Home Journal List Journal of the Punjab University Historical Society Volume 27 Article Details

THE SALT RANGE THROUGH THE CENTURIES

Abstract

The paper surveys the interplay of the powers through this very unique area being the gateway to the South Asia in general and the Punjab in particular. In the recent history of the previous millennium to the advent of the 19th century it was a crossroad of the major powers from North West presenting a scene of continuous warfare and large scale plundering. It was only after subduing and the crossing of this wearisome terrain that the whole of the sub-continent was just like a plate before the intruders and then the rivers of honey and milk were waiting for them. But the advent of the Sikh rule under Maharaja Ranjit Singh saw the interdict of such incursions which had been a frequent trait since ancient times. The study would take into account these circumstances all through the period above mentioned till it was taken over by an alien colonial power, the British. The difficult terrain and the warlike tribes were really the formidable factors to decide the tress passing. So every intruder had to negotiate with them through the warfare or diplomacy. Keeping in view these situations an attempt has been made to explore certain facts and counter the fallacies connected with this area and its inhabitants. The important decisive factors being the Pind Dadan Khan Valley and the Khokhar tribe are the main concerns which are discussed during this study.

Download