Ludhiana

Ludhiana is the most populous city in the Indian state of Punjab. It serves as a massive industrial and commercial hub for Northern India. The BBC has famously referred to the city as "India's Manchester."

This nickname highlights its role as a major center for manufacturing and trade. The city is also recognized as the commercial capital of the Punjab region. It is a highly dense urban center with a very large population. According to the 2011 census, the city held 1,618,879 residents. This makes it the most densely populated urban area in the entire state.

The geography of Ludhiana is shaped by the Sutlej River. The city stands on the old bank of this river. Today, the river's current course flows to the south of the city.

Residents generally divide the city into two distinct areas: the Old City and the New City. The New City includes the Civil Lines area. Historically, this section served as the residential and official quarters for British colonial encampments. The Old City contains many historic landmarks. These include the Clock Tower and the Sood Family Haveli.

Ludhiana has a complex history tied to various ruling dynasties. During the Tughlaq dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, a fort was built at the modern site. Later, Raja Jasrat captured the area during a campaign in 1421–22. The city was officially founded in 1480 by the Lodi dynasty. Two ruling chiefs, Yusuf Khan and Nihad Khan, were sent by Sultan Sikandar Lodi to re-establish control. Yusuf Khan crossed the Sutlej to establish Sultanpur. Meanwhile, Nihad Khan founded Ludhiana on the site of a village called Mir Hota. The name was originally "Lodiana," meaning "Lodi town."

One of the few surviving structures from this era is the Lodi Fort. It is also known as "Purana Qila" and is located in the Fatehgarh neighborhood. The fort was well-maintained under Ranjit Singh and the British. However, it eventually fell into disrepair. In December 2013, the government declared it a state-protected monument. The fort currently houses the College of Textile Engineering. Local legends even suggest a secret tunnel connects this fort to the fort in Phillaur. This connection is debated because the Sutlej River often served as a dividing line between enemy forces.

The economy of Ludhiana is driven by small-scale industrial units. These units produce a vast array of goods, including machine parts and household appliances.

The city is Asia's largest hub for bicycle manufacturing. It produces more than 50% of all bicycles in India each year. Additionally, Ludhiana manufactures 60% of the tractor parts used in the country. The city also produces many parts for international car brands like Mercedes and BMW. The textile industry is another major pillar of the economy. The Ludhiana hosiery industry produces India's largest share of winter clothing. This includes famous woollen sweaters and cotton T-shirts.

Ludhiana's climate is classified as a humid subtropical climate under the Köppen system. It is monsoon-influenced and relatively dry. The city experiences three defined seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter.

While it borders on a hot semi-arid climate, the weather patterns are quite distinct. The city faces modern environmental challenges regarding air and water quality. Since 2011, Ludhiana has dealt with significant air pollution. Particulate matter levels have been over six times the World Health Organization standard. This made it the 13th most polluted city globally at one point. Industrial water pollution is also a concern, especially along the Budha Dariya.

The city is a diverse melting pot of religions and languages. In 2011, Hinduism was the predominant religion at 66%. Sikhism is followed by 29% of the population. Islam accounts for 2.8%, and Christianity represents less than 1%. This is a major change from the period before India's partition. Back then, Muslims were the majority at 62.9%. The population shifted as people migrated between West and East Punjab. Linguistically, 67% of residents speak Punjabi as their first language. About 29.24% speak Hindi, and 1.35% speak Bhojpuri.

Transportation in Ludhiana is robust and connects the city to many parts of India. The Ludhiana Junction railway station is a vital hub on the Delhi-Amritsar route.

It provides connections to major cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi. The city is also served by the Sahnewal Airport.

Plans are currently underway to build a new airport at the Halwara Air Force Station. For local sports and large gatherings, people visit the Guru Nanak Stadium.

This stadium is a major venue for football and Kabaddi matches.