Punjab Districts List, 25 Facts, Map, Largest, Total, FAQs

Punjab Districts List, 25 Facts, Map, Largest, Total, FAQs

Punjab Districts Explained

Punjab, one of the most vibrant and agriculturally prosperous states of India, is divided into 23 districts. Each of these districts has its own unique cultural, historical, and economic significance, contributing to the rich diversity of the state. Located in the northern part of India, Punjab is known for its fertile land, especially the expansive wheat and rice fields, its role in India’s independence struggle, and its distinctive cultural heritage, including Bhangra, Giddha, and Punjabi cuisine. Below is a detailed overview of the 23 districts of Punjab, touching upon their historical significance, economy, and unique features.

1. Amritsar

Amritsar, the spiritual and cultural center of Sikhism, is home to the iconic Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), one of the holiest shrines for Sikhs. The district has great historical significance due to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919 and its proximity to the India-Pakistan border at Wagah. Amritsar’s economy is driven by tourism, agriculture, and trade.

2. Ludhiana

Known as the Manchester of India, Ludhiana is the state’s industrial hub and is famous for its hosiery and textile industry. It is also a major agricultural market for wheat, rice, and other crops. Ludhiana’s economy is bolstered by manufacturing, with its factories producing everything from bicycles to auto parts.

3. Jalandhar

Jalandhar is a significant commercial and sports hub in Punjab. The district is famous for its sports goods manufacturing, supplying sports equipment worldwide. Additionally, Jalandhar has a deep historical context, with its roots going back to the Indus Valley Civilization.

4. Patiala

Patiala, once a princely state, is known for its royal history, magnificent palaces, and cultural contributions. The city gave rise to the Patiala style of classical Indian music. The district also houses Punjabi University, a major center for higher education. The traditional Patiala salwar and the Patiala peg (a large serving of alcohol) originate from here.

5. Bathinda

Bathinda is a historical city known for Qila Mubarak, a fort that dates back to the era of the Kushans. Today, Bathinda is an important agricultural hub, known for its cotton and wheat production. It also has several large industries, including oil refineries and thermal power plants.

6. Ferozepur

Ferozepur is situated near the Indo-Pakistan border and has great historical significance, especially in the context of India’s independence movement. It is known for its agricultural produce, especially rice and wheat. The district also has several military cantonments and memorials for Indian freedom fighters.

7. Gurdaspur

Gurdaspur is a key district in Punjab with deep historical roots. Located near the foothills of the Himalayas, it is known for its picturesque landscapes. The district has a rich agricultural economy, with sugarcane and wheat being the primary crops. The historic town of Pathankot is a vital part of Gurdaspur, serving as a major gateway to Jammu & Kashmir.

8. Hoshiarpur

Hoshiarpur is often referred to as the land of saints, given its spiritual and religious importance. It is also well known for its educational institutions. The district has a strong agricultural base, but is also known for its handicrafts, particularly woodwork and lacquered furniture.

9. Kapurthala

Kapurthala, often called the Paris of Punjab, is famous for its architecture, reflecting a blend of French and Indo-Saracenic styles. Historically, it was a princely state. Agriculture and horticulture are the backbone of Kapurthala’s economy, with crops like wheat, rice, and sugarcane being the most cultivated.

10. Moga

Moga is primarily an agricultural district with a significant contribution to the state’s wheat and rice production. It gained prominence when Nestlé set up one of its biggest factories here. The region has also been associated with freedom fighters and played a role in the Indian independence movement.

11. Fatehgarh Sahib

Fatehgarh Sahib is known for its religious significance in Sikh history. The district is named after Fatehgarh Sahib Gurdwara, which commemorates the martyrdom of the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru. Agriculture remains the backbone of the district’s economy, with wheat and rice as the primary crops.

12. Sangrur

Sangrur is a district with a mix of agriculture and industries. It has a rich cultural heritage and has produced notable figures in Punjabi literature and politics. Sangrur is also known for its traditional folk dances like Bhangra and Giddha.

13. Barnala

Barnala is one of the newer districts of Punjab, created in 2006. It has rapidly developed into a significant industrial hub, with a focus on manufacturing and textiles. The district’s rural economy revolves around wheat and rice farming.

14. Mansa

Mansa is primarily an agricultural district, contributing to the state’s production of wheat, cotton, and sugarcane. The district is known for its Punjabi folk music and culture, with a strong tradition of Giddha and Bhangra.

15. Faridkot

Faridkot is named after Baba Farid, a famous Sufi saint. The district has a deep connection with Punjab’s religious and spiritual history. Primarily an agricultural region, it also has some small-scale industries related to agro-processing.

16. Rupnagar (Ropar)

Rupnagar, historically known as Ropar, is an important archaeological site, with remnants from the Indus Valley Civilization found here. The district is a major tourist attraction because of its historical sites and Bhakra Nangal Dam, one of the largest dams in India, which contributes to Punjab’s agricultural irrigation.

17. Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshahr)

This district, named after Bhagat Singh, one of India’s most celebrated freedom fighters, is primarily known for its agricultural activities, producing significant quantities of wheat, rice, and sugarcane. It also has a strong diaspora population, with many people from this district settled abroad.

18. Muktsar

Muktsar holds great historical significance in Sikhism, especially due to its association with the Battle of Muktsar in 1705, where Guru Gobind Singh fought the Mughals. The district is also known for its fertile agricultural land, producing crops such as wheat, cotton, and rice.

19. Tarn Taran

Tarn Taran district is a spiritual and religious hub, primarily for Sikhs. The Tarn Taran Sahib Gurdwara is a prominent pilgrimage site. Agriculture, especially wheat and rice farming, dominates the district’s economy. Tarn Taran is also known for its cattle farming, particularly dairy production.

20. Fazilka

Fazilka, a district bordering Pakistan, is known for its rich cultural heritage and agricultural productivity. It produces wheat, cotton, and rice in large quantities. The district is also famous for its unique handloom industry, producing Fazilka blankets and shawls.

21. Sri Muktsar Sahib

Sri Muktsar Sahib, formerly part of Faridkot, is an important historical and religious center. It is named after Guru Gobind Singh’s victory in the Battle of Muktsar. The district is predominantly agricultural, with wheat, rice, and cotton being the main crops.

22. SAS Nagar (Mohali)

SAS Nagar (Mohali), named after Sahibzada Ajit Singh, is a rapidly growing urban district, part of the Chandigarh Tricity area. Mohali is home to Punjab’s IT industry and is considered one of the state’s most modern and developed districts. It hosts several multinational companies, IT parks, and high-end real estate projects. Mohali is also known for its international cricket stadium, one of the premier venues for the sport in India.

23. Malerkotla

Malerkotla is the newest district in Punjab, having been carved out in 2021. It is historically significant as the only princely state in Punjab where no communal violence occurred during the partition of India in 1947. Malerkotla is also known for its secular legacy and Sufi culture. The district’s economy is based on agriculture, with wheat, rice, and vegetables being the primary crops.

Punjab Districts map — Punjab Districts Map | Photo Credit: www.openverse.org

25 facts about Punjab

1. Land of Five Rivers

The name “Punjab” means “Land of Five Rivers” in Persian, referring to the five major rivers that flow through the region: the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum. Today, the state is mainly drained by the Sutlej and Beas rivers.

2. Partition of 1947

Punjab was divided into East Punjab (India) and West Punjab (Pakistan) during the partition of India in 1947. This division led to one of the largest mass migrations in history.

3. Agricultural Powerhouse

Known as the Breadbasket of India, Punjab is one of the country’s leading agricultural states, primarily producing wheat, rice, sugarcane, and cotton.

4. Green Revolution

Punjab was at the forefront of India’s Green Revolution in the 1960s, which significantly increased food grain production through modern agricultural techniques and technology.

5. Sikhism

Punjab is the birthplace of Sikhism, a religion founded in the 15th century by Guru Nanak. The majority of the global Sikh population resides in Punjab.

6. Golden Temple

Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), located in Amritsar, is the holiest shrine in Sikhism and one of the most visited religious sites in the world.

7. Vibrant Festivals

Punjab is known for its vibrant festivals such as Lohri, Baisakhi, Gurpurab, and Diwali, which reflect the state’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

8. Bhangra and Giddha

Bhangra and Giddha are traditional folk dances of Punjab. Bhangra is an energetic dance often performed during harvest season, while Giddha is a female dance characterized by graceful movements.

9. Punjabi Cuisine

Punjab’s cuisine is world-famous, with dishes like Sarson da Saag, Makki di Roti, Amritsari Kulcha, and Butter Chicken being among the state’s culinary delights. Lassi, a traditional yogurt-based drink, is also iconic.

10. Indus Valley Civilization

Punjab is home to ancient sites from the Indus Valley Civilization, particularly around the districts of Rupnagar (Ropar) and Hoshiarpur.

11. Ludhiana’s Industrial Prowess

Ludhiana, often called the Manchester of India, is Punjab’s industrial hub, known for its hosiery, textile, and bicycle industries.

12. Chandigarh – A Shared Capital

Chandigarh, a union territory, serves as the shared capital of both Punjab and Haryana. Designed by the famous Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, it is known for its modernist architecture and urban planning.

13. Wagah Border

The Wagah Border between India and Pakistan, located near Amritsar, is famous for the daily Beating Retreat Ceremony, a military parade held by both nations.

14. Sufi Influence

Punjab has a rich tradition of Sufism. Baba Farid, a revered Sufi saint, has influenced Punjab’s spiritual and cultural ethos. His shrine in Faridkot attracts pilgrims from across the world.

15. Amritsar Massacre

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred in Amritsar on April 13, 1919, when British troops opened fire on unarmed Indian civilians. This tragic event was a significant moment in India’s struggle for independence.

16. Punjabi Diaspora

Punjabis have a significant presence around the world, particularly in countries like Canada, United Kingdom, United States, and Australia. Many people from districts like Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, and Doaba have emigrated and contributed to a thriving global Punjabi community.

17. Historic Sikh Gurudwaras

Punjab is home to several historically important Sikh gurdwaras, including Anandpur Sahib, Tarn Taran Sahib, and Fatehgarh Sahib, all of which hold deep religious significance for Sikhs.

18. Operation Blue Star

In 1984, the Indian military conducted Operation Blue Star to remove militants from the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. The operation had far-reaching political and social implications in the state.

19. Royal Legacy

Several districts, like Patiala and Kapurthala, were princely states with rich royal histories. Patiala, in particular, is known for its grand palaces, Patiala Gharana of Indian classical music, and the popular Patiala peg.

20. Martial Traditions

Punjabis have a long tradition of military service. The state has contributed heavily to the Indian Armed Forces, with a significant number of soldiers coming from the region.

21. Bhakra Nangal Dam

The Bhakra Nangal Dam, located on the Sutlej River, is one of the largest dams in India. It plays a critical role in providing water for irrigation and generating electricity for Punjab and neighboring states.

22. Partition Refugees

Punjab experienced one of the most significant impacts of the partition of India in 1947, with large-scale migration of Hindus and Sikhs from West Punjab (now in Pakistan) to East Punjab, while Muslims migrated to the newly formed Pakistan.

23. Punjabi Language

Punjabi is the official language of the state and is widely spoken not only in Punjab but also across northern India and by the Punjabi diaspora. It is written in the Gurmukhi script in India and Shahmukhi script in Pakistan.

24. Birthplace of Bhagat Singh

Punjab is the birthplace of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, one of India’s most famous freedom fighters, who played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement. His ancestral village, Khatkar Kalan, is located in the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district.

25. Sports Culture

Punjab has a rich sports culture, with hockey being one of the most popular sports. The state has produced several national and international-level hockey players, including Balbir Singh and Harmanpreet Singh. Kabaddi is also widely played, with international tournaments being held in Punjab.

These 25 facts provide an overview of Punjab’s rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and its role in shaping India’s agriculture, industry, and military. Punjab’s distinct traditions, global diaspora, and deep connection to Sikhism make it a unique and integral part of India.

FAQs

How many districts are there in Punjab?
- Punjab has 23 districts1.
What is the largest district in Punjab by area?
- Firozpur is the largest district in Punjab, covering an area of 5,334 square kilometers2.
What is the smallest district in Punjab by area?
- Kapurthala is the smallest district in Punjab, covering an area of 1,646 square kilometers2.
Which district in Punjab has the highest population?
- Ludhiana is the most populous district in Punjab, with a population of approximately 3,498,739 people2.
Which district in Punjab has the lowest population?
- Barnala is the least populous district in Punjab, with a population of approximately 595,527 people2.
What is the capital city of Punjab?
- The capital city of Punjab is Chandigarh, which is a union territory and also serves as the capital of Haryana.
Which district is known for its agricultural productivity?
- Ludhiana is known for its high agricultural productivity, especially in wheat and rice cultivation.
Which district is famous for its historical significance?
- Amritsar is famous for its historical significance, being home to the Golden Temple and other important Sikh heritage sites.
Which district is known for its industrial development?
- Ludhiana is also known for its industrial development, with a strong presence of textile and manufacturing industries.
Which district is known for its educational institutions?
- Jalandhar is known for its educational institutions, including several universities and colleges.
Which district is known for its cultural heritage?
- Patiala is known for its rich cultural heritage, including the Patiala Gharana of classical music and the Patiala peg of liquor.
Which district is known for its sports facilities?
- Mohali (Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar) is known for its sports facilities, including the Mohali International Cricket Stadium.
Which district is known for its medical facilities?
- Ludhiana is known for its medical facilities, including several large hospitals and medical colleges.
Which district is known for its tourism attractions?
- Amritsar is a major tourist destination, attracting visitors to the Golden Temple, the Wagah Border, and other historical sites.
Which district is known for its wildlife sanctuaries?
- Hoshiarpur is known for its wildlife sanctuaries, including the Kandi Wildlife Sanctuary.
Which district is known for its IT industry?
- Mohali (Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar) is known for its growing IT industry, with several IT parks and companies.
Which district is known for its horticulture?
- Pathankot is known for its horticulture, especially the cultivation of fruits like apples and pears.
Which district is known for its traditional crafts?
- Ludhiana is known for its traditional crafts, including handloom weaving and embroidery.
Which district is known for its religious significance?
- Amritsar is known for its religious significance, being a major pilgrimage site for Sikhs.
Which district is known for its renewable energy projects?
- Bathinda is known for its renewable energy projects, including solar and wind energy farms.

Homepage

Punjab Districts