Amritsar district General information
Amritsar city situated in northern Punjab state of northwestern India lies about 15 miles (25 km) east of the border with Pakistan. Amritsar is an important city in Punjab and is a major commercial, cultural, and transportation centre. It is also the centre of Sikhism and the site of the Sikh’s principal place of worship.
History
Amritsar, literally a Pool of Nectar, derives its name from Amrit Sarovar, the holy tank that surrounds the fabulous Golden Temple. First time visitors to Amritsar could be forgiven for the impression that Amritsar is like any other small town in northern India. But Amritsar stands head and shoulders above any other city, its status elevated and sanctified by the presence of the venerable Golden Temple.
Located in the heart of Amritsar, the temple complex is surrounded by a maze of narrow lanes, or katras, that house one of the busiest markets in India. But the Golden Temple is a serene presence, radiating a calm that makes people bow their heads in reverence. The gurudwara, as Sikh temples are called, is the holiest of Sikh shrines. It is not just Sikhs who travel to the Golden Temple to pay homage, the sacred shrine is equally revered by Hindus and people of other faiths who, too, make the pilgrimage to offer prayers at Harmandir Sahib.
There more to Amritsar than that - Amongst other sights is Jallianwala Bagh, site of the gruesome massacre of unarmed Indians by British troops. A major tourist attraction these days is the Indo-Pakistan border crossing at Wagah, just a short distance from Amritsar, with its elaborate change-of-guards drill with a lot of strutting and intimidatory showing off by both sides.
If you are 'doing' north India, Amritsar is a city you should not miss. It's easy to travel there from Delhi by road and by rail. It is easy to navigate through the city; few guides bother you as tourism is not the most important commercial activity here. Ask them in Amritsar, and they will tell you that if for nothing else you must travel here for the roadside chhola-bhaturas.
Origin
The Origin of the city of Amritsar lies hidden in the mists of time due to the scanty evidence available in its early history .On the development of the city, the generally accepted view is based on the Amritsar District Gazetteers, the authoritative works of reference on local history.
The various Opinions that the land was granted by emperor Akbar to Guru Amar Das (later on transferred to Guru Ram Das), or was acquired by Guru Ram Das before the grant was actually obtained, or the land was purchased by the Guru on a payment of Rs.700 from the zamindaar of the village at tung at the instance of Emperor Akbar, or presented by the people of village Sultanwind out of regard and reverence for the Guru are all versions based on popular tradition .There are no documentary evidences to support or contradict these views. But the version regarding the purchase of the land by Guru Ram Das is in keeping with the tradition of Sikh Gurus who never took any land grants from the rulers.
It seems that originally the site of Amritsar was a community land lying between the village of Sultanwind, Tung, Gumtala and Gilwali, and later it was acquired by the Sikh Gurus either on payment or was received by them free of cost. Opinions may vary on the question of acquisition of the site, but it is certain that the selection of the site was planned and not accidental. It was the choice of the Gurus themselves, and the site of Amritsar was revenue free land.Even the early name of the city chak Guru,bears testimony to the nature of the settlement as detached or revenue free. Probably, Chak Guru was granted exemption from land revenue by the Mughal government during the reign of Emperor Akbar,Whose policy of religious toleration and religious grants even to non-Muslims centres is a well known fact.
The original plan of the new project was chalked out by Guru Amardas and Conveyed to Ram Das for execution .Guru Ram Das was given guidelines for the location of the site and was instructed to found a village,to build a House for himself, to dig a tank and to develop the centre gradually into a city . Arrangements were made for money and assistance .some intelligent, experienced and elderly Sikhs were instructed to assist Ram Das to implement the project .The project was thus executed by Guru Ram Das.
First of all a boundary line of the settlement was drawn. The foundation was laid by Guru Ram Das and the village was named Ram Das Pura .Opinions vary on the date of the founding of the city. Probably the foundation was laid in 1573 AD but the popular view is that it was done in 1577.
The construction of the new centre was started with great enthusiasm.Some huts and houses were built and then excavation of the tank was startad . when a portion of the project was completed, Bhai Jetha went to Goindwal to report the progress of the work.This time Guru Amar Das directed Ram Das to dig another tank at the low level area near the site of the tank under construction.On his return, Guru Ram Das selected the site for the second tank surrounded by a large number of Jujube trees.
The construction of the second tank commenced on Nov.6,1573 and Guru Ram Das personally supervised it.Many Sikh devotees came to participate in the Sewa. Simultaneously with the construction of the tank all care was taken to develop the village Chak.52 types of caste groups from Patti,Kasur and Kalanaur were called for ensuring regular supply of essential commodities to the settlers. A market called Guru ka bazar which exists now also was established. Some wells were dug for water supply .A number of rich bankers and traders also settled down in the town.
The construction of the tank and the town was going on smoothly .But Guru Ram Das had to rush back to Goindwal at the call of the dying Guru Amar Das, while the work was in progress.The work was resumed on his return in 1577 and the construction of the tank and town was completed in the same year.
On the completion of the project, the Guru called the local business community and told them to take charge of the holy place but they humbly pleaded their inability to perform religious duties and requested the Guru to engage some Brahmins and mendicants for the job.
The Guru and his disciples were thrilled at the completion of the new pilgrimage centre.Guru Ram Das composed beautiful verses in glorification of the sarowar,making an injunction upon his followers to take bath in the holy tank and meditate the name of God.The tank acquired a reputation fo sanctity and became the head-quarters of the Sikhs.The Amrit Sarowar remained un-bricked till Guru Arjan Dev ascended the Gur Gaddi in 1581.The tank was made pacca and its side stairs were bricked. The tank was named .Amar sarowar or Amritsar .Gradually the fame of the sacred tank led to its identity with the latter appellation and the city got its final name of Amritsar.Guru Arjan Dev also settled in the new city artisans and craftsmen of diverse calling and inculcated in his followers keen interest in horse trade.
Population
According to 2001 Census total population of District Amritsar is 2152182 .Rural population is 1050102 out of which schedule caste population is 358580 .Urban population is 1102080 out of which 229418 is schedule caste population.
Health
Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Amritsar
Previously known as V.J.Hospital, Amritsar, this hospital was opened in 1891. To commemorate the 300 birth anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital in November 1975 by the Punjab Government.It is one of the best hospitals in the state. The facilities available in the hospital are: specialized medical consultation and treatment, specialized surgical treatment including heart and lung surgery, abdominal and urological surgery and paediatrics’ and orthopedic surgery, specialized treatment in obstetrics and gynaecology, Including advanced cancer surgery, tubal surgery and research in various aspects of the subject, radiology and routine cataract and glaucoma surgery, E.N.T. E.C.G., etc. It has 951 beds (504 for males and 447 for females).The hospital is manned by 13 doctors, 365 nurses and other class III and class IV staff. A Blood bank is also functioning in this hospital.
The number of outdoor and indoor patients treated in the hospital, during 1986-87 was 2,28,908 and 45,504,respectively.
T.B. Sanatorium (T.B.& Chest Diseases Hospital ) Amritsar
The hospital was started in 1936. It has 255 beds (155 for males and 100 for females). The medical facilities provided in the hospital include treatment of tuberculosis and chest diseases .Facilities for minor surgical operations and routine laboratory investigation are also available in this hospital. In addition to X-ray, facility of tomography and bronchography is also available.
The hospital is manned by 14 Doctors, 5 House Surgeon, 29 Nursues, besides, other class 3rd and 4th class staff. The number of outdoor and indoor patient treated in the hospital, during 1986, 1987 was 16, 906 and 2,239 respectively.
Punjab Government Dental College and Hospital, Amritsar
The hospital was started in 1952. It has ten beds both for males and females. all type of dental medical facilities are available in the hospital. it is manned by 25 Doctors, and 6 Nurses, besides other class 4th staff. The number of both outdoor and indoor patients treated in the hospital, during 1986-87 was 60,338.
Punjab Mental Hospital, Amritsar
This Hospital was opened in 1949. It is the only institution of its type in the Punjab and also caters to the need of the neighboring states. It has 811 beds (512 males and 299 for females). In addition to these, there are 100 beds in the O.P.D. family care Units of the hospital.
The medical facility provided by the hospital are: family care unit, psychotherapy, occupational therapy, child guidance clinic, addiction clinic, and electro convulsive therapy, etc. The hospital is manned by 14 Doctors, 23 Nurses, besides other miscellaneous staff.
The number of indoor and outdoor patients treated in the hospital, during 1986 was 2,480 and 41,140, respectively
Climate
The climate of the district is characterized by general dryness except in the brief south –west monsoon season, a hot summer and bracing winter . The year may be divided in four seasons. The cold season is from November to march. The period from April to June is the hot season. The south-west monsoon season is from about the beginning of July to the first week of September. The succeeding period lasting till the beginning of November is the post-monsoon or transition period .
Rainfall
The average annual rainfall in the district is 541.9mm.The rainfall in the district increases generally from the south-west towards the north-east and varies from 435.5 mm at Khara to 591.7 mm at Rayya. About 74 per cent of the annual normal rainfall in the district is received during the period June to September and as much as about 13 per cent of the annual rainfall occurs during the period December to February .The variation in rainfall from year to year is large .In the 50 year period 1901 to 1950,the highest annual rainfall amounting to 184 per cent of the normal occurred in 1917, while the very next year was one with the lowest annual rainfall which was 54 per cent of the normal. In this 50 year period, the annual rainfall in the district was less than 80 per cent of the normal in 13 years, with two consecutive years of such low rainfall at the individual stations, two consecutive years of such low rainfall occurred 6 times at Khara and 4 times at Amritsar. Three such consecutive years also occurred once each at 4 out of the 7 stations. Even 4 consecutive years of such low rainfall occurred once at Tarn Taran . It will be seen from Table 2 that the annual rainfall in the district was between 401 and 700 mm in 33 years out of 50.
On an average, there are 30 rainy days (i.e. days with rainfall of 2.5mm or more)in a year in the district. This number varies from 24 at Khara to 34 at Rayya.
Education
Guru Nanak Dev University ,Amritsar
Guru Nanak Dev University was established in 1969 to commemorate the 500th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev , the first Guru of the Sikhs. The foundation stone of the Guru Nanak Dev Uniersity was laid on 24 November 1969 by the then President of India , Late Shri V.V.Giri The University is catering to the needs of higher education in this border belt.The beautifull sprawling campus over an area of 500 acres has at present colleges under its jurisdiction in the districts of Amritsar,Gurdaspur,Jalandhar & Kapurthala.The university teaching & research departments in arts,social sciences ,laws,pures & applied sciences .Special emphasis is given on teaching & promotion of research in applied sciences & technology .The University library being the nucleus is housed in modern building , which is an architectural landmark in Asia . The University is leading in the field of sports.It won for the 18th time in succession the coveted Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad Trophy which is awarded by the Government of India to the best University in sports.In the cultural field also, the University has achieved a number of distinctions.URL: http://gnduonline.org
Khalsa College, Amritsar
Khalsa College Amritsar which has successfully completed one hundred years of its existence has over this period carved for itself a unique niche on the educational map of the country.The high administrative acumen, unflagging zeal and sincerity of purpose of the teachers has steered the college to attain high academic laurels .
The History of the college is practically the history of renaissance among the Sikhs .There is hardly any eminent educated Sikhs of the other generation who had not at one time or the other been connected with this reputed institution.
The flickering torch of religious, social and political life among the Sikhs that was becoming dimmer and dimmer after the fall of the Sikh empire has not only been kept burring by this college but it has also contributed a lot to spread Knowledge, even to the remotest parts of the country. The Institution has a big hand in elevating the community to its present enviable position in the field of education and social uplift .With the establishment of the college in 1892, began a movement for the education of Sikh boys and girls on an extensive scale .
The main objective of the college was to spread amongst the Sikhs modern education on western lines, so that they were kept abreast of the times. The avowed aim of its founding fathers was the eradication of ignorance, illiteracy and pernicious social evils bedewelling the Indian society through the spread of enlightened, progressive and value-oriented education in the fields of humanities, agriculture and science and technology. Propagation of Sikh cultural heritage and promotion of Punjabi language were its other professed goals.
Although the stress was laid on moulding and reshaping Punjab Youth according to the Sikh ideals, Khalsa College has always maintained a secular stance and outlook ever since its inception. This is borne out by fact that students of all castes and creeds have always been on the rolls of the college. The secular stance was maintained even at a time when terrorism was at its peak in the State.
The majestic and stately building of the College is a fine specimen of architecture. The layout plan of the splendid building was prepared by S.Ram Singh, Vice- Principal, Mayo School of Arts, Lahore and the construction was carried out under the supervision of a reputed engineer, Dharam Singh, The establishment of the College was a result of joint efforts of various intellectuals and princes of the chief sects of Sikhs, who wanted to give a new direction to education.
Other Colleges in the City
Govt. Polytechnic Chhehrta, Amritsar . Phone: 0183-2258269
Govt. Dental College :Hukam Singh Road, Amritsar .Phone: 0183-2223235
Govt. Medical College :Circular Road, Amritsar .Phone: 0183-2220618
B.B.K. D.A.V.College for women : Lawrence Road, Amritsar. Phone: 0183-2221757
D.A.V.College :Katra Sher Singh, Amritsar .Pone: 0183-2551872
D.A.V.College of Education :Beri Gate, Amritsar.Phone: 0183-2559648
Guru Ram Dass Dental College :Mall Mandi, Amritsar
Guru Ram Dass Institute of Medical Sciences :Mehta Road, Amritsar
Hindu Sabha College :Dhab Khatikan, Amritsar .Phone: 0183-2556824
Khalsa College :G.T.Road, Amritsar Phone: 0183-2258852
Khalsa College for women :G.T.Road, Amritsar Phone: 0183-2258207
Khalse College of Education :G.T.Road, Amritsar Phone: 0183-2258329
L.N.Ayurvedic College :Lohgarh Gate, Amritsar
S.R.Govt. College for women : Near District Courts, Amritsar Phone: 0183-2225818
Shahzada Nand College for women : Green Avenue, Amritsar Phone: 0183-2502690
Sri Guru Teg Bahadur College :Mahna Singh Road, Amritsar Phone: 0183-2551105
Tourist Places
Golden temple(Harmander Sahib)
The Golden temple is located in the holy city of the Sikhs, Amritsar. The Golden temple is famous for its full golden dome, it is one of the most sacred pilgrim spots for Sikhs. The Mandir is built on a 67-ft square of marble and is a two storied structure. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had the upper half of the building built with approximately 400 kg of gold leaf. The Golden Temple is surrounded by a number of other famous temples like the Durgiana Temple. The fourth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Ram Das, who had initially constructed a pool here, founded Amritsar, which houses the Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib. It is here that Sage Valmiki wrote the epic, Ramayana. Rama and Sita are believed to have spent their fourteen-year exile in Amritsar, the epicenter of Sikhism. To the south of the temple is a garden, and the tower of Baba Atal. The Central Sikh Museum is atop the Clock Tower. The 'Guru Ka Langar' offers free food to around 20,000 people everyday. The number shoots up to 100,000 on special occasions. A visitor must cover his / her head before entering the temple premises. The Granth Sahib is kept in the Temple during the day and is kept in the Akal Takht or Eternal Throne in the night. The Akal Takht also houses the ancient weapons used by the Sikh warriors. Guru Hargobind established it. The rugged old Jubi Tree in the north west corner of the compound is believed to possess special powers. It was planted 450 years ago, by the Golden Temple's first high priest, Baba Buddha. Guru-ka-Langar or the communal canteen is towards the eastern entrance of the temple complex, and it provides free food to all visitors, regardless of colour, creed, caste or gender. Visitors to the Golden Temple must remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering the temple. The temple is less crowded in the early mornings on weekends.
Around the Golden Temple
Within the sacred precincts of the Golden Temple, a devotee can seek blessing at:
1. The Akal Takht
2. Har Ki Pauri
3. Dukh Bhanjani Ber (Jujube Tree)
4. Thara Sahib
5. Ber Baba Budha Ji
6. Gurudwara Ilachi Ber
7. Ath Sath Tirath
8. Bunga Baba Deep Singh
Durgiana Temple (Lakshmi Narain Temple)
Built in the third decade of the 20th Century it echoes, not the traditional Hindu temple architecture, but that of the Golden Temple and, in a similar manner rises from the midst of a tank and has canopies and the central dome in the style of the Sikh temple. One of the greatest reformers and political leaders of resurgent India, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, laid its foundation stone. It is a well-known repository of Hindu scriptures
Wagah Border
The international border between India and Pakistan. The pomp and pageantry of the Beating Retreat and the Change of Guard within handshaking distance of the Indian and Pakistani forces makes for a most charming spectacle.
Wagah, an army outpost on Indo-Pak border - between Amritsar and Lahore, is an elaborate complex of buildings, roads and barriers on both sides. The daily highlight is the evening "Beating the Retreat" ceremony. Soldiers from both countries march in perfect drill, going through the steps of bringing down their respective national flags. As the sun goes down, nationalistic fervour rises and lights are switched on marking the end of the day amidst thunderous applause.
Jallian Wala Bagh
The memorial at this site commemorates the 2000 Indians who were killed or wounded, shot indiscriminately by the British under the command of Gen Michael O"Dyer on April13, 1919 while participating in a peaceful public meeting. This was one of the major incidents of India's freedom struggle.The story of this appaling massacre is told in the Martyr's Gallery at the site. A section of wall with bullet marks still visible is preserved along with the memorial well, in which some people jumped to escape. "The impossible men of India shall rise and liberate their mother land", declared Mahatma Gandhi, after the Jallian Wala massacre. "This disproportionate severity of punishment inflicted upon the unfortunate people and method of carrying it out is without parallel in the history of civilized govt." wrote Rabindra Nath Tagore the noble laureate while returning knighthood.
Ram Bagh
Ram Bagh a beautiful garden ,an accustomed listener to the Neighs of thousand horses, announcing the arrival of the statesman of the century Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839) the Lion of Punjab, has in its heart the summer Palace of this great ruler. Maintenance free inbuilt cooling system designed in the Palace exhibits the architectural excellence and invokes a keen interest.The king of his time brought local chieftains under his control and virtually finished any eventuality of possible attacks on the kingdom raised by him. To commemorate the memory of his velour Ram Bagh on its one end has a lively statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh saddled on a horse in a winsome posture.
The garden was named by the ruler himself as a tribute to Guru Ram Das, the founder of the city. Now the summer palace of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh has been converted into a museum which speaks volumes on his times.On display are weapons dating back to Mughal times, portraits of ruling houses of Punjab and a replica of diamond "Kohinoor". In those days the garden was approached by a huge fortified gate which still exists in its original form and is just on the periphery of the garden.
Ram Tirath
Located 11 Km West of Amritsar on Chogawan road, dates back to the period of Ramayana, Rishi Valmiki's hermitage. The place has an ancient tank and many temples. A hut marks the site where Mata Sita gave birth to Luv & Kush and also, still extant are Rishi Valmiki's hut and the well with stairs where Mata Sita used to take her bath. The Bedis of Punjab (Guru Nanak Dev , the founder Prophet of Sikhism was a Bedi) trace their descent from Kush and Sodhis (the 10th Prophet of Sikhism, Guru Gibind Singh was a Sodhi) from Luv. A four day fair, since times immemorial is held here starting on the full moon night in November. 16 Kilometres west on Choganwan road is Ram Tirath, commemorating Maharishi Balmik Ji´s heritage.
Pul Kanjari:
It is another heritage sight built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh around which are sewn many tales and legends. Situated near the villages of Daoka and Dhanoa Kalan right on the Wagha border, Pul Kanjari is about 35 kms. Both from Amritsar & Lahore. The Maharaja would often rest and leisure here in the baradari while passing by along with his royal troop and retinues. Despite a ruined fort and a baoli-a bathing pool - this heritage sight has a temple, a Gurudwara and a mosque which bespeak of the secular concerns of the Maharaja. The inside of the dome on the corner of the baoli enshrines a number of scenes and sights from the Hindu scriptures and the Raj Darbar.These frescoes are laced with floral frames.
Samadhi of Guru Angad Dev Ji:
About 30 km south east from Amritsar, and within easy reach from Goindwal Sahib is a Samadhi of the second Guru. It was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1815 A.D.
Jama Masjid Khairuddin:
Built by Mohd. Khairuddin in 1876, this masjid is a place of architectural beauty situated in the Hall Bazar. This is the holy place from where a call against the British rule was given by Tootie-e-Hind, Shah Attaullah Bukhari.
Samadh of Shravan:
About 6 Kilometres from Ajnala near Jastarwal (earlier known as Dashrathwal) is located one of the oldest heritage spots in Amritsar. It belongs to the Ramayana period a legend has it that Shravan lies buried here after the fell from the arrow of King Dashrath, the Lord of Ayodhya. The Samadh is situated on the banks of an old rivulet (Purani Dhab ).Shravan had taken his blind parents on a wide-ranging pilgrimage by cradling them on his shoulder in a wooden device.
Khoo Kalyanwala :
The city has played a stellar role in the liberation of India from the British clutches. Freedom fighters like Madan Lal Dhingra, Ras Bihari Bose, S.Kartar Singh Sarabha, Dr. Satya Pal and Dr. Saif-ud-din Kitchlu are house-hold names in Amritsar.
When Mangal Pande blew the bugle of rebellion against the British in 1857, its echoes and shock-waves were felt in Amritsar also. A platoon of 400 soldier stationed at Lahore rebelled against the British Government by fleeing their barracks. The deserted soldiers bravely swam across the flooded Ravi and reached Ajnala.The information was received by Mr.Fredric Cooper, the then Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar.On his order, all of them were put in a coop-like room where almost 200 soldiers died of asphyxia. The rest of them were brutally shot dead the next morning and their dead bodies thrown in the well which is known as the Kalianwala Khoo in Tehsil Ajnala.
The Historical Banyan Tree( Shaheedi Bohr):
This historical tree with massive girth and lushgreen canopy stands majestically in the Namdhari Shaheedi Samark against the majestic back drop of the northern boundary of Ram Bagh.Four Kookas were hanged from this tree by the British Government in 1871.The Kookas were hanged from this tree by the British Government in 1871 The Kookas were hanged because they had reacted violently against the hawking of beef around the Golden Temple.