The historic town of Hansi in Haryana has been officially granted district status, marking a significant administrative revival after a gap of nearly two centuries. This move reinstates the importance of a town deeply woven into the spiritual and cultural fabric of northern India, most notably as the workplace of the revered Sufi saint, Baba Farid.
A Legacy Restored: Hansi's Historical Significance
Hansi's history as an administrative centre is long and storied. According to historian and D N College professor Mahendra Singh, the British, after occupying Haryana in 1803, established Hansi as an administrative headquarters and granted it district status. Hisar was declared a district much later, in 1832. The historical roots of Hansi run even deeper, predating Hisar by several centuries. Hansi was established in 735 AD, while Hisar was founded in 1354 AD.
Professor Singh explained the region's administrative evolution, noting it was known as an 'Iqta' (a land grant for service) during the Delhi Sultanate and a 'Pargana' (local administrative unit) under Mughal rule. The British later formalized its role as a district centre. After about 29 years, Hansi lost its district status, which has now been restored after a wait of 193 years.
The Spiritual Heart: Baba Farid and Communal Harmony
Hansi is not just an administrative entity; it is a powerful symbol of India's syncretic traditions. The town served as the workplace of Fariduddin Masood Ganjshakar, popularly known as Baba Farid, a towering Sufi saint born on April 8, 1188, in Kothewal village near Multan. After early education in Multan and studies under his spiritual guide, Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiya Kaki in Delhi, Baba Farid made Hansi his home.
Baba Farid is a monumental figure representing Hindu-Muslim unity. His spiritual appeal transcended religious boundaries, earning deep respect from Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. After his guru's death in 1235, Baba Farid succeeded him but chose to reside in the Punjab region (now in Pakistan), further cementing his pan-regional influence.
Administrative Reshaping: The Division of Hisar District
The creation of Hansi district is the latest chapter in the ongoing reorganization of the region's map. Over the past 52 years, the original Hisar district has been divided into multiple administrative units. The process began with Bhiwani becoming a separate district on December 22, 1972.
The subdivision continued with Sirsa on September 1, 1975, and Fatehabad on July 15, 1997. More recently, Charkhi Dadri was carved out of Bhiwani on January 22, 2016. The restoration of Hansi's district status is a recognition of its unique historical and cultural identity, setting it apart from these newer administrative creations.
This decision is seen as a tribute to the town's ancient heritage and its enduring role as a beacon of communal harmony, finally giving it the administrative standing it held centuries ago.
