Kapurthala

Kapurthala flag

Kapurthala Sainik School

Moorish Mosque of Kapurthala in the state of Punjab 01

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Jagatjit Club 1

Ber Sahib

Kapurthala is a city in the Punjab state of India. It is the administrative headquarters of the Kapurthala District and is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and architectural marvels. The city was once the capital of the princely state of Kapurthala, which was ruled by the Ahluwalia dynasty.

History

The history of Kapurthala dates back to the 11th century when it was founded by the Bhatti Rajput clan. However, it gained prominence in the 17th century under the leadership of Nawab Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, a prominent figure in Sikh history and the founder of the Kapurthala State. Under his rule, and subsequently under the rulers who followed, Kapurthala flourished as a center of culture and politics in the region.

Geography

Kapurthala is situated in the plains of the Punjab region, featuring a typical north Indian climate with hot summers, cold winters, and a monsoon season. The city is strategically located, with good connectivity to major cities in Punjab through road and rail.

Architecture and Landmarks

Kapurthala is often referred to as the 'Paris of Punjab' due to its beautiful buildings and gardens that exhibit a unique blend of French and Indian architecture. Notable landmarks include:

• The Jagatjit Palace, which was the residence of the Maharaja of Kapurthala and is an exemplary piece of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
• The Elysee Palace, modeled after the French Elysee Palace, is another architectural marvel.
• The Moorish Mosque, inspired by the Grand Mosque of Marrakech, Morocco, is a national heritage site known for its splendid architecture.
• The Shalimar Gardens, which are a smaller replica of the Shalimar Gardens in Lahore, offer a serene and picturesque setting.

Culture

Kapurthala's culture is a reflection of its diverse history, with influences from Sikhism, Islam, and European cultures. The city celebrates various festivals with great fervor, including traditional Punjabi festivals like Lohri, Baisakhi, and Diwali, as well as cultural events that pay homage to its princely past.

Economy

The economy of Kapurthala is primarily based on agriculture, with rice, wheat, and sugarcane being the major crops. The city also has a significant industrial presence, with manufacturing units in the food processing, textiles, and machinery sectors.

Education

Kapurthala is home to several educational institutions, ranging from schools to colleges that offer degrees in various disciplines. Notable institutions include the Sainik School, Kapurthala, which is among the first Sainik Schools established in India to prepare students for entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA).

Transport

Kapurthala has a well-developed transport network, with the Kapurthala Railway Station connecting it to major cities in Punjab and the rest of India. The city is also served by a network of national and state highways, facilitating easy road transport.

See Also

• Punjab (India)
• Kapurthala District
• Jagatjit Palace
• Moorish Mosque, Kapurthala