Jhelum or Jehlam (both: jāˈləm) [key], 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. The Columbia Electronic
Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University
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South Asia Physical Geography