Amritsar
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| Amritsar | |
|---|---|
| Name | Amritsar |
| Settlement type | City |
| Coordinates | 31, 38, N, 74... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | India |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Punjab |
| Subdivision type2 | District |
| Subdivision name2 | Amritsar district |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1577 |
| Founder | Guru Ram Das |
| Government type | Municipal Corporation |
| Governing body | Amritsar Municipal Corporation |
| Area total km2 | 170 |
| Elevation m | 234 |
| Population total | 1,132,761 |
| Population as of | 2011 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Demographics type1 | Languages |
| Demographics1 title1 | Official |
| Demographics1 info1 | Punjabi |
| Timezone1 | IST |
| Utc offset1 | +5:30 |
| Postal code type | PIN |
| Postal code | 143001 |
| Area code type | Telephone code |
| Area code | 0183 |
| Registration plate | PB-02 |
| Website | amritsarcorp.com |
Amritsar is a major city in the northwestern Indian state of Punjab. It is the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion, founded in 1577 by the fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ram Das. The city is globally renowned for its iconic Harmandir Sahib, commonly known as the Golden Temple, and holds profound historical significance due to events like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Operation Blue Star.
History
The city was established in 1577 on land purchased by Guru Ram Das from the rulers of the Mughal Empire. His successor, Guru Arjan, oversaw the construction of the Harmandir Sahib and the compilation of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture. Amritsar flourished under the Sikh Confederacy and later the Sikh Empire of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who adorned the temple with gold. The city witnessed the brutal Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, a pivotal event in the Indian independence movement. In 1984, it was the site of Operation Blue Star, a military action ordered by the Government of India against Sikh militants inside the Golden Temple complex, leading to significant political repercussions.
Geography and climate
Amritsar is located in the Punjab region of northwestern India, near the border with Pakistan. The city lies about 25 kilometers east of the Ravi River and sits on a flat alluvial plain. It experiences a humid subtropical climate with significant seasonal variations, characterized by very hot summers, mild winters, and a monsoon season from July to September. The city's most significant water body is the Sarovar, the sacred pool surrounding the Harmandir Sahib.
Demographics
As per the 2011 Census of India, Amritsar had a population of over 1.1 million. The majority of the population follows Sikhism, with significant minorities adhering to Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. Punjabi, written in the Gurmukhi script, is the official and most widely spoken language. Other spoken languages include Hindi and Urdu. The city has a slightly higher literacy rate than the national average.
Economy
Amritsar is a major commercial and industrial hub. Key sectors include textile manufacturing, particularly woolen goods and shawls, tourism, handicrafts, and agricultural trade. The city is famous for its Punjabi restaurants and is a leading producer of carpets and blankets. Important trade markets include the famous Hall Bazaar and Katra Jaimal Singh. The city also benefits from its proximity to the Attari-Wagah border, a major cross-border trade point with Pakistan.
Culture and landmarks
The city's culture is deeply intertwined with Sikh traditions and Punjabi culture. Its preeminent landmark is the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), the holiest Gurdwara in Sikhism. Other significant sites include the somber Jallianwala Bagh memorial, the historic Gobindgarh Fort, and the ornate Durgiana Temple. Amritsar is renowned for its vibrant festivals like Vaisakhi and Guru Nanak Gurpurab, and its rich culinary scene featuring Amritsari kulcha and langar, the community kitchen at the Golden Temple. The daily Wagah Border Ceremony is a major cultural spectacle.
Transport
Amritsar is well-connected by multiple modes of transport. The Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport offers domestic and international flights. The city's main railway station, Amritsar Junction railway station, is a major stop on the Northern Railway network. Road connectivity is robust via National Highway 54 and the Grand Trunk Road. Local transport includes a network of buses, auto rickshaws, and taxis. The city is also a key transit point for road travel to Lahore in Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah border.
Category:Amritsar Category:Cities in Punjab, India Category:1577 establishments in India