# Hardo Saharan

Hardo Saharan (Urdu: ہردو سہارن), is a town and Union Council in Wazirabad Tehsil, Gujranwala District, Punjab, Pakistan. National Assembly constituency of Hardo Saharan is NA79 (WAZIRABAD) and Punjab Assembly PP52 (ALIPURCHATHA).Union Council no. of Hardo Saharan is 17.
Hardo Saharan also known as Saharan Chattha is a village located in the Wazirabad Tehsil of Gujranwala District, in the province of Punjab, Pakistan. Situated near the Chenab River, the village benefits from fertile agricultural land, making it an integral part of the region’s agrarian economy. The village is known for its rich history, strong social structures, and a significant agricultural base, along with its deep-rooted cultural traditions.

## History and Culture

The history of Hardo Saharan is closely tied to the broader history of the Punjab region. Like many villages in this area, Hardo Saharan developed over centuries under the influence of various empires, including the Mughal Empire and later British colonial rule. The canal irrigation system, established by the British, significantly transformed agriculture in the region, facilitating higher crop yields and shaping the rural economy.
The Chattha Clan of Hardo Saharan and Manchar Chattha has a distinctive and often overlooked place in the military history of Punjab. Known for their extraordinary bravery and warrior traditions, the Chatthas are not only remembered for their role in resisting British imperialism but also for their significant opposition to the Sikh Empire itself, a chapter that highlights their fierce independence and martial prowess.

## Early Martial History and Rivalry with the Sikh Empire

The Chattha Clan has always been known for their warrior spirit, but their path diverged significantly from the Sikh Empire's. While many clans aligned with the Sikh Khalsa Army under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Chatthas maintained a defiant stance, resisting Sikh rule in the region. This resistance culminated in several key battles, where the Chatthas fought against the forces of the Sikh Empire and emerged victorious. Their military success against the Sikhs, particularly in battles documented in the epic "Chatthia de Var", was a testament to their tactical brilliance, fierce loyalty to their own clan, and refusal to bow to external power.

## Leadership and Strategic Brilliance

Two pivotal figures in the Chattha Clan's military history were Nur Muhammad Chattha and his son Ghulam Muhammad Chattha, both of whom led their forces with remarkable skill and strategic foresight. Their leadership extended not just to resisting the British East India Company later on, but also to confronting the Sikh Empire itself. The Chatthas were known for their superior knowledge of the local terrain and guerrilla warfare tactics, which gave them the edge in many of their confrontations with larger, better-equipped armies.
In these battles, the Chatthas employed fast-moving cavalry, ambushes, and terrain-based strategies to outmaneuver and overpower their enemies. They used the rugged terrain of Punjab’s rivers, hills, and forests to their advantage, making them a difficult and unpredictable force to reckon with.

## Hassan Muhammad Chattha and Clan Loyalty

Alongside Nur Muhammad Chattha and Ghulam Muhammad Chattha, Hassan Muhammad Chattha—an ancestor of Allah Ditta Chattha & Liaqat Ali Chattha (Borhwala Family) played a crucial role in the Chattha Clan's resistance not only against the British but also during their defiance against the Sikh Empire. His bravery in battle, fighting alongside his fellow clan members, strengthened the Chattha legacy as one of defiance and martial excellence. This resistance against both the Sikh Empire and the British showcased the Chatthas' unwavering resolve to protect their sovereignty and preserve their way of life, regardless of the adversary.

## A Legacy of Resistance and Victory

The Chatthas’ victories against the Sikh Empire, as well as their later resistance to the British, marked them as a unique and powerful force in Punjab's history. Their actions in "Chatthia de Var", a collection of ballads and songs recounting the clan’s military feats, continue to inspire pride and admiration. Their bravery in battles against both Sikh and British forces speaks to their unparalleled skill and independence. Even in the face of overwhelming odds, the Chatthas' warriors consistently demonstrated unmatched valor and tactical genius.
While the Sikh Empire eventually fell to the British after the Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848-1849), the Chatthas' role in these conflicts remains one of the most intriguing aspects of Punjab's martial history. Today, the Chattha Clan is celebrated not only for its contributions to resisting British colonialism but also for its fierce independence and victories against the might of the Sikh Empire, securing their place as one of the most legendary warrior clans in South Asian history.

## The Legacy of Resistance

Though the British ultimately succeeded in their conquest of the Sikh Empire after the Second Anglo-Sikh War (1848-1849), the Chattha Clan’s role in resisting the imperial forces left an indelible mark on the history of warfare in the region. Their contributions to the defense of Punjab and their valorous actions in battle are remembered as part of the broader story of Sikh resistance to British colonialism. Even today, the Chattha Clan continues to be celebrated for its contributions to the martial heritage of Punjab, embodying the spirit of courage and resilience that defined the struggle against imperial oppression.
Following the Partition of India in 1947, Hardo Saharan, like many villages in Punjab, saw demographic shifts due to the migration of Muslim refugees from India. Over the decades, the village has continued to maintain its agrarian roots while adapting to modern developments.

## Agriculture and Economy

Hardo Saharan is primarily an agricultural community, with the fertile lands of the Chenab River basin supporting the cultivation of wheat, rice, cotton, and sugarcane, among other crops. Livestock farming also plays an essential role in the local economy, with many families raising cattle, goats, and poultry for both personal use and trade. Despite challenges such as limited infrastructure and migration to urban areas, the village remains a vital part of the region’s agricultural landscape.
The Chattha Clan of Hardo Saharan and Manchar Chattha stands as a symbol of unmatched bravery and indomitable spirit in the face of adversity. Led by the fearless Nur Muhammad Chattha and his son Ghulam Muhammad Chattha, they fiercely resisted British colonial forces during the era of the Sikh Empire. Alongside them, Hassan Muhammad Chattha, an ancestor of Allah Ditta Chattha, fought valiantly, solidifying the Chattha legacy of courage. Known for their expertise in guerilla warfare and battlefield tactics, the Chatthas became legends, their names etched in history as warriors who never bowed to foreign domination. Their relentless courage continues to inspire generations, forever remembered in the saga of resistance against the British.

## Social and Cultural Life

Life in Hardo Saharan is traditionally centered around family and community. The village is home to strong social structures, with extended families living close to one another. The central mosque serves not only as a place of worship but also as a gathering point for social and religious activities. Social values are deeply influenced by family hierarchy, respect for elders, and a strong sense of community.

## Prominent Families and Personalities

Hardo Saharan is home to several prominent families, the most notable being the Borhwala family, whose legacy is deeply rooted in the region's history. The Borhwala family is known for its long-standing influence in both military and agricultural spheres. The family’s legacy began with Allah Ditta Chattha, who was a notable figure in the region, both as a landowner and a warrior. His legacy of leadership and landholding was inherited by his sons, Sayd Muhammad Chattha and Faiz Muhammad Chattha, who continued to uphold the family’s traditions of land management and community leadership.
Today, the Borhwala family continues to be influential, with Liaqat Ali Chattha leading the family’s affairs. He is considered one of the most influential and respected individuals in Hardo Saharan, known for his role in maintaining the family's social, economic, and political influence within the village and the broader Wazirabad area. Additionally, Sabir Iqbal Chattha is a well-known figure in the village, respected for his contributions to the community and local development.

## Modern Developments

In recent years, Hardo Saharan has seen gradual changes in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. While rural migration and urbanization have affected the labor force, the village still retains its agricultural importance. Efforts are being made to improve local infrastructure and provide better access to education and healthcare facilities to support the growing needs of the population.