Origin of the name Hazara

NAME OF HAZARA.

Map of Hazara

The original name of the region now known as Hazara(as a whole) is lost in oblivion. Mac-Iver, a shrewd political scientist, is right in saying that origins are always obscure. This is true, particularly of the original name of Hazara. However it has variously been explained by different writers.

Major James Abbot

Some historian maintain that,Hazara takes its name from the name Abisara, i.e, the country of Raja Abisaras. It is said that in the year 327 B.C Alexander, the Great, handed over this area to Abisaras, the Raja of Kashmir. So after his name the country was called "Abisara". Dr Stein, a celebrity of Indian history, holds a different view. According to him the name of "Hazara" has been derived from Urasa, the ancient name of Pakhli. While according to H.D Watson, the settlement officer of Hazara during 1899-1907, the name Urasa is "probably Uraga of the Mahabharta".

ALEXENDER  THE  GREAT

A majority of historians and writers are agreed to the possible derivation of the name Hazara from HAZARA -KURLUKEorKURLUKE MING, a Turkish word. They further maintain that the Kurluke is the name of a Turk tribe, while in Turkish dialect the word "MING" means one thousand or HAZAR. It is said that in 1399 A.D Taimur, the famous Turk Chief of Samarkand, subjugated a vast area in the Sub-Continent. He, on his return towards Kabul left a Ming or a          

regiment of Kurluke soldiers in this area, for the protection of this important trade route between Kashmir and Kabul. 

VIEW OF ABBOTTABAD 1907

He also handed over this area to some Turk chiefs. By this the Hindu rulers had been ousted and the authority of the Muhammadans had been established in their Place.  So to the settlement of Turks, the name Hazara is probably due. As, it is mentioned above that Hazar or 1 thousand is the translation of the word Ming so Hazara is therefore the territory of a Turk Ming or a regiment.

Alyasi Masjid Abbottabad

It is important to mention her that upto 1850the lower part of this area was called MEDAN-e-HAZARA, as well as, Hazara-e-Kurluke, while the upper portion was known as Pakhli. But in 1849 after the 1st summery settlement of this area, the word Kurluke was dropped and the whole area i.e, from Haripur Plains to the Kaghan glens was named as "HAZARA".