The folklore of Chunian

The city of Chunian, located towards south of Lahore, is a city of tremendous historical importance as it was a major political, economical and hub during the Mughal period. Chunian was a cantonment at that time and served as a center for arms for the army. The remnants of its rich history can still be watched, lying in the western parts of the modern city.

There are a number of references to this city in archeological records as well. There are seven major mounds along the Beas River which are believed to be made during the 18^th century flooding of this river.  Though these are of little importance now, these are frequented by picnic goers.

The word ‘Chunian’, plural for Chuni or a pearl was place of residence of Chodas or the untouchables. The pearl was symbol for the Chodas who used to live here. A Muslim saint named Peer Jahania got the Chodas converted to Islam, sometime during the Mughal era. A mosque dedicated to the much revered saint is an important place for the city and point of convergence of everyone.

Police inspector Abdul Wahab Amritsari has traced the history of the city pretty nicely in his book Tehrikh-e-Cambhon. As per his book, Chunian was inhabited by the Chambo community when Muhammad Bin Qasim, an Arab ruler, attacked the region. Muslims captured entire Multan, including Chunian and the ruler was asked to pay compensation to them. The ruler’s son, Maha Chawar, was taken by Bin Qasim to Arabia as a guarantee for the full amount.

An ancient Jain temple is located along the river Beas and a Wahabi mosque is situated near it. A historical gate named Harchoki gate is situated nearby. It is dated back to the 18^th century and is named after the Harchoki village which it guards. This gate stands testimony to the 18^th century battle between the combined army of Pathans, rulers of Chunian and Kasur, against a strong Mughal army.

The city of Chunian is famous for another reason as Sassi, the heroine of popular tale of love of Sassi-Punnu, was born here. As per the legend, Sassi was born here but abandoned by her parents. She was put in a basket that reached the city of Bhambour. She later fell in love with Punnu, a traveler, but was murdered along with him by her parents.

Chunian is a nice place to be at as there are plenty of historical buildings present here that tend to take one back to the by-gone era.