Tehsil Pind Dadan Khan is the administrative sub-division of the district Jhelum, Punjab, Pakistan. It is situated on the river Jhelum’s bank. This tehsil is quite popular for Khewra Salt Mines, the largest salt mines in Asia. Pind Dadan Khan is quite an ancient city as its history dates to the times of Alexnder the Great’s invasion. The tehsil was named after Dadan Khan who was a true Sufi from the tribe of Awan.
In this blog, Graana.com has compiled a comprehensive guide to the tehsil of Pind Dadan Khan. For more details keep scrolling.
Details
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| District | Jhelum |
| TMA Headquarter | Pind Dadan Khan |
| Location | 32°27′ and 32°50′ N 72°32′ and 73°29′ E |
| No. of Union councils | 16 |
| Languages | Punjabi and Urdu |
| Population | 263,115 |
| Growth Rate (%) | 2.74 |
| Area | 875 Sq. Miles |
| Significant Crops | – Mash – Mong – Masoor – Gram – Oil Seed – Ground Nut – Rice – Sugarcane – Bajra – Maize – Wheat |
| Fruits | Citrus and Guava |
| Dialing Code | 0544 |
| Time Zone | PKT (UTC+5) |
| Climate | Humid subtropical climate |
Location
Tehsil Pind Dadan Khan is positioned at 32°35’16 North and 73°2’44 East, on the Jhelum River‘s bank. It is located 85 kilometres from Jhelum and 24 kilometres east of the Lahore-Islamabad highway.
The Mayo Salt Mine, also called the Khewra Salt Mine, is 8 km east-north of Pither Nadi, 24 km east of the Lillah-Toba interchange on the Lahore-Islamabad highway, and 6 km north of Pind Dadan Khan. The regions of Chakwal, Khushab, Mandi Bahudin, and Sargodha are bordered by them.
Popular Places to Visit
Being a historic region, Pind Dadan Khan offers some of the most visited tourist attractions. These tourist spots are not only popular among the locals but are also famous among international tourists. In the following sections, ae have mentioned all the tourist spots located in Pind Dadan Khan.
Khewra Salt Mine
The world-famous Khewra Salt Mine is situated in Khewra, north of Pind Dadan Khan. Khewra is an administrative sub-division of the district Jhelum, Punjab. The Khewra salt mine is the largest and oldest salt mine in Pakistan, and it comes on the second number worldwide. It is one of the top tourist attractions of not only Punjab but also the countrywide as well.
The history of the Khewra salt mines is quite interesting. It is said that the horses of Alexander’s troops started licking the ground, hence the presence of salt was uncovered. This happened back in 320 BC, however, the trade of salt started later in the Mughal era.
During the British administration, in 1872, mining engineer Dr H. Warth created the main tunnel at ground level. The mine was taken over by the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation after its independence in 1947. It is currently the nation’s biggest source of salt, producing over 350,000 tonnes of almost 99% pure halite annually. The mine’s estimated salt reserves range from 82 million tonnes to 600 million tonnes.
Alexander Monument
The region’s history began in 326 BC, when Alexander the Great and his army set up camp at Jalalpur Sharif, which is situated on the Jhelum River’s right bank, in advance of the momentous Battle of Jhelum, which took place against Raja Porus.
Alexander’s horse Bucephalus was killed in this fight, which took place across the river; however, his remains were recovered and interred not far from Jalalpur Sharif, after which Alexander founded a city with his horse’s name. To the east of Jalalpur Sharif, across the hills, lie the ruins of an old city.
Shrine of Pir Syed Ghulam Haidar Ali Shah
The Shrine of Pir Syed Ghulam Haidar Ali Shah, an established figure of Punjab, Pakistan (died in. 1908), is a noteworthy monument in the Tehsil. The term Sharif is commonly associated with Jalalpur because of its connection to the shrine of one of the most well-known Chishti spiritual gurus in the subcontinent.
The spiritual growth of the Muslims in Punjab was greatly influenced by Pir Syed Ghulam Haidar Ali Shah and his successors, particularly his grandson Pir Syed Muhammad Fazal Shah, who was named Amir-e-Hizbullah. They also had a significant impact on the freedom movement that ultimately resulted in the foundation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Katas Raj Temple
A historic complex of Hindu temples is in the Chakwal region of Punjab and is known as the Katas raj Mandir. The temple, devoted to Shiva, is thought to have existed since the period of Mahābhārata and was a significant location for the Pandavas during much of their banishment. The complex of temples is being considered for World Heritage Site classification by the Pakistani government.
Additionally, it suggests paying roughly Rs. 20 million for the complex’s repair in three stages. There are several historic mansions in Pind Dadan Khan of outstanding architectural significance. These buildings are worth watching because of their peculiar features like wooden balconies and skilfully constructed arched windows.
Tilla Jogian
Located on the top of the Tilla Jogian mountain in Pakistan’s Punjab province’s Salt Range, Tilla Jogian is a deserted Hindu temple and convent complex.
Before the year 1947, the compound was the most significant hub for Hindu jogis in Punjab, housing hundreds of hermits. Due to its connection to Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith, the location is also significant for Sikhs.
History of Pind Dadan Khan
From the era of Alexander the Great (326 BC), Pind Dadan Khan has a long and illustrious past. It flourished as the largest grain market in Western Punjab and the second-largest town after Amritsar under Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s rule. But carelessness and natural calamities brought it down.
Pind Dadan Khan functioned as a tehsil headquarters and subdivision during British control. It was a hub for the salt trade and had a thriving weaving and brassware business. Building boats was another significant craft. But these businesses were negatively impacted when the Mangla Dam was built, drastically reducing the water flow of the Jhelum River.
The renowned scientist Abu Rayhan Biruni first established a laboratory near Pind Dadan Khan. Sadly, this historically important location is being ignored and degrading.
Local Cuisine
Its geographical position and historical background shape Pind Dadan Khan’s distinct culinary culture. The city’s most well-liked foods are the fiery chicken curry chicken karahi and the lentil dish Channa dal, which is frequently eaten with rice. Other beloved dishes in the area are lassi, a cool drink made with yoghurt, and tandoori naan, a kind of bread baked in a clay oven.
Local street sellers and tiny eateries serving authentic Pakistani food are among the greatest locations to eat in Pind Dadan Khan. The city’s well-known halwa puri, a morning delicacy made of deep-fried bread and sweet semolina pudding, is also available for tourists to sample.
Accommodation Options
Pind Dadan Khan comes with several lodging choices to suit everyone’s personal preferences and price ranges. In the core of the region, there are multiple hostels and tiny motels that are quite affordable in rates and also offer facilities.
Transportation
Major cities like Lahore and Islamabad can easily be accessed by road from Pind Dadan Khan. In the Tehsil, rickshaws and taxis are easily available modes of public transportation. Booking a ride or renting a car is the most convenient way to go around Pind Dadan Khan.
As a result, travellers will be able to take their time and enjoy the historic attractions of the area. Anybody interested in exploring Pakistan’s historic sites and monuments must go to Pind Dadan Khan.
This city offers something for everyone with its natural marvels, cultural festivals, and rich history. Pind Dadan Khan is a location worth seeing whether you’re interested in historic temples, salt mines, or traditional Pakistani food.
FAQs Pind Dadan Khan
Following are some of the top FAQs on Pind Dadan Khan.
What is the history of Pind Dadan Khan?
The rich history of Pind Dadan Khan dates back to 326 BC, when Alexander the Great set up camp nearby prior to his conflict with Raja Porus. Under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, it thrived as a significant hub for trade.
How many villages are there in Pind Dadan Khan?
There are over 200 villages surrounding Pind Dadan Khan, according to historical data, although the exact number is difficult to determine.
What is the current population of Pind Dadan Khan?
The estimate of the population varies depending on the source. Its population is estimated to be roughly two lacs sixty-five thousand.
How far is Pind Dadan Khan from Lahore?
The distance from Lahore to Pind Dadan Khan is about 220 kilometres which is approximately 135 miles.
What is the postal code for Pind Dadan Khan?
Postal codes of Pind Dadan Khan are 49040.
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