New Delhi: Rivers originating in the Himalayas—such as the Indus, Ravi, and Jhelum—flow from India into Pakistan and form the backbone of Pakistan’s agriculture and water supply. Among them, the Jhelum River holds not only strategic importance today but also a fascinating historical legacy that dates back centuries.
Recently, Pakistan has raised concerns that after a reduction in the flow of the Indus from the Indian side, the water level of the Jhelum River has also declined. This renewed attention has brought the historic river back into the spotlight, along with stories associated with its past.
The Jhelum River rises in the Kashmir Valley and flows through Pakistan’s Punjab province before joining the Indus. Along its course, the river has witnessed several historical turns. In Kashmir, the Jhelum is known for its serene stretches where turbulent waters calm down, turning emerald green and nourishing lush landscapes. A centuries-old suspension bridge along its banks still stands as a symbol of Kashmir’s enduring cultural and historical continuity.
One of the most intriguing chapters in the Jhelum’s history is linked to the region of Dhangli, located in present-day Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), near Mirpur—an area that India maintains is an integral part of its territory. Historical accounts suggest that a Hindu queen once ordered the construction of a dam at Dhangli, effectively stopping or regulating the flow of the Jhelum’s waters.
According to legend, the dam was built to control flooding and manage water resources for agriculture and settlements in the region. This episode highlights that sophisticated water management practices existed in Kashmir long before modern infrastructure and underscores the deep civilizational roots of the area.
As contemporary disputes over river waters continue to influence India-Pakistan relations, the story of the Hindu queen and the Jhelum serves as a reminder that these rivers are not just geopolitical assets but also carriers of shared history, culture, and heritage spanning centuries.