Monday, 27 June 2011

Bhatinda/Bathinda punjab

Bathinda or Bhatinda, named after the Bhati Rajput kings, is one of the oldest cities in Punjab, India and the current administrative headquarters of Bathinda District. It is situated in north-western India in the Malwa (Punjab) Region, 225 km west of the capital city of Chandigarh. Bathinda is nicknamed the city of Lakes and was once known as Tabar-e-Hind(or Tabarhindh), meaning the Gateway to India. The first empress of India, Razia Sultan was imprisoned in the Qila Mubarak fort in Bathinda.

Bathinda is home to two modern thermal power plants, Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant in the city and the other one, Guru Hargobind Thermal Plant at Lehra Mohabbat. It is also home to a fertilizer plant, a large oil refinery, a Zoo, and the historic Qila Mubarak fort. Bathinda is one of the biggest food grain and cotton markets in northern India, and the area around Bathinda has become a large grape growing area. It is one of the leading cities in Punjab for education.

Bathinda has a rich religious and cultural heritage. There are a number places worth visiting in and around the city. Many of them are deeply associated with various religious beliefs.

Transport

Places to See:

Gurudwara Damdama Sahib

Damdama Sahib is one of the Five Takhts or Seat of Temporal Authority of Sikhism. It has been built at the site where Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, prepared the full version of the Sikh Scriptures, called Sri Guru Granth Sahib, in 1705. Located in village of Talwandi Sabo, 28 km to the southeast of Bathinda, the gurdwara was officially recognized as the Fifth Takht of Sikkhism, on November 18, 1966.

Qila Mubarak

This is an oldest and highest small brick monument.3. Lakhi Jungle

Bahia Fort

This was built in 1930 in front of the main Fort by S. Balwant Singh Sidhu belong to a group of 22 villages, so called Bahia Sahib. It was as official residence of armed forces of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala State . Now it has been converted into a Four Star Hotel.

This is situated 15 km away from Bathinda and on the way to Mukatsar. A forest having old Gurudwara enjoyed the touches of Shri Guru Nanak Dev who recited one lakh holy Paths of Shri Japuji Sahib.Therefore it was called Lakhi Jungle. Tenth Sikh Guru , Guru Gobind Singh also visited this place.

Rose Garden

This garden boasts of large number of varieties of Roses. It is very near the city and is visited by large number of people on weekends. The 10-acre (40,000 m2) garden is located close to Thermal Plant. It has a vast variety of rose plants and is a good picnic spot.

Zoological garden

It is a plant nursery of the forest department located approximately 10 km away from the Cantonment and is a popular picnic spot. This place is a small zoo in the midst of a small forest.

Chetak Park

A beautiful garden built in Bathinda Cantonment is popular among children's and others. It has a lake and boating facility.

Mazaar of Peer Haji Rattan

It is one of the most revered place of worship in the city.

Deer Park Bir Talab Bathinda

The Deer Park Bir Talab Bathinda is situated in a notified Protected Forests about 8 Km from the city of Bathinda. The total area of the Deer Park is 32 acres. There are 15 animal enclosures in this Deer Park. The zoo exhibits Sambar, Blue Bull, Hog Deer, Spotted Deer, Black Buck and various species of birds such as Parakeets, Cockteals, Partridges, Doves, Ducks etc. Since the Deer Park is located in Protected Forests, the visit to the zoo gives a thrilling experience to the visitors.

Muktsar

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Sirsa, Haryana

Sirsa is a city in Sirsa district in the Indian state of Haryana. It is a town in the westernmost region of the state, bordering Punjab and Rajasthan. Its history dates back to the time of Mahabharata. At one time, the Sarasvati River flowed in this area.

Sirsa is said to be one of the oldest places of North India and its ancient name was Sairishaka, which finds mention in Mahabharata, Panini's Ashatadhayayi and Divyavadan. In Mahabharata, Sairishaka is described as being taken by Nakula in his conquest of the western quarter. It was a flourishing city in the 5th century BC, as it has been mentioned by Panini.

Sirsa seems to be in the administrative division of Hisar Feroza during Firuz Shah's reign. In the time of Akbar, Sirsa was one of the dasturs of Hisar Feroza Sarkar and much of its area lying in the present Sirsa district was covered by Mahals of Fatehabad, Bhattu, Bhangiwal (Darba), Sirsa, Bhatner (or Hanumangarh, Rajasthan) and Paniyana (Rajasthan). With the decline of the Mughal Empire, the track comprising Sirsa district came under the control of Marathas. The whole of Delhi Territory of which the tract formed part was ceded by the Marathas to the British in 1810. Sirsa was part of the outlying district of Delhi territory under the charge of an Assistant to the Resident. In 1819, the Delhi territory was divided into three districts - the Central which included Delhi, The Southern including Rewari, and the North-Western including Panipat, Hansi, Hisar, Sirsa and Rohta. In 1820, the latter was again sub-divided into Northern and Western and Sirsa along with Hansi, Hisar and Bhiwani formed Western district (Haryana district and later known Hisar district).

In 1837, Sirsa and Rania parganas were taken out of Haryana district and along with Guda and Malaut parganas were formed into a separate district called Bhattiana. The pargana of Darba from Hisar district and the small pargana of Rori confiscated from erstwhile princely state of Nabha were transferred to Bhattiana in 1838 and 1847 respectively. In 1844, Wattu pargana running up to Satluj was added in the Bhattiana district. The whole of the Delhi territory along with district of Bhattiana and Hisar was transferred to Punjab in 1858 and the district of Bhattiana was renamed as Sirsa.

In 1861, 42 villages of Tibi tract of Rania pargana were transferred to the then state of Bikaner.

The Sirsa district which comprised three tahsils of Sirsa, Dabwali and Fazilka was abolished in 1884 and Sirsa tahsil (consisting of 199 Villages) and 126 villages of Dabwali tahsil formed one tahsil and the same was merged in the Hisar district and the rest of the portion was transferred to the Firozpur district (Punjab). There was no change till the Independence of the country except that a village was transferred from Sirsa tahsil to the then state of Bikaner in 1906.

The entire area of the district was included in the new state of Haryana on November 1, 1966. In 1968, Sirsa tahsil was bifurcated into Sirsa and Dabwali tahsils. In 1974, three villages of Dabwali tahsil were transferred to Sirsa tahsil. On September 1, 1975, Sirsa and Dabwali tahsils were constituted into a separate Sirsa district with headquarters at Sirsa.

The archaeological Survey of India, during the archaeological exploration of the Ghaggar valley in Sirsa District in 1967-1968, nearly 54 sites, yielding the painted grey, black and Red, Black Slipped, Grey and Red wares and those belonging to Rang Mahal Culture were discovered. No Harappan settlement, however, could be located. Sites yielding Rang Mahal Pottery were found to be situated in close proximity of the Ghaggar.

Among the painted grey ware settlement, a mound locally called Lahranwali Theri near Rania deserves special mention. The painted grey ware types found here mainly comprised dishes and bowls. Pottery of the later periods was also collected from this site.

Besides, two mounds at Sikanderpur from where stone slabs having marks of Iron dowels were found can be ascribed to Rang Mahal Culture. A few more archaeological sites were identified in the district. The more important one's are described below :-

Arnian wali (Tehsil Sirsa) : It is situated 8 km South of Sirsa on Sirsa Bhadra Road. A mound measuring nearly 4 Acres and approximately 10 feet (3.0 m) high lies 400 meters north of the village. It has yielded fragments of pottery of early history and medieval times. Sikander Pur (Tehsil Sirsa) : Located about 12 km East of Sirsa, the village is approached by a link Road from Sirsa - Fatehabad Road. The site, which has two mounds, one km apart, is located about 1.6 km North-East of the villages and is nearly 30 feet (9.1 m) high. Heavy Stone Slabs and a sculpture of Indra, specimens of a temple of early medieval times were found from the site. A sculpture of an "Ekmukha Linga" of Shiva belonging to early medieval times has also been discovered. The specimen represents Shiva both in his human as well as Phallic form. A Sculpture of Indra recovered from the site is fine specimen representing two armed Indra as Dikpala. Another sculpture of Indra with his consort belonging to the early medieval times has also been found. The site has also yielded Rang Mahal and medieval wares.

Suchan (Tehsil Sirsa) : Located about 16 km east of Sirsa, the site has yielded fragments of Pottery of Rang Mahal and early medieval wares.

Mangiana (Tehsil Dabwali) : It is located about 13 km East of Dabwali on Kalanwali-Dabwali Road. The mount, located about a km West of the village, is 15 feet (4.6 m) high. It has yielded fragments of early historic and medieval wares.

Places to see:

Dera Jiwan Nagar

Dera Baba Sarsai Nath

Gurudwara Guru Gobind Singh, Chormar Khera

Hanuman Temple

Jama Masjid

Dera Sufi Saint Baba Bhuman

Shri Pancheshwari Dham, Khairpur

Ram Dev Mandir

Saint Baba Bihari Samadhi

Tomb of Khwaja Pir...........
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Jind, Haryana

Jind is a town in Jind District, Haryana state, India., transferred to Haryana from punjab state. It is one of the oldest districts of Haryana. It is one of the first Sikh Kingdoms. It lies in central Haryana and is the fourth district of the Jat belt (i.e. Sonipat, Rohtak, Hissar, Jind).The city is beautiful. Rani Talab is the major tourist place Pandu-Pindara and Ramrai are the main devotional places attracting devotees for Amaavas bath.

Places to see:

Jind is the city that can amuse you with its unique attractions. It offers a number of interesting places like religious and historical sites, that add spice to your Jind tour. Every monument, garden and amusement park holds important relevance in the Jind history.

The major attractions of Jind are its gardens, monuments and holy places. Gardens like Jayanti Devi Park, Herbal Park and Nehru Park are quite popular amongst tourists. And places like Rani Talab, Somnath Mandir, Sawarag Ashram are must on Jind itinerary.

Jayanti Devi Mandir

Manji Sahib

Kalash Mandir

Sahaid Samarak

Rani Talab

Swarg Ashram...........

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Faridkot, Punjab

Faridkot is a small city in Faridkot district in the state of Punjab, India.It's a division with headquarter at Faridkot consists of three Districts Faridkot, Bathinda and Mansa. There are 8 Sub Divisions, 8 Tehsils and 9 Sub-Tehsils within these Districts. This town is about 20 km south of Ferozpur and 70 km north of Bathinda. It is connected by metalled roads with Ferozepur, Zira, Kotkapura and via Kotkapura with Moga, Muktsar, Jaitu and Bathinda. It is situated on Bathinda-Ferozepur railway section.

Faridkot is stated to have been founded by Faja Mokalsi some 700 years ago. He named it Mokal Har and built a fort here. Mukalsi was constructing or perhaps carrying out its repairs, when Baba Farid, the Saint was forced to work on its as a labourer. The story goes that it was noticed that the basket full of mud which the Saint was supposed to carry on his head did not rest on the head but kept about a feet higher, thereby giving no burden to the Saint. This miracle brought the Raja to his knees and he begged pardon of the Saint.

The people of Faridkot originally used to live in the fort, but in 1873, a town was laid out beyond its walls and the people were settled there. In 1885, bazars, were built on an improved plan and town assumed a fine look. The succeeding rulers made improvements and additions more or less in a planned way so that the town today presents the appearance of a planned town. The fort and the dera of Baba Farid located just near the fort are the main places of historical importance in the town. The Saint is held in high esteem by all residents and they pay respect at the dera every Thursday.

Places to See:

Qila Mubarak

The fort with its impressive architecture still adorns the city of Faridkot. Its foundation is believed to have been laid by Raja mokalsi, Raka Hamir Singh renovated it and got it extended. Later ruler like Raja Bikram Singh. Raja Balbir singh got constructed many new buildings. It housed the royal Palace. Tosha Khana, Modi Khana & Treasury Buildings. There is a garden within the four walls of the fort. All the buildings are very well build and well furnished. It's not open to public as repair is going on.

Raj Mahal

‘Raj Mahal’ (royal Palace) was built during the reign of Maharaja Bikrama Singh during 1885-1889 under supervision of the, then Crown Prince (Later Maharaja) Balbir Singh, who incidentally was the first to move in and start living in it. Spread over nearly 15 acres (61,000 m2), it presented a magnificent look with French design, dominating grassy lawns a mid semi desert area of the State. Its entrance called “Raj Deori” – itself is a heritage building of a vintage and now houses Balbir Hospital.

Darbar Ganj

This beautiful bungalow is a well laid out garden place. All the rooms are finished in the most modern style. The guests from the sisterly states used Darbar Ganj for stay. The building has now been converted into Circuit House.

Fairy Cottage

This cottage is situtated 7 K.M. from Faridkot on Chahal Road. This beautiful cottage is constructed by Maharaja Brijinder Singh in 1910-11.

Clock Tower

This tower is made at the entrance of the Fairy cottage which is also constructed by Maharaja Brijinder Singh.

Sheikh Farid Agman Purab

Sheikh Farid Agam is celebrated from 15 September to 23 September. This festival starts with Live Theater competition, Qawali competition, other art and culture programs. This is followed up by Sports events such as National level wrestling, Hockey, Volleyball and football matches. Nagar kirtan is held on 23 September. More than 1,00,000 people attend this festival every year.

Shaheed Bhagat Singh Park

This park is situated in the heart of the city. Equipped with slides & swings, this park provides a beautiful scenery of the sunset in the evening.

Gurdwara Tilla (Chilla) Baba Farid

This is as old as the town-self. This place is situated near the Qilla Mubarak. Baba Farid remained at this place in meditation for 40 days before proceeding to Pakpattan. Besides place of Tilla Baba Farid. A sacred piece of wood with which Baba ji wiped his hands littered with mud has been preserved to - date. Shabad-Kirtan is recited get daily and Langer is also served every day to the people visiting this place. The poor also get daily langer, larger number of people visit this holy place on every Thursday to pay their obeisance to the great Sufi Saint.

Gurdwara Godari Sahib

This place is situated on the out skirts about 4 K.M. on Faridkot-Kotkapura road. It is believed that Baba Sheikh Farid left his godari (Jacket) there before entering Faridkot town. A beautiful gurdwara was constructed in 1982 and a Sant Sarover was later constructed at this place. Large numbers of people visit this place every Thursday and also take bath in this Sarover.

Gurdwara Tibbi Sahib

Gurdwara Godavari sar Dhilwan Kalan

Gurdwara Guru Ki Dhab...........
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Patiala, Punjab

Patiala is a city in the Punjab state of India. Patiala district is one of the erstwhile princely cities of Punjab. Located in the south-eastern part of the state, 65 km from the state capital of Chandigarh.

Patiala means Pati (land) of Baba Ala Singh, who founded the State of Patiala.

It is the administrative headquarters of Patiala District, and was the capital of the premier princely state in the former Punjab Province of British India, headed by the Sidhu dynasty. Patiala is famous for being the home of Patiala Gharana of Hindustani classical music and for its turban (traditional headgear), paranda (tasselled tag for braiding hair), peg (Patiala Peg - a double or large peg of whiskey), and Jutti (traditional Punjabi footwear) and "patialashahi" salwaar.Famous Punjabi singer Pammi Bai has sung a song on the famous Patialashahi turban.PATIALA, a city of gardens and palaces, has a rich architectural and cultural heritage. The oldest part of Patiala is the walled city within which Quila Mubarak; the oldest fortified palace of the city, sits on a raised mound. Quila Mubarak forms the core around which the walled city developed.

Transport

Places to see:

QUILA MUBARAK-MUSEUM

Contains rare cannons, swords,shields and maces , daggers of Guru Gobind Singh Ji , Sword of Nadar Shah etc. and rich collection of chandeliers from Europe.

The Earstwhile Patiala State named after its founder Ala Singh as Patti of Ala or Ala Singh's land in local language has a relatively brief history of about 230 years but a rich tradition in the fields of education sports and music .

SHEESH MAHAL

Sheesh Mahal in old Moti Bagh is designed on the pattern of Shalimar Garden of Lahore with terraces,fountains,channels and flower beds. It was built by Maharaja Narendera Singh in 1847 A.D. at a cost of 5 lacs. The Sheesh Mahal Museum at Patiala has great importance in the field of painting, sculptures, medals and decorative art objects.

GURUDWARA DUKH NIVARAN SAHIB

Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib is located in Patiala City, less than a kilometer from the Patiala railway station. The Gurdwara's construction was started in the year 1930 and was completed twelve years later in the year 1942.

GURUDWARA MOTI BAGH

Gurdwara Moti Bagh is associated with the visit of Guru Gobind Singh ji to help Bahadur Shah Zafar succeed Aurangzeb when the latter suddenly died in the south as a desperate, disillusioned and frustrated man. Guru Gobind Singh ji along with an wonderful band of warriors had camped in a garden owned by an ardent follower of the Guru, Moti Ram. Hence this splendid Gurdwara is known as Gurdwara Moti Bagh.

BAHADURGARH FORT

6kms. from Patiala town on Patiala-Chandigarh road, it was originally built by Nawab saif khan in 1658 A.D. and rebuilt in 1837A.D. by Maharaja Karam Singh.The constuction was completed in eight years and rupees ten lakhs were spent on it.The circumference of the fort is around 2 km.Maharaj Karam Singh gave the fort its present name to sacred memory of Guru Teg Bahadur who visited this place while on his way to Delhi durin the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb.

QILA ANDROON

The architectural style of this palace is a synthesis of late Mughal and Rajasthani.

DARBAR HALL

Used for large audiences and important public occasions, the Darbar has been converted into a museum displaying dazzling chandeliers and armor, including the sword and dagger of Guru Gobind Singh and Nadir Shah's sword.

OLD MOTI BAGH PALACE

BARADARI PALACE

NEW MOTI BAGH PALACE

Rolls Royce of Maharaja (Maharaja in Background)

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Chandigarh, A modern city, Punjab

Chandigarh is located near the foothills of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas in Northwest India. It covers an area of approximately 114 km². and shares its borders with the states of Haryana in the east and Punjab in the north, west and south.

August 15, 1947, the day of independence of India was also the day of division of a nation into India and Pakistan, this was also the day of division of State of Punjab (Punj+Aab) named so for being the land of five rivers being divided into two states West Punjab gone in Pakistan with retaining Lahore as its capital and East Punjab in India became a state without a capital. Shimla which used to be the summer capital of India and had the infrastructure was selected as the temporary capital of Punjab.

The Government of Punjab selected brilliant young engineer Mr. P.L. Verma to undertake the tasks of search for a permanent Capital City for the State of Punjab.

At that time the Punjabis were very nostalgic about Lahore. Till the last moment they hoped that Lahore would remain with India. The loss was felt acutely and people were eager for a city similar to Lahore be built. So Verma and his team of engineers savoured the concept of a larger independent town, when most of the bureaucrats and politicians favoured the concept of a small settlement attached to one of the existing towns. Bureaucrats were conscious of the acute shortage of funds and the very small financial outlay for Punjab. Each politician was eager that this capital be built in the area from where he came. All politicians were trying to pull the capital towards their own constituency.

Selection of Site

After investigating a no. of sites, the team of engineers & bureaucrats headed by Mr. P.L. Verma, selected the existing site of Chandigarh which met almost all the requirements for a new city.

The area was a flat, gently sloping plain of agricultural land dotted with groves of mango trees which marked the sites of 24 villages or hamlets -- one of which was named Chandigarh on account of its temple dedicated to the goddess.

The general ground level of the site ranges from 305 to 366 meters with a 1 per cent grade giving adequate drainage. To the northeast are the foothills of the Himalayas -- the Shivalik Range -- rising abruptly to about 1524 meters and a dramatic natural backdrop. One seasonal stream, the Patiali ki Rao, lies on the western side of the city and another, the Sukhna Choe, on the eastern side. A third, smaller seasonal stream flows through the very center of Chandigarh. The area along this stream bed has been turned into a series of public gardens called the Leisure Valley.

And finally in March, 1948, the Government of Punjab in consultation with the Government of India, approved a 114.59 sq. km tract of land at the foot of the Shivalik Hills in Ropar district as the site of the new capital. An existing village gave its name (Chandi - Goddess of Power + garh - fortress) to the new city.

Places to See:

Rock Garden