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Sarai Alamgir is the main town of Sarai Alamgir Tehsil (http://www.tmasaraialamgir.com/), located in the Gujrat district in the north of the Punjab province of Pakistan. Sarai Alamgir is one of three tehsils of Gujrat district and covers 575 sq km on the eastern bank of the Jhelum River, across from the larger town of Jhelum. East of the town is the Upper Jhelum Canal. Sarai Alamgir was raised to the level of Municipal Committee in 1976. After the implementation of Punjab Local Government Ordinance 2001, it was given the status of Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA).

History:

According to ancient history, Sarai Alamgir is located in the region participated in the Indus Valley Civilization and the Gandhara civilization. At a later date, the Battle of the Hydaspes took place nearby, between the armies of Alexander the Great and the Great King Porus. In the past, people of influence would build a Sarai (rest area), which would be caravan stations and rest houses for travellers. A typical Sarai would consist of a drinking well, a praying area and a resting place for people.

The Sarai at Sarai Alamgir was founded by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb because of its strategic location on the Grand Trunk Road and the Jhelum River, and its proximity to Kashmir. Over time, Sarai Alamgir developed into a central town for adjoining village populations.

Sarai Alamgir gained prominence when the King George V Royal Indian Military School was established on March 3, 1922. It was one of four such cadet schools in British India to benefit the sons of members of the Royal Indian Army. The college is now known as the Military College Jhelum and is one of the oldest institutions in Pakistan.

Surrounding important places:

Also nearby are the sites of the Battle of the Hydaspes (now known as the Jhelum River), the historic and ancient Alexandrian city of Bukephala or Bucephala. Bucephalus or Bucephalas was the horse of Alexander the Great, and one of the most famous actual horses of antiquity. Ancient accounts state that Bucephalus died after the Battle of the Hydaspes in 326 BC and is buried in Jalalpur Sharif outside of Jhelum. Another account states that Bucephalus is buried in Phalia, a town in Mandi Bahauddin District, which is named after him and the huge Rohtas Fort.

Geography and climate:

Sarai Alamgir has a moderate climate. During the summer, temperatures can reach 45 °C for short periods. Winter months are mild, temperatures rarely falling below 2 °C (36 °F). Sarai Alamgir is located near to Jhelum City, which lies across the Jhelum River. Other nearby cities to Sarai Alamgir are; Mirpur and Bhimber in Azad Kashmir, Mandi Bahauddin, Rasul and Kharian.

Communication:

The nearest international airports are at Islamabad and Sialkot, about 127 km and 90 km away, respectively. There are other transport links to the town, including a railway station, the Grand Trunk Road, the Jhelum River and the Upper Jhelum Canal. Sarai Alamgir is located on GT Road (N5) and Pakistan's main railway line. A highway connects it with Mandi Bahauddin, while the other one goes to Mirpur, Azad Kashmir.

Notable People: