Hansi

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Hansi | type = city | latd = 29.1 | longd = 75.97
locator_position = right | state_name = Haryana
district = Hisar
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altitude = 207
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 75,730| population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone =
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Hansi is a city and a municipal council in Hisar district in the Indian state of Haryana. 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 archeological importance. It is also avery influential sub-caste of Arain.

The town

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 Archeological Survey, the present ASI, and is still in good condition, a must visit site for all archeologists.

Right in front of the Fort, ancient statues of "Jain Gods" like Mahavira and Gautama Buddha are placed. These statues are worth $1 million as calculated by the Archeologists.

History

As far as the history of this town is concerned , it find its mention in Panini's Mahabharat as "ASI/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).

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. Dr. Bhup Singh, historian, has written "Hansi ka Etias" History of Hansi, a book published by Rotary International. He has also written 2 other books and has been linked to a number of local social originations.

Shahjahan also came to Hansi, met the famous Hindu saint Jagganath Puri samadha hansi and after his approval Hindus were allowed to settle in Hansi. In addition to the Hindus, Hansi had Muslims and a few Jains (that inhabited Hansi 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.

Hansi is known for its famous sweet "Pera" which is made from milk and is sent to many other towns and cities for retail selling.

In 1947 when british India was divided into Pakistan and India, a large number of muslims from hansi including Syeds and Ranghars migrated to Pakistan from Hansi city and their villages (some of them are Balyalli, Khanig).

Geography

Hansi is located at coord|29.1|N|75.97|E| [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/10/Hansi.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Hansi] ] . It has an average elevation of 207 metres (679 feet).

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Hansi had a population of 75,730. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Hansi has an average literacy rate of 68%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 73%, and female literacy is 61%. In Hansi, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.nb jmhj

References