Punjab, a region in Northern India and the east side of Pakistan, has a long history and rich cultural heritage. The people of the Punjab are called Punjabis and they speak a language called Punjabi. The three main religions in the area are Sikhism, Hinduism, and Islam. The region has been invaded and ruled by many different empires and races, including the Aryans, Persians, Greeks, Egyptians, Afghans, and Mongols. Around the time of the 15th Century, Guru Nanak Dev founded the Sikh religion, which quickly came to prominence in the region, and shortly afterwards, Maharaja Ranjit Singh reformed the Punjab into a secular and powerful state. The 19th Century saw the beginning of British rule, which led to the emergence of several heroic Punjabi freedom fighters. In 1947, at the end of British rule, the Punjab was split between Pakistan and India .


Many races of people and religions made up the cultural heritage of the Punjab. Punjab is the land where spiritual aspirations arose. This heroic land bore numerous invasions, and after all its suffering, did not entirely lose its glory and its strength. Here it was that the gentle Nanak preached his marvellous love for the world. Here it was that his broad heart opened and his arms outstretched to embrace the whole world.

One of the earliest stone age cultures of South Asia nourished in the Punjab. People generally accept that about eight centuries before Christ, the Punjab was the most enlightened and the prosperous region in the world. The Harappa civilization developed in Punjab and its culture spread to Iran, Afghanistan, Balochistan, and north-western parts of South Asia.

The Vedic and Epic period of the Punjab was socially and culturally very prolific as during this glorious period, the people accelerated in the fields of philosophy and culture. Here the people composed the Rig Veda and the Upanishads. Further, tradition maintains that Valmiki composed the Ramayana near the present Amritsar city and Kaikyee belonged to this region. Lord Krishna gave the divine message of the Gita at Kurukshetra. It was here that people wrote eighteen principal Puranas. The authors of Vishnu Purana and the Shiv Purano belonged to the central Punjab.

Right from the invasion of Alexander in 326 B.C., the Punjab bore the brunt of incursions and the aggressive assaults of the hordes from the north. During the gruesome period great kings like Porus, Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka and host of other heroes emerged to defend Punjab from the onslaughts.

During Mughal rule, there was lots of conflict, chaos, and political upheavals in the Punjab. Appearance of Guru Nanak (1469-1538) was an event significant not only for the region but for the whole country. He was the founder of a powerful popular movement which has left a lasting impression on the history and culture of all of South Asia. Born in the district of Sheikhupura, he rejected the division of mankind into rigid compartments of orthodox religions and preached the oneness of humanity, and oneness of God, thus aiming at creating a new order which embraced the all pervasive spirit in man. He condemned and ridiculed the false and unnatural notions of high and low in society, He denounced idolatory and laid stress on meditation for the realization of the Universal self.

British intrution had political, cultural, philosophical and literary consequences in the Punjab. The opening of a new system of education introduced a new spirit in the life of the Punjabis. More people realized the greatness of Punjabi culture. During the freedom movement, Punjab played a role worthy of its name. Many heroes emerged from the Punjab such as Lajpat Rai, Ajit Singh, Bhagat Singh, Uddham Singh, Bhal Parmanand and a host of others.

Since independence, life in the Punjab proves to be tragic and traumatic. The partition resulted in riots and terror which tore up millions of homes and destroyed many lives. The massive exodus resulting from the newly formed state of Pakistan created problems of uncontrollable dimensions. The Punjabis trekked in blood and shreds.

However, the Punjabi spirit of tenacity and toughness sustained the uprooted people. The disillusioned people set to work with no self pity to plough fresh fields. They built new industries and became prominent in sports. Punjabis attained an eminent place in cultural, aesthetic, and literary work, and revived folk art, song, dance and drama. All of this has created a sense of pride and climate of involvement in the heritage of the Punjab.




Pj pari & pj gallery team

Desi Jatti

vaise main ta daang vangu patla c. . . .:hehe:
hanji hanji ta hi mottu kehande tuhanu. . . . .vaise motte vadiya hunde aa na guudu guudu jahe haana . . . . . . :laugh: :hehe:

daang vargaaaaaaaaa :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Majha (Punjabi: ਮਾਝਾ, ماجھا; Hindi: माझा Mājha) is a historical region of the Punjab comprising the modern districts of Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran in the Indian State of Punjab and the districts of Narowal, Lahore and Kasur in the Pakistani Province of Punjab. Historically, Majha comprised the older settled parts of the Bari Doab (in particular Sheikhupura) and the Rechna Doab (in particular, Gujranwala), the newer settled parts belonging to the canal colonies.[1] Major towns in the region include Amritsar, Batala, Pathankot, Rawalpindi, Gurdaspur, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib Gujranwala, Sialkot, Wazirabad, Gujrat, and Tarn Taran Sahib.
The largest part of Majha called the Bari Doab. It lies between two of the five great rivers of the Punjab: the Ravi and the Beas(Ba- For Beas, and -ri for River Ravi). As such, Majha lies in the heart of the ancient Punjab region. No wonder then, that one meaning of Majha is 'the central plains' or 'the central country'.
The people of Majha are known as 'Majhis' or 'Majhhis'.


Pj pari & pj gallery team worker
Desi Jatti!!!!!!!!! :omg: :omg:

Doaba is the region of Indian Punjab surrounded by the rivers Beas and Sutlej. The name "Doaba" literally translates to "land of two rivers" ("Do" two, "Ab" river; Punjabi). It is one of the most fertile regions of the world, and was the centre of the Green Revolution in India. To this day, it remains one of the largest per capita producers of wheat in the world.[citation needed]
The people of Doaba started out as agriculturalists, but have now diversified into education, sports and entrepreneurship. The highly progressive and enterprising population has, in recent years, suffered from demographic upheavals engendered by large scale migration to North America, and female foeticide.
The biggest cities in Doaba are Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Adampur, Nawansher and Phagwara. Jalandhar is one of the most famous cities of Doaba. This city has highest density of hospitals in Asia. DAV's first engineering college is also placed at Jalandhar. Highest production of sports material. India's famous spin bowler Harbhajan singh is from Jalandhar. Adampur has an Indian airforce base and was bombed in each of the India Pakistan wars.


Pj Pari & Gallery team work
Desi Jatti!!!!!!!!

The Treaty of Amritsar (Sarkar Khalsa and British)

Golden Temple (Darbar Sahib), highest seat of Sikh authority is situated here.

In 1807, Ranjit Singh had taken over the territory of Tara Singh Gheba, who had died earlier. His widow was ousted and the estate attached without any resistance. It was a severe blow to the authority of the Sardars who were still dreaming of retaining their petty estates. It caused alarm among the Malwa chiefs, who were convinced that the Maharaja was now bent upon reducing them to the position of tributaries.

Ranjit Singh's General, Dewan Mukham Chand crossed the Sutlej and captured Wadni, near Ferozepur, and proceeded towards Anandpur. This created further stir among the Malwa chiefs and they conspired against the Lahore darbar and turned their eyes towards the British who could help them in retaining their territories. They found in the British their savior.

The Malwa chiefs held a meeting and met Seton, the British Resident at Delhi. They appealed to the resident to give them protection against the designs of Ranjit Singh. They argued that the Cis-Sutlej territory had always been protected by the Government at Delhi and now that the British were in possession of Delhi, they should extend them protection. The resident gave them patient hearing, but could not help them at that stage.

In March 1808, Lord Minto, the Governor-General, wrote, "Although as a principle, we cordially recognize the wisdom and the justice of abstaining from all interference's in the contests, disputes, and concerns of states with which we are unconnected by the obligations of alliance, and are fully convinced of the embarrassment and inconvenience of extending.

our protection to petty chieftains, who are unable to protect their territories from the aggressions of more powerful neighbors, yet we are disposed to think that cases may occur in which temporary deviation from those general principles may be a measure of defensive policy, the neglect of which might be productive of much more danger and embarrassment than the persecution of it, and that the certain resolution of the Raja of Lahore to subjugate the states situated between the Sutlej and the frontier of our dominion would, under other circumstances than the present, constitute a case on which, on grounds of self defense, the interposition of the British power for the purpose of preventing the execution of such a project would be equally just and prudent.

The British, however, did not harm their relations with Ranjit Singh. Though, "the Resident held out no hopes to the deputies of the confederate Sikh chiefs of direct British interference in their relations with the Lahore ruler, but nevertheless they were led to hope that they had the best sympathies of the British authorities, and that, when the time came, a helping hand would not be denied to them. The reply, though encouraging, was not decisive, and by no means sufficient to save the chiefs concerned from eventual ruin.

Thus, the British agent "gave the hint to the Cis-Sutle; chiefs that in emergency they would not be deserted. However, "the reply to the deputation, though straightforward, was cautious and vague. It practically amounted to this: We can promise nothing definite; but you have our sympathy, and we will do what we can.

This did not satisfy the Cis-Sutlej chiefs. They thought of further means to save themselves from the expansionist designs of Ranjit Singh. However, Ranjit Singh played a diplomatic game. He sent his emissaries to Cis-Sutlej's chiefs to calm down their feelings.

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Other campaigns.

After the Treaty of Amritsar with British which simply stated that the International boundry of line between the Sarkar Khalsa and British India is Satluj. Ranjit singh was virtually made master of all the territory to the west of Satluj. But.. there was several small kingdoms, like Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Kashmir, Multan, Sialkote which were ruled by Afghani or local chiefs.

Thus, Ranjit singh first turned towards North towards Kangra valley which was taken over from Raja Sansar Chand by Gurkhas. Ranjit Singh's forces fought with Gurkhas in Kangra Valley in the end the Gurkha leader Amar Singh thapa fled leaving the field to the Sikhs. Ranjit singh entered the fort of Kangra and held a royal Darbar which was attended by the hill chiefs of Chamba, nurpur, Kotla, Shahpur, Guler, Kahlur, Mandi, Suket and Kulu. Desa Singh Majithia was appointed governor of Kangra.

Then Ranjit singh sent a force under the command of Hukma Singh Chimmi to Jammu and himself marched on to Khushab. The fort of Khushab was held by Jaffar Khan, a Baluch chief. He gave up the city and defended the fort stoutly. Ranjit singh invited him to vacate the fort and accept a jagir. In few months, Jaffar Khan accepted Ranjit singh's terms and gave up the fort. He was given a jagir and allowed to remain in Khushab with his family.

Meanwhile, Shah Shuja was arrested by a Afghani Ata Mohammad Khan who was governor of Kashmir. Shah Shuja's wife Wafa Begum approached Ranjit Singh to get her husband out of Kashmir. Ranjit Singh wanted Kohinoor diamond and he agreed. Hari Singh Nalwa and other forces were dispatched along with the Afghani forces of Wafa Begum. The Sikhs and Afghans crossed the Pir Panjal and entered the valley of Kashmir towards the close of 1812. Shah Shuja was rescued from an undergrond dungeon by Sardar Nihal singh Attariwala. Hari Singh Nalwa was made a new governor of Kashmir by Ranjit Singh. Shah Shuja was set free. Shah Shuja invited Ranjit Singh to his house. A servant brought in a packet as they settled down in their seats after mutual exchange of courtesies. Ranjit singh watched eagerly as the stone was being slowly unwrapped. He was beside himself with joy when the Koh-i-nor,


Mountain of Light was placed on his palm. The price of this stone at that time was 6 crore rupees which comes to about Two million American dollars with today's conversion factor. This diamond still exist in England and is part of one of the Royal stone's.

Around this time, Ranjit singh also got the fort of Attock by daring operations of Hari Singh Nalwa and Desa Singh Majithia. Now Punjab under Ranjit Singh extended from Satluj to river attock and from Kashmir to Kasur. Early in 1817, Ranjit singh sent a body of troops to Multan under the command of Diwan Bhiwani Das to receive from Nawab Muzaffar Khan the tribute he owed to the Sikh Darbar. Bhiwani das laid siege to the city, but showed little vigour to pressing it. He made a secret pact with the Nawab which led Ranjit Singh to recall him and deprive him of his office. Ranjit Singh planned the afresh expedition and sent a strong force under his son Kharak Singh's charge. He arranged for supplies to be sent by boats down the river Ravi, the Chenab and the Jhelum. The system of passing letters was organised in such a manner that the Maharaja received the news from Multan by relays of messengers several times a day.

The fort of Multan was one of the strongest in the country and Nawab Muzaffar Khan defended it with an equally strong heart. Kharak Singh's armies lay around it without making much headway. Ranjit Singh sent a big gun Zamzama along with Akali Phula singh's Nihang regiment. The Zamzama was fired with effect and the gates were blown in. Akali Phula singh made a sudden rush and took the garrison by surprise. The grey bearded Nawab stood in his way, sword in hand to fight, resolved to fight to death. His five sons died fighting. Two surviving sons were giving jagirs by Ranjit singh. their descendants are still in possession of those lands in Pakistan. Prince Kharak singh left Jodh Singh Kalsia with 600 men to guard the fort of Multan. Now Ranjit Singh southern boundry was Multan. In 1818, A.D. Ranjit singh won Rohtas, Rawal Pindi and Hasan Abdal. Then he made preparations to cross the river Attock and attack Peshawar. These conquests are greatly explained with the biography of Hari Singh Nalua . In 1819, Ranjit Singh had to attack Srinagar again, this time he made Diwan Moti Das Governor, with Sham singh Attariwala, Jawala Singh Padhania, and Misr Diwan Chand to further assist him in the operations in valley. Ten successive governors administered Kashmir during Sikh regime. One of them was prince Sher singh who carred the Sikh standard across the high mountains into Ladakh. The conquest of Ladakh valley which was strategically very important, made the frontier secure against the expanding influence of China. Sher Singh sent General Zorawar Singh to march towards Tibet. Garo and Rudok were occupied and the Lhasa armies attacked. Tibetian government signed a treaty with Zorawar's armies.




The Sikh court

The legacy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh

Two Europeans, Ventura, an Italian by birth, and Allard, a Frenchman, came to Lahore in 1822 to seek service in the Sikh army. Both of them had served under Napolean in the imperial army of France. After Napolean's defeat at Waterloo they lost their occupation and left Europe to try their fortune in the East. They had heard many a tale of the grandeuf of Ranjit Singh's court and were taken up with the idea of visiting Lahore. Ranjit Singh, although not educated but was very wise and intelligent, he knew about the exploits of Napolean. Punjabi historians had compared them and Ranjit singh was even called Napolean of the East. Ranjit singh met these two European and he received them kindly asked them about their health and journey, previous employment, future plans.  He showed them his troops on parade and provided amenities for their entertainment. In April of 1822, they sent a letter to Maharaja asking for an employment with his troops. The communication between these soldiers and Maharaja was in French through the trusted aide Faqir Nur-ud-din, who knew French, English, persian as many other languages. Maharaja wanted to make sure that these people did not had any contacts with British and only when he was cent percent sure, he gave them command of 500 horsemen each. This command had few Purbias(Bihari) and other Hindus of Central provinces, employed with Ranjit Singh. They were also to train all forces of Sikhs in the western method of drill.



Ventura's army was called Fauj-e-Khas while little bit later Allard was asked to raise a cavalry of fresh recruits. Then Ranjit Singh also made them sign an agreement that in the event of a clash between Maharaja and European power, they would remain loyal to Sarkar Khalsa and fight for him. They were to wear their beards long and abstain from beef and tobacco. Ranjit Singh provided houses for Ventura and Allard and gave them handsome salaries. To Ventura he gave 40,000 rupees when he married a Muslim girl from Ludhiana. Two villages were subsequently given to the daughter of Ventura as jagir. Ventura built a house, which still exists near Anarkali, it is a beautiful Cheateau in French style. This shows that even though Ranjit Singh was cautious but shrewd and able enough to distinguish between people beneficial to him.

He selectively employed several more Europeans, such as Dr.Honigberger, a native of Hungary. Avitable an Italian later appointed Governor of Peshawar. General Court, a Frenchman who organized the artillery. Dr. Harlan an American, who became governor of Jasrata and later Gujrat. Henry Steinbach, a German was made a battalion commander. Hurbon, a Spainard was an engineer. Dr. Benet, a Frenchman was a surgeon-general of Khalsa Army. Viewkenawitch, a Russian held a high rank in the artillery. There were a number of Englishmen too- Fitzroy, Gillmore, Leslie, Harvey, and Foulkes, to mention but a few- who were employed on various civil and military duties. With men of such diverse races, nationalities and faiths to serve him, Ranjit Singh maintained a most picturesque and cosmopolitan court. He was very kind to these foreigners. He trusted them and gave them positions of responsibility and rewarded them generously for their services. But he always kept a watchful eye on them and never let them have an influence over him. They willingly submitted to his natural dignity and served him faithfully.




Ranjit singh's Lahore also attracted many visitors and travellers. Like his foreign counriers, they came from all parts of the world. They were drawn by the reports of the Maharaja's hospitality and his personal charm and joi de vivre. What fascinated his visitors most was his unquenchable curiosity. He asked them the most searching questions and his keenness of mind and range of interest surprised everyone. Many travellers have written in their books of his generosity, refined manner and mental alertness. He was always cheerful and vivacious and transmitted the same spirit of heartiness to his visitors. In the summer of 1821, William Moorcroft, the Superintendent of East India Company's horses came to visit Ranjit Singh's court. A daily allowance of 100 rupees was fixed for his entertainment. Moorcroft was also shown Sikh army, he was greatly impressed by the turnout and discipline of the Sikh army. He also visited the royal stables and remarked that some of Ranjit Singh's horses were the finest in the world. On the way back from Bukhara, Moorcroft brought a letter from Prince Nesselrode of Russia which contained greetings and good wishes from the ruler of that country. It also expressed Russia's desire to have trade raltions with the country of Ranjit Singh. They traders from Punjab were assured welcome and security in Russia.

Another famous traveller to visit Ranjit Singh was Baron Charles Hugel. He was a German Scientist, who travelled extensively in the Punjab and Kashmir. In his book, he wrote that Punjab under Ranjit singh was safer than territories ruled by the British. He also recorded his conversations with Ranjit Singh, who, as usual, asked him many questions. He asked him if he had served as a soldier and questioned him about the German armies and their wars with France. He asked him what he thought of the Sikh army and whether it was in a fit state to confront a European force.

Victor Jacquemont, a French traveller, also praised Ranjit Singh's powers of conversation and his shrewd judgement. He wrote in his book: "Ranjit Singh is almost the first inquistive Indian I have seen, but his curiosity makes up for the apathy of his whole nation. He asked me a hundred thousand questions about India, the English, Europe, Napolean, this world in general and the other one., hell and paradise, the soul, God, the devil, and a thousand things besides." There were several missionaries whom Ranjit singh also met. Several requests to open up churches, convent schools, etc were denied by Ranjit Singh. He asked them to teach Punjabi language and Sikh scriptures instead. No wonder when British took over Punjab after Ranjit Singh convent Schools were spread all over Punjab.

He was a benevolent king. Eventhough the Government of Punjab was called Sarkar Khalsa but no laws were imposed on any of the minority or majority. Sikhs at his time were about 15% of whole population, hindus around 25%, rest were Muslims. He governed the fourty years of his rule from Lahore with secular ideals. He would fast with Mulsims during Ramadan and play Holi with Hindus., yet he would be at Amritsar almost every Month to take bath. A poor muslim from Lahore had written a Quran which he was going to take to DelhiA to sell at the Mughals court. Ranjit Singh asked him how much he wanted and paid him twice. There is another story about Ranjit singh. One year, crops totally die and due to a massive famine, people were starving.  . So being a king, he opened up all the state stores for people. Ranjit singh would often roam in streets of Lahore in disguise to check his rule, whether people are happy or not. That night he saw an old woman who could not carry a bag of wheat to her house where her children were starving. He carried that bag to her house on his back. Although he was a devout Sikh but he cannot be called a strict Khalsa sikh adhering to all the principles of Sikhism. He was a very well disciplined soldier of Khalsa who was also a secular as well as enjoying his life, like drinking, etc. The spirit of stern religious discipline and sacrifice which had supported Sikhs through a critical period of their history and led them to power and glory was dimmed in the pomp and splendour of sovereignty. Ranjit Singh's death on June 27, 1839, left a deep hiatus. The Khalsa lost a leader who had, by commanding personality, foresight and skill, become their beau ideal and secured them the status of sovereign people. The British had by then taken practically the whole of India, except the Punjab and sind.




je kuch galat likhya hoya ta maaf kardoo

Pj Pari & Pj Gallery team:-

Desi Jatti!!!!

The jealously of the leading sardars surfaced with increase in Ranjit's fame. Shah Zaman no longer posed any threat. Earlier, the Sikh chiefs joined hands and collaborated to meet the Afghan menace. The bonds affinity were cut pieces now and the potential Sikh chiefs Sahib Singh Bhangi of Gujarat, Jassa singh ramgharhia, Jodh singh Bajwa of Wazirabad, and Gulab singh Bhangi of Amritsar joined hands to wrest Lahore from Ranjit Singh. They sought the help of Nizam-Ud-Din of Kasur, who was an aspirant of subedari of Lahore. In early 1800 they marched towards Lahore. Ranjit singh faced them at about 16 km from city at Bhasin, with Kanhaiyas on his side. The forces of Ranjit singh won a very easy victory in only three days and these misal sardars were unable to dislodge Ranjit Singh from his citadel.

Ranjit Singh hastened back to Lahore triumphantly. He was given royal reception by the citizens. Ranjit singh's expansionist designs now knew no bounds he marched on to Jammu. On the way he annexed Narowal and Varowal. Maharaja of Jammu had neither intention nor was capable of fighting him so he presented him a nazrana of 20,000 rupees. Ranjit singh marched towards Sialkote and accepted nazrana there too, then Dilawargarh. He had to fight various chiefs and sardars during these expansions.

Open rift between Ranjit singh and Sahib Singh Bhangi invited interference from some other powers. Shah Zaman send feelers to various sardars. The Bhangi sardars and others united with them wanted to let down Ranjit singh and hence invited Shah Zaman to attack him. Ranjit singh accepted gifts send by Shah Zaman. This diplomatic move resulted in mutual trust and faith between Ranjit Singh and Shah Zaman. It was a diplomatic victory of Ranjit Singh. Meanwhile, British govt. was also much perturbed. Their concern was the rising power of Ranjit singh who could pose danger to them one day. In April 1800 Governor General send Mir Yusuf Ali to Lahore to hold negotiations with Ranjit singh. An historic meeting was held on 22 Oct. 1800, where Ranjit Singh, Rani Sada Kaur, Fateh Singh Ahluwalia, and Misr Ram Dayal were present. Yusauf gave a long sermon on the treachery of the Afghans and how Abdali was cruel to Sikhs; how he did not even spare the holy places of Sikhs including Golden temple of Amritsar; The Afghan could never be faithful treachery was in their blood. This meeting remained indecisive. Ranjit singh could not trust either British or Shah Zaman.

Ranjit Singh was now considered a great force. He appointed misr Ramdayal for his day to day affairs with people. Fateh singh Ahluwalia guided on army matters. During the same periods darbar attracted the Fakir brothers who held high offices under Ranjit singh. Fakir Aziz-Ud-Din was the most prominent among them. He came along with his father Ghulam Mohiud-Ud-Din who was an royal doctor. Nur-Ud-Din and Imam-Ud-Din the other brother of Zaiz were also given different post in Ranjit singh's darbar. Aziz-Ud-Din was made the in charge of Foreign affairs. "It was due to his wise counsel that the Maharaja maintained friendly relations with the British government; and the fact that these relations were on a footing of equality and mutual respect was largely an outcome of his ardent loyalty to Ranjit Singh." (Syed Moheduddin, The Real Ranjit Singh p.40)

By this time the day had come that Ranjit singh should declare himself the Maharaja of Punjab and treats all his subjects Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs equally. On April 12 1801, Ranjit Singh declared himself Maharaja of Punjab on the same auspicious day of Baisakhi when Khalsa was made by Guru Gobind Singh. The investiture ceremony was performed by Sahib Singh Bedi, who was the direct descendant of Guru Nanak. A commemorative coin was issued, Nanakshahi rupee as it was called. People showered flowers on him and in turn Ranjit singh showered gold and silver coins on his subjects. It was a grand gala occasion. Ranjit Singh rode on the elephant and passed through the streets of Lahore. He won popular acclaim and earned a lasting place in the hearts of the people. At night the town was illuminated with oil lamps and there was display of fire works. Many chiefs and sardars offered nazrana and in return receive khillats. The fort was garrisoned. The city which had suffered 30 years of Bhangi misrule needed peace and rule of law. The Maharaja ordered that no interference be made with the personal and public law of Muslims. They were given equal rights with other subjects. Courts presided over by the Qazis and Muftis were confirmed. Prominent citizens were designated as chaudhries and mohallas. The sense of security was given to the people. Trade and Business were established on a sound basis.

Meanwhile Batala was attacked by the Raja of Kangra Sansar chand, so Ranjit singh ordered his troops to march there. Kangra's men fled in fear and all territory was restored to the Rani Sada Kaur. Maharaja also occupied Naushera part of domain of Sansar Chand and give it to Rani Sada Kaur.

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1802 proved to be an auspicious year for the Maharaja. His Rani Raj Kaur, daughter of Nakai Sardar Khazan Singh gave birth to a son. He was named Kharak Singh. The happy event was celebrated with great rejoicing. 
Valuable khillats were bestowed on sardars of the darbar and each soldier in Army was presented with a gold necklace. A large amount was distributed among poor.



Shalimar Gardens at Lahore, Lahore was the capital city of Maharaja Ranjit singh's Sarkar Khalsa. These Gardens were built by Jahangir the Fourth emperor of Mughals.
When the celebrations were over, the Maharaja along with his ally, Fateh Singh Ahluwalia marched on to Daska. The fort was seized and the in charge fled in fear. A police post was set up in this fort and victorious maharaja returned to Lahore. Now a message was received from Pindi Bhatian that Jassa Singh Bhangi was committing excesses on the local zamindars. He held the Chiniot fort. The maharaja reached there with his army. Some resistance was offered but the fort fell to Ranjit singh's army.

However, all was not quiet. The Pathan Chief of Kasur, Nizam-Ud-Din created fresh trouble. He had collected a large force of Afghans and plundered few villages under the Maharaja and was making further preparations to create more trouble. The maharaja was enraged. He directed Fateh singh Ahluwalia to proceed to Kasur s the Nawab had brooken the terms of the treaty. Ranjit singh himself followed along with his troops. The Nawab offered stout resistance as he was well prepared. A fierce battle ensued. The Sikhs showed their valor under the command of their able generals. The Pathans entered the fort as they were unable to fight the Sikh army in open. Many were slain. At last fort was seized and remaining soldiers were put to death. The Nawab surrendered with humility. He was forgiven, reinstated and he promised to remain submissive. He paid huge sum of money as Nazrana and was also made to pay for the war reparations. This Nazrana money was distributed among the poor and the needy to celebrate victory.

Then after a brief spell, Maharaja marched into Jullundur Doab. He annexed several places on the way. He also seized Phagwara and gave this town to Fateh Singh Ahluwalia. Then Maharaja visited Kapurthala and there he came to know that Sansar Chand of Kangra had entered Bijwara and Hoshiarpur. The Maharaja hastened back, turned out Raja Sansar Chand and established army posts at these two places.

By this time Ranjit singh had become a great force. While returning from hills maharaja subdued old Sikh chiefs and sardars, Tara singh Gheba, Dharam Singh of Amritsar and Budh Sing of Fyzulapur.





Nautch Girls.

And now came the engagement of his son Kharak singh to Chand Kaur, daughter of Jaimul singh of Kanhaiya misal. There were rejoicing throughout the kingdom. Celebrations continued for several days. Nautch parties were arranged and money was spent lavishly. In one such parties, the Maharaja fell in love with a very beautiful Muslim dancing girl, Moran, whom he ultimately married. She had a great influence over maharaja and money was coined the inscription of Mor; peacock on it in commemoration of the marriage. The maharaja performed pilgrimage to Hardwar, accompanied with Moran. Chand Kaur gave birth to Naunihal Singh, Maharaja's grandson.



Prince Naunihal Singh, Maharaja's Grandson

However, this marriage with Moran raised a storm in the kingdom. Sikh public opinion received a rude shock. The maharaja was summoned to the Akal Takht. The maharaja sought forgiveness with all humility. He offered gifts to the panj pyaras, under whose orders he was called. They pronounced punishment which Maharaja gladly accepted. He was to be flogged publicly. Panj Pyaras were gratified at the submission of the Maharaja and took a lenient view and accepted a fine of RS. 1,25,000 from the Maharaja.

Moran's influence over the Maharaja remained only for a short while. The Maharaja sent Moran away to Pathankote, where she spent many years of her life in peace.

The maharaja established a secular state in which all the subjects, Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs were treated alike. Many talented Hindus and Muslims joined his service and the Maharaja gladly participated in the religious festivals of all the communities. Festivals like Dussehra, Diwali, Holi, Basant were celebrated with splendor and gaiety. The Maharaja participated in them along with his subjects and on the occasions of Amavas and Baisakhi took a dip into the holy tank at Amritsar. By his secular outlook, the Maharaja earned great respect from his subjects and also their loyalty.

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Ancestory and Childhood


Ranjit Singh was born on Nov. 13, 1780 at Gujranwala. He was named Ranjit Singh by his father Mahan Singh. These two pictures on the right are the pictures of the house of Sardar Charat Singh, his grandfather, bottom picture is the door to the room where Ranjit Singh was born.

Ranjit singh had his first taste of battle, when he was hardly ten years old. It was Sahib Singh bhangi (they were called bhangis as they use to drink 'Bhang' all the time) of Gujarat (a town in Punjab, now in Pakistan) refused to pay tribute to Mahan Singh and his estate was attacked by him. Sahib singh shut himself at the fort of Sodhran and the siege of the fort was laid. Ranjit singh accompanied Mahan Singh. The siege continued for several months.

Mahan singh fell grievously ill. Apprehending his approaching end he invested Ranjit singh chief of the Sukerchakia Misl by putting Ranjit's forehead saffron paste. It was a great occasion of joy. Mahan Singh returned to Gujrawala. When the other Bhangi sardars came to know about the illness of Mahan singh and the army of Sukerchikia's was commanded by a child of ten years they came to rescue the Sahib singh bhangi at Sodhran. Ranjit singh ambushed them and routed their forces. Ranjit singh's victory opened the eyes of many chieftains. When the news of victory was conveyed to Mahan singh, he distributed sweets and perhaps it was the last news given to Mahan singh before he breathed his last.

Mahan Singh died in 1792. Ranjit singh was then 12 years old. He was too young to manage the affairs of the estate. His mother Raj Kaur became his natural guardian. He was also helped by Diwan Lakhpat rai. She had full confidence in his integrity but her brother Dal Singh did not like his interference in the administration of the territory. So, Dal singh joined hands with Sada Kaur, Ranjit singh's mother-in-law who exercised a lot of control over him. Thus two clear cut groups were formed, Diwan and Raj Kaur on one hand, Sada Kaur and Dal Singh on the other side. The intrigues and counter intrigues made Ranjit sick of all of them. He started spending most of this time outside the house on hunting expeditions. Ranjit singh also became suspicious of people around him and disliked some of them.

Ranjit singh learnt riding, shooting, and started drinking early years of his life. Drinking was not considered bad in those days and the more one drank, the more respect he commanded among the sardars. It was a matter of pride.

Ranjit singh was once attacked by Hashmat Khan when he was out on the hunting expedition. Hashmat Khan, a chief of an estate which had many score to settle with Mahan singh, Ranjit singh's father. Ranjit singh's horse was frightened. Khan took the opportunity and pierced his sword into the body of Ranjit singh. Ranjit singh controlled himself and before Khan could make another move, Ranjit cut his head, hung it on his spear and joined his comrades with his prized possession. The heartened Ranjit and his companions joy knew no bounds as the young lad of 13 had performed a miracle.




Ranjit grew up without any formal education and remained totally illiterate. Fond of swimming and excursions, Ranjit had more traits to become a soldier later in life. Ranjit singh once told Captain wade, British agent at Ludhiana that his father had left for him 20,000 rounds of shot which he expended in firing at marks.

Having spent his years in dissipation and indulgence, Ranjit was attracted towards usual vices common among the nobility during those days. However, Ranjit "in his youth was remarkably active and excellent horseman and well skilled in everything connected with military feats.

At the age of 16 Ranjit singh was married to Mehtab Kaur of Kanhaiya misal, thus this marriage brought two great misals together. Then in 1798 he again married to the daughter of Khazan singh Nakai thus also adding his strength. The second marriage annoyed Sada kaur and Mehtab kaur. Mehtab kaur returned to Batala and only returned to Gujrawala occasionally.

Upto this time diwan Lakhpat Rai was managing the affairs of the estate. He was confident of sardar Mahan singh. He kept all the accounts. Diwan was murdered while away in the Dhanni area for collecting the revenue. This gave an opportunity to Ranjit singh to take over the administration.

Thus at the age of 18 Ranjit singh assumed the powers directly. Sada kaur exploited the position of Ranjit singh and she was the ladder by which Ranjit singh reached the climax of his power. the plastic mind of the young boy was molded by men and women from whom he had no lofty religious and moral ideas to imible. He was brought up more or less a spoilt child.

We had many divergent accounts of the physical appearances of Ranjit singh. "He was exactly like old mouse, with gray whiskers and one eye." "In person he was short and mean-looking and had he not distinguished himself by his great talents he would be passed by without being thought worthy of observation. Without exaggeration must call him the most ugly and unprepossessing man I saw throughout Punjab. His left eye, which is quite closed, disfigures less than the other but form so many dark pits in his grayish brown skin, his short straight nose is swollen at the tip; his skinny lips are stretched tight over his teeth which are still good; his grizzled beard, very thin on cheeks and upper lip, meets under the chin in matted confusion, and his head which is sunk very much on his broad shoulders, is too large for his height, and does not seem to move easily. He has thick muscular neck, thin arms and legs, the left foot and left arm dropping, and small well informed hands. The nervous irritation of his mind is shown by the continual pressure on one's finger. His costumes always contributes to increase his ugliness, being in winter the color of gamboge from the pagri down to his very socks and slippers. When he seats himself in common English chair with his feet drawn under him, the position is one particularly unfavorable to him; but soon as he mounts his horse and with his black shield on his back puts him on his mettle, the whole form seems animated by the spirit within, and assumes a certain grace of which nobody could believe it susceptible"(by Eden Emily, upto the country p.320, and by Hugel Baron, Travels in Kashmir and the country of the Sikhs p. 380). "He had a large and indeed an unusual share of the weakness and vices which grew up, like all weeds, in human nature, and his moral being seemed, at superficial glance, as dwarfed and distorted as his physical envelope. He was selfish, false and avaricious; grossly superstitious, shamelessly and openly drunken and debauched. In the respectable virtues he had no part; but in their default he was still great with him, as with the most illustrious leaders of men, from Ceaser and Alexander to Napolean, intellectual strength not allied to maral rectitude. He was great because he possessed in an extraordinary degree the qualities without which the highest success cannot be attained, and the absence of the commonplace virtues which belong to the average citizen neither diminished nor affected in any way the distinction of character. He was born ruler. Men obeyed him with instinct and because they had no power to disobey".




Situation in Punjab, Sikh confedrations and Afghanis

Punjab presented a picture of chaos and confusion when Ranjit singh took reins of Sukerchikias misal. The edifice of Ahmad Shah abdali's empire in India had crumbled. Afghanistan was dismembered. Peshawar and Kashmir though under the suzerainty of Afghanistan had attained de facto independence. Barakzais were the masters of these places. Attock was ruled by Wazrikhels and Jhang lay at the feet of Sials. Pathans were ruling Kasur. Multan had thrown yoke and Nawab Muzaffar Khan had taken its charge.



Map of Punjab in 1790's

Both Punjab and Sind were under Afghan rule since 1757 after Ahmad Shah Abdali was granted suzerainty over these two provinces. They were confronted with the rising power of Sikhs in Punjab. Taimur Khan, a local Governor was able to turn away Sikhs from Amritsar. He razed to the ground the fort of Ram Rauni. But this state of affairs did not last long and the Sikh misal joined hands and defeated Taimur Shah and his Chief minister Jalal Khan. The Afghans were forced to retreat and Lahore was occupied by the Sikhs in 1758, Jassa singh Ahluwalia proclaimed Sikh's sovereignty and became its head. He struck coins to commemorate his victory.

When Ahmad Shah Abdali was engaged in his campaign against the Marathas at Panipat in 1761, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia plundered Sirhind and Dialpur, seized some places in Ferozepur district and took under his possession Jagraon and Kot Isa Khan on the other bank of Sutlej. He captured Hoshiarpur and Naraingurh in Ambala and levied tribute from the chief of Kapurthala. He then marched towards Jhang. Sial chief offered stout resistance. When Ahmad Shah left in Feb. 1761, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia again attacked Sirhind and extended his territory as far as Tarn Taran. He crossed Bias and capture Sultanpur. In 1762, Ahmad Shah again appeared and a fierce battle took place. It is called Ghalughara, a great holocaust. Jassa singh fled to Kangra hills after Sikh forces were totally routed. After the departure of Ahmad Shah Abdali, Jassa Singh Ahluwalia attacked Sirhind, it was razed to ground and the afghan Governor Zen Khan was killed. This was a great victory to Sikhs who were rulers of all the area around the Sirhind. Jassa Singh hastily paid visit to Hari Mandir at Amritsar, and he made amends and restored it to original shape as it was defiled by Ahmad Shah by slaughtering cows in its precincts.

Ahmad Shah died in June 1773. After his death power of Afghans declined in Punjab. Taimur Shah ascended the throne at Kabul. By then misals, had established themselves in Punjab. They had under their control the area as far as Saharnpur in east, Attock in west, Kangra Jammu in north and Multan in south. Efforts were made by Afghan rulers to dislodge Sikhs from their citadels. Taimur Shah attacked Multan and defeated the Bhangis. The Bhangi sardars, Lehna Singh, and Sobha singh were driven out of Lahore in 1767 by the Abdali but soon reoccupied it. They remained in power in Lahore till 1793-the year when Shah Zaman succeeded to the throne of Kabul.

Another menace to Sikhs was the Pathan ruler of Kasur who was loyal to Kabul. During the Abdali attacks, he took side with him and plundered the Sikh territory. Now again assistance was promised to Shah by Kasur ruler, Nizam-Ud-Din-Khan.

The first attempt by Shah Zaman was made in 1793. He came upto Hassan Abdal from where he sent an army of 7000 strong cavalry under Ahmad Shahnachi but the Sikhs totally routed them. It was a great setback to Shah Zaman but again in 1795 he reorganized forces and attacked Hassan Abdal, snatched Rohtas from Sukerchikias, whom leader was Ranjit Singh. who suffered at Shah Zaman' hands but did not lose courage. However, shah had to be back in Kabul as an invasion was apprehended on his own country from the west. After he went back, Ranjit dislodged the Afghans from Rohtas.

Shah Zaman could not sit idle. In 1796 he moved, crossed Indus for the third time and dreamt of capturing Delhi. His ambition knew no bounds. By now he had collected 3000 strong afghan army. He was confident a large number of Indians will join with him. Nawab of Kasur had already assured him help. Sahib Singh of Patiala betrayed his countrymen and declared his intentions of helping Shah Zaman. He had family traditions of loyalty to all the invaders who attacked India. Shah Zaman was also assured help by the Rohillas, Wazir of Oudh, and Tipu Sultan of Mysore. Shah was bent upon to finish the infidels. The news of Shah Zaman invasion spread like wild fire. Chicken hearted people started fleeing to hills for safety. Heads of Misals, though bound to give protection to the people as they were collecting Rakhi tax from them were the first to leave the people in lurch. In Dec. Shah occupied territory upto Jhelum. When he reached Gujarat Sahib singh bhangi panicked and left the place. He could not offer any resistance.

Next was the territory of Ranjit singh. He was alert and raised an army of 5000 horsemen. But they were inadequately armed with only spears and muskets. The afghans were equipped with heavy artillery. Ranjit singh thought of a stiff united fight against the invaders. He came to Amritsar. A congregation of Sarbat Khalasa was called and many Sikh sardars answered the call. An almost unanimous opinion prevailed that Shah zaman's army should be allowed to enter the Punjab, and they all should retire to hills.

However, Sada Kaur thought otherwise and exhorted the Sikhs to fight to the last. She persuaded Ranjit singh to be bold enough to face the Afghan army and offer stiff resistance. Forces were reorganized under the command of Ranjit singh and they marched towards Lahore. They were able to gave Afghans a crushing defeat in several villages and ultimately surrounded the city of Lahore. Sorties were made in night in which they would kill a few Afghan soldiers and then leave the city in the thick of darkness. Following this tactic they were able to dislodge Afghans at several places.

In 1797, Shah Zaman, suddenly left for Afghanistan as his brother Mahmud had revolted. Shahanchi khan with considerable force was left at Lahore. The Sikhs however followed Shah upto Jhelum and snatched many goods from him. The Sikhs returned and in the way were attacked by the army of Shahnachi khan near Ram Nagar. The Sikhs routed his army. It was the first major achievement of Ranjit Singh. He became the hero of the land of Five Rivers and his reputation spread far and wide.

Again in 1798 Shah Zaman attacked Punjab to avenge his defeat in 1797, people took refuge in hills. Sarbat Khalsa was again called and Sada Kaur again persuaded Sikhs to fight till the last man. This time even Muslims were not spared by Shah Zaman forces and he won Gujarat very easily. Sada Kaur aroused the sense of Sikhs of national honor and if they had left Amritsar then she will command the forces against Afghans. She said an Afghani soldier was no match to a Sikh soldier . They would be give befitting reply and by the grace of Sat Guru they would be successful.

The Afghans had plundered the towns and villages as they had vowed and declared openly that they would exterminate the Sikhs; but in the process the Muslims suffered most as Hindus and Sikhs had already left for the hills. The Muslims thought that they would not be touched but their hopes were belied and their provisions were forcible taken away by the Afghans.

Shah Zaman sought help of raja Sansar Chand of Kangra, that he will not gave any food or shelter to Sikhs. He agreed. Shah Zaman attacked Lahore and Sikhs were surrounded from all sides, they had to fight a grim battle. The Afghans occupied Lahore on Nov. 1798, and planned to attack Amritsar. Ranjit Singh collected his Men and faced forces about 8 Km from Amritsar. It was a well-matched encounter which forced Afghans at last to retire. They were humiliated and fled towards Lahore. Ranjit Singh pursued them and surrounded Lahore. Afghan supply lines were cut. Crops were burnt and other provisions plundered so that they did not fall into Afghan's hands. The Afghans never expected such a humiliating defeat at the hands of Sikhs. Nizam-ud.din of Kasur attacked Sikhs near Shahdara on the banks of Ravi, but his forces were no match to Sikhs. Here too, Muslims suffered the most. The retreating Afghans and Nizam-ud-din forces plundered the town which antagonized the local people.

The Afghans struggled hard to dislodge Sikhs but in vain. Sikh cordon was so strong that they made impossible for the Afghans to break it and proceed towards Delhi. Ranjit singh became terror to them.

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ਦੇਸ਼   - ਭਾਰਤ
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ਸਥਾਪਿਤ   - ੧੯੬੬-੧੧-੦੧
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ਰਾਜਧਾਨੀ   - ਚੰਡੀਗੜ੍ਹ
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ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਡਾ ਸ਼ਹਿਰ   - ਲੁਧਿਆਣਾ
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ਜ਼ਿਲ੍ਹੇ-    ੨੨
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ਸਰਕਾਰ
 • ਗਵਰਨਰ-    ਸ਼ਿਵਰਾਜ ਪਾਟਿਲ
 • ਮੁੱਖ ਮੰਤਰੀ-    ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ ਸਿੰਘ ਬਾਦਲ (SAD)
 • ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਮੰਤਰੀ   - ਨਰਿੰਦਰ ਮੋਦੀ
 • ਵਿਧਾਨ ਸਭਾ-    ੧੧੭ ਸੰਸਦੀ
 • ਸੰਸਦੀ ਹਲਕੇ   - ੧੩
 • ਆਬਾਦੀ- (੨੦੧੧)
 • ਕੁੱਲ   - ੨,੭੭,੦੪,੨੩੬
 • ਸੰਘਣਾਪਣ   - ./ਕਿ.ਮੀ.੨ (./ਵਰਗ ਮੀਲ)


ਪੰਜਾਬ ਉੱਤਰ-ਪੱਛਮੀ ਭਾਰਤ ਦਾ ਇੱਕ ਰਾਜ ਹੈ, ਜੋ ਵੱਡੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਖੇਤ‍ਰ ਦਾ ਇਕ ਭਾਗ ਹੈ। ਇਸਦਾ ਦੂਸਰਾ ਭਾਗ ਪਾਕਿਸਤਾਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੈ। ਇਸਦੀ ਸਰਹੱਦ ਉੱਤਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਜੰਮੂ ਅਤੇ ਕਸ਼ਮੀਰ, ਉੱਤਰ-ਪੂਰਬ ਵਿੱਚ ਹਿਮਾਚਲ ਪ੍ਰਦੇਸ਼, ਦੱਖਣ-ਪੂਰਬ ਵਿੱਚ ਹਰਿਆਣੇ, ਦੱਖਣ-ਪੱਛਮ ਵਿੱਚ ਰਾਜਸਥਾਨ ਅਤੇ ਪੱਛਮ ਵਿੱਚ ਪਾਕਿਸਤਾਨੀ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਨਾਲ ਲੱਗਦੀ ਹੈ। ਇਸਦੇ ਮੁੱਖ ਸ਼ਹਿਰ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਸਰ, ਲੁਧਿਆਣਾ, ਜਲੰਧਰ, ਬਠਿੰਡਾ, ਫ਼ਿਰੋਜ਼ਪੁਰ, ਮੋਹਾਲੀ ਅਤੇ ਪਟਿਆਲਾ ਹਨ ਅਤੇ ਰਾਜਧਾਨੀ ਚੰਡੀਗੜ੍ਹ ਹੈ।


1947 ਦੀ ਭਾਰਤ-ਵੰਡ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਬਰਤਾਨਵੀ ਭਾਰਤ ਦੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਸੂਬੇ ਨੂੰ ਭਾਰਤ ਅਤੇ ਪਾਕਿਸਤਾਨ ਦਰਮਿਆਨ ਵੰਡ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਸੀ। 1966 ਵਿੱਚ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੀ ਮੁੜ ਵੰਡ ਹੋਈ ਅਤੇ ਨਤੀਜੇ ਵਜੋਂ ਹਰਿਆਣਾ ਅਤੇ ਹਿਮਾਚਲ ਪ੍ਰਦੇਸ਼ ਹੋਂਦ ਵਿੱਚ ਆਏ ਅਤੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦਾ ਮੌਜੂਦਾ ਰਾਜ ਬਣਿਆ। ਇਹ ਭਾਰਤ ਦਾ ਇਕੱਲਾ ਸੂਬਾ ਹੈ ਜਿੱਥੇ ਸਿੱਖ ਬਹੁਮਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਹਨ।

ਯੂਨਾਨੀ ਲੋਕ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਨੂੰ ਪੈਂਟਾਪੋਟਾਮੀਆ ਨਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਜਾਣਦੇ ਸਨ ਜੋ ਕਿ ਪੰਜ ਇਕੱਠੇ ਹੁੰਦੇ ਦਰਿਆਵਾਂ ਦਾ ਅੰਦਰੂਨੀ ਡੈਲਟਾ ਹੈ। ਪਾਰਸੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਪਵਿੱਤਰ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਅਵੈਸਟਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਖੇਤਰ ਨੂੰ ਪੁਰਾਤਨ ਹਪਤਾ ਹੇਂਦੂ ਜਾਂ ਸਪਤ-ਸਿੰਧੂ (ਸੱਤ ਦਰਿਆਵਾਂ ਦੀ ਧਰਤੀ) ਨਾਲ ਜੋੜਿਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਬਰਤਾਨਵੀ ਲੋਕ ਇਸ ਨੂੰ "ਸਾਡਾ ਪਰੱਸ਼ੀਆ" ਕਹਿ ਕੇ ਬੁਲਾਉਂਦੇ ਸਨ। ਇਤਿਹਾਸਕ ਤੌਰ ਤੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਯੂਨਾਨੀਆਂ, ਮੱਧ ਏਸ਼ੀਆਈਆਂ, ਅਫ਼ਗਾਨੀਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਇਰਾਨੀਆਂ ਲਈ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਉਪ-ਮਹਾਂਦੀਪ ਦਾ ਪ੍ਰਵੇਸ਼-ਦੁਆਰ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ।

ਖੇਤੀਬਾੜੀ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦਾ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਡਾ ਉਦਯੋਗ ਹੈ; ਇਹ ਭਾਰਤ ਦਾ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਡਾ ਕਣਕ ਉਤਪਾਦਕ ਹੈ। ਹੋਰ ਪ੍ਰਮੁੱਖ ਉਦਯੋਗ ਹਨ: ਵਿਗਿਆਨਕ ਸਾਜ਼ਾਂ, ਖੇਤੀਬਾੜੀ, ਖੇਡ ਅਤੇ ਬਿਜਲੀ ਸੰਬੰਧੀ ਮਾਲ, ਸਿਲਾਈ ਮਸ਼ੀਨਾਂ, ਮਸ਼ੀਨ ਸੰਦਾਂ, ਸਟਾਰਚ, ਸਾਈਕਲਾਂ, ਖਾਦਾਂ ਆਦਿ ਦਾ ਨਿਰਮਾਣ, ਵਿੱਤੀ ਰੁਜ਼ਗਾਰ, ਸੈਰ-ਸਪਾਟਾ ਅਤੇ ਦਿਉਦਾਰ ਦੇ ਤੇਲ ਅਤੇ ਖੰਡ ਦਾ ਉਤਪਾਦਨ। ਪੰਜਾਬ ਵਿੱਚ ਭਾਰਤ ਵਿੱਚੋਂ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਵੱਧ ਇਸਪਾਤ ਦੇ ਰਿੜ੍ਹਵੀਆਂ ਮਿੱਲਾਂ ਦੇ ਕਾਰਖਾਨੇ ਹਨ ਜੋ ਕਿ ਫ਼ਤਹਿਗੜ੍ਹ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਜਿਲੇ ਦੀ ਇਸਪਾਤ ਨਗਰੀ ਮੰਡੀ ਗੋਬਿੰਦਗੜ੍ਹ ਵਿਖੇ ਹਨ।

ਸ਼ਬਦ ਉਤਪਤੀ
ਪੰਜਾਬ ਫ਼ਾਰਸੀ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਦੇ ਦੋ ਸ਼ਬਦਾਂ 'ਪੰਜ' ਅਤੇ 'ਆਬ' ਦਾ ਮੇਲ ਹੈ ਜਿਸਦਾ ਮਤਲਬ ਹੈ ਪੰਜ ਪਾਣੀ ਅਤੇ ਜਿਸਦਾ ਸ਼ਾਬਦਿਕ ਅਰਥ ਹੈ ਪੰਜ ਦਰਿਆਵਾਂ ਦੀ ਧਰਤੀ। ਇਹ ਪੰਜ ਦਰਿਆ ਹਨ:ਸਤਲੁਜ, ਬਿਆਸ, ਰਾਵੀ, ਚਨਾਬ ਅਤੇ ਜਿਹਲਮ।

ਭੂਗੋਲ
ਪੰਜਾਬ ਉੱਤਰ-ਪੱਛਮੀ ਭਾਰਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਥਿੱਤ ਹੈ ਜਿਸਦਾ ਰਕਬਾ ੫੦,੩੬੨ ਵਰਗ ਕਿ. ਮੀ. ਹੈ।ਪੰਜਾਬ ਅਕਸ਼ਾਂਸ਼ (latitudes) ੨੯.੩੦° ਤੋਂ ੩੨.੩੨° ਉੱਤਰ ਅਤੇ ਰੇਖਾਂਸ਼ (longitudes) ੭੩.੫੫° ਤੋਂ ੭੬.੫੦° ਪੂਰਬ ਵਿਚਕਾਰ ਫੈਲਿਆ ਹੋਇਆ ਹੈ।[੧] ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੀ ਸਰਹੱਦ ਉੱਤਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਜੰਮੂ ਅਤੇ ਕਸ਼ਮੀਰ, ਉੱਤਰ-ਪੂਰਬ ਵਿੱਚ ਹਿਮਾਚਲ ਪ੍ਰਦੇਸ਼, ਦੱਖਣ-ਪੂਰਬ ਵਿੱਚ ਹਰਿਆਣਾ, ਦੱਖਣ-ਪੱਛਮ ਵਿੱਚ ਰਾਜਸਥਾਨ ਅਤੇ ਪੱਛਮ ਵਿੱਚ ਪਾਕਿਸਤਾਨੀ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਨਾਲ ਲੱਗਦੀ ਹੈ।

ਇਤਿਹਾਸ
ਮਹਾਂਭਾਰਤ ਸਮਾਂ ਦੇ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਨੂੰ ਪੰਚਨਦ ਦੇ ਨਾਂ ਨਾਲ਼ ਜਾਣਿਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਸੀ[੨][੩]। ਹੜੱਪਾ (ਇਸ ਸਮੇਂ ਪੰਜਾਬ, ਪਾਕਿਸਤਾਨ,ਪਾਕਿਸਤਾਨ ਵਿੱਚ) ਜਿਹੇ ਸ਼ਹਿਰਾਂ ਕਰਕੇ ਸਿੱਧੂ-ਘਾਟੀ ਸੱਭਿਅਤਾ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਇਲਾਕੇ ਦੇ ਕਾਫੀ ਵੱਡੇ ਹਿੱਸੇ 'ਚ ਫੈਲੀ ਹੋਈ ਸੀ। ਵੇਦੀ ਸੱਭਿਅਤਾ ਸਰਸਵਤੀ ਦੇ ਕਿਨਾਰੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਸਮੇਤ ਲਗਭਗ ਪੂਰੇ ਉੱਤਰੀ ਭਾਰਤ 'ਚ ਫੈਲੀ ਹੋਈ ਸੀ। ਇਸ ਸੱਭਿਅਤਾ ਨੇ ਭਾਰਤੀ ਉੱਪ ਮਹਾਂਦੀਪ ਵਿੱਚ ਆੳਣ ਵਾਲ਼ੇ ਸੱਭਿਆਚਾਰਾਂ ਤੇ ਕਾਫ਼ੀ ਅਸਰ ਪਾਇਆ। ਪੰਜਾਬ ਗੰਧਾਰ, ਮਹਾਂਜਨਪਦ, ਨੰਦ, ਮੌਰੀਆ, ਸ਼ੁੰਗ, ਕੁਸ਼ਾਨ, ਗੁਪਤ ਖ਼ਾਨਦਾਨ, ਪਲਾਸ, ਗੁੱਜਰ-ਪ੍ਰਤੀਹਾਰ ਅਤੇ ਹਿੰਦੂ ਸ਼ਾਹੀ ਸਮੇਤ ਮਹਾਨ ਪ੍ਰਾਚੀਨ ਸਾਮਰਾਜ ਦਾ ਹਿੱਸਾ ਸੀ। ਮਹਾਨ ਸਿਕੰਦਰ ਦੇ ਅਨਵੇਸ਼ਣ ਦੇ ਦੂਰ ਪੂਰਵੀ ਸੀਮਾ ਸਿੱਧੂ ਨਦੀ ਦੇ ਕੰਡੇ ਸੀ। ਖੇਤੀਬਾੜੀ ਨਿੱਖਰੀ ਅਤੇ ਵਪਾਰਕ ਸ਼ਹਿਰਾਂ (ਜਿਵੇਂ ਜਲੰਧਰ ਅਤੇ ਲੁਧਿਆਣਾ) ਦੀ ਜਾਇਦਾਦ ਵਿੱਚ ਵਾਧਾ ਹੋਇਆ।

ਆਪਣੇ ਭੂਗੋਲਕ ਟਿਕਾਣੇ ਕਰਕੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦਾ ਇਲਾਕਾ ਪੱਛਮ ਅਤੇ ਪੂਰਬ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਲਗਾਤਾਰ ਹਮਲਿਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਹੱਲਿਆਂ ਹੇਠ ਰਿਹਾ। ਪੰਜਾਬ ਨੂੰ ਫ਼ਾਰਸੀਆਂ, ਯੂਨਾਨੀਆਂ, ਸਿਥੀਅਨਾਂ, ਤੁਰਕਾਂ, ਅਤੇ ਅਫ਼ਗਾਨੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਹਮਲਿਆਂ ਦਾ ਸਾਹਮਣਾ ਕਰਨਾ ਪਿਆ। ਇਸ ਕਰਕੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਨੇ ਕਈ ਸੌ ਸਾਲ ਕੌੜਾ ਖ਼ੂਨ-ਖ਼ਰਾਬਾ ਝੱਲਿਆ। ਇਸਦੀ ਵਿਰਾਸਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਇੱਕ ਨਿਵੇਕਲਾ ਸੱਭਿਆਚਾਰ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਹਿੰਦੂ, ਬੋਧੀ, ਫ਼ਾਰਸੀ/ਪਾਰਸੀ, ਮੱਧ-ਏਸ਼ੀਆਈ, ਇਸਲਾਮੀ, ਅਫ਼ਗਾਨ, ਸਿੱਖ ਅਤੇ ਬਰਤਾਨਵੀ ਤੱਤਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਜੋੜਦਾ ਹੈ।

ਪਾਕਿਸਤਾਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਤਕਸ਼ਿਲਾ ਸ਼ਹਿਰ ਭਰਤ (ਰਾਮ ਦਾ ਭਰਾ) ਦੇ ਪੁੱਤਰ ਤਕਸ਼ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਥਾਪਿਆ ਗਿਆ ਸੀ। ਇੱਥੇ ਦੁਨੀਆਂ ਦੀ ਸਭ ਤੋਂ ਪੁਰਾਣੀ ਯੂਨੀਵਰਸਿਟੀ, ਤਕਸ਼ਿਲਾ ਯੂਨੀਵਰਸਿਟੀ, ਸੀ ਜਿਸਦਾ ਇੱਕ ਅਧਿਆਪਕ ਮਹਾਨ ਵੇਦੀ ਵਿਚਾਰਕ ਅਤੇ ਸਿਆਸਤਦਾਨ ਚਾਣਕ ਸੀ। ਤਕਸ਼ਿਲਾ ਮੌਰੀਆ ਸਾਮਰਾਜ ਦੇ ਵੇਲੇ ਵਿੱਦਿਅਕ ਅਤੇ ਬੌਧਿਕ ਚਰਚਾ ਦਾ ਬਹੁਤ ਵੱਡਾ ਕੇਂਦਰ ਸੀ। ਹੁਣ ਇਹ ਸੰਯੁਕਤ ਰਾਸ਼ਟਰ ਦਾ ਇੱਕ ਵਿਸ਼ਵ ਵਿਰਾਸਤ ਟਿਕਾਣਾ ਹੈ।

ਪੰਜਾਬ ਅਤੇ ਕਈ ਫ਼ਾਰਸੀ ਸਾਮਰਾਜਾਂ ਦੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੰਪਰਕ ਦਾ ੳਹ ਸਮਾਂ ਵਿਸ਼ੇਸ਼ ਮਹੱਤਵ ਰੱਖਦਾ ਹੈ ਜਦੋਂ ਇਸਦੇ ਕੁੱਝ ਹਿਸੇ ਜਾਂ ਤਾਂ ਸਾਮਰਾਜ ਦੇ ਨਾਲ ਹੀ ਰਲ਼ ਗਏ ਜਾਂ ਫ਼ਾਰਸੀ ਬਾਦਸ਼ਾਹਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਟੈਕਸਾਂ ਦੇ ਭੁਗਤਾਨ ਬਦਲੇ ਅਜ਼ਾਦ ਇਲਾਕੇ ਬਣੇ ਰਹੇ। ਆਉਣ ਵਾਲੀਆਂ ਸਦੀਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ, ਜਦੋਂ ਫ਼ਾਰਸੀ ਮੁਗ਼ਲ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਦੀ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਬਣ ਗਈ, ਫ਼ਾਰਸੀ ਵਾਸਤੂਕਲਾ, ਕਵਿਤਾ, ਕਲਾ ਅਤੇ ਸੰਗੀਤ ਖੇਤਰ ਦੇ ਸੱਭਿਆਚਾਰ ਦਾ ਇੱਕ ਅਨਿੱਖੜਵਾਂ ਹਿੱਸਾ ਸਨ। ਮੱਧ 19ਵੀ ਸਦੀ 'ਚ ਅੰਗਰੇਜ਼ਾਂ ਦੇ ਆਉਣ ਤੱਕ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੀ ਦਫ਼ਤਰੀ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਫ਼ਾਰਸੀ ਸੀ ਜਿਸ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਇਹ ਖ਼ਤਮ ਕਰ ਦਿਤੀ ਗਈ ਅਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਬੰਧਕੀ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਉਰਦੂ ਬਣਾ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਗਈ।

ਪ੍ਰਾਚੀਨ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੀ ਕਹਾਣੀ
ਪ੍ਰਾਚੀਨ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੀਆਂ ਭੂਗੋਲਿਕ ਹੱਦਾਂ ਤੇ ਸਰਹੱਦਾਂ ਦੋ ਦਰਿਆਵਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਚੱਲਦੀਆਂ ਆਈਆਂ ਹਨ: ਪੂਰਬ (ਚੜ੍ਹਦੇ) ਵੱਲ ਜਮਨਾ ਅਤੇ ਪੱਛਮ (ਲਹਿੰਦੇ) ਵੱਲ ਸਿੰਧ ਦਰਿਆ। ਸਾਂਝੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੀ ਹੱਦਬੰਦੀ ਤੈਅ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੋ ਦਰਿਆਵਾਂ ਦਰਮਿਆਨ ਪੰਜ ਦਰਿਆ ਵਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ।

ਜਿਹਲਮ
ਝਨਾਂ
ਰਾਵੀ
ਬਿਆਸ
ਸਤਲੁਜ

ਸਪਤ-ਸਿੰਧੂ
ਸੱਤਾਂ ਦਰਿਆਵਾਂ ਦੀ ਇਹ ਧਰਤੀ ਸਪਤ-ਸਿੰਧੂ ਕਹਾਉਂਦੀ ਸੀ। ਸਮੇਂ ਦੇ ਫੇਰ ਨਾਲ ਇਹ ਵਿਸ਼ਾਲ ਸੂਬਾ ਪੰਜ-ਨਦੀਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਸਿਮਟ ਕੇ ਪੰਜ-ਨਦ ਅਖਵਾਇਆ, ਜੋ ਮੁਸਲਮਾਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਆਮਦ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ‘ਪੰਜ-ਆਬ’ ਬਣ ਗਿਆ। ਸੰਨ 1947 ਈਸਵੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਇਹ ਢਾਈ- ਢਾਈ ਨਦੀਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਵੰਡਿਆ ਗਿਆ। ਲਹਿੰਦੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੀ ਜਲਧਾਰਾ ਹਿੱਸੇ ਸਿਆਲਕੋਟ, ਲਾਹੌਰ ਤੇ ਮਿੰਟਗੁਮਰੀ ਦੇ ਜ਼ਿਲ੍ਹੇ ਅਤੇ ਬਹਾਵਲਪੁਰ ਦੀ ਰਿਆਸਤ ਆ ਗਏ। ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਲੋਕ-ਗੀਤਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਬੋਲਦੀ ਅਤੇ ਅਜ਼ੀਮ ਸ਼ਹਾਦਤਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਜੁੜੀ [ਰਾਵੀ] ਵੀ ਵੰਡੀ ਗਈ।

ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੀਆਂ ਪੰਜ ਡਵੀਜ਼ਨਾਂ
ਬਟਵਾਰੇ ਵੇਲੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੀਆਂ ਪੰਜ ਡਵੀਜ਼ਨਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਉੱਣਤੀ ਜ਼ਿਲ੍ਹੇ ਸਨ।

ਅੰਬਾਲਾ ਡਵੀਜ਼ਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਗੁੜਗਾਉਂ, ਰੋਹਤਕ, ਕਰਨਾਲ, ਹਿਸਾਰ, ਸ਼ਿਮਲਾ ਅਤੇ ਅੰਬਾਲਾ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਸਨ। #ਜਲੰਧਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਹੁਸ਼ਿਆਰਪੁਰ, ਜਲੰਧਰ, ਲੁਧਿਆਣਾ, ਫ਼ਿਰੋਜ਼ਪੁਰ ਅਤੇ ਕਾਂਗੜਾ ਆਉਂਦੇ ਸਨ।
ਲਾਹੌਰ ਡਵੀਜ਼ਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਲਾਹੌਰ, ਗੁਜਰਾਂਵਾਲਾ, ਸ਼ੇਖੂਪੁਰਾ, ਸਿਆਲਕੋਟ, ਗੁਰਦਾਸਪੁਰ ਅਤੇ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਸਰ ਛੇ ਜ਼ਿਲ੍ਹੇ ਆਉਂਦੇ ਸਨ।
ਰਾਵਲਪਿੰਡੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਜੇਹਲਮ, ਗੁਜਰਾਤ, ਰਾਵਲਪਿੰਡੀ, ਅਟਕ, ਸ਼ਾਹਪੁਰਾ ਅਤੇ ਮੀਆਂਵਾਲੀ ਜ਼ਿਲ੍ਹੇ ਸਨ। #ਮੁਲਤਾਨ ਡਵੀਜ਼ਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਲਾਇਲਪੁਰ, ਝੰਗ, ਮੁਲਤਾਨ, ਮੁਜ਼ੱਫ਼ਰਗੜ੍ਹ ਅਤੇ ਡੇਰਾ ਗਾਜ਼ੀ ਖ਼ਾਨ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਸਨ।







Punjab State Information

Capital : Chandigarh

Districts :20

Languages : Punjabi, Hindi
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Introduction to Punjab

Punjab, the land of five rivers, has land with prosperity. The plains of Punjab, with their fertile soil and abundant water supply, are naturally suited to be the breadbasket for India. The land of Punjab is a land of exciting culture. The state has achieved tremendous growth over the years due to the success of the Green Revolution in the early 70s. For a major period in the second half of the 20th century, Punjab led the other states in India to achieve self-sufficiency in crop production. The current state of Punjab was formed in 1966, the state was organized into three smaller states - Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh

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Geography of Punjab

Punjab extends from the latitudes 29.30° North to 32.32° North and longitudes 73.55° East to 76.50° East. It is bounded on the west by Pakistan, on the north by Jammu and Kashmir, on the northeast by Himachal Pradesh and on the south by Haryana and Rajasthan. Due to the presence of a large number of rivers, most of the Punjab is a fertile plain. The southeast region of the state is semi-arid and gradually presents a desert landscape. A belt of undulating hills extends along the northeastern part of the state at the foot of the Himalayas.

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Brief History of Punjab

Punjab is said to have derived its name from the five rivers that flow through this region - Indus, Sutlej, Beas, Ravi and Ghaggar. It was a region that formed parts of the Indus Valley civilization. The Aryans settled in this region in about 1500 B.C. It was in about 900 B.C. that the battle of Kurukshetra mentioned in the Epic Mahabharata was believed to have taken place in Kurukshetra. During this period the region formed small principalities ruled by chieftains. In 326 B.C. Alexander the Great of Macedonia invaded Punjab. After this was the rule of Chandragupta Maurya that lasted till about 1st century A.D. By 318 A.D. the Gupta dynasty exercised their influence. The Huns followed them in about 500 A.D. By 1000 A.D., the Muslims invaded Punjab led by Mahmud of Ghazni. In 1030 A.D., the Rajputs gained control of this territory. During the Sultanate period and Mughal rule, Punjab was engaged in intermittent warfare. In about 1192 A.D. the Ghoris defeated the Chauhans and ruled until the establishment of the Mughal rule. Guru Gobind Singh (1661-1708 AD) created the Khalsa, an army of saint-warriors who rose up against the ferocity perpetrated by the Mugals. The Sikhs carried on their struggle and after the fall of Banda Bahadur, they established themselves as sovereign rulers of the greater part of the Punjab. From the misals evolved the government of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1778-1839). He was the first independent native Indian ruler after the centuries of slavery. His reign, though not long, is significant because of its concept of dharma entwined with the practice of secularism. In the early, 19th century the British established their influence. After independence this region witnessed mass migration and distribution of property. In 1947 when India was partitioned, the larger half of Punjab went to Pakistan.

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Government of Punjab

Sardar Prakash Singh Badal is the present Chief Minister of Punjab

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Districts of Punjab


Punjab has 20 districts:
Amritsar                 Bhatinda         Faridkot   
Fatehgarh-Sahib         Ferozepur        Gurdaspur     
Hoshiarpur                     Jalandhar           Kapurthala     
Ludhiana                Mansa                Moga     
Mohali                        Muktsar         Nawanshehar
Pathankot               Patiala         Rupnagar     
Sangrur                   tarn-taaran


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Economy of Punjab


The state has number of small, medium and large-scale industrial units. Major Industries in the state include metals, manufacturing textiles, hosiery, yarn, sports goods, hand tools, bicycles, and light engineering goods. The areas of industrial thrust include agro-industry, electronics, dairy industry, pharmaceutical Industry and white goods industry. Agriculture is the mainstay of Punjab's economy. The state contributes 80 percent of wheat and 43 percent of rice to the national exchequer. The other major reason for the prosperity of the state are the great number of people who left their home for the countries in Europe and North America and, after long struggles, achieved successes there.

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Punjab Travel Information


The most important tourist center in the state is Amritsar with its Golden Temple. This temple is considered to be the holiest of all the pilgrimages of Sikhism and houses Akal Takht, the supreme governing body of Sikhism. The Jalianwallah Bagh is a small park in the city where the British police massacred many pilgrims in the year 1919. Wagah is the only open land point between India and Pakistan. The Changing of Guards and the ceremonial lowering of the flags ceremony at sundown are great tourist attractions and have their own symbolic importance.

Ludhiana is famous for its hosiery and woolen goods and products from Ludhiana are exported all over the world. For its production of hosiery, Ludhiana is also known as the Manchester of India. It also boasts of the world famous Punjab Agricultural University, which organizes the Kisan Mela every Year. Nearby is Killa Raipur, which is famous for its Rural Olympics. Patiala is famous for its healthy food, loving people, wonderful parandaas, exciting Patiala peg and jootis. Easily accessible and well maintained, Patiala is a place that would give one the much-needed tranquility far from urban chaos. The Sports School and the Moti Bagh Palace are some of the places that one must visit to get a clear picture of the past of the state. Chandigarh is the capital of both Punjab and Haryana. The city is considered to be a Mecca of modern architecture and planning all over the world. What makes Chandigarh extraordinary is the fact that within four decades, a barren landscape has been transformed into a modern and model human habitation. Jalandhar is an ancient city but not much of its evidence is left now. Today, it is a major rail and road junction and an army cantonment.

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Rivers of Punjab

The word "Punjab" is a combination of the Persian words 'Punj' Five, and 'Aab' Water, giving the literal meaning of the Land of the Five Rivers. The five rivers after which Punjab is named after are the Jhelum; the Chenab; the Ravi; the Beas and the Sutlej - all of them are the tributaries of the Indus river.

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Education in Punjab

Punjab is served by leading institutes of excellence in higher education. All the major arts, humanities, science, engineering, law, medicine, veterinary science, and business courses are offered, leading to first degrees as well as postgraduate awards. Advanced research is conducted in all major areas of excellence. Punjab Agriculture University is one of world's leading authorities in agriculture. Major universities of Punjab are Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar; Punjabi University, Patiala; Panjab University, Chandigarh; Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana; Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar; Punjab Medical University, Faridkot and Punjab Veternary Sciences University, Talwandi Sabo. Punjab also has many institutes of repute such as National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar and Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala

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Food of Punjab

The Punjabis are known for their rich foods. Predominantly wheat eating people, the Punjabis cook rice only on special occasions. Nans and parathas, rotis made of corn flour (makke di roti) are their typical breads. Milk and its products in the form of malai (cream), paneer (cottage cheese), butter and curds are always used with almost every Punjabi meal. The main masala in Punjabi dish consists of onion, garlic, ginger and a lot of tomatoes fried in pure ghee. Spices like coriander, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, red chili powder, turmeric and mustard are regularly used. Chicken especially 'Tandoori Chicken' is a favourite with non-vegetarians as paneer is in the vegetarian Punjabi menu. Mah ki Dal, Sarson Ka Saag, meat curry like Roghan Josh and stuffed parathas can be found in no other state except Punjab.

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Arts & Culture of Punjab

A majority of the people in this state is of Aryan origin. A large part of the population follows Sikhism, which has visible effects of Hinduism and some effect of Islam. Punjabi is the state language, quite similar to Hindi. Most famous of the craft traditions of Punjab is phullkari. The word phullkari means flowering and it does exactly that - creates a flowery surface with the simplest of tools, a needle and a silken thread, and a high degree of skill. The phullkari pattern revolves around a single stitch, the darn stitch. At Kartarpur, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur, craftsmen and women create pidhis (low, four legged woven stools), which are both artistic and of immense utility in the day-to-day life. Color, beauty and utility combine yet again to form the central theme of the well-known leather jootis (shoes and slippers) of Punjab. The enterprising women of Punjab weave durries (a pileless cotton spread, which can be used to spread on a bed or the floor). Girls are taught the art of weaving durries at a young age. The durries are woven in different sizes, and patterns - geometrical, animals, birds, leaves and flowers-and colors. Nikodar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Tarn Taran and Anandpur Sahib offer a vast variety of durries to buyers. Another important craft of Punjab is the art of doll making, especially the Punjabi bride and the bhangra dolls. Colorful and beautifully crafted and dressed, dolls are made all over Punjab, though the most important center is Chandigarh.

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Dance & Music of Punjab

The folk songs of Punjab are the songs of the body and soul. The joyous flight of birds, starry nights, sunny days and thundering clouds, signifying happiness and joy, are all reflected in folk songs. So ageless are these songs that no one can claim their creation. Punjab is the only place where the dances for men and women are not the same and are of varying forms. While the dances for men are the bhangra, jhoomer, luddi, julli and dankara, the ones for women are the giddha and kikli.

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Festivals of Punjab

The festivals in Punjab have always been celebrated with much exuberance and fanfare. For the masses these festivals are popular occasions for social interaction and enjoyment. Punjab being a predominantly agricultural state that prides itself on its food grain production, it is little wonder that its most significant festival is Baisakhi, which marks the arrival of the harvesting season. For the Sikhs, Baisakhi has a special significance because on this day in 1699, their tenth guru, Guru Govind Singh organized the Order of the Khalsa. T

The Gurpurab festival is celebrated by the Sikhs to express their reverence for their gurus. Two major Gurpurabs are celebrated during the year. The first in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov) to celebrate the teachings of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, and the second in the month of Pausa (December-January) to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Govind Singh. On all Gurpurabs, non-stop recital of the granth sahib and religious discourses are held. Langars (free meals) are served to all without distinction of caste or creed.

A day after Holi, the Sikh community in Punjab observes Holla Mohalla with thousands of devout Sikhs gathering at Anandpur Sahib-where Guru Gobind Singh was baptized-to participate in the grand fair of Holla Mohalla. The whole place wears a festive look, processions are taken out, and the people participate in the festivities with gaiety and fervor. Tika is celebrated in the month of Kartik (Oct-Nov.) one day after Diwali. Women put a tika of saffron and rice grains on the foreheads of their brothers, to protect them from evil. Like most other festivals of Punjab, Lohri too is a festival related to the seasons. Celebrated in the month of January, it marks the end of the winter season. A huge bonfire is made in every house and the fire god is worshipped.

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Costumes of Punjab

The most common attire of Sikh men folk is a long kurta (shirt) with baggy trousers drawn in at the ankle. Most unique identification of a Sikh man is his turban and his beard. Women of the state also wear almost the same dress known as the salwar kurta along with a dupatta (long stole).
 

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Pj Pari & gallery team work

Desi Jatti!!!!!!!!!

sukh

mai syani nhi ma bacha
sire da bandar