tamman family, Sardars of Tamman, are influential personalities in the district and have been a part of the National Assembly since the creation of Pakistan.
Tamman is one of those developing villages where different sorts of technology is already a part of the inhabitants' lifestyle. Tamman High School, is considered as one of the most up to date high schools in the area.
Lawa
Lawa is the largest village in Asia. It is a village of Tehsil: Talagang. Its population is more than 115,000. It is one of the oldest village. It is bordered by District Mianwali. Lawins do have close ties to Distt: Mianwali. All time famous land lord of Distt: Chakwal and Distt: Attock were from Lawa. People are very educated. A Majority of the population are involved in agrobased industries and prefer to join the armed forces. They do have some what Pathan custom also. There are some members of Niazi tribe also living there. Lawa is town which include the other villages like DANDA SHAH BILAWAL, KOT QAZI, Kot qazi is growing and educated village compare to other because it is small and has not much populated Malik Zahoor Anwar in kot qazi who did SSC first time in Talagang. Danda Shah Bilawal is also one of the famous village of Tehsil Talagang because of the Shrine of Hazrat Sakhi Noori Shah Sultan Bilawal (RE) and many other Spirtual peoples live here. Recently Danda Shah Bilawal is announced as Model Village of District Chakwal due to the efforts of (Retd) Brig. Malik Fateh Khan. The District Nazim of Chakwal Ghulam Abbas and its Cabinet don't like the Development of Danda Shah Bilawal and also the most villages of Tehsil Talagang. The people of Danda Shah Bilawal and also the peoples of the villages of Tehsil Talagang don't like the Ghulam Abbas, therefore he defeated two times continuously in District Council Elections from Danda Shah Bilawal and also in all over the tehsil Talagang. Actually Ghulam Abbas is a very selfish person. He wants that only the peoples of Tehsil Chakwal and Choa Syden Shah got the benefits. One of the example of his selfishness is that he made so many small dams in his like areas but didn't give attention towards Danda Shah Bilawal Dam, whose funds have been allocated by Punjab Govt. so many years ago. Dhurnal, is another important and the 2nd biggest village of tehsil Talagang. it is an developing village of Talagang, and is backward because it is away from main locality.
Choa Saidan Shah
Choa saidan shah is the tehsil of chakwal name given to this town in the name of a famous sufi sakhi saidan sherazi choa saidan shah is a beautiful valley of chakwal this town is surrounded with hills. The Rose Water is famous of this area. The area is mountainous. The major tribes are: Janjujua Rajput, Mirza, Arrian and other helping hands families. There is cell phone facilities in all of this Tehsil. Flora and Fauna are the species. The people are mostly serving the Pak Army. There are brave peoples by nature. The famious villages of Janjua's are Ghar Makhiala, Saloi, Dendot, Mohra Rajgan, Ratoocha, Khajula and Dalwal etc.
Pira Fatehal
Pira Fatehal is a village of Talagang, the word "PIRA" is from Pothari meaning sitting or chair, while "FATEHAL" is a clan of the Awan Tribe. It is located around 15km from "TALAGANG". Its population is more than 10000, it is one of the most educated village in the area, it has a fresh water canal which is in some places especially near the village 300ft down from the ground level which make it same like a valley that is in some places 1 km in width. It is the picnic place in the area with the beautiful sites, surrounded by green small hills. It has 2 small dams. it is very famous for its tasty ground nuts. Thanks "Ikhlaqe Ahmad Awan"
Dhaular
Dhaular is a village of Tehsil Talagang, Distt: Chakwal of Punjab Province. According to 1998 census its total population was about 6500. It is one of the oldest, largest and culturally rich village of the area. It is referred to, in the famous saying: The Sword is in Dhaualr (meaning that it is the time to fight but my ammunition is not with me, rather I had left that at home). It is a part of the Pothohar Plateau. It is a fertile area but unfortunately no irrigation system is available in the entire Rawalpindi Division thanks to some unknown reasons.
Roopwal
Roopwal is the one of oldest and historic towns of Chakwal. Roopwal was a "GHALLA MANDI" a 100 years ago and there was also a defence road from Rawalpindi to Tala Gang which is now not able to use. ROOPWAL was also well known for Dog fighting & Kabbaddi 30 years ago. Located North West of Chakwal, Chakwal Talagand Road, insert a Link Road of Balkaser, Distance of 19 km and other Link Road "Dharrabi Village" Distance of 13 km, Distance from Islamabad (Capital) is about 115 km East-West & about 45 km from "Chakkri" interchange via towns "Neela Dulha". Present Ditrict Nazim Chakwal "Sardar Ghulam Abbas" is from Kot Choudharian which is mostly & locally called as "KOT ROOPWAL".
Bhagwal
Bhagwal is a famous town of the Chakwal. It has very important political town because the famous Journalist and Political Leader "Ayaz Ameer" belongs to this town. Occupation of the people of Bhagwal is mostly agriculture and about 20 percent people are employeed in Pakistan Defence Forces. In this town there is a inter college for boys, also containing a hostal. There are so many private schools and information technology centers are working for the progress of Bhagwal some like "Millat Public School" is very good private school and has a standard educadtion system and on other side of information technology the "Advance Computer Training Centre" is working for the progress of town.
Some prominent people which belong to this town are:
- Maj. Gen "Muhammad Nawaz"
- Journalist "Ayaz Ameer" Ex MPA
- Ex MNA "Ameer Bhagwalia" (late)
Occupation
Most of the people do agricultural work. The army and police are also a significant employer.
Dullah
Dullah is a beautiful village of Tehsil chakwal, it is one of the oldest villages, most of people are serving in the Pakistan army, but unfortunately a lot of work is still needed to promote literacy, some people are living without electricity, it is a fertile area but has basic irrigation system. The most important villages of Dullah Union Council is Narang Syedan where the annual anniversary of Hazarat Ghazi Sarkar is held. Many prominent names recall in mind when Dullah is discussed. Kahuts and Sardars are the most powerful tribe of this region, prominent people from this area are:
- Maj. Gen Muzaffar Kahut
- Estb Sectery Afzal Kahut
- DIG Police Muhammad Munir Kahut.
Dheryalla Kahoon
Dheryalla Kahoon is a beautiful village situated at a hill top in the valley of Kahoon. The Kahoon Valley comprises 12 villages each situated in or around 12 sub-valleys. The land scape is so attractive that the Kahoon Valley is also called Daughter of Kashmir. This village is under Tehsil Choa Saiden Shah of the Kahoon Valley and is located midway between the famous Kallar Kahar and Choa Saiden Shah sites. Its adjacent jungles are famous for Phoolai, a fragrant tree, and richness of the deer species called Harial. Unfortunately, the ill conceived erection of cement factories in the Kahoon Valley have begun to take their toll on the heavens like environment of this area.
Bilalabad (Kufri)
Bilalabad (Kufri)is the one of oldest towns of Tehsil Talagang, District Chakwal. Nowadays its population is over eight thousand persons. Before partition its dominating population was wealthy Hindus, whose businesses were spread up to Peshawar. The houses built by them are still master pieces of architect. At the present moment its major portion of population belongs to well known AWAN tribe. Beside farming a remarkable strength of this clan is performing distinguish role in Pakistan Defence Services and business. Where few years back Gentelman Cadit Umar Awan S/O Col(Rtd) Nazir awan and nephew of Wing Cdr Anwar Awan & Wing Cdr Ahmed Awan claimed "Sword of Honour" from Royal Military Academy Sandhurst U.K. this year known business tycoon Malik Falak Sher Awan of "The Awan Group of Business Developers" was awarded "Most Traveled Person (inland/overseas)" for fiscal year 2005-2006 by Pakistan International Airline.
Thanil Kamal
Thanil Kamal is one of the medium sized village in Tehsil Chakwal and renowned in the area for the incredible educational and social achievements made by the residents. It is also famous for the weekly farm animal market which has continuously operated for over 100 years. This village was never under feudal influence and ownership of the feudal landowners in contrast to the other villages all around. The first lawyer from this village, Ch Ashraf Maken, graduated as lawyer from Punjab university in 1921, a miraculous achievement considering the backwardness of the area. The renowned personalities from this village are :- Ch Muhammad Ashraf Maken Advocate. Major General Tajjamal Hussain Malik. Dr Abdul Aziz PhD Colonel Abdullah Khan. Commander Irfan Iqbal Shaheed (Navy) Colonel Muhammad Riaz Colonel Zafar Malik Colonel Muhammad Arif Colonel Mansur Ashraf Ch Mushtaq.
Food and health
The food which the people of Chakwal consume is basically simple too. In the rural areas vegetables, lentils or meat, cooked very simple in butter or ghee is eaten with roti (bread) baked from wheat flour or sometimes with rice. There is a considerable use of milk and its products. In the urban areas the staple food is the same, but continental food has also made a place for itself. Fried and roasted meat, sandwiches, patties, pizza and burgers are well liked. The people of Chakwal, owing to their simple eating habits, hard work and rough terrain, are strong and healthy. However, in the urban white collared classes, diseases, which occur because of sedentary life styles, are prevalent.
The most well known and favourite food product coming from Chakwal is a sweet called Riyori (pronounced ree-o-ree). It is about the size of an M&M. it is basically a mixture of desi ghee (clarified butter) and gurr (jaggery) covered with sesame seeds.
Occupation
Farming and farming related activities are the main occupation of the people of Chakwal. A small percentage is employed in the trading sector, a smaller as industrial and mining labour and a very small fraction is employed in technical fields like health, education, banking, engineering etc.
New motivation from the success of Information Technology has brought a lot of excellent IT professionals in IT and Telcom industry and the number is growing very fast. Chakwal has recently bestowed with Kanaish fone and trade (PVT) limited, Chakwal's first Pay Phone Company authorised by Pakistan telecommunication authority.
Dress
The dress that men, women and children of Chakwal district wear is very simple. Men generally wear shalwar qameez or dhoti kurta, a turban on special occasion, with chappals, khusas, sandals or moccasins. In the winter months they add a coat, sweater or a dhussa with it. The more educated class and the city dwellers also wear shirts with trousers, adding a coat and neck tie in the winters. Young boys can be seen wearing jeans and shirts occasionally.
Women almost invariably wear shalwar qameez with dupatta, and a woolen shawl or sweater in the winter. Saris or western dresses are never worn. Footwear consists of chappals or sandals. On occasions of festivity the Qameez and Dupatta are heavily embroidered. Ornaments of gold and silver are also worn depending on the occasion and the financial position.
Young boys wear qameez or a shirt and shalwar while young girls wear shalwar qameez or frocks with dupatta or hijab.
In matters of footwear too, the 'khussas' made in chakwal are well known and in great demand all over Pakistan. Khussas are a type of flat heeled shoe made of pure leather. the closest I can come to describing them are moccasins, except that there is no or little covering around the arch of the foot.
Historical sites in Chakwal District
Quite a number of historical sites lie in the undulations of Chakwal, the more important of which are:
Katas Raj
Katas Raj, a medieval town sacred to the Hindus, lies about 5 kilometers west of Choa Saidan Shah on the Choa-Kallar Kahar road. Its importance is derived from the fact that it contains over a 100 temples built over a period of more than a 1000 years by its Hindu Rajas. Some of these temples are dilapidated but a large number of them have been well maintained. Hindu pilgrims from all over Pakistan and India frequently visit this town to worship. Katas Raj at its peak time was the well renowned University, a famous mathematician Alberuni measured the circumference of the earth while he was studying the Sanskrit in this University.
Kallar Kahar
Lying 30 miles southwest of Chakwal on the Chakwal-Sargodha road, Kallar Kahar has always been renowned throughout the country for its peacocks and its fresh water lake and for the Takht-e-Babri, a flat stage built of stone by emperor Babar to address his army while coming down from Kabul in the quest of the crown of Delhi. During his stay at Kallar Kahar he also planted a garden, which still exists, called the Bagh-e-Safa.
With the construction of the motorway that passes by the edge of the lake, the number of tourists visiting Kallar Kahar has increased manifold, and the town surrounded by verdant hills, promises to become a tourist attraction if properly developed. A museum of fossils of the area has also been built by the Archeology Department in the District Council Rest House. Near Kallar Kahar is the beautiful village Sardhi, it is an historical Village in Distric Chakwal in this Village the famous palace of Daak Bangla. Now at this time Sardhi is a picnic point palace. In sardhi the beautiful cricket ground. In distric chakawal this ground only one of the beautiful cricket ground same like Melbourne cricket ground. In Sardhi very beautiful scenery, hills, gardens, chashmas and some other beautiful palace.
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