LUDHIANA
It is the principal town and headquarters of the district of same name. Ludhiana, is industrial metropolis of the Punjab industry. Its machine tools and motor parts are widely exported. It is the biggest center of hosiery, both cotton and woolen in the country. There are a number of gurudwaras associated with the life and visits of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Among them the gurudwaras of Charan Kanwal and Manji Sahib are important.
The district can rightly boast of its contribution in the national freedom struggle. Among the greatest patriots belonging to this region are Lala Laj Pat Rai, Sardar Kartar Singh Sarabha, Sat Gur Ram Singh, Sardar Jagat Singh Binijhal, Baba Santa Singh, Bhai Bhan Singh, S. Ishar Singh and Maulana Habibur Reman.
The Christian Medical College, an Engineering College and the Punjab Agricultural University, which has ushered green revolution in Punjab, are renowned centers of education. Ludhiana holds world records in food production.
Ludhiana, the site of a great battle in the First Sikh War (1845) is now punjab’s most populated metropolitan city. This city situated on the banks of the Sutlej River, was founded in 1480 by Lodhi princess from Delhi.Although Manchester has changed, but, Ludhiana still is called the Manchester of India. It is a major textile and light engineering centre. Its hosiery goods are in great demand in all the markets of the east and the west. It exports woolen garments, machine tools, dyes, cycle parts, mopeds, sewing machines and motor parts to all over the world. The famous Punjab Agricultural University is situated on the outskirts of Ludhiana. It has a large grain market and is famous for rural Olympics. Best time to visit Ludhiana is November to Mid April.
Gurudwara Charan Kanwal:
This Gurudwara situated at Machhiwara about 35 kms. from Ludhiana marks the spot where Guru Gobind Singh ji, who was being carried by Ghani Khan and Nabi Khan as a Muslim Saint in disguise to escape the Mughal forces, had rested for a while.
Gurudwara Manji Sahib Alamgir:
The beautiful structure 10 kms. from Ludhiana is situated at the spot where Nabi Khan and Ghani Khan had finally left Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Tank near the Gurudwara commemorates the spot where Guruji had shot an arrow and the parched earth had yielded water. A fair is held here in the last week of December.
Gurudwara Nanaksar Sahib (Jagraon):
Situated near Jagraon at a distance of about 38 kms. from Ludhiana on Ferozepur Road Gurudwara founded by Baba Nand Singh, Nanaksar Sahib is a model of elegance and architecture.
An annual gathering known as ‘ barsi ‘ is a five-day function, which is concluded on a day corresponding to 13th Bhadon (August). Nearly one-lakh devotees attend it from all parts of India.
Sarai at Doraha:
This beautiful Sarai (protected monument) is situated to the south of Ludhiana-Khanna road at Doraha. The Sarai has 168 meter. Square enclosure of walls with octagonal bastions at each corner. The entrance arch of each gateway is framed with glazed tiles forming a pattern of multi-cornered stars and swastikas. Noteworthy are octagonal apertures in the ceilings for light and ventilation and a unique ‘hammam system’ for boiling water.
Pir-I-Dastgir shrine The fort to the north-west of Ludhiana includes the shrine of Pir-I-Dastgir, also known as Abdul Kadir Galani which draws both Hindu and Muslim pilgrims.
Bilwanwali Masjid Mosque of Kamal-ud-din Khan/Sarai Doraha on the main highway, dates back to Emperor Jahangir’s time. Rectangular in shape it has rooms and varandahs on all sides. Two great double storied gates are profusely decorated with coloured tiles and intricate brick carvings Bhir has the famous mosque built by Mohammad Ghori in 1911.
Mausoleum of Alawal Khan built during Shah Jehan’s reign is octagonal in shape, surmounted by double pear shaped dome.
The tomb of Bahadur Khan has sloping walls
Tomb of Husain Khan is 2 storied tomb.
Ludhiana in Punjab, is Textile centre of India. It is a very rapidly growing town on the south bank of the Sutlej river. The rich agricultural area around it supports a large grain market. Hero Bicycles, the world’s largest manufacturer of bicycles is based here. Christian Medical College Hospital, established in 1895, was the first school of medicine in Asia. The world famous Punjab Agricultural University is on the edge of the town. It has an excellent museum. Ludhiana accounts for 90% of the country’s woolen hosiery industry.
Approach
There are many long distance direct train connections, linking Ludhiana to major centres in India. Daily bus service connect Ludhiana with Delhi and other towns in Punjab and neighbouring states.
Places of Interest
The Fort:-Fort in the north-west includes the shrine of Pir-i-Dastgir, also known as Abdul Kadir Galani. There is an annual pilgrimage of Muslims and Hindus to the Muslim Saint’s tomb. There are other tombs belonging to members of Shah Shuja’s family.
Tourist Information
Punjab Tourism Office, Chandigarh, Tel :- (0172)-704570.
Punjab Tourist Information Office, Youth Hostel, Amritsar.
Punjab Tourist Information Centre, Raja Sansi Airport, Amritsar.
Culture
Hindu festivals and celebrations such as Dasehara and Diwali are as enthusiastically observed as are the birth and death anniversaries of the gurus and saints. To sikh community the festival of Baisakhi, celebrated in month of April, is of special significance because on this day in 1689 Guru Govind Singh organized the Sikhs into khalsa or `pure one’. In the countryside farmers start harvesting with great jubilation. The bhangra dance is common sight in the villages. Punjabi is the main language, while Hindi and English are also commonly used.
History
It was founded in 1480 by Lodi princes from Delhi and hence it’s name. It was the site of a great battle during the First Sikh War.