Hansi is a fortified town of medieval era, now in modern administrative system it falls in Hisar District of Haryana.
Early History of Hansi
Panini mentioned about this town as Asi/ Asika in Mahabharata, Indian epic. The city is still in controversy regarding its origin. Some believe that the city was founded by Prithvi Raj Chauhan`s ill daughter while others say King Anangpal Tomar founded it for his guru "Hansakar". In 1192, Mohammed Gauri defeated Prithviraj Chauhan resulting the end of Hindu rule. During this time Non-Muslims were not permitted to settle in the city of Hansi. As a result Hansi lost its importance and is remembered only as a Fort. Delhi became the centre of attraction and Hansi lost its importance.
Medieval History of Hansi
The Mughal Emperor Shahjahan also came to Hansi and it is said that he met the Hindu saint Jagganath Puri and after his approval Hindus were allowed to settle in Hansi and as a result people belonging to different castes as Jain, Saini, Brahmins, came here during the mughal rule. In 1705, Guru Gobind Singh came to Hansi and he inspired Hindus to revolt against the indiscrimination shown to them. In 1707, Veer Lakshman Singh (Banda Singh Bahadur) attacked Hansi and it came under the Maratha rule in 1736 and in1761, after the third Battle of Panipat was lost to Ahmad Shah Abdali.
Modern History of Hansi
It is said that an Irish Adventurer George Thomas become an independent king of Hansi and made Hansi his capital. In 1802 Hansi came under the domination of the British East India Company. From 1819-1832, Hansi was District HQ which was later shifted to Hisar in 1832. In 1947, when the British India was divided into India and Pakistan, a large number of Muslims migrated to Pakistan.
Geography of Hansi
Hansi is a semi-arid city. The city experiences a rainfall of about 46cm. The city is located at a distance of 16 miles east of Hisar District on National Highway 10.
Economy of Hansi Hans is famous sweet product "Peda", which is made from milk, is sent to many other towns and cities for retail selling like Delhi, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Mathura and Himachal Pradesh.
Hansi- a Fortified Town
The city of Hansi has five gates to enter Delhi. They are the Delhi gate at the East, Hisar gate at the West, Gosain gate at North-West, Barsi gate at South and Umra gate (South west). The important trait of this town is that the altitude increases as we enter there from any of the gates. Another important trait of the city is its fort, which is extended to an area of acres. The fort is square in shape. The fort belonged to King Prithvi Raj Chauhan. Later a sword manufacturing industry was established in this fort. The swords manufactured here were exported even to Arab countries. During the period of Firoz Shah Tughlaq, an underground tunnel was constructed connecting the present Hansi to Hisar District.
