Sargodha, The City Of Eagles
Sargodha city, the headquarters of the district with the same name, was founded in the year 1903 by Sir Malcolm Hailey, who afterwards became the Governor of the Punjab. The District of Sargodha lies between 31-300 and 32-350 North latitudes and between 72-050 and 73-150 East latitude. The whole area is part of the Chaj Doab i.e. land lying between the two rivers the Chanab and the Jhelum. The population of the District is about 3 million, with an area of 5854 sq.km, 607 feet above sea level. The District encompasses 6 Tehsils, Sargodha, Bhalwal, Kot Momin, Shahpur, Sahiwal and Silanwali. The District of Sargodha is bounded in the north by the Jhelum District, in the northeast and east by the Gujrat District, in the southwest and south by the Jhang District and in the west by the Khushab District. The climate is extreme i.e., very hot in summer and very cold in winter. The hottest months are May and June when mercury touches 52 centigrade.
The name Sargodha consists of two words, namely; ‘Sar’ and ‘Godha’, Sar, means pond or pool and Godha was the name of a Hindu hermit (jogi). As the tradition goes, there was a natural water pond on the place where, at present, a portion of the Divisional Headquarters Hospital and Municipal Office stand. Godha had put up a small hut for himself on the side of this pond. The area around it was an uninhabited ‘bar’ or bush jungle where the cattle used to graze and drink water from the pond, named after the hermit (jogi). According to another tradition, the original name of the hermit (jogi) was Lalu; Godha was the name of his tribe, and he was known as Lalu Godha. When the new city was founded, it automatically took the name Sargodha. The word Godha is probably derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yoddha’, meaning fighter. Even now there are many persons having the name ‘Jodha’ as well as ‘Godha’, both derived from the word ‘Yoddha’. So Sargodha means pond of ‘Godha’ or Abode of the Fighter. It is, therefore, not a mere coincidence that Sargodha has made a name for itself, for fighting valiantly against the Indian Air Force during the wars of 1965 and 1971, as a result of which, it has won the well-deserved title of the City of Eagles.
The city is very close to the heart of the Punjab, not just geographically but also in terms of cultural depth and diversity, now a city of about half a million. A big canal arising from the River Jhelum brought green revolution to the barren valley of Karana Hills. New settlers started pouring in, not only from the neighbouring districts but also from distant towns like Sialkot, Gujranwala and Gujrat. As a result of the partition in 1947 the Muslims from the East Punjab and the United Province (UP) added more colours to the already coloured and diverse culture of the city.
Being the District headquarters since 1940, Sargodha was upgraded to the status of Divisional Headquarters in the year 1960. Apart from being a well planned city, Sargodha enjoys the distinction of being one of the most important bases of Pakistan Air Force. There is a beautiful cantonment area marked by the Pakistan Army.
Sargodha is linked with all the major cities of the country by road and rail. The Motorway M2 has reduced remarkable time and distance; two hours travelling distance from the Provincial Capital (Lahore) and three hours from the Federal Capital (Islamabad). Train and Road Transport connections are very frequent and comfortable for all main cities of Pakistan, and maintain direct service to Peshawar, Karachi and Quetta.
The District has loamy soil and is favourable for the flora of varied types. The indigenous species of flora are as follows:
Trees: Kikar, Shisham, Jand, Wann, Karir, Ber, Malla, Lasuri, Lasura.
Shrubs: Ak, Jawain, Sarkanda, Gondi, Harmal.
Herbs: Pohli, Kandiari, Bathu, Bhakra, Lani Salooni Booti, Dahh, Murak.
With the colonization the canal system, the following new species were introduced:
Toot, sufeda, Malta, Kinno, Mango, Jaman, Nimbo, Guava, Aru, Amaltas, Neem, Dharek, Bans, Banyan, Peepal.
Among the fruit trees, citrus occupies extensive area of the District. Mango and Jaman are slos quite common.
The last decade has seen Sargodha expanding and prospering. Heavy investment was attracted in the field of industry, especially the agricultural industry. A number of national and multi-national companies have established their offices and new investment is being pumped into the city’s economy. Establishment of the University has brought about a change in the entire culture of the city. Sargodha is a smart and exceptionally cheap place to shop. Getting around the city is very easy. It has an affordable comprehensive transport network. With its lush-green and glowing citrus orchards, the District of Sargodha, the greatest citrus (Kinno) producer throughout the world, deserves the title of the “Kinno Capital of the Worldâ€, or the “California of Pakistanâ€.
