Located in the province of Punjab in Pakistan, Gojra is the administrative capital of Gojra Tehsil, and a part of Toba Tek Singh district. This city is known for its vibrant commercial centre and agricultural products.
In this article, Graana.com discusses the history, culture, and economy of the city.
History of Gojra
The British arrived during the mid-19th century, and established their rule over the Indian subcontinent. In 1896, the British founded Gojra, which served as a commercial centre for the surrounding region. It continued to flourish and, in 1899, a railway track was developed here, connecting it to the rest of the region.
In 1904, it was declared a notified area, and was later designated as a B-Class Municipal Committee in 1925. After the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, it became a part of Pakistan. It continued to grow, and was upgraded to a 2nd Class Municipal Committee in 1960.
In 1982, it became a tehsil when Toba Tek Singh was established as a district. The tehsil comprises 132 villages and 24 union councils. In 2001, after the adoption of the Devolution of Powers Scheme, the Gojra Tehsil Municipal Administration was established.
Today, Gojra is a bustling city that serves as a hub for agriculture and commerce in the region. It is home to a rich history and culture, with several landmarks and historical sites that showcase its past. It continues to grow and evolve, adapting to the changing times while preserving its heritage.
Origin of Gojra
There are two legends regarding the name of the city: one tradition attributes the city’s name to the seven or eight Gujjar brothers who were running the family business in this locality; and the other relates it to a Hindu-origin word Gao Shala or Gao Charah (which means ‘grazing field of cows’).
Geography
Gojra is located between the river Ravi and river Chenab, and is 1,526ft (465 m) above sea level. The metropolitan area covers 1,115 km² (431 mi²), whereas the size of the tehsil is 690 km² (428.74 mi2) in length.
Weather
The climate here is similar to that of other cities in Punjab, which observe all four seasons. The summers, which last for approximately four months, are hot and humid.
Throughout the year, the temperature may vary from 6.11°C to 40.55°C. Winters are short and usually last for nearly 2.7 months, with an average temperature of 12.77°C. The rainy period lasts approximately for 0.8 months, resulting in average annual rainfall of 68.58 mm.
Population
According to the 2017 census, the population of Gojra is 174,860 people. It is the 51st highest populated city in Pakistan. The population of this Tehsil is 656,007, with a population density of 951/km² (590.92/mi²).
Gojra Culture
Traditional Punjabi culture is dominant here, such as in the attire, music, dance, folklore, and cuisines. However, the city has a unique culture and traditions that you may not find in any other area of Pakistan.
One of its most notable traditions is that whenever anyone builds a new home (especially in the villages), they reserve space for a small mosque and 2-3 rooms for the underprivileged.
Economy
Gojra is a major agricultural trading centre, particularly for cotton, wheat, and sugarcane. The Ghalla Mandi, which is the largest market in the region, is known for its cotton and textile products. Moreover, this place has the best industries in Pakistan as well.
As the industrial hub of Toba Tek Singh, it also has many small and medium-scale industries, including a large number of cottage industries that specialise in making handmade shoes and other leather products.
The city is also known for its pharmaceutical industry, and has several small-scale manufacturing units producing various products, including agricultural machinery.
Agriculture
The local economy is predominantly based on agriculture due to the abundance of fertile land. The region produces a wide variety of crops, including wheat, cotton, sugarcane, rice, and fruits like mangoes and guavas. It also has a significant livestock industry, with large numbers of cattle, goats, and sheep.
Language
The official language here is Urdu, but the local language spoken by most people is Punjabi. English is also widely spoken, especially among educated people.
Accessibility
It is well-connected to other major cities of Punjab by road and rail. The nearest airport is the Faisalabad International Airport, located approximately 50 kilometres away from the city. Taxis, buses, and auto-rickshaws are easily available for local transportation.
Gojra Postal Code
Its postal code is 36120.
Gojra is a small but vibrant city in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The city’s rich history, unique culture, and strategic location make it an important centre of commerce, transportation, and agriculture. Despite its small size, it has much to offer, including a thriving market and several notable landmarks.
Whether you are interested in exploring the city’s historical sites or sampling its delicious Punjabi cuisine, it is a place worth visiting.
For more information, visit Graana.com.
