Punjab is known as the “land of five rivers,” in northern India. The five rivers are Beas, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej. The name “Punjab” has its origin from the Persian words ‘Panj’ (Five) and ‘Aab’ (Water). It is considered one of the most fertile areas in India, hence it is an important agricultural hub.
1. History
- Punjab is very rich in historical and cultural heritage. It happens to be one of the major hubs of the Indus Valley Civilization traceable back to the world’s earliest urban civilization.
- This region has been a home to all the rises and falls of numerous empires including Mauryan, Gupta, and Mughal empires.
- Punjab played an important part in India’s freedom struggle. Some of the well-known leaders who sprouted from Punjab are Bhagat Singh, Udham Singh, and Lala Lajpat Rai.
2. Geography
- Punjab is bounded by Jammu and Kashmir in the north, Himachal Pradesh in the northeast, Haryana in the southeast, Rajasthan in the southwest and Pakistan in the west.
- It shares Sutlej River as one of its major rivers.
- Punjab also forms part of a larger Punjab region that extends into Pakistan.
3. Capital
Chandigarh: Chandigarh is the capital of both Punjab and Haryana. Chandigarh is Union Territory with a modern town-planning designed by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier.
4. Major Cities
Ludhiana: Ludhiana an industrial and commercial city, it is also known by the name of “Manchester of India”.
Amritsar: The holiest gurudwara in Sikhism is the Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib, besides a witness to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
Jalandhar: A prominent sports goods manufacturing centre.
Patiala: Known for its lifestyle- rich cultural heritage, the Patiala Shahi turbans and the Patiala peg.
5. Punjab Districts
Punjab is segmented into 23 districts:
- Amritsar
- Barnala
- Bathinda
- Faridkot
- Fatehgarh Sahib
- Fazilka
- Ferozepur
- Gurdaspur
- Hoshiarpur
- Jalandhar
- Kapurthala
- Ludhiana
- Mansa
- Moga
- Muktsar
- Pathankot
- Patiala
- Rupnagar (Ropar)
- Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali)
- Sangrur
- Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshahr)
- Tarn Taran
- Malerkotla
6. Language
- Punjabi is the state’s official language, written in the Gurmukhi script
- Hindi and English are most widely spoken and understood.
7. Religion
Sikhism: Sikhism is one religion that originates from Punjab, which was established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 15th century. Sikhism has a large majority population.
Hinduism: The other important religion practiced in Punjab is Hinduism.
The state also houses Muslims, Christians, and Jains, which have further enhanced its religious diversities.
8. Economy
Agriculture: Punjab is often referred to as the “Granary of India” or the “Breadbasket of India.” A major agricultural state, the main crops of Punjab are wheat, rice, sugarcane, cotton, and fruits such as oranges and kinnow.
Industries: The state is also an industrial center, especially in textiles, engineering products, and dairy products. Other significant industries include bicycle manufacturing and hand tools.
9. Culture
Bhangra: It is one of the popular folk dances of Punjab which is normally performed at harvest festivals and especially during Vaisakhi.
Gidda: It is a typical folk dance among Punjabi women.
Food: The Punjabi food is delectable and full of flavors. Makki di Roti, Sarson da Saag, Butter Chicken, and Amritsari Kulcha are a few of the very famous dishes prepared here. And Lassi and paneer are a few of the well-known dairy products.
Festivals: Vaisakhi, Lohri, Diwali, and Gurpurab are a few of the most celebrated festivals in Punjab.
10. Tourism
Golden Temple, Amritsar: The holiest Gurdwara of Sikhism.
Wagah Border: Famous for the ceremonial shutting of the gate between India and Pakistan each night.
Jallianwala Bagh: A historical site which commemorates the massacre carried out by British forces back in 1919.
Anandpur Sahib: A sacred religious city where Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa.
11. Education
- Many leading universities are located in Punjab. Among them, Panjab University in Chandigarh, Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar, and Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana are prominent ones.
- The state boasts a wonderful literacy rate with the departments of engineering, agriculture, and management being quite sound.
12. Famous Personalities
Bhagat Singh : A great nationalist who carried out revolutionary activities.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh: The founder of the Sikh Empire is also known as the “Lion of Punjab.”
Milkha Singh: One of the most renowned Indian track runners, also known as the “Flying Sikh.”
13. Government and Administration
The state is unicameral with 117 members of legislative assembly.
Currently, the ruling political party of the state is Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and the Chief Minister is Bhagwant Mann as of 2024.
The present Governor of Punjab is the head of the state, and it is just a ceremonial position.
14. Flora and Fauna
Punjab is home to diverse flora and fauna. Some of the state’s ecological zones include the Bir Bhaddar Wildlife Sanctuary and Harike Wetland.
State Animal: Blackbuck.
State Bird : of Punjab is Northern Goshawk.
15. Most common Games
Kabaddi: It is an indigenous game which is heavily played in Punjab.
Cricket: Cricket is heavily played, Punjab Kings are the state team of Punjab in Indian Premier League (IPL).
Hockey: Punjab has given birth to innumerable national and international hockey players for India.
16. Miscellaneous Facts
Ferozepur: Called a land of martyrs because nearly all freedom fighters belonged to this area.
Patiala: For its royal tradition, Patiala turban, and Patiala peg.
Punjab is the state of pride and cultural heritage, including its rich history, agricultural significance, and vibrant traditions that bring the most to India’s core identity.
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