Bhimber

Bhimber بھمبر
—  Town  —
A view of town from the nearby hill
Bhimber
Coordinates:
Country	Pakistan
Territory	Azad Kashmir
District	Bhimber District
Government
• Nazim (Chairman City)
Time zone	PST (UTC+5)
Postal code	10040
Dialling code	05828
Website	Official Website

Bhimber (Urdu: بھمبر, Hindi: भमबर) is the chief town of Bhimber District, Azad Kashmir. The town is situated on the border between Azad Kashmir and Pakistan at a distance of about 50 km from Mirpur, about 48 km from Gujrat, about 37 km from Jhelum, about 166 km from Islamabad and about 241 km from Srinagar^[1].

Contents 1 History 2 Culture 3 Geography and climate 4 Ethnic groups in Bhimber 5 Tourism 6 Transportation 6.1 Buses 6.2 Air 7 Educational Institutes 8 References

History

Famous Chinese tourist Hune Sang has talked about Bhimber in his journeys in seventh century A.D. For centuries, Bhimber has remained as capital city of Chibhal. Raja Chib Chand who was the first Chib came to Bhimber about 1400 years ago. In Chibs, the first who embraced Islam was Sirsadi who is famous as Hazrat Baba Shadi Shaheed. He died during the reign of King Aurangzeb Alamgir. The last ruler of Chibhals was Raja Sultan Khan (1800-1840). Bhimber has been important strategically. It lies on the route that was followed by the Mughal Emperors for their frequent visits to the Kashmir Valley. It is also known as "Baab-e-Kashmir" (Door to Kashmir) because of its importance and geographical location which was ideal for Mughal Emperors to enter Kashmir. Therefore, the Mughals used Bhimber as a staging point for journey to Srinagar. Mughal Emperor Jahangir discussed Bhimber in his book Tuzk-e-Jahangiri^[2].

Culture

Native people and people migrated from Samahni Valley speak Pahari. Bhimber is situated at the border of Azad Kashmir and Punjab, so Punjabi is also used.

Geography and climate

The Bhimber region is only region in Azad Kashmir which consists of plains. Its hot, dry climate and other geographical conditions closely resemble with those of Gujrat, the adjoining district of Pakistan.

Ethnic groups in Bhimber

• Arain - A minority group, mostly engaged in commercial businesses.
• Jatt - Represent biggest of the three majority ethnic groups of Bhimber. They play an active role in politics and bureaucracy. They are a tribe with a very strong history and are noble barons and landlords (Jagirdars).
• Kashmiri - Minority clans in Bhimber are Butt, Lone, Dar and Khawaja. They are the descendants of Kashmiri pundits, who belonged to the priestly caste of Brahmins and migrated from Kashmir Valley.
• Mughals - The second of three major ethnic groups. Although they are not involved in active political activities, they are highly active in the education sector.
• Rajputs - Third of the three major ethnic groups in number, they play an active role in politics and bureaucracy. They comprise of many clans mainly Chibs.
• Sheikh - Most people who classify themselves as Sheikhs in Bhimber are descendants of Brahmin, Khatri or Rajput Hindus who converted to Islam.
• Sayyids - Though a minority group they are a very active people and occupy important positions in all sectors.
• jarral rajput one of the major ethinc groups.

Tourism

Bhimber and its surrounding area is very rich in archaeological remains. There is a forest rest house in Bhimber. Famous historical and scenic sites in the town and surrounding area include:

• Famous Haathi Gate - Jahangir's elephant used to enter the town through it.
• Baghsar Fort - This ancient fort is built in Samahni Valley close to a place known as Baghsar.
• Sarai Saadabad - The Sarai is located near Bandala in the Samahni Valley. It was used as a staging camp during Mughal Era for the caravans moving from Lahore to Kashmir.
• Baghsar Lake - This lake is situated near Baghsar Fort.
• Tomb of sufi saint Baba Shadi Shaheed.
• Jandi Chontra - This is the place from where Srinagar and Lahore are at the same distance.

Transportation

Buses

Common public transport is Hiace. Daily routes include Mirpur, Gujrat, Dina, Jhelum, Gujranwala and Kharian. The coaches and coasters travel to larger cities of Pakistan including Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi and Sargodha.

Air

The nearest commercial airport was the Islamabad International Airport, which is approximately 166 km by road from Bhimber. Recently, Sialkot International Airport has become operational which is about 150 km from town. So, this is most suitable for the people. There is a small military air strip in the town.

Educational Institutes

• Army Public School & College
• Insight Model College
• Crescent Model College
• Institute of Education
• Government Post Graduate College for Boys
• Government Degree College for Girls
• READ Foundation College
• F.G. Ashiq Husain Public School
• Bhimber Public School
• Government City High School
• Government Pilot High School for Boys
• Government Girls High School
• The Learners
• Little Angels Public School
• Dar-e-Arqam School System
• Allied School System
• Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST) has a campus in Bhimber.

References

1. ^ Government of Azad Jammu & Kashmir Website. "Distance from other cities.". http://www.ajk.gov.pk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35&Itemid=71. Retrieved December 8, 2011. 
2. ^ Government of Azad Jammu & Kashmir Website. "Jahangir discussed Bhimber in his book Tuzk-e-Jahangiri.". http://www.ajk.gov.pk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35&Itemid=71. Retrieved December 8, 2011.