Hansi
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Hansi is an ancient town in the Hisar District in the state of Haryana in India. Geographically, it is semi-arid with around 46cm of annual rainfall. 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. 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.
The city of Hansi has 5 gates to enter- 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 as we enter city 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. Fort is said to be 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 even 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.
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). 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 casts 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.
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).
