Salt Range 3.66

The Salt Range is a hill system in the Punjab province of Pakistan, deriving its name from its extensive deposits of rock salt. The range extends along the south of the Pothohar Plateau and the North of the Jhelum River. The Salt Range contains the great mines of Khewra, Kalabagh and Warcha which yield vast supplies of salt. Coal of a medium quality is also found.Sakaser and Tilla Jogian are the highest peaks of Salt Range.Namal Lake, Khabikki Lake and Uchhali Lake are lakes in the Salt Range.HistoryThe Awan, Gakhars, Niazi and Rajputs had engaged in an endless battle for sovereignty over the Salt Range.But later in 16th century Awan (tribe) of ancient repute drove out Janjuas and Ghakhars from the western parts of Salt Range. According to the Emperor Babar the Jud and the Janjuha were "two races descended from the same father, " who from old times had been rulers of the hills between Nilab and Bhera, that is, of the salt range. "On one-half of the hill lived the Jud, and on the other half the Janjua." The Awans now occupy western half of these hills towards Nilab.