Faridkot district General information
Faridkot district is one of the twenty districts in the state of Punjab in North-West India. According to Punjab's Geo-Area, Faridkot is a Malwa District. It is one of the biggest cotton markets in South-East Asia. The name 'Faridkot' is derived from Baba Farid, a god-lover who wanted see the God. Faridkot was feudlist province under British rule , but now it is a district in Punjab in independent India.
History
The name 'Faridkot' is derived from Baba Farid, the famous religious lover of God whose bani appears in the Guru Granth Sahib. Faridkot was feudlist province under British rule , but now it is a district in Punjab in independent India.
The ancestor of the Faridkot principality, Bhallan was an ardent follower of 6th Sikh Guru Har Gobind. He helped the Guru Har Gobind ji in the battle of Mehraj. He died issueless in 1643. Kapura, who was a nephew of Bhallan, succeeded him. Kapura founded the town of Kotkapura in 1661. Nawab Kapura was the Chaudhry of eighty-four villages. He was a Sikh but did not want to earn the ire of the Mughals and help Guru Gobind Singh Ji and fight with Mughals.
The famous last battle of Muktsar (Khidrane Di Dhaab) now a historic town, happened after Nawab Kapura declined Guru Gobind Singh's request to use his fort to fight Mughal Army. Otherwise the last war between Mughals and Guru Gobind Singh Ji was destined to happen at Kotkapura. Guru ji moved from Kotkapura to Dhilwan Kalan from there to Talwandi sabo via Guru ki Dhab. However, later in the battle of Muktsar in 1705, Nawab Kapura helped Guru Gobind Singh Ji in an underhand manner. Kapura was slain by Isa Khan Manj in 1708. He had three sons named Sukhia, Sema and Mukhia. Mukhia killed Isa Khan and took control of the entire area. Sema was also killed in this battle in 1710. Kapura's elder son Sukhia again came into power in 1720.
A dispute between grandsons of Kapura (sons of Sukhia) led to the division of the state in 1763. The older brother, Sardar Jodh Singh Brar, retained control of Kotkapura, and his younger brother, Sardar Hamir Singh Brar, was given Faridkot.
The state was captured in 1803 by Ranjit Singh, but was one of the Cis-Sutlej states that came under British influence after the 1809 Treaty of Amritsar. During the Sikh wars in 1845, Raja Pahar Singh aided the British, and was rewarded with an increase of territory. The state had an area of and its 642 square miles, and a population of 124,912 in 1901. It was bounded on the west and northeast by the British district of Ferozepore, and on the south by the state of Nabha. The last Ruler of Faridkot was Lt. HH Farzand-i-sadaat Nishan Hazrat-i-kaisar-i-hind Raja Sir Harindar Singh Brar Bans Bahadur.
Location
Faridkot District was part of the then Ferozepur Division but in the year 1996, Faridkot Division has been established with a Divisional headquarter at Faridkot which includes Faridkot, Bathinda and Mansa districts. It is situated between 29 degree 54 feet to 30 degree 54 feet north latitude and 74 degree 15 feet to 75 degree 25 feet east longitude. It lies in south west of the state and is surrounded by Ferozepur District in the north west, Moga and Ludhiana Districts in the north east and districts of Bathinda and Sangrur in the south.
Headquarter of the district administration, lies on the Firozepur-Bathinda-Delhi Railway line. It is also connected by road with Chandigarh (218 km), Firozepur (32 km),Muktsar (45 km) and Bathinda (65 km). Faridkot, Kot Kapura and Jaitu Towns are linked by railway stations as well as by road.
Area
Total area is 1475.70 Sq. K.M.
Population
Population as per 2001 Census is 552466
Population Density is 376 per Sq. K.M.
Climate
It is located on the Punjab Plain which in a macro regional context forms a part of great Satluj Ganga plain. It is a low lying flat area. The surface of the district is depositional plain which was formed by alleviation by the rivers in the remote past. No river is flowing through the district, butthere are some drains which flow during heavy rains and serve as natural drainage. There is a vastnetwork of canals i.e.Bikaner, Sirhind feeder and Rajasthan Canal passes through district Faridkot.Sirhind feeder, Rajasthan Canal and Abohar Branch of Sirhind canal run through the entire length ofdistrict in north-south and northeast-southwest directions respectively. Sirhind Canal system hasbeen serving the district for irrigation since long times.The climate of the Faridkot District is mainly dry, characterized by a very hot summer, a short rainy season and a bracing winter. The year may be divided into four seasons. The cold season is from November to March. This is followed by the summer season which lasts up to about the end of June. The period from July to the middle of September constitutes the southwest monsoon season. The later half of September and October is the post-monsoon or transition period. There is no meteorological observatory in the district. The Temperatures increase ra.pidly beginning with the end of March till June, which is generally the hottest month, with the mean daily minimum temperature about 41 degree celtius and the mean daily minimum about 26.5 degree celtius. It is intensely hot during the summer, and the dustladen winds which blow, especially in the sandy parts, are very trying. The maximum temperature may go beyond 47 degree celtius on individual days. With the onset of the monsoon by about the end of June or early July, there is an appreciable drop in the day temperature. However, during breaks in the monsoon during latter part of July and in August the weather becomes oppressive due to increase in day temperatures. By about the second week of September, when the monsoon withdraws from the district, both day and night temperatures begin to decrease. The fall in the night temperatures even in October is much more than that in the day temperatures. After October both the day and night temperatures decrease rapidly till January which is the coldest month. The mean daily maximum temperatures in January is about 20 degree celtius and the mean daily minimum about 4.5 degree celtius. In the cold season the district is affected by cold waves in the wake of passing western disturbances and the minimum temperature occasionally drops down to about a degree or two below the freezing point of water. The average annual rainfall in the district is 433 mm. about 71 percent of the annual rainfall in the district is received during the monsoon months July to September, July/August being the rainiest months. Some rainfall occurs during the pre-monsoon months, mostly in the form of thundershowers and in the cold season. Skies are moderately clouded during the monsoon season and for short spells of a day or two during cold season in association with the passing western disturbances. During the rest of the year the skies are mostly clear or lightly clouded. Winds are generally light in the district, and are northerly to northwesterly, at times southeasterly, throughout the year. But, during the summer and monsoon seasons winds from directions between north-east and south-east blow on many days. Thunderstorms and more frequently duststorms occur during the hot season. Rain during the monsoon season is also sometimes accompanied with thunder. Fog occurs occasionally in the cold season.
Tourist Place
Qila Mubarak
According to the compiler of the Gazetter of Faridkot State (Lahore, 1914), the old fort was built by Raja Mokulsi on square-shaped land, measuring more than 10 acres. Around 1775, Raja Hamir Singh reconstructed it. The main building seen at present and other important structures were built around 1890 by Raja Bikram Singh (1842-1898) and by Raja Balbir Singh (1869-1906). Raja Bikram Singh, who ruled for 24 years, contributed a lot to Faridkot state. Raja Balbir Singh died in 1906 and was succeeded by Raja Barjinder Singh, who ruled up to 1918. The next and the last ruler of Faridkot state, Raja Sir Harinder Singh Brar Bans Bahadur, ascended the rajgaddi in 1918 after the death of Raja Barjinder Singh.
The beauty of this fort lies in its magnificent architecture. Elegantly designed in European style and constructed by skilled masons, it is a masterpiece of workmanship. Its floors, ceilings, walls and arched openings have been executed with artistic precision.
Fashioned out of small Nanakshahi bricks and lime mortar, more than 20-foot-high ramparts and large bastions (burjs) constructed for the security guards and to mount the guns are still safe and sound, thanks to the repairs carried out by the Maharawal Khewa Ji Trust, Faridkot. But the main building and other structures of the complex (except Sheesh Mahal and Moti Mahal) need massive repairs and restoration work.
Raja Harinder Singh JiThe entrance to the fort is provided through a beautiful multi-storeyed deori. It has a 14-foot-wide and 22-foot-high heavy wooden gate, which was used as a protective shield during war. The splendid artistic pattern on the ceiling of the deori is praiseworthy and attracts visitors. On the first floor of the deori is the beautifully designed Sheesh Mahal or hall of mirrors. The concave and convex glasswork is quite romantic. Some beautiful paintings decorate the walls. The desire of Raja Sir Harinder Singh to have a large museum in Sheesh Mahal is yet to be fulfilled. To make the fort impressive, two big guns placed in the baradari welcome visitors to the fort. The main building and other structures of the fort have been constructed on a ground, which is 12 feet above the main road and entrance gate, for safety reasons.
The huge building of Moti Mahal built to the south of the entrance, now houses the offices of the Maharawal Khewa Ji Trust (which looks after the properties of Raja Harinder Singh). Gurdwara Sahib and Modi Khana (military barracks) have been constructed to the north of the entrance. For the protection of the royal family from air attacks, an air-raid shelter was also built in the fort complex.
The 34-foot-wide, 90-foot-long and 22-foot-high Darbar Hall of the main building has been built in such a way that it remains cool even during the hot season. The architectural beauty of the Darbar Hall dazzles one and all. Although the false ceiling stands damaged at many places, the artistic work done on the false ceiling in plaster of Paris and woodwork executed on big arches of the Darbar Hall is unmatched. Carved wood paneling on the Darbar Hall walls and its marble flooring still look graceful. But artistically designed wooden chhajjas built around the main building on the first floor are unsafe.
Raj Mahal
'Raj Mahal' (royal Palace) was built during the reign of Maharaja Bikrama Singh during 1885-1889 under supervision of the, then Crown Prince (Later Maharaja) Balbir Singh, who incidentally was the first to move in and start living in it. Spread over nearly 15 acres, it presented a magnificent look with French design, dominating grassy lawns a mid semi desert area of the State. Its entrance called "Raj Deori" - it is a heritage building of a vintage. This magnificent building was constructed as the residence of Royal family of Faridkot State. It is based on French design with tapered minerettes and pointed spires. It is housed in 14 acres of land with spacious lawns and orchard. The descendants of the Royal family are now using it as private residence.
Darbar Ganj
This beautiful bungalow is a well laid out garden place. All the rooms are finished in the most modern style. The guests from the sisterly states used Darbar Gang for stay. The building has now been converted into Circuit House.
Gurdwara Tilla (Chilla) Baba Farid
This is as old as the town-self. This place is situated near the Qilla Mubarak. Baba Farid remained at this place in meditation for 40 days before proceeding to Pakpattan. Besides place of Tilla Baba Farid, a sacred piece of wood with which Baba ji wiped his hands littered with mud has been preserved to - date. Shabad-Kirtan is recited get daily and Langer is also served every day to the people visiting this place. The poor also get daily langer, larger number of people visit this holy place on every Thursday to pay their obeisance to the great Sufi Saint.
Gurdwara Godari Sahib
This place is situated on the out skirts about 4 K.M. on Faridkot-Kotkapura road. It is believed that Baba Sheikh Farid left his godari (Jacket) there before entering Faridkot town. A beautiful gurdwara was constructed in 1982 and a Sant Sarover was later constructed at this place. Large numbers of people visit this place every Thursday and also take bath in this Sarovar.
Gurdwara Guru Ki Dhab
10th Guru of Sikhs Sri Guru Gobind Singh said to have visited this place previously known as Doda Tal. This place is about 12 K.M. from Kotkapura on Kotkapura-Jaitu Road.
Gurdwara Tibbi Sahib
Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji is said to have visited Jaitu on 15th April 1706. Here Guru Ji stayed at a Sand Dune (Tibba) near village Jaitu and practiced arrows shooting with other sikhs. People congregate here on 10th Phagun every year in memory of the sikhs who scarified their lives during Jaitu Morcha and this is known as Shaheedi Jor Mela.
Gurdwara Godavarisar Patshahi Dasvin village Dhillwan Kalan
This Gurdwara is situated at a distance of 5 K.M. from Kotkapura on Kotkapura-Bathinda Road. Guru Gobind singh is said to have handed over his clothes to a Sodhi family in the village. These clothes can still be seen with the Sodhi family.
Rajsthan and Sirhind Canals
Rajasthan Canal and Sirhind Feeder passes near the Faridkot town. Rajasthan canal was constructed during the year, 1962 to carry the additional water from Sutluj and Beas River at Hari Ke Pattan to dry areas of Punjab.
Fairy Cottage
This cottage is situated 7 K.M. from Faridkot on Chahal Road. Maharaja Brijinder Singh constructs this beautiful cottage in 1910-11.
Check Tower
This tower is made at the entrance of the Fairy cottage, which is also constructed by Maharaja Brijinder Singh.
Dhudike
The village Dhudike lies 3 km from Ajitwal Railway Station on the Ludhiana-Firozpur railway line, and is linked with a Pucka road between Moga and Jagraon, some 16 km from either town. The people here are politically conscious having taken part in the `Gaddar Movement` and Guru-Ka-Bagh Agitation.
Lala Lajpat Rai (1965-1928), the great national leader was born in this village. His birthday, celebrated in the village, attracts a large number of persons. A Lajpat Rai Birth place Memorial Committee was formed in 1956 and it bought a plot of about one acre of land in the village abadi including the house where he was born. A memorial has been erected here in the memory of the great freedom fighter.
Giddarbaha
This town is about 34 km south of Muktsar. It is a railway station on Bathinda Hidumalkot line and an important market of cotton and grains. It is also connected by road with Bathinda. The place is known for snuff, which is a product of tobacco ground together with lime, ghee and some perfumes. Its population was 39,866 persons as per 1991 Census. During 1992-3, there was one unit at Giddarbaha in medium and large-scale sector, viz. markfed Cotton Seed Processing Plant, Giddarbaha.
Jaito
It lays 30026` north latitude and 75056`, east longitude, 32 km south of Kot Kapura and 40 km north of Bathinda. It has a railway station on the Bathinda-Firozpur section and is also connected by roads with Kot Kapura, Moga, Barnala and Bathinda. According to the 1991 Census the Population of the town was 28,850.
Jaito, a hat of the Sidhu Clan, founded the town. The mandi is very famous on account of Jaito morcha, very well known in the freedom struggle which was launched as a protest against dethroning of maharaja Ripudaman Singh of Nabha by the Britishers in January 1923, mainly on account of his extremely patriotic feelings. This raised a wave of popular resentment throughout his State, rather all over Punjab. Processions and meetings were arranged at many places and Akhand paths started in gurudwaras for the restoration of the gaddi of the maharaja. In these meetings and prayers, the Britishers saw a challenge to their authority and unleashed a reign of terror to suppress popular wave. The Gangsar was one of those gurudwaras where such recitation of Guru Granth Sahib had started. All those leading these gatherings were imprisoned but this flared the flames further. Jathas of volunteers began to pour into the town to court arrest. A jatha of 500 was machine gunned on 21 February 1924, when they wanted to raise their religious banner at the Tibbi Sahib Gurudwara at Jaito, Scores fell as martyrs to the firing and to this many correspondents including Dr Saifu-ud-Din Kichlu were witnesses. Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru and Mr Gidwani reached the spot to see things for themselves. They too were arrested alonghwith Mr K. Santanam and sentenced to rigorous imprisonment. Pandit Nehru was confined in the Nabha Jail where several compatriots arrested in this connection perished under the iron heel of the foreign rule.
The jaito owes its importance to its grain market and famous cattle fair held in the month of March.
Kot Kapura
This town is 10 km south of Faridkot and 51 km north of Bathinda. It has a railway station on the Bathinda-Firozpur section, and is connected by metalled roads with Moga, Firozpur, Muktsar and Bathinda. The population of the town was 47,550 in 1981, which rose to 62,480 in 1991.
Kot Kapura town was founded by Kapura one of the forefather of the princely ruling family of Faridkot State, at the suggestion of a famous Hindu ascetic, Bhai Bhagtu. Kapura had succeeded to the Chaudriat bestowed on his on his family by the Mughal Darbar at Delhi. When Guru Gobind Singh, before the battle of Muktsar, visited him and asked for his assistance, Kapura was hesitant as he was afraid of reprisals at the hands of the Mughals. The tradition goes that Guru Gobind Singh cursed Kapura, saying that he would die at the hands of his friends, the Turks (Mughals). Guru then stayed in the town at another place where now a Gurudwara associated with the Guru stands. Kapura, however, allowed Guru's family who was following the Guru to stay with him family who was following the Guru to stay with him for the night and entertained them. But this does not appear to have much softened the curse of the Guru. Isa Khan, the owner of the fort and village of that name who was Kapura's great rival and enemy, but had failed to make him yield. He then patched up with him and invited him to a banquet where he treacherously assassinated him. Kapura's sons avenged the murder of their father with a heavy hand, killed Isa Khan and plundered his fort. Kapura's descendents held kot Kapura and Faridkot separately till the Britishers made Pahar Singh the chief of Faridkot and bestowed koe Kapura Singh the chief of Faridkot and bestowed Kot Kapura on him, as a reward for his assistance in the First Anglo Sikh War of 1845.
Kot Kapura is a flourishing grain market and industrial centre . Among places of historical importance are a fort, now in ruins, and the place where Raja Wazir Singh used to say his prayers.
Malaut
Malaut is a new flourishing mandi and the subdivision located on Bathinda-Hindumalkot railway line. It is 32 km from Fazilka and 47 km from Bathinda. According to the 1991 Census its population was 56,858.
About one-fifth of the entire cotton produced in Punjabis raised within a radious of 32 km from Malaut. The old market being too small to accommodate the heavy arrivals, two new markets have been built. During 1992-93, there were 3 Ginning and Processing units working at Malaut in medium and large-scale sector.