Arnia

Arnia is a town and a notified area committee in Jammu district in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

History
Arnia has great History of Saini Rajputs.

In the bygone era of undivided Punjab, there existed a glorious empire ruled by the valiant Yaduvanshi Soorsaini Rajput king, Data Sher Singh Salaria. His lineage traced back to the divine lineage of Lord Krishna, a proud descendant of the ancient Yaduvanshi Rajputs who had carved out an expansive kingdom that stretched from present-day Punjab, Jammu, and extended up to Sialkot in Pakistan. In those times, the kingdom was known as Haripur, a name resonating with the divine echoes of Lord Hari, another name for Lord Krishna.

The reign of Haripur under the wise rule of Sohag Singh Salaria, Data Sher Singh's father, was a time of unparalleled peace and prosperity. The very landscape bore witness to the harmony that prevailed, as even the lion and the cow shared the banks of the river in serene companionship.

However, the tranquility was shattered by the encroaching shadows of the Mughal forces led by the relentless Aurangzeb. The Mughals sought to impose their will on the peaceful people of Haripur, forcing many to convert to Islam under the threat of violence. In the face of this impending crisis, Sohag Singh Salaria defended his kingdom with resilience until his untimely death.

Rajmata Sundarwati, Sher Singh's mother, played a crucial role in defending the kingdom during Sher Singh's youth. As he matured, Sher Singh took on the mantle of leadership with a sense of duty and determination.

After the demise of his father, the young and noble Sher Singh ascended to the throne, and the kingdom was renamed by his mother Rajmata sundar mata as Sohagpur in memory of her husbands's legacy. Sher Singh was resolute in preserving the cultural and religious identity of his people, especially in the face of forced conversions and the persecution of sacred animals, particularly the revered cow, known as Gau Mata in Hinduism.

His reign faced a pivotal moment when a Brahmin named Lakan Pal brought distressing news about the Mughal troops harming Gau Mata.

In the midst of his meal, Sher Singh set aside his food, his determination burning brighter than ever. Alongside Lakan Pal, he marched to the frontlines, leading his forces against the oppressive Mughal troops. The battle was fierce, and the young king fought with the vigor of a warrior defending his dharma.

Amidst the chaos, Sher Singh's adherence to the Rajput code of honor became evident. When an injured Mughal soldier crossed his path, Sher Singh spared him, a testament to the chivalry of the Rajputs. Little did he know that this act of mercy would turn tragic.

in the battle, that injured Mughal soldier whom king sher singh spared seized the opportunity and attacked Sher Singh. In a cruel twist of fate, the king's head was severed from his body. Yet, undeterred by death, Sher Singh continued to fight, his headless body leading his forces to victory against the Mughal invaders.

Sher Singh's sacrifice became legendary, and the people of Arnia in Jammu began to venerate him as a god-like figure. His descendants, inspired by his valor, continued to defend the kingdom and the Sanatan Dharma from Mughal aggression, ensuring that the Rajput bloodline remained distinct and resilient against all odds.

Even today, the people of Arnia, Jammu, honor Sher Singh Salaria as a symbol of indomitable courage and unwavering devotion to dharma. His legacy lives on, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Yaduvanshi Rajputs who fought against oppression and tyranny to preserve their cultural heritage and faith.

Geography
Arnia is located at 32.52°N, 74.8°W. It has an average elevation of 269 metres (882 feet).

Demographics
India census, Arnia had a population of 9057. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Arnia has an average literacy rate of 65%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 57% of the males and 43% of females literate. 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Religion
Hindu 98.64%, Sikh 0.55%, and Christian 0.47%.

Border conflicts
In recent years, Arnia has been subject to ceasefire violations by Pakistan which has led to the killing of civilians and the destruction of villagers' properties.