Bhimber
| Bhimber بھمبر | |
|---|---|
| Door to Kashmir | |
|
Panoramic view of Bhimber | |
  Bhimber | |
| Coordinates: 32°58′50″N 74°04′10″E / 32.980645°N 74.06943°ECoordinates: 32°58′50″N 74°04′10″E / 32.980645°N 74.06943°E | |
| Country | Pakistan |
| Territory | Azad Kashmir |
| District | Bhimber District |
| Established | 7th century AD |
| Government | |
| • Nazim (Chairman City) | Chaudhary, Zain |
| • City Administrator | Raja Shahid Anwar[1] |
| Population (2014) | |
| • Total | 461,000 |
| Time zone | PST (UTC+5) |
| Postal code | 10040 |
| Dialling code | 0092-05828 |
| Website | Official Website |
Bhimber (Urdu: بھمبر) 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 (31 mi) from Mirpur, about 48 kilometres (30 mi) from Gujrat, about 37 kilometres (23 mi) from Jhelum, about 166 kilometres (103 mi) from Islamabad and about 241 kilometres (150 mi) from Srinagar.[2]
History
During the seventh century AD, the celebrated Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, translator and pilgrim to India Hsuan Tsang mentioned Bhimber in his works. The works of Hsuan Tsang were translated into English in 1884 by Samuel Beal a scholar from England.
Bhimber has remained capital city of Chibhal, named after Raja Chib Chand the eldest son of Raja Partab chand Katoch who came to Bhimber and established the state after marrying local ruler`s daughter in 1400 A.D. Chibs are direct descendents of Raja Chib Chand Katoch.[3][4][5]
In Chibs, the first who embraced Islam was Shadaab Khan who is famous as Hazrat Baba Shadi Shaheed. His Hindu name was Raja Dharm Chand Chib. The last ruler of Chibhal 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. There live different caste peoples, in which mostly are Jatt secondly Rajpoot and 3rd are Mughal and some Gujjar and others.[6]
Culture
Majority of people speak Punjabi and people migrated from Samahni Valley speak Pahari. Bhimber is situated at the border of Azad Kashmir and Punjab.
Geography and climate
Bhimber is a valley. Its hot, dry climate and other geographical conditions closely resemble with those of Gujrat, the adjoining district of Pakistan.
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:
- Baghsar Fort – This ancient fort is built in Samahni Valley close to a place known as Baghsar.
- Baghsar Lake – This lake is situated near Baghsar Fort.
- Famous Haathi Gate – Jahangir's elephant used to enter the town through it.
- Jandi Chontra – This is the place from where Srinagar and Lahore are at the same distance.
- 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.
- Tomb of Sufi saint Baba Shadi Shaheed.
Transportation
Road
Bhimber is connected with the rest of the country through well built road network. 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 Gujranwala.
Rail
There is no railways station in Bhimber, the nearest railways stations are that of Gujrat, Lala Musa Junction and Kharian City & Cantt.
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 102 km from town. So, this is most suitable for the people. There is a small military air strip in the town.There is a military Heliport in APS Bhimber.
Educational institutes institutes
Bhimber is well known for its Marticution And Intermediate level of Education Under AJK Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education. A lot of students from nearby areas come here daily to get education and tution from following institutes. Schools and colleges
- EFA School System kashmir campus
- ALBERUNI School
- Allied School System
- Army Public School & College
- Bhimber Public School
- Crescent Model College
- Dar-e-Arqam School System
- F.G. Ashiq Husain Public School
- Faran Institute of Technology
- Government City High School
- Government Degree College for Girls
- Government Girls High School
- Government Pilot High School for Boys
- Government Post Graduate College for Boys
- Insight Model school College
- Institute of Education
- Khan Muhammad Khan College Of Education & Technology
- Little Angels Public School
- Minhaj-ul-Quran Public School
- READ Foundation Degree College
- The Learners
- Muslim Hands Model School
- Science Foundation High School
Universities
Notable personalities
- Raja Muhammad Zulqarnain khan
- chaudhary Sohbat Ali (Late)
See also
References
- ↑ http://www.bhimbernews.net
- ↑ Government of Azad Jammu & Kashmir Website. "Distance from other cities.". Retrieved 8 December 2011.
- ↑ Gulabnama of Diwan Kirpa Ram: A History of Maharaja Gulab Singh of Jammu & Kashmir, page 41
- ↑ History of the Punjab Hill States "by Hutchison and Vogel, reprinted edition, 2 volumes in 1 CHAPTER XX IV. 1933 AD
- ↑ The Ancient Geography of India by Alexander Cunningham page 134 1871
- ↑ Government of Azad Jammu & Kashmir Website. "Jahangir discussed Bhimber in his book Tuzk-e-Jahangiri.". Retrieved 8 December 2011.