Layyah District - History of Layyah

History of Layyah

Layyah District was agricultural region with forests during the Indus Valley Civilization. The Vedic period is characterized by Indo-Aryan culture that invaded from Central Asia and settled in Punjab region. The Kambojas, Daradas, Kaikayas, Madras, Pauravas, Yaudheyas, Malavas and Kurus invaded, settled and ruled ancient Punjab region. After overunning the Achaemenid Empire in 331 BCE, Alexander marched into present-day Punjab region with an army of 50,000. The Layyah was ruled by Maurya Empire, Indo-Greek kingdom, Kushan Empire, Gupta Empire, White Huns, Kushano-Hephthalites and Shahi kingdoms.

In 997 CE, Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi, took over the Ghaznavid dynasty empire established by his father, Sultan Sebuktegin, In 1005 he conquered the Shahis in Kabul in 1005, and followed it by the conquests of Punjab region. The Delhi Sultanate and later Mughal Empire ruled the region. The Punjab region became predominantly Muslim due to missionary Sufi saints whose dargahs dot the landscape of Punjab region.

The town was founded around 1550 by Jagga Jutt . Around 1610, the town was taken from the Jutt rulers by the Bhagat Singh who held it until 1787. Abdun Nabi Sarai was appointed governor by Timur Shah Durrani, but three years later it was included in the governorship of Muhammad Khan Sadozai, who transferred his seat of government to Mankera .

In 1794, Humayun Shah, the rival claimant to the throne of Kabul, was captured near Leiah and brought into the town, where his eyes were put out by order of Zaman Shah. After the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Sikh invaded and occupied Layyah District. The Muslims faced severe restrictions during the Sikh rule. During the British Raj, Layyah reduced it to the level of Tehsil headquarters - making it a part of Dera Ismail Khan. In 1901, Layyah was transferred to the new District of Mianwali. Later on, it was made part of the Muzzaffargarh district. In 1982, Layyah Tehsil was upgraded to District headquarters comprising three tehsils: Layyah, Karor Lal Esan and Chaubara. The municipality was created in 1875. The population, according to the 1901 census was 7,546. Per capita income during the ten years ending 1902-3 averaged Rs. 9,900, and expenditure Rs. 10,100. In 1903-4, the income was Rs. 10,600, chiefly derived from octroi, and the expenditure was Rs. 10,600. The chief industry of Leiah at that time was the manufacture of blankets. The town contained a dispensary and a municipal Anglo-vernacular middle school.

During the period of British rule, Layyah district increased in population and importance. The predominantly Muslim population supported Muslim League and Pakistan Movement. After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, Muslim refugees from India settled in the Layyah District.