Jhelum

Jhelum, river, India and Pakistan

Jhelum or Jehlam (both: jā`ləm), westernmost of the five rivers of the Punjab, 480 mi (772 km) long. Rising in Jammu and Kashmir, India, it flows W through the Vale of Kashmir, S through Pakistan-occupied foothills, then SW across Punjab to the Chenab River. The Lower Jhelum Canal (opened 1901) and the Upper Jhelum Canal (1915) irrigate extensive areas of Pakistani Punjab. The Mangla Dam and Reservoir (1960) has greatly improved irrigation along the river's lower course, as well as supplying extensive hydroelectric power. The Jhelum was crossed in 326 B.C. by Alexander the Great, who defeated the Indian king Porus. The river's ancient name was Hydaspes.

---

Jhelum, town, Pakistan

Jhelum (jā`lm), town (1981 pop. 92,646), NE Pakistan, on the Jhelum River. Located on the main railroad and road on Punjab piedmont plain, it is an important market for timber, and has sawmills and plywood, textile, cigarette, and glass industries. An army supply corps training center and two colleges are also in the town. The area's history dates back at least to the 3d cent. B.C. Old Jhelum stood on the left bank of the river; boatmen crossed the river (c.1532) and founded the new town on the right bank.

---

Jhelum

a river in Pakistan and Kashmir, rising in W central Kashmir and flowing northwest through the Vale of Kashmir, then southwest into NW Punjab to join the Chenab River: important for irrigation, having the Mangla Dam (Pakistan), completed in 1967. Length: about 720 km (450 miles)