Punjab, India

1500-1200 BCE Rigveda, manuscript page sample i, Mandala 1, Hymn 1 (Sukta 1), Adhyaya 1, lines 1.1.1 to 1.1.9, Sanskrit, Devanagari

Ranjit Singh at Harmandir Sahib - August Schoefft - Vienna 1850 - Princess Bamba Collection - Lahore Fort

Map of India 1823

Punjab 1909

International border at Wagah - evening flag lowering ceremony

Punjab Monsoon

Punjab, India is a state located in the northern part of India. It is bordered by the Indian states of Haryana to the south and southeast, Himachal Pradesh to the northeast, Jammu and Kashmir to the north, and the international border with Pakistan to the west. Punjab covers an area of approximately 50,362 square kilometers, making it the 20th largest state in India by area. The state capital is Chandigarh, which is a Union Territory and also serves as the capital of Haryana.

History

The history of Punjab is rich and varied, stretching back to the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world's oldest civilizations. It has been invaded and ruled by several empires and dynasties, including the Persian Empire, Alexander's Macedonian Empire, the Mauryan Empire, the Gupta Empire, and the Mughal Empire. The name Punjab itself means "Land of Five Rivers" (Punjabi: ਪੰਜਾਬ), referring to the five rivers that flow through it: the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.

In the mid-19th century, Punjab came under British rule and played a significant role in the history of the Indian independence movement. Following the partition of India in 1947, the region was divided between India and Pakistan, leading to significant demographic and cultural changes, including the migration of many Muslims to Pakistan and Hindus and Sikhs to India.

Geography

Punjab's geography is characterized by the fertile plains suitable for agriculture, thanks to the rivers that traverse it. The state has a predominantly agrarian economy, with wheat and rice being the major crops. The region experiences three main seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter. The Shivalik Hills border the state on the northeastern side, adding to its geographical diversity.

Culture

Punjabi culture is known for its rich traditions in music, dance, cuisine, and art. Bhangra and Giddha are popular traditional dances. The Punjabi language, written in the Gurmukhi script, is the predominant language spoken in the state. Sikhism and Hinduism are the major religions, with the Golden Temple in Amritsar being one of the most revered Sikh gurdwaras (places of worship) in the world.

Economy

Punjab is one of India's most prosperous states, with agriculture being the backbone of its economy. It is a leading producer of wheat in India. The state has also seen significant growth in the manufacturing and services sectors, including textiles, scientific instruments, electrical goods, financial services, and tourism.

Education

The state is home to several prestigious institutions, including Punjab University, Chandigarh, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, and National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Mohali. Education in Punjab is administered by the state government, with a focus on improving literacy rates and educational infrastructure.

Politics

Punjab has a parliamentary system of governance with two main political parties: the Indian National Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal. The politics of Punjab are deeply influenced by its religious demographics, with Sikh issues and identity often playing a significant role.

Demographics

As of the latest census, Punjab has a population of approximately 27 million people. Sikhs constitute the majority of the population, followed by Hindus. Punjabi is the official language of the state.

Challenges

Despite its prosperity, Punjab faces several challenges, including water scarcity, soil degradation due to overuse of chemical fertilizers, and drug addiction among its youth. The state government has been working on various initiatives to address these issues.