Earliest History
Gujrat was founded by Raja Bachhan Pal Gujrat in 460 BC. The city’s Raja Porus fought bravely with Alexander, the Great at the bank. Mughal emperor Jahangir died at Gujrat while returning from Kashmir. The news of his death was kept secret to avoid any rebellion. His abdominal organs were buried in Gujrat. To this day, an annual festival is held commemorating this event, commonly known as “Mela Shah Jahangir”. Gujrat was controlled by the Sikhs from 1756 to 1846 before it was annexed by British. Two major battles between British and Sikh armies were fought in this district; the ‘Battle of Chillianwala’ and the ‘Battle of Gujrat’.
Castes and Clans
Jat, Gujjar, Kashmiri, Awan, Gakhar, Khokhar, Qureshi, Mughal, Maliar, Syed and Punjabi Shaikh people are inhabited in this district.
Professions
Most people of district have their owned business. Many people are attached to the agriculture and livestock and some are in fan industry and pottery. A large number of people work in Service Industry Gujrat.
Food
People enjoy eating both traditional as well as continental food. Variety of food ranges from the traditional ‘Lahori Chargha’ to the continental Chinese, Italian cuisine etc. People are very fond of eating ‘saag’ and ‘makai ki rotti’. A number of fast food restaurants have been opened now in Gujrat.
Language
Urdu is the language spoken and understood by all. However, the majority, especially those living in the city speak Punjabi.
Sports
The city Gujrat also has a cricket stadium titled ‘Zahoor Elahi Cricket Stadium’. Cricket on regional level is played in the stadium. Other sports played by the people include squash, tent pegging, hockey and football. Kabbadi is also played by the local people.