Saadat Pur Explained

Saadat Pur
Other Name:Saatper
Pushpin Map:Pakistan
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Pakistan
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: Pakistan
Subdivision Type1:Region
Subdivision Name1:Punjab
Subdivision Type2:District
Subdivision Name2:Gujrat District
Subdivision Type3:Tehsil
Subdivision Name3:Sarai Alamgir
Subdivision Type4:Union Council
Subdivision Name4:Massom Pur
Subdivision Type5:Houses
Subdivision Name5:100
Subdivision Type6:Main Cast
Subdivision Name6:Gujar
Leader Title:Numberdar
Leader Name:Chaudhary Akmal
Population Total:1000
Coordinates:32.9°N 118°W
Timezone:PST
Utc Offset:+5

Saadat Pur (Urdu: ﺳﻌﺎﺩﺖ ﭘﻮﺮ) (pop. 1,000) is the major village of the Tehsil Sarai Alamgir. It is part of Gujrat district in the north of Punjab province. The village is located on the eastern bank of the Upper Jhelum Canal and is located on road connecting Sarai Alamgir and Mirpur.

Geography and climate

Saadat Pur is located at (32.900000, 73.750000) and lies at an altitude of 248 metres (818 ft) above sea-level.

The Village as a whole has a moderate climate. In summer, temperatures can reach 45 °C, but the hot spells are comparatively short. The winter months are very pleasant with temperatures rarely falling below 2 °C.

History

The ancient history of the region has seen it participate in the Indus Valley civilization and the Gandhara Civilization. At a later date, the Battle of the Hydaspes took place nearby, between the armies of Alexander the Great and the Indian king Porus.

The actual Village of Saadat Pur was founded by the Saadat Khan who migrated to this place and inhabited the area. This place was chosen because of its ideal location on the Upper Jhelum canal and the road connecting Sarai Alamgir and Mirpur providing easy access to main markets.

Saadat Pur gained its prominence when the Upper Jhelum canal was created from Jhelum river; Saadat Pur village was provided with bridge that linked villages situated on either sides of new canal. Hence enabling other close by villages to use the route. The village became hub of activities i.e. establishment of Saadat Pur Market (commonly known as PUL), Saadat Pur Post Office, branches of two leading commercial banks and a High School for boys.

Castes living in Saadat Pur

Main caste of the village is Gujar. The history of different castes started when Saadat Khan a Gujar by caste (and Khatana by sub caste) along with his family came to the region and started using land for agriculture. Newly settled family was threatened by Jats of a nearby village. To establish a strong community and Gujar dominance in region Saadat Khan invited another Gujar caste Phambare from nearby region giving 50% of the land. Latter Saadat khan invited third Gujar caste Chauhan and offered then 50% of his remaining land.

Apart from Gujar caste, different artisan castes were also allowed to live in village and provide services to Gujar clan. these included Masali for doing labor work, Nayee for Hair cutting and food making, Kasbi for making cloths, Kumhaar for making food utensils, Mauchi for making shoes.

Transport

See also: Transport in Pakistan. The nearest international airport is at Rawalpindi, about 143km (89miles) away. A good two lane road connects village to Sarai Alamgir from where passengers can use railway station and the Grand Trunk Road. Also same road leads to Mirpur in opposite direction providing connections to different cities of Azad Kashmir

Sites of interest

The town Lies between the ancient town of Sarai Alamgir and the Mirpur. Nearby are the sites of the Jagu Head, Mangla Dam, River Jhelum, and the huge Rohtas Fort.

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Notes and References

  1. http://www.saraialamgir.com/ Sarai Alamgir, City of Pioneers, Business Directory by Shahid Mahmood
  2. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/361994/Mangla-Dam Mangla Dam (dam, Pakistan) - Britannica Online Encyclopedia