|
|
|
| HISTORY OF SAHARANPUR |
| The physical features of the district have proved that Saharanpur
region was fit for human habitation. The archaeological survey has proved that the evidence of
different cultures is available in this area. The excavations were carried out in different
parts of the district, i.e Ambakheri, Bargaon, Hulas, Bhadarabad and Naseerpur etc. A number
of things have been found during these excavations, on the basis of which, it is established
that in Saharanpur district, the earliest habitants were found as early as 2000 B.C. Traces
of Indus Valley civilization and even earlier are available and now it can be definitely
established that this region is connected with Indus valley civilization. Ambakheri,
Bargaon, Naseerpur and Hulas were the centres of Harappa culture because many things
similar to Harappan civilization were found in these areas. |
| |
| From the days of the Aryans, The history of this region is traceable
in a logical manner but it is difficult at present to trace out history and administration
of the local kings without further exploration and excavations. The history of the area
goes back to ages. With the passage of time it’s name changed rapidly. During the region
of Iltutmish Saharanpur became a part of the Slave Dynasty. Muhammad Tughlag reached
northern doab to crush the rebellion of Shiwalik Kings in 1340. There he came to know
about the presence of a Sufi saint on the banks of ‘Paondhoi’ river. He went to see
him there and ordered that henceforth the place should be known as 'Shah-Harunpur' by
the name of Saint Shah Harun Chisti. |
| |
| Akbar was the first Mughal ruler who established civil administration
in Saharanpur and made it 'Saharanpur-Sarkar' under Delhi province and appointed a Governor.
The Jagir of saharanpur was honoured to Raja Sah Ranveer Singh who founded the city of
Saharanpur. At that time Saharanpur was a small village and served as army cantt area.
The nearest settlements at that time were Shekhpura and Malhipur. Most of the part of
Saharanpur was covered by forests and 'Paondhoi' 'Dhamola' and 'Ganda Nala' (Kregi Nala) were
Swampy/Marshy. The climate was humid hence it was prone to malaria. |
| |
| The city which Sah Ranveer Singh founded was surrounded by 'Nakhasa',
'Rani Bajar', ‘Shah Bahlol' and 'Lakhi Gate' along the 'Paondhoi’ River. Saharanpur was a
walled city and had four gates: |
| 1. Sarai Gate |
| 2. Mali Gate |
| 3. Buria Gate |
| 4. Lakhi Gate |
|
| The map becomes clear as soon as we survey and enter Chaudarian
mohalla (locality). The ruins of the fort of Sah Ranveer Singh can still be seen in
Chaudharian locality. |
| |
| Saharanpur passed to the British in 1803. The founders of Darul
Uloom Deoband, Actively participated in the rebellion, Organized the masses outside Delhi and, for
a while, were successful is ousting the British authority from the area of their operation. The
centre of their activities was Shamli, a small town in the present District of Muzaffarnagar. |
| |
| After 1857, The cultural and political history of muslims
revolved around Aligarh and Deoband. Kasim Nanautavi represented Deoband. Deoband represented
opposition to British, Favoured Indian Nationalism, Hindu Muslim unity and united India. Deoband
supported the revolutionary ideas of Shah Waliullah that were responsible for social and political
awakening. Maulana Nanautavi and Maulana Rashid Ahamad Gangohi established a school in Deoband
in 1867. It became popular by the name of Darul Uloom. |
| |
| They wanted to achieve religious and social consciousness by peaceful
methods. Deoband Madarsa was making efforts for the Muslims awakening and was promoting
nationalism. Thus the district became centre of activity of Deoband School Ulama. The
school played an important role in the revolutionary activities organised to turn out the
British from India. The spirit showed in the Mutiny of 1857 continued unabated. The
famous revolutionary Maulana Mahmudul Hasan was the first student of the Madarsa. |
|
|
|
