Aliwal

Aliwal is a toponym used for several places and historical sites in Africa and Asia. The name is most often encountered in connection with Aliwal North in South Africa, Aliwal Shoal off the KwaZulu-Natal coast, and the Battle of Aliwal, an 1846 engagement during the First Anglo-Sikh War named after a locality in the Punjab region of present-day India.

Aliwal North is a town in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It lies along a riverine valley and serves as a regional service center. The town is linked to larger regional and national routes and supports a mixed economy that includes agriculture, trade, and local services, often attracting visitors through nearby natural and cultural attractions.

Aliwal Shoal is a submerged reef off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, near Umkomaas. It is a designated marine protected area and a popular destination for recreational diving and fishing. The shoal supports a diverse marine ecosystem, including various shark species, large fish, and coral formations, making it an important site for conservation and ecotourism.

The Battle of Aliwal occurred on 28 January 1846 during the First Anglo-Sikh War. Fought near the locality of Aliwal in the Punjab region, it ended decisively in favor of British forces. The victory helped shape the conduct of subsequent operations in the war and contributed to the broader colonial military campaigns in the region. The name Aliwal remains attached to several places and commemorative sites dating from the era.