Hansi (Haryana)

Hansi, is a city and municipal council in Hisar district in the Indian state of Haryana. It appears that at one time Hansi was larger, more prosperous and more important than Hisar. The town has several important buildings of archeological importance. In 2016, the Haryana government put forward a proposal to carve the new Hansi district out of the Hisar district. It is believed that Hansi was founded by King Anangpal Vihangpal Tomar for his guru "Hansakar" (957 AD). Later, the son of King Anangpal Tomar, Drupad established a sword manufacturing factory in this fort, hence it is also called "Asigarh". Swords from this fort were exported as far away as to Arab countries. As per Talif-e-Tajkara-e-Hansi by Qazi Sharif Husain in 1915, around 80 forts across the area were controlled from this centre "Asigarh". A few also say that it was founded by ill daughter Hansivati/Ambavati of Prithvi Raj Chauhan though there exists no proof of Prithiviraj's daughter by that name. Hansi hoard, a large hoard of Jaina bronzes was accidentally discovered at Hansi in February 1982. These include idols that may belong to the Gupta period (319 to 605 CE), while most belonged to the 7th–8th centuries. They were apparently buried underground before the impending attack by Mahmud of Ghazni's son Mas'ud I of Ghazni in 1037 CE. Masud attacked swordsmen of Hansi and took women into slavery who were later sold at Gazni. In 1192, after the defeat of Prithvi Raj Chauhan by Mohammed Gauri, Hindu rule ended in Hansi. This was the time when non-Muslims were not permitted to settle here. Slowly, Hansi lost its importance and was remembered only as a fort. Delhi started becoming the center of attention. Hansi is listed in the Ain-i-Akbari as a pargana under Hisar sarkar, producing a revenue of 5,434,438 dams for the imperial treasury and supplying a force of 7000 infantry and 500 cavalry. It had a brick fort at the time. Shahjahan came to Hansi, met the famous Hindu saint Jagannath Puri Samadha Hansi and after his approval Hindus were allowed to settle in Hansi.