Samundri (Urdu, Punjabi: سمندری) is a city and headquarters of Samundri Tehsil located in Faisalabad District of Punjab province, Pakistan.[2] It is the 55th largest city of Pakistan by population according to the 2017 census.
History
Samundri was on a major trade route during the reign of Sher Shah Suri. The present site of Samundri city was founded in 1887 as Chak No. 533 G.B. Later it was renamed as Seh Mundri because of three Hindu mandirs in the area. The word Seh means Three in Persian and a Mandir is Sanskrit word for a temple. In 1887 there were three Hindu shrines in this area but now what remains of the houses the Government Primary School No 4. Migration between India and Pakistan was continuous before the independence. By the 1900s Western Punjab was predominantly Muslim and supported the Muslim League and Pakistan Movement. After the independence in August 1947, the minority Hindus and Sikhs migrated to India while the Muslim refugees from Eastern Punjab in India settled in Western Punjab and across Pakistan.[3] Today Samundri is known for its contributions to Pakistan’s kabadi team provide dozens of big names especially from Chak 176 G.B and 478 G.B. It has many Gujjar, rajput and jatt farmers who tend to be larger in size than elsewhere.
Major crop
Sugar Cane and Wheat are the major crops of the area, While Corn is the most traded commodity in the local trade market. Rice is also grown here but due to less water availability, this crop is also vanishing as farmer choice. Vegetables are grown on many hectares and fulfilling 50% of demand.
Geography
Samundri is located at 31°03’45″N 72°57’15″E (31.063, 72.954), at an altitude of 168 metres (429 ft), and is 45 km from Faisalabad, 66 km from Jhang, 30 km from Gojra and just 15 km from Tandlianwala. The upcoming Karachi-Lahore Motorway will pass through neighborhood of Tandlianwala known as Samundari Interchange Km 1016 on Samundari-Tandlianwala Road. Then it will be easily accessible from Lahore and Multan. The Post Code of Samundari is 37300. There are famous 14 chaks of Gujjars. Majority of the population is of Gujjars. They are distinguished by their unique Punjabi accent and are recognized easily by their accents.
Economy
Samundri is home to a major grain, Whole Corn & Sugar market.
Anarkali Bazaar is the main commercial market of the city, and Jinnah Market is the oldest. Other markets in the city include Jamat Ali bazar,Katchery Bazaar, Mandi Bazaar, Nehar Bazaar, Qasim Bazaar, Kashmiri Bazaar, Sunny Plaza and Chaki Bazaar.
Samundri is also known for its custom truck painting business. Samundri is also known for its sugar cane and other agriculture products.
Languages
The population speaks Punjabi as mother tongue while the national language Urdu is also widely spoken. The Arabic is taught in Madrasahs and Masjids as religious language. English as the official language is taught in all schools.
Sports
Following sports are famous in the area.
- Kabaddi – Most of Pakistan’s Kabaddi Team players belong to Samundri.
- Football – Samundri football club.
- Cricket – Many Local Cricket Clubs are Playing And Train Since 1990.
There are many famous players in History and they belong to Samundri international players Sajjad Gujjar, Lala Abaid Ullah, Shafiq Chishti, Asad Kumbooal, and Tamur Ali. These Kabaddi players are well known and make it more famous. Chak 176 G.B is famous for Sajjad Gujjar. He has represented Pakistan Kabbadi in Four International Kabbadi world cups. He has also trained many youngsters and they are serving in different institutions like the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Airforce, Wapda as part of their Kabbadi teams.