Sunday, December 20, 2009

Etymology

Anjum Sultan Shahbaz recorded some stories of the name Jhelum in his book Tareekh-e-Jhelum as[3]:

Many writers have different opinions about the name of Jhelum. One reason is that in ancient days Jhelum was known as Jalham. The word Jhelum is reportedly derived from the words Jal(pure water) and Ham (snow). The name thus refers to the waters of a river (flowing besides the City) which has its origin in the snow-capped Himalayas.[4]

However some writers says when "Dara-e-Azam" reached a certain place on the river bank by winning the many battles, he fixed his flag on that place and called that place "Ja-e-Alam" which mean "Place of Flag". With the passage of time it became Jhelum from "Ja-e-Alam".

According to a traditional story, Hazrat Saeed Bin Abi Waqas, brother of Hazrat Saad Bin Abi Waqas, was sent to China for preaching Islam, during his journey he reached at city of Jhelum, he saw the shadow of city in water of the river and said "هذا جهيلم" (this is Jheelum), Which means "City besides river, in full moon night"

Ahmed Shah Abdali also used "Jheelum" in place of Jhelum and “Harian” for Kharian in his Diary.

Shahbaz, Anjum Sultan (September 2003). Tareekh-e-Jhelum. history of Jhelum (2nd ed.). Book Corner, Main Bazar, Jhelum. p. 92.

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