Karnal, a city in the east central Haryana, lies along the west bank of the Yamuna river and is just east of the western Yamuna canal. The name is said to be derived from that of Karna, a warrior in the ancient epic the Mahabharata and the town's legendary founder. It was later annexed by the Raja of Jind in 1763 AD and was taken from him by George Thomas in 1797. The British established a cantonment in 1811 AD but abandoned it after 30 years due to the outbreak of malaria.

It was captured by the British in 1805 AD and made over to Muhamdi Khan (Mandal). On Karnal's being formed into a British cantonment, the fort which had been built by Raja Gajpat Singh of Jind, was taken over by the British and converted into a residence for Dost Muhammad Khan Amir of Kabul. The fort was used as a jail, as quarters for native cavalry and as poor house. In 1862, it was made over to the education department, when the district school was moved into it from the city.