Jhelum

Jhelum, or JEHLAM, also called the Bitasta (whence the ancient Hydaspes), one of the rivers of the Punjab. It rises in the mountains of Cashmere, which country forms its upper basin, and is navigable for about 70 out of 130 miles within that state. On emerging from the Himalayas through the Baramula Pass, it again becomes navigable for small craft. About 250 miles from its source it enters the plains, and, after a total course of 450 miles, joins the Chenab at Timnu. On the banks of this river was fought the battle between Alexander the Great and Porus. The Jhelum passes by the towns of Srinagar (Kashmir), Jelalpur, Jhelum, and Pind Dadan Khan. The Victoria railway bridge near Meeanee, opened in 1887, is 4875 feet long. See DOAB.—Jhelum (Jehlām), town, cantonment, and administrative headquarters of Jehlam district (area, 3995 sq. m.; pop. 609,056), in the Punjab, stands on the Jehlam (Jhelum) River, and is an important entrepôt of trade. Pop. of town, with cantonment, 25,580.