The history of the region surrounding modern-day Gujranwala stretches back to ancient times, with archaeological evidence suggesting human settlement during the era of the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300–1300 BCE). The area was part of one of the world’s earliest urban centers, characterised by advanced urban planning, trade networks, and agriculture. Although Gujranwala itself may not have been a major city at the time, its proximity to significant sites like Harappa - ancient culture that existed in the Indus Valley, indicates that it was influenced by this civilisation. After the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization, the region likely saw the influence of early Vedic cultures and, later, the rise of powerful regional kingdoms and empires, such as the Maurya and Kushan empires, which left their marks on the broader Punjab region. This long history of settlement and cultural evolution set the stage for the developments that occurred in Gujranwala during the medieval period.

During the medieval period several powerful empires, including the Ghaznavid, Ghurid, and Mughal empires, ruled over the region. Under the Mughal Empire, Gujranwala witnessed significant infrastructural development, particularly in the improvement of roads and irrigation systems, which facilitated trade and agriculture in the area.

After the decline of the Mughal Empire, the rise of the Punjabi Confederacy began, with Gujranwala becoming a key part of the Sukerchakia Misl. This Misl was founded by Chaudry Naudh Singh, a local landlord and father of Charat Singh. The name Sukerchakia is derived from two words; Sukar - gratitude, and Chak - land. Under Charat Singh's leadership, along with his brother Mali Singh, the Sukerchakia Misl was established as a branch of the Sandhu-Jatt lineage, and it began to grow in influence and power.

Charat Singh’s son, Maha Singh (also spelled Mahan Singh), expanded the Misl's territory considerably, bringing nearby regions under its control. This expansion laid the foundation for what would become one of the most powerful Misls in Punjab. Under the leadership of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, son of Maha Singh, the Sukerchakia Misl rose to prominence. Taking advantage of the Mughal Empire's collapse, Ranjit Singh consolidated power by uniting the surrounding Misls and establishing the Sikh Empire in 1799.

Although Ranjit Singh hailed from Gujranwala, he chose Lahore as the capital of his empire for several strategic and symbolic reasons. Lahore's historical significance, its location at the crossroads of major trade routes, and its economic and political influence made it the ideal centre for the newly formed Punjabi Empire. Under Ranjit Singh’s rule, Lahore became a thriving capital, symbolising the strength and unity of the empire he built.

The city of Gujranwala reached its peak of influence during the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who ruled from 1799 until his death in 1839. During his reign, the city was a key center of political and military strength. However, after his death, the region plunged into political instability as internal conflicts and external pressures began to erode the empire's control.

The British Colonial period formally began in 1857, following the Second Anglo-Sikh War. The war resulted in the annexation of the Punjab region by the British Empire, marking the end of the Sikh Empire. In the wake of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the British East India Company was dissolved, and the British Crown assumed direct control over India, formally initiating the British Raj in 1858. Gujranwala, along with the rest of Punjab, was incorporated into British India.

Under the British Raj, Gujranwala saw significant changes in its socio-economic landscape, particularly with the introduction of modern infrastructure and industrial development. However, resistance to British rule also grew, with many in Punjab, including Gujranwala, playing a critical role in the independence movement. This resistance eventually contributed to the withdrawal of the British from India in 1947.

Today, Gujranwala stands as the fourth-largest city in Pakistan’s Punjab province, with a population of approximately 2.5 million. It is a vital industrial hub, known for being one of the largest exporters of manufactured goods, particularly in the agricultural and textile sectors.

Until our paths cross in Lahore - Trish Saab