Karnal

Karnal, in north-central Haryana, is traditionally associated with Karna of the Mahabharata. Local lore says the town was founded by Raja Karna, and its name derives from Karnalaya or Karna Lake (Karna Taal), hence the popular title “City of Karna.” Historically, the region fell under early dynasties like the Vardhanas of Thanesar, later the Gurjara-Pratiharas and Tomaras, and then under Delhi’s medieval kingdoms. Karnal gained major prominence in 1739, when Nader Shah of Persia decisively defeated Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah in the famous Battle of Karnal, opening the way to the sack of Delhi. In the late 18th century, Sikh chiefs and the Jind rulers controlled the town, followed by Maratha influence. Under British rule, Karnal became an important cantonment and administrative centre; during the 1857 uprising, East India Company troops used it as a refuge while operations continued around Delhi. After Independence, Karnal entered Punjab, and in 1966 it became part of the new state of Haryana, serving as district headquarters. Today it is a fast-growing agricultural, industrial and trade hub on the historic Grand Trunk Road, still proudly invoking its legendary connection to Daanvir Karna.