Jhelum River

Jhelum River (झेलम नदी) is a sacred river in northern India and Pakistan.

Overview

The Jhelum is one of the five rivers of Punjab, flowing 725 km from the Verinag spring in Anantnag district of Kashmir through the Kashmir Valley, into Pakistan, and joining the Chenab. It is the ancient Hydaspes, famous for Alexander the Great’s battle against King Porus.

History and Legend

The Jhelum is mentioned in the Rigveda and is famous in world history as the site of the Battle of the Hydaspes (326 BCE) between Alexander the Great and King Porus. The river flows through the picturesque Kashmir Valley, where it is known as “Vyath” in Kashmiri. The ancient city of Srinagar sits on its banks.

Architecture and Features

Major sites along the Jhelum include Verinag (source), Anantnag, Srinagar, Baramulla, and Muzaffarabad (Pakistan). The river flows through the scenic Wular Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia. The Mughal gardens of Srinagar are located along its banks.

Modern Status

The Jhelum’s water is shared between India and Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty. The river faces flooding during the spring snowmelt and monsoon season. It is a major source of irrigation in the Kashmir Valley and Punjab plains.

Verification Notes

• Jhelum mentioned in Rigveda; Battle of the Hydaspes documented by Greek historians.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).