The Bar Region, or the Bars (Bāṛ)(Punjabi: (Shahmukhi) ; ), also known as Jatka Waseb (Shahmukhi: جٹکا وسیب ; ), is an area in Punjab, now part of the Punjab Province of Pakistan. The area consists of agricultural land that was cleared in the nineteenth century for the then 'new' canal irrigation system that the British were developing at the time. The soil of the Bar Region is fertile. The plains of fertile land have been created by the stream deposits driven by the many rivers flowing from the Himalayas. The nomadic tribes who originally inhabited the Bar spoke Jatki, a dialect of Western Punjabi, and the same dialect is still spoken throughout the Bar region today. The natural boundaries of the Bar region stretch from the Jhelum River in the north to the Sutlej River in the south. It is divided into sub-regions: the Kirana Bar between the Jhelum River and the Chenab River, the Sandal Bar between the Chenab River and the Ravi River, the Ganji Bar between the Ravi River and the old bed of the Beas River, and the Neeli Bar between the old bed of the Beas River and the Sutlej River.

Etymology

The term "Bāṛ" is commonly linked to the Sanskrit root "Vri," meaning "to cover" or "to enclose," which relates to terms like "Bár (fence)," "Bári (garden)," and "Bir (forest)." These terms are associated with boundaries, enclosures, or spaces that separate cultivated land from natural areas. Some have suggested an Arabic origin from the word "Barr," meaning barren or uncultivated land, but this connection is considered uncertain. Overall, "Bāṛ" refers to a boundary or enclosed space, often separating human settlements from wilderness or uncultivated land.

History

The Bar Region, located in present-day Punjab Province of Pakistan, has a rich and diverse history that spans several millennia, beginning as early as 6000 BC. This area has seen the rise of ancient civilizations, such as the Harappan Civilization, which flourished around 2600 BC. Over time, it evolved through various historical phases, with agricultural development and cultural shifts marking its progress. In modern day, the Bar Region remains an important part of the Punjab province, known for its fertile lands and historical significance.

Origins of Civilization

The roots of the Bar Region's history trace back to approximately 6000 BC, with early settlements like Mehrgarh in Balochistan serving as precursors to the later urbanization of the broader Indus Valley. The two greatest cities, Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, emerged c. 2600 BC along the Indus River valley in Punjab and Sindh, marking the rise of the Harappan Civilization.

Harappan Civilization

The Harappan Civilization, which flourished between 2600 and 2000 BC, reached its peak during its mature phase. Harappa, located in central Punjab, was one of the major urban centers of this civilization. It was rediscovered in the 1920s during archaeological excavations, although its ruins were partially damaged in 1857 when bricks were used for the construction of the Lahore-Multan railway. Despite this, significant artifacts and insights into urban planning and trade have been uncovered.

Decline of the Civilization

The gradual decline of the Harappan Civilization began around 2000 BC. Scholars attribute this to various factors, including climatic changes such as reduced sea levels and increasing aridity, which transformed areas like the Thar Desert. Features such as writing and hydraulic engineering disappeared, and the civilization's influence diminished, giving way to cultural shifts in the Ganges Valley.

Sub-regions of the Bar Region

Kirana Bar (Kɪrāṇā Bār; Punjabi: (Shahmukhi) ; ) or Gondal Bar (Gōndal Bār; Punjabi: (Shahmukhi) ; ) is located between the Jhelum River and the Chenab River. It includes the central and southern parts of Chaj Doab and includes the modern-day districts of Mandi Bahauddin, Sargodha, Gujrat (southern parts), and the western parts of Chiniot (such as Lalian), along with parts of Jhang District. The region is named after the Kirana Hills, a mountain range located in the area, and is also referred to as Gondal Bar after the Gondal Punjabi Jat clan that dominated the region. The land is known for its agricultural richness, particularly after the introduction of canal irrigation. Sandal Bar (Sāndal Bār; Punjabi: (Shahmukhi) ; ) is located between the Chenab and Ravi rivers, covering parts of Rechna Doab. It includes the modern-day districts of Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Nankana Sahib, Chiniot, Hafizabad, Khanewal, Vehari, Toba Tek Singh, and parts of Sheikhupura (specifically Safdarabad and Sheikhupura). The region is named after Sandal, the grandfather of the 16th-century Punjabi chieftain Dulla Bhatti, known for his rebellion against the Mughal Empire. Rai Ahmad Khan Kharal, a Punjabi Muslim chieftain of the Kharal tribe, hailed from this region and led the resistance against British rule. He was a prominent figure in the Sandal Bar, and after his martyrdom, he became a folk hero in Punjabi literature. Neeli Bar (Nīlī Bār; Punjabi: (Shahmukhi) ; ) is located between the old bed of the Beas and the Sutlej River. It includes the modern-day districts of Vehari, Pakpattan, and Okara (specifically the Dipalpur tehsil). Ganji Bar (Gaṅjī Bār; Punjabi: (Shahmukhi) ; ) is located between the Ravi and the old bed of the Beas River. This region includes the modern-day districts of Khanewal, Sahiwal, and the cities of Okara (Renala Khurd and Okara, including parts of the Dipalpur tehsil of Okara District). The area is known for its fertile soil, which became suitable for agriculture after the introduction of irrigation systems.

Districts of the Bar Region in Punjab

The indigenous people of the Bar region speak the Jatki dialect of Punjabi, which includes sub-dialects such as Jhangvi, Shahpuri, and Dhani. While Dhani is not spoken in the natural Bar region, areas outside its boundaries that speak the Dhani and Shahpuri sub-dialects are still considered part of the Bar due to cultural and linguistic ties. The following districts are classified as Bar: