History of Bhiwani

Along with being a religious place of Haryana, Bhiwani is also known for its rich history. The history of this place is comprised with varied dynasties that ruled over it all through the ages. These rulers have left their reminiscences here in the form of ancient temples, forts, tombs, and houses that were built during those times and they still hold great significance for Bhiwani.

The district has its citations in the legendary manuscript called Ain- i- Akbari as well. It has famous historical monuments like Prithviraj ki Kutchery where the famous Rajput ruler Prithviraj Chauhan used to hold his court or Darbar for the masses. Such remnants of history are scattered all over this district.

The excavations of nearby areas like Naurangabad and Mitathal villages have revealed some exciting evidences that date back to Pre Harappan and Harappan era. These excavations took place between the periods from 1968 to 1973 and then from 1980- 86.


The artifacts unearthed here included coins, pots, utensils, tools, sieves, and toys that were presumed to be about 2500 years old. Till 300 BC, it was ruled by the mighty dynasties like Gupta, Kushana, and Yaudheya that are considered to be most influential empires in ancient Indian history.

The medieval history of this district is marked by the Mughal regime that existed here for a long time. They were later defeated by the Jat ruler of Bharatpur who undertook the reigns of this region. The nomenclature of Bhiwani as such took place around that same period itself. Wife of the Jat ruler, Bhani Singh was the inspiration behind the naming of this district as Bhani which later changed to Bhiyani and then, to current name, Bhiwani. This was the period of political turbulence in this region. The ruling Jat family could not sustain their rule consequent to the internal strife.

However, they bestowed this place with the magnificence of medieval architecture. It is said that during those times, there used to be a giant wall and its 12 gates guarding the whole city of Bhiwani though they went into ruins with time. Rajput architecture is beautifully exhibited in the ancient edifices dotting the labyrinthine lanes of old city. Most of these houses and structures were constructed with brick and lime stone that were peculiar to that era.

The historical chronology of Bhiwani finds its special place in the modern history of India. In the earlier part of 19th century, Jat rulers of this area succumbed to the British suzerainty after being invaded by Jat Sikh rulers as well. Since the area was ruled by another Jat dominion, hence these Jat Sikhs spared it many times.

The British rewarded few areas of this region to those small states that supported them in war against the Jats while some fractions of Jats were forced to accept the British sovereignty. When the warring family of Jat rulers in Bhiwani was defeated in the battle that took place in 1825-26, Nawab of Loharu was accorded with zamindari for supporting the British forces. Such was the politics of this region in the later parts of 19th and early 20th century.

Politics seems to be running in the veins of Bhiwani. The city has given some of the most astute leaders to regional politics of this state. Three chief ministers of Haryana hail from this district. They are Hukum Singh, Bansi Lal, and Banarsi Das Gupta. Apart from these leaders, the city also played a pivotal role in the freedom movement of India. The famous Bardoli Movement of 1926 had many freedom fighters from Bhiwani. Among them, Neki Sharma was later given the title of Haryana Kesri.

Areas near Bhiwani were mostly awarded to the rulers who helped British to gain force here. Later, these small states were combined and Bhiwani was made a distinct district in 1972, December 22 and Bhiwani city was formed as its district head quarters. But Bhiwani became incredibly famous as latest as 2008, when four boxers out of five, in Indian contingent for Summer Olympics were from this district.