Punjab

#Punjab

Punjab is a culturally rich and historically significant region in South Asia, split today between two countries: India and Pakistan

It has played a major role in the history of the Indian subcontinent, especially as the birthplace of Sikhism, and as a major agricultural and economic center.

Geographic Overview

Aspect Detail

Name From Persian “Panj” (five) + “Aab” (waters) – referring to the five rivers: Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej

Modern Location

Divided between Eastern Punjab (India) and Western Punjab (Pakistan)

Capital Cities Lahore (Pakistan Punjab), Chandigarh (Indian Punjab – also serves as Haryana’s capital)

Languages Punjabi (in Gurmukhi script in India, Shahmukhi script in Pakistan)

Historical Significance

Ancient and Classical Periods

• Part of the Indus Valley Civilization (Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro sites are in modern Pakistan)

• Later home to Vedic culture

• Region of conquest for Alexander the Great (326 BCE)

• Important to Maurya, Gupta, Mughal, and Sikh empires

Islamic Influence

• Became a major center for Islamic rule during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire

• Lahore became a cultural capital of the Mughal Empire

Sikh Empire (1799–1849)

• Founded by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who unified various Sikh misls (confederacies)

• Strong, secular state known for religious tolerance and military strength

• Fell to the British in 1849 (annexed into British India)

Partition of 1947

• Punjab was split during the partition of British India:

• Western Punjab Pakistan (Muslim-majority)

• Eastern Punjab India (Sikh and Hindu-majority)

• Accompanied by one of the largest mass migrations in human history, with violence and displacement on both sides

Religion

Religion Significance in Punjab

Sikhism Founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century; Punjab is the Sikh homeland

Islam Majority religion in Pakistani Punjab

Hinduism Strong presence in Indian Punjab, especially before 1947

Christianity Small but significant minority in both sides

Economy and Culture

Indian Punjab:

• “Granary of India” – major producer of wheat and rice

• Strong Punjabi diaspora (Canada, UK, US)

• Known for Bhangra dance, Gurmukhi script, Punjabi music, and Bollywood influence

Pakistani Punjab:

• Most populous province of Pakistan

• Economic hub with cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi

• Strong in agriculture, textiles, and industry

Culture and Identity

• Punjabi language is central to identity on both sides, though:

• In India, written in Gurmukhi script and has official status

• In Pakistan, often written in Shahmukhi (Perso-Arabic) and used alongside Urdu

• Rich in folk music, festivals, and oral traditions

• Religious festivals: Vaisakhi, Eid, Gurpurabs, Lohri, Diwali

#Diwali

#Eid

#iftar

Summary

Feature Description

Name Meaning “Land of Five Rivers”

Current Countries India & Pakistan

Religion Sikhism (India), Islam (Pakistan)

Languages Punjabi (Gurmukhi & Shahmukhi)

Key Cities Lahore, Amritsar, Chandigarh

Historical Events Sikh Empire, Partition of India (1947), British rule

Would you like to explore:

• A deeper history of the Sikh Empire?

• The Partition of Punjab in 1947 and its impact?

• Comparison between Indian Punjab and Pakistani Punjab today?

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