Hansi
From Jatland Wiki
Hansi (हांसी), also called asigarh, is an ancient town in the Hisar District in the state of Haryana in India. It was founded by Asa Ram Jat. It was earlier called Asi which became Hansi. Even today it is known as Asi by the locals. According to Thakur Deshraj, The Asiagh people were inhabitants of Asirgarh. One group of them migrated to Europe. Another group moved to Jangladesh. The origin of word Asiagh is from Sanskrit word "Asi" meaning sword. According to Kautilya the people who depended on "Asi" (sword) for their living were known as Asiagh.
Its 2005 population is estimated to be 82,984. It is located at a distance of 16 miles east of Hisar on National Highway 10. Geographically, it is semi-arid with around 46cm of annual rainfall. It appears that at one time Hansi was larger, more prosperous and more important than Hisar. The town has several important buildings of archaeological importance.
Hansi fort
The city of Hansi has five gates of entry - Delhi Gate (East), Hisar Gate (West), Gosain Gate (North-west), Barsi Gate(South) and Umra Gate (South west). The peculiarity of this town is that its altitude increases after entry from any of the gates. Deserts guard this city towards its west (cities like Tosham, Devsar, Khanak).
Another prominent feature of this ancient city is its fort. Extended in an area of 30 acres, it is square in shape and has security posts in all the four corners. The fort is said to be that of Great King Prithvi Raj Chauhan. Later, son of King Anangpal, Drupad established sword manufacturing factory in this fort, hence it is also called "Asigarh". Swords from this fort were exported as far away as to Arab countries. As per Talif-e-Tajkara-e-Hansi by Qazi Sharif Husain in 1915, around 80 forts across the area were controlled from this centre "ASIGARH". During the period of Firoz Shan Tuglaq, an underground tunnel was constructed connecting the present Hansi to Hisar. Gate of fort has horrifying figures of gods, and pictures of gods, goddesses, birds can also be seen on the walls of the fort. The entry gate of the fort was built by George Thomas. This fort was declared a Protected Monument of National Importance in 1937 by the Archaeological Survey, the present ASI, and is still in good condition, a must visit site for all archaeologists.
Right in front of the Fort, ancient statues of like Mahavira and Gautama Buddha are placed. These statues are worth $1 million as calculated by the Archaeologists.
History
As far as the history of this town is concerned , it find its mention in Panini's Mahabharat as Asi or Asika . Though the origin of this city is wrapped in controversies, some prominent names and documentary proof like "Majkura Hansi" describe it as being founded by ill daughter Hansivati/Ambavati of Prithvi Raj Chauhan. Others say it as being found by King Anangpal Tomar for his guru "Hansakar"(957AD). Even one Asaram Jat also projected as its founder.
In 1192, after the defeat of Prithvi Raj Chauhan by Mohammed Gauri, Hindu rule ended here. This was the time when non-muslims were not permitted to settle here. Slowly, Hansi lost its importance and is remembered only as a Fort. Delhi started becoming the center of attention.
Shahjahan also came to Hansi, met the famous Hindu saint Jagganath Puri and after his approval Hindus were allowed to settle in Hansi. Some, now prominent castes in this area viz. Jain, Saini, Brahmins, came here during this mughal rule.
Guru Gobind Singh came to Hansi in 1705 and inspired Hindus to revolt. In 1707, Veer Lakshman Singh (Banda Bahadur) attacked Hansi and punished muslims. Hansi was under Maratha rule in 1736 and after 3rd battle of Panipat in 1761 was lost to Ahmed Shah Abdali.
George Thomas (soldier), an Irish adventurer who rose from an ordinary sailor to become an independent king, formed Hansi as his capital. Hansi came under British East India Company rule in 1802. From 1819-1832, Hansi was District HQ which was later shifted to Hisar in 1832.
We do not come across any specific date, when this town came into being. It was in existence much earlier than 11th century. We do come across some references about this town being taken over by Muslim invaders around that time. The fort of Hansi was known as virgin fort and no body could capture it before 11th century. Now also we can see the fort in north of town in ruins. It is located at great height. It was ruled by Prithvi Raj Chauhan and Rajia Begum. There is a canal which is in north of town and supposed to be the work of Firoj Shah Tuglak when he established the town of Hisar in 14th century. Many idols belonging to Jainism and Hinduisms have been found in recent times in the fort.
The town of Hansi was the capital of Haryana in ancient times and the boundary of Haryana was from south of Satluj, present Haryana and western UP. After the Mughals established in Delhi, it fell in the hands of Mughals and remain so till beginning of 19th century, when it was take over by George Thomas. He remained there till Britishers took over from him in 1803 under the command of col. Skinner. Skinner's horse was also raised here. There is some property owned by skinners even today. It was the largest center for cotton ginning before partition .
Reference
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