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Patiala

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Patiala is a significant city located in southeastern Punjab, in northwestern India.

It serves as the administrative capital of the Patiala district. Within the state of Punjab, it holds the position of the fourth largest city. Many people refer to the city by two respectful titles: the Royal City and the Beautiful City. The urban area is built around the Qila Mubarak, which translates to the 'Blessed Castle.'

PATIALA,QILLA MUBARAK
PATIALA,QILLA MUBARAK

The city's origins trace back to 1763. A Jat Sikh chieftain named Ala Singh founded the city and the royal dynasty of the Patiala State.

Painting of Ala Singh of Patiala in tondo, Pahari School, ca.1880
Painting of Ala Singh of Patiala in tondo, Pahari School, ca.1880

The name Patiala may mean "great land" or "land of Ala Singh." The city was designed following a plan similar to temple architecture. The first settlers were Hindus from Sirhind who established businesses near the Darshani Gate. This gate serves as a main entrance to the Qila Mubarak complex.

History shows that Patiala was often at the center of regional power struggles. After the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, Afghan rule prevailed throughout Punjab. For over forty years, the Patiala state struggled against the Afghan Durrani Empire, the Maratha Empire, and the Sikh Empire of Lahore. In 1808, the Raja of Patiala signed a treaty with the British. This treaty was made against the Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Lahore. During the British Raj, Patiala was recognized as a 17-gun salute state. Many rulers, including Bhupinder Singh and Yadvindra Singh, were treated with great dignity by the British.

The climate in Patiala is classified as humid subtropical, or Cwa.

RajindraKothi
RajindraKothi

This means the weather follows very distinct patterns throughout the year. Summers are characterized by high heat, humidity, and significant rainfall. Most of this rain occurs during the summer monsoon season. In contrast, the winters are typically cold and dry. Despite these intense seasons, Patiala has been ranked 27th as a "National Clean Air City" in India. This ranking applies to Category 2 cities with populations between 3 and 10 million.

Patiala is home to a diverse population with a high level of education. A 2021 estimate placed the population of the Patiala urban area at 820,000 people. The city itself has a population of approximately 763,280. Among these residents, 54% are male and 46% are female. The literacy rate in Patiala is 86%, which is much higher than the national average of 64.9%. Religion plays a major role in the city's identity. Hinduism is the largest religion, followed by a significant Sikh minority.

Dukh Nivaran 01
Dukh Nivaran 01

Several historical sites offer a glimpse into the city's royal past. The Kali Devi Temple is a national monument dedicated to Maa Kaali. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh commissioned this temple in 1936. He brought a six-foot statue from Bengal to the city.

Shri Kali Devi Patiala
Shri Kali Devi Patiala

Another important site is the Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib. Local tradition says the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, visited this area in 1672. Devotees believe the water in the attached Sarovar has healing qualities.

Dukh Nivaran 01
Dukh Nivaran 01

The Bahadurgarh Fort, located six kilometers away, was built by Mughal Nawab Saif Khan in 1658. It was later renovated by Maharaja Karam Singh in 1837.

The city also features beautiful architectural landmarks like the Sheesh Mahal. This name means "Palace of Mirrors." It is part of the Old Moti Bagh Palace and contains many frescoes.

Suspension Bridge at Sheesh Mahal, Patiala
Suspension Bridge at Sheesh Mahal, Patiala

Visitors can also explore the Baradari Gardens. These gardens were set up during the reign of Maharaja Rajindera Singh. The complex includes rare trees, shrubs, and the Rajindera Kothi palace.

RajindraKothi
RajindraKothi

Today, the gardens function as a heritage hotel. This connection to the past helps Patiala remain a center of culture and tradition.

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🖼️ Images & Media (19)
File:Painting of Ala Singh of Patiala in tondo, Pahari School, ca.1880.jpg
Painting of Ala Singh of Patiala in...
File:Om.svg
Om.svg
File:Star and Crescent.svg
Star and Crescent.svg
File:Khanda.svg
Khanda.svg
File:Jain_Prateek_Chihna.svg
Jain_Prateek_Chihna.svg
File:Christian cross.svg
Christian cross.svg
File:Faravahar.svg
Faravahar.svg
File:Dharma_Wheel_(2).svg
Dharma_Wheel_(2).svg
File:Shri Kali Devi Patiala.jpg
Shri Kali Devi Patiala.jpg
File:Dukh Nivaran 01.jpg
Dukh Nivaran 01.jpg
File:Qila Mubarak, Patiala.jpg
Qila Mubarak, Patiala.jpg
File:PATIALA,QILLA MUBARAK.jpg
PATIALA,QILLA MUBARAK.jpg

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