Punjab has always played a pivotal role in every historic and political moments of India. The saga of patriotism runs in the blood of every denizen of this soil.
Punjab is situated on the north-western part of India. It is the border state facing Pakistan on its western side. Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan are its neighbouring states. The name of this region means the land of five rivers. Chandigarh, which is a Union Territory and also the capital of Haryana is the capital city of this dominion. Punjabi is the official language of this state.
Geography of Punjab
Before the partition of India, this state was a part of the larger Punjab province, which included the North-West Frontier Province, which is now in Pakistan. While the south-eastern part is deserted, as it is dominated by the Thar desert, the north-eastern part is guarded by the foothills of Himalayas. The Shiwalik ranges guard the landscape in its northern most part. The five important rivers which flow through this soil are Jhelum, Chenab, Sutlej, Ravi and Beas. Geographically, this terrain is divided into two parts which are the Shivalik Strip and the Sutlej-Ghaggar Plain.
History
History of Punjab is vast and as deep as ocean. This state has been described in the Indian epic books, Mahabhararata and Ramayan. In Rig Veda, this place is described as Sapta Sindhu and thus depicts the pre-historic era of India. This region was mainly the abode of the Indus Valley Civilisation. This bronze age civilisation followed the Harappan Civilisation covering the entire province and also some parts of Afghanistan. This dominion has always been the birth place for great warriors who have poured great contribution and sacrifice for the sake of their motherland. During 558 B.C, the western part of the province was embraced under the rule of Cyrus, who was the founder of the Persian empire. Durind this era, the Greeks, who invaded this region had referred the Indus river to be the 'mightiest river of the whole world'. Some of the mighty warrior clans of this landscape included the Khambojas, Taksas, Madras, Kathas, Malla and Tugras. These clans always fought unitedly against any intruder and thus set an example for the entire nation. Even Alexander, the great Greek emperor could not resist the defence of these warriors. In a letter to his mother, he had described that he is involved in a war with people, who represent the bravery of a lion and that every inch of that soil is like a steel wall for him. His mother had given birth to only one Alexander, but in this land, every mother has given birth to an Alexander. The most fierceful and rivalry period of this state started when Mughals and Turkish invaded this auspicious land. But they could not withstand for a longer period as Sikh, community belonging to Sikkhism rose to power and soon gradually spread their influence over the entire globe. During the 14th century, Sikkhism started to gain roots when Guru Nanak along-with ten other Gurus preached this religion which devoured harmony and austerity in every aspect.
Culture and Tourism
Punjab is recognised globally for its beautiful culture and traditions. The Punjabi folk dance, Bhangra is appreciated worldwide. The culture of this region is diversified justifying the identity of every denizen residing here. One can never hold his appetite, once he lands on this soil. Its cuisine has become the brand ambassador of India and is thus included in every exotic hotel in the world. Some of the important tourist places of this state include the Golden temple of Amritsar, the Wagah border, Ludhiana, Moti Bagh palace of Patiala, Yadavendra gardens etc. Punjab has always been a piece of attraction for westerners and for Indians due to its rich cultural heritage and historic embodiments.
