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Jalandhar
In ancient time, the Kingdom of Jalandhar comprised the whole of the Upper Doabas from the Ravi to the Satluj. According to the Padama Purana, as quoted by General Conningham the country takes its name from the great Daitya King Danava Jalandhara the son of the Ganga by Ocean. Ruled by the Hindus and Mughals is believed to be the oldest city in Punjab.
Introduction
It is regarded as the oldest city in Punjab and is said to be named after the demon king, Jalandhar. The city is renowned for its sports industry and illustrious sportsmen. Other major industries are-iron re-rolling, rubber goods, electric goods, automobile parts and sewing machine etc. It is also one of the biggest centres of the vernacular press in India.
Maximum number of Non-Resident Indians in the State are from Jalandhar region, which has further contributed towards the prosperity of the city.
Tourism
Shiv Mandir, Gur-mandi : the temple is said to be built by the Nawab of Sultanpur Lodhi. It is said that the Nawab tried to molest a girl, who was a devotee of Lord Shiva. A serpent of Shiva appeared and saved her honour. The Nawab begged pardon and built this unique shrine, which is a blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture styles.
Catholic Cathedral : It was initiated by a representative of the Pope and is only one of its kind in this part of the world. The cosmo-cultural design of the cathedral is a tribute to the Punjabi tradition.
Other interesting sites are-Sodal Mandir and Imam Nasir Mausoleum and Jama Masjid.
AROUND JALANDHAR
HOSHIARPUR (39 kms.)
This ancient city of temples was an important centre of Indo-Sanskrit
Govt. Museum : It exhibits fossils and rare sculptures recovered from Dholbaha, an archaeological site located near Hoshiarpur.
Shish Mahal : It lies in the heart of the town. The coronation of King George - Vis depicted here.
KARTARPUR (14 kms.)
It is one of the biggest exporters of quality furniture.
KAPURTHALA (21 kms.)
The city of beautiful buildings and boulevards was founded by Nawab Kapoor Singh and later became the capital of a new State founded by S. Fateh Singh Ahluwalia. Maharaja Jagatjit Singh, a passionate Francophile and lover of art and architecture, contributed immensely to the rich architectural heritage of the city.
Panch Mandir : The beautiful temple complex built by S. Fateh Singh Ahluwalia is one of the finest structure of Kapurthala. Its replica was displayed at the Punjab Museum in Lahore (now in Pakistan).
Moorish Mosque : The magnificent mosque was built during the reign of Maharaja Jagatjit Singh in 1930. It was designed by Manteaux, a French architect and its design was inspired by the great Qutbiya Mosque, at Marakesh in Morocco. The inner dome of the mosque was beautiful painted by the artists of the Mayo School of Arts, Lahore.
Jagatjit Palace (Elysee Palace) : The palace of Maharaja Jagatjit Singh, the erstwhile ruler of Kapurthala is indeed the best and most impressive palace in Punjab. The splendid structure is surrounded by lush lawns with beautiful sculptures and fountains. It has now been converted into a famous Sainik School.
Shalimar Garden : The well-laid out garden has a swimming pool and mausoleums of erstwhile rulers of Kapurthala.
PHAGWARA (22 kms.)
This important industrial centre is well known for its cloth manufacturing and sugar mills. It is also famous for large NRI population, which has been responsible for its booming economy.
SULTANPUR LODHI (356 kms.)
Gurudwara Ber Sahib : It marks the site where Guru Nanak Dev ji attained enlightment and created ’Sukhmani Sahib’, the holy scripture.
PALAHI - A MODEL VILLATE
The small village with population of about 3,000 lies near Phagwara, just 3 kms. off National Highway 1. Every family has its members residing abroad and the village has been greatly benefited with its foreign connection and boom in IT (Information Technology) sector. The village became famous when every resident got an e-mail address. The polytechnic college here has been its key to progress and has ensured that even computer-illiterates have access to IT. E-mail printouts are sent to the recipients home every evening. It is also the only village where Cambridge University runs a computer diploma course. The unique village boasts of an auditorium with 2,000 seating and acoustics features built at a cost of Rs. 40 lakhs, a modern swimming pool, well laid out park, excellent library, all women gym and an ATM etc.
