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Karna's Land
Karnal, a city in the east central Haryana, lies along the west bank of
the Yamuna River and is just
east of the western Yamuna Canal. The name is said to be derived from that
of Karna, a warrior in the ancient epic poem the Mahabharata and the
town's legendary founder. It was later annexed by the Raja of Jind in 1763
AD and was taken from him by George Thomas in 1797. The British
established a cantonment in 1811 AD but abandoned it after 30 years due to
the outbreak of malaria.
Historical Nuances
The city of Karnal said to have been founded by Raja Karna, of the
Mahabharata fame, sprang into prominence in 1739 AD when Nadir Shah
defeated Muhammad Shah at Karnal. Raja Gopal Singh of Jind seized Karnal
in 1863 AD, and the Marathas established themselves at Karnal in 1785 AD.
Skirmishes however, followed between the Marathas and the Sikhs. In 1795
AD, the Marathas finally wrested it from Raja Bhag Singh of Jind and made
it over to the George Thomas, who took part in the fight. Meanwhile, Raja
Gurdit Singh of Ladwa obtained possession of Karnal.
It was captured by the British in 1805 AD and made over to Muhamdi Khan
(Mandal). On Karnal's being formed into a British cantonment, the fort
which had been built by Raja Gajpat Singh of Jind, was taken over by the
British and converted into a residence for Dost Muhammad Khan Amir of
Kabul. The fort was used as a jail, as quarters for native cavalry and as
poor house. In 1862, it was made over to the Education Department, when
the district school was moved into it from the city.
Tourist Attractions
Karna Tank: The Karna Tank, named after Raja Karna, an unrivalled
warrior and the founder of the city of Karnal, is now being renovated and
converted into a tourist spot by Karnal municipality. It is said that Raja
Karna, who was very generous, used to give gold in alms to the needy.
Sita Mai Temple:
Situated at a distance of 19 kilometers from Nilokheri is a small village
known as Sitamai. There is an old shrine of Sita Mai built in the ordinary
form of a Hindu temple.
Devi Temple: A temple dedicated to a goddess exists on the bank of
a large tank. A Shiva temple believed to have been built by Mubarak Khan
also exists there. An old Indian gun, almost 8 feet long made of bars of
iron bound together by iron hoops. With its name 'ganj shikan' or 'fort
breaker' cast on it stood in the fort but was later on removed and
destroyed.
Cantonment Church Tower: This is a big old massive 100 feet high
tower and can be seen from a distance of several miles. A large ornamental
cross surrounds the tower. The church itself named after St. James was
dismantled with the shifting of the Cantonment to Ambala in 1841 AD.
Bhara Mal's Sarai: Constructed by Bhara Mal, it is presently
occupied by the office of the Deputy Assistant Director General (Medical
Store), Govt. of India.
Old Fort: Constructed by Raja Gajpat Singh of Jind in about 1764
A.D., it now provides accommodation for the office and residence of the
Tehsildar.
Miran Sahib's Tomb: This tomb is dedicated to the memory of a
saint, Sayad Muhammad alias Miran Sahib who died in 899 AD. He was
responsible for rescuing a Brahmin girl from the clutches of a Raja in a
pitched battle. The tomb is situated towards the extreme south of the town
and alongside it stand a small mosque and a cemetery of many members of
the Mandal family.
Gurdwara Manji Sahib: This Gurdwara commemorates Guru Nanak's
meeting with Bu Ali Shah Qalandar. Guru Tegh Bahadur also visited it on
his way to Delhi, where he was beheaded.
Dargah Nuri: There is a Dargah Nuri at village Newal on
Karnal-Kunjpura Road. This Dargah was built in memory of Hazrat Sufi Shah
Alama Nur Muhammad of Delhi, and is managed by Managing Committee of
village Newal.
Excursions
Kunjpura: Kunjpura, situated at a distance of six miles north east
of Karnal was founded by a Pathan named Nijabat Khan, who had migrated
from Kandhaar and served as Risaldar under Wazir Khwaja Nasiruddin of
Radaur, with headquarters at Taraori.
Naraina: The invading army of Muhammad Bin Sam was defeated at
village Naraina, seven miles from Karnal and three from Taraori, in 1191
AD by united Hindu armies under Prithvi Raj Chauhan, the king of Delhi.
Taraori: The village of historic interest is eleven miles north of
Karnal. Prince Azam was born to Aurangzeb here and the place was renamed
as Azamabad. Aurangzeb constructed a wall around the town, a mosque and a
tank, which exist to this day. Basmati rice grown here is the finest in
the country and is exported to foreign countries.
Basthali: It was at the village of Basthali, 27 kilometers from
Karnal that the sage Vyas lived. The village bears his name. Legend has it
that the sacred Ganges flowed underground into his well to save him the
trouble of going to the river to bathe in its waters.
Gondar (Gautam Rishi): At Gondar 26 kilometers from Karnal Gautam
Rishi is said to have caused the spots in the moon and gave Indra his 1000
eyes.
Bahlolpur (Prashir tank): It was in the Parasir tank at Bahlolpur
that the warrior Duryodhana hid till Krishna's jeers brought him out to
fight, and this is still the most celebrated of tirathas of this part.
Anjanthali: There is a temple dedicated to Anjana, mother of
Hanuman.
Shamgarh: It is believed that one Kirpal Singh got Shamgarh from
Raja Gurdit Singh of Ladwa in reward for the services rendered to the
confederation of Sikhs. The Sikh chief of Shamgarh exercised sovereign
powers and had exclusive jurisdiction over the subjects even for offences
committed in British territory until the British assumed criminal and
police jurisdiction in 1833 AD.
Assandh: The village lying 27 miles to the south-west of Karnal on
the Karnal-Jind road, is said to be the capital of the kingdom of
Jarasandha, one of the warriors mentioned in the Mahabharata.
Indri Shish Mahal: Indri Pargana was first included in Kaithal
district but was transferred to Karnal district in 1862 AD. Some of its
villages had, however, formed part of the Ladwa State ruled by a Sikh Raja
Gurdit Singh. In ancient times Indri (then known as Indergarh) was an
independent fortress, " Shish Mahal" the ruins of which still
stand today.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
How to Get There
Rail: Karnal is an important city on Delhi-Ambala Rail Line &
Sher Shah Suri Marg (G.T.Road), connected with all important places in the
country. Connected by rail with Delhi (south) and Amritsar (northwest),
Karnal is an important trade centre.
Road: It is 123 kilometres from Delhi & 130 kilometres from
Chandigarh.
Where to Stay: Hotels & Restaurants
Jewel, Kunjpura Road: has a restaurant, fast food and a foreign
exchange facility.
Karna Lake Tourist Complex: Run by Haryana Tourism, located just
off the highway has deluxe huts, a restaurant and boating.
Oasis: has 2 camper huts and a cafeteria.
Click Here for District Map Of Karnal
City
Click Here for Road Map Of Karnal
City
Click Here for Railway Network
Map Of Karnal City