Punjab, India
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| Punjab, India | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Punjab |
| Settlement type | State |
| Coordinates | 30.73, N, 76.78, E... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | India |
| Established title | Formation |
| Established date | 1 November 1966 |
| Seat type | Capital |
| Seat | Chandigarh |
| Largest city | Ludhiana |
| Leader title | Governor |
| Leader name | Banwarilal Purohit |
| Leader title1 | Chief Minister |
| Leader name1 | Bhagwant Mann |
| Leader title2 | Legislature |
| Leader name2 | Unicameral (117 seats) |
| Area total km2 | 50362 |
| Population total | 27,743,338 |
| Population as of | 2011 |
| Population density km2 | auto |
| Demographics type1 | Languages |
| Demographics1 title1 | Official |
| Demographics1 info1 | Punjabi |
| Timezone1 | IST |
| Utc offset1 | +05:30 |
| Postal code type | PIN |
| Postal code | 14xxxx-15xxxx |
| Area code type | Telephone code |
| Area code | +91-172, +91-181 |
| Iso code | IN-PB |
| Website | punjab.gov.in |
Punjab, India. A state in northern India, it is the heartland of the Punjabi-speaking region and the historical cradle of the Sikh faith. Formed in its current boundaries in 1966, it is renowned for its fertile agricultural plains, vibrant cultural heritage, and significant contributions to India's food security. The state is bordered by the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, and shares an international border with the Pakistani province of Punjab, Pakistan.
History
The region has been a crossroads of ancient civilizations, with significant archaeological sites from the Indus Valley Civilization at Rupnagar. It witnessed the rise and fall of empires including the Maurya Empire, the Gupta Empire, and the Delhi Sultanate. The spiritual teachings of the Sikh Gurus, beginning with Guru Nanak in the 15th century, profoundly shaped its modern identity, leading to the establishment of the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the early 19th century. Following the Anglo-Sikh Wars, the region came under British rule, and the traumatic Partition of India in 1947 led to massive population exchange and the state's eventual reorganization on a linguistic basis in 1966.
Geography
Punjab is a vast, flat alluvial plain forming part of the larger Indo-Gangetic Plain, with the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers being its major hydrological features. The state's topography is primarily agricultural land, with the semi-arid region of the southwest merging into the Thar Desert. The Shivalik Hills mark its northern boundary near Pathankot. The capital, Chandigarh, a union territory designed by Le Corbusier, serves as the shared administrative capital with Haryana.
Demographics
Punjab has a population of over 27 million, with a majority following Sikhism and a significant minority practicing Hinduism. The official language is Punjabi, written in the Gurmukhi script. Other spoken languages include Hindi and Bagri. The state has a diaspora with a global presence, particularly in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. Major urban centers include Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Patiala, and Bathinda.
Economy
Punjab is a cornerstone of India's agricultural economy, famously termed the "Granary of India" due to its high production of wheat and rice, a success largely attributed to the Green Revolution in India. Major industries include textile manufacturing in Ludhiana, sports goods in Jalandhar, and hand tools. It is also a hub for higher education and healthcare, with institutions like Punjab Agricultural University and the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research. The state faces challenges related to water table depletion and a need for industrial diversification.
Culture
Punjabi culture is globally recognized for its exuberance, expressed through Bhangra music, Giddha dance, and a rich culinary tradition featuring dishes like makki di roti and sarson da saag. Amritsar is home to the holiest Sikh shrine, the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), and the historic site of Jallianwala Bagh. The state celebrates festivals like Vaisakhi, Lohri, and Diwali with great fervor. Renowned cultural figures from the region include poet Shiv Kumar Batalvi and musician Gurdas Maan.
Government and politics
Punjab operates under a parliamentary system of government. The Chief Minister, currently Bhagwant Mann of the Aam Aadmi Party, is the head of government. The Governor, Banwarilal Purohit, is the ceremonial head of state. The state's unicameral legislature is the Punjab Legislative Assembly in Chandigarh. The state's politics have been historically dominated by parties like the Indian National Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal, with the Bharatiya Janata Party also being a significant player. Key political issues often revolve around agricultural policy, river water sharing, and state autonomy.