Punjab
| Punjab | |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Land of Five Rivers |
| Capital | Chandigarh |
| Largest City | Ludhiana |
| Country | India |
| Official Language | Punjabi |
| Area | 50,362 km² |
| Population | 3 crore (approx.) |
| Districts | 23 |
| Founded | 1 November 1966 |
Punjab is a state located in the northwestern region of India, known as the Land of Five Rivers — a name derived from the Persian words panj (five) and aab (water), referring to the five rivers that historically flowed through the region: the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab and Jhelum. Today, the Indian state of Punjab is primarily drained by the Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers. Punjab is one of the most prosperous and agriculturally advanced states in India and is home to the sacred Golden Temple in Amritsar, one of the most visited religious sites in the world. The state was formed on 1 November 1966 following its reorganisation on linguistic lines.
Geography
Punjab is bordered by Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh to the north and northeast, Haryana and Rajasthan to the south, and Pakistan to the west. The state lies in the fertile Indo-Gangetic plain and is one of the most agriculturally productive regions in South Asia.
The Sutlej and Beas rivers are the principal rivers of the state. The Shivalik Hills form a natural boundary along the northeastern edge of Punjab.
History
Punjab has one of the richest and most layered histories in India. The region was part of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation and has been inhabited for thousands of years. It was the birthplace of Sikhism — one of the world's major religions — founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 15th century.
The region was ruled by several powerful empires including the Mauryas, Kushanas, Guptas, Mughals and the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, which at its peak in the early 19th century was one of the most powerful kingdoms in Asia. The British annexed Punjab in 1849 following the Second Anglo-Sikh War.
The Partition of India in 1947 was particularly devastating for Punjab, which was divided between India and Pakistan along religious lines, resulting in one of the largest mass migrations in human history. After independence, Indian Punjab was further reorganised on 1 November 1966 into the present states of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.
Economy
Punjab is one of the most prosperous states in India with a high per capita income. Key sectors include:
- Agriculture — Punjab is known as the Granary of India and is a leading producer of wheat and rice; it played a central role in India's Green Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s
- Industry — Ludhiana is a major industrial hub known for hosiery, bicycle manufacturing and machine tools; Jalandhar is known for sports goods manufacturing
- Small and Medium Enterprises — Punjab has a vibrant SME sector producing textiles, food processing, pharmaceuticals and engineering goods
- Remittances — Punjab receives significant remittances from its large Non-Resident Indian (NRI) community settled across the world
- Tourism — Religious tourism, particularly to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, contributes significantly to the state economy
Tourism
Punjab is home to several important religious, historical and cultural attractions:
- Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) — Amritsar — The holiest shrine of Sikhism, receiving more visitors daily than the Taj Mahal
- Wagah Border — The famous border ceremony between India and Pakistan, held every evening at sunset
- Jallianwala Bagh — A historic garden in Amritsar commemorating the victims of the 1919 massacre
- Anandpur Sahib — The birthplace of the Khalsa, one of the holiest Sikh pilgrimage sites
- Fatehgarh Sahib — A major Sikh religious site commemorating the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas
- Patiala — Known for its heritage palaces, bazaars and the iconic Patiala peg
- Ropar Wetland — A significant wildlife and bird sanctuary along the Sutlej River
Culture
Punjab has one of the most vibrant and energetic cultural traditions in India. Punjabi culture is known for its warmth, hospitality, love of food and celebration. Bhangra and Giddha are the iconic folk dances of Punjab, performed during the harvest festival of Baisakhi and other celebrations.
Punjabi cuisine is renowned across India and the world, featuring dishes such as Makki di Roti and Sarson da Saag, Butter Chicken, Dal Makhani, Lassi and Amritsari Kulcha. The dhaba culture of Punjab — roadside eateries serving hearty Punjabi meals — has spread across the country.
Baisakhi, Lohri, Diwali and Gurpurab (the birth anniversary of Sikh Gurus) are the most important festivals celebrated in Punjab.
Education
Punjab has several prominent educational institutions:
- Punjab University, Chandigarh
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar
- Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala
- Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
- Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
Transport
Punjab has a well-connected transport network:
- Airports — Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar; Chandigarh International Airport
- Railways — Punjab is well connected by the Indian Railways network with major junctions at Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Pathankot
- Roads — The state has an extensive network of national and state highways; the Grand Trunk Road — one of Asia's oldest and longest roads — passes through Punjab