Mapping the Agricultural Geography: A District Wise Pattern in the South-Eastern Part of the Punjab Province in Colonial India

The South-Eastern part of the Punjab was somewhat backward during 1858–1947. This sub-region was also located away from the perennial rivers Punjab and the river Jamuna‘s course was along the eastern boundary of the state. The non-perennial river Ghaggar, which passed through the northern parts of this area, caused considerable yearly damage to agriculture. Rainfall was low and erratic, and in the peak period, July to September, there were often early local and wide spread floods. The soil was sandy and light in texture. Irrigation through wells was extremely limited. The paper brought out some important points into light also. A district wise pattern in this region was varied and Karnal district was so fortunate in agricultural pursuits. Hisar and Gurgaon districts were remained backward; the cultivated area was not increased; the cropping pattern was based on low value food cum fodder crops; irrigation was limited and success rate of maturity of crops was rather low as compared to the remaining area of this sub-region. When compared to the other parts of the Punjab province; the picture was depressive. Therefore, agriculture in the south-east Punjab was erratic, lopsided, uneven, unpredictable, and had no definite pattern because of the physical features and British agrarian policy.