HISTORY OF HANSI

As far as the history of this town is concerned, it find its mention in Panini's Mahabharat as ASI/ASIKA as it was area of Asiagh Jats. Though the origin of this city is wrapped in controversies, some prominent names and documentary proof like "Majkura Hansi" describe it as being founded by ill daughter Hansivati/Ambavati of Prithvi Raj Chauhan. Others say it as being found by King Anangpal Tomar for his guru "Hansakar" (957AD).

A large hoard of Jaina bronzes was accidentally discovered at Hansi in February 1982. These include idols that may belong to the Gupta period, while most belonged to 7–8th century. They were apparently buried underground before the impending attack by Masud in 1037 CE. Masud put to sword men of Hansi and took women into slavery who were later sold at Gazni.^[1]

In 1192, after the defeat of Prithvi Raj Chauhan by Mohammed Gauri, Hindu rule ended here. This was the time when non-Muslims were not permitted to settle here. Slowly, Hansi lost its importance and is remembered only as a Fort. Delhi started becoming the center of attention. Dr. Bhup Singh, historian, has written "Hansi ka Etias" History of Hansi, a book published by Rotary International. He has also written 2 other books and has been linked to a number of local social originations.

Shahjahan also came to Hansi, met the famous Hindu saint Jagganath Puri samadha hansi and after his approval Hindus were allowed to settle in Hansi. In addition to the Hindus, Hansi had Muslims and a few Jains (that inhabited Hansi during this Mughal rule).

Guru Gobind Singh came to Hansi in 1705 and inspired Hindus to revolt. In 1707, Veer Lakshman Singh (Banda Bahadur) attacked Hansi and punished Muslims. Hansi was under Maratha rule in 1736 and after 3rd battle of Panipat in 1761 was lost to Ahmed Shah Abdali. Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia in 1780s also Took this area under his Control fro some years and then Left it.

Raham Ali ibn Mohammad Hussain ibn Maulana Abul Khair of Palwal was martyred along with Aulia Khan Balooch at Pargana Hansi.^[2] Raham Ali was brother-in-law of Qazi Syed Mohammad Rafi.

George Thomas (soldier), an Irish adventurer who rose from an ordinary sailor to become an independent king, formed Hansi as his capital. Hansi came under British East India Company rule in 1802. From 1819–1832, Hansi was District HQ which was later shifted to Hisar in 1832.

Hansi is known for its famous sweet "Pera" which is made from milk and is sent to many other towns and cities for retail selling.

In 1947 when British India was divided into Pakistan and India, a large number of Muslims from hansi including Syeds and Ranghars migrated to Pakistan from Hansi city and their villages (some of them are Balyalli, Khanig). Pakistani cricket player Inzamamul-Haq's parents migrated to Pakistan after partition.^[3]

Hansi was also the headquarters of Colonel James Skinner CB (1778 – 4 December 1841) the Anglo-Indian military adventurer in India, who became known as Sikandar Sahib.