Punjab

Punjab, located in the northwestern part of India, is one of the country’s most fertile and agriculturally productive states. Known as the “Granary of India” and the “Land of Five Rivers”, its name derives from the Persian words panj (five) and aab (water), referring to the rivers Beas, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej that once flowed through the region. Bordered by Jammu and Kashmir to the north, Himachal Pradesh to the east, Haryana to the south, Rajasthan to the southwest, and Pakistan’s Punjab province to the west, the state holds immense historical, cultural, and economic significance. The capital of Punjab is Chandigarh, which also serves as the capital of Haryana and a Union Territory.

Geographical and Administrative Overview

Punjab covers an area of approximately 50,362 square kilometres, making it one of the smaller Indian states by size but among the most densely populated and agriculturally advanced. The terrain is primarily an alluvial plain formed by the depositional action of the Indus River system, providing extremely fertile soil. The Shivalik Hills, part of the Himalayan foothills, lie in the northeast, while the southern region merges into the dry plains of Rajasthan.
The climate is typically continental, with hot summers, cold winters, and a monsoon season that brings moderate rainfall. Punjab is administratively divided into 23 districts, with major cities including Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Bathinda, and Mohali. The official language is Punjabi, written in the Gurmukhi script, though Hindi and English are also widely used in administration and education.

Historical Background

Punjab’s history is ancient and eventful, marked by successive waves of civilisation, conquest, and cultural evolution. The region formed a part of the Indus Valley Civilisation, one of the world’s earliest urban cultures, with archaeological sites such as Ropar (Rupnagar) evidencing early settlement.
In the Vedic period, Punjab was known as Sapta Sindhu, the land of seven rivers, and featured prominently in early Aryan texts. It later witnessed the rule of great empires such as the Mauryas, Kushans, and Guptas, followed by invasions by Persians, Greeks, and Mughals due to its strategic location as India’s northwestern gateway.
The medieval period saw the rise of Sikhism, founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 15th century as a reformist and spiritual movement emphasising equality, service, and devotion. The Sikh Gurus established a distinct religious and socio-political identity, culminating in the formation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699.
The Sikh Empire, founded by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1799 with Lahore as its capital, represented Punjab’s golden era of political sovereignty and cultural flowering. After his death, internal conflicts and British intervention led to the annexation of Punjab into the British Indian Empire in 1849.
Following India’s independence in 1947, Punjab was divided between India and Pakistan, with West Punjab going to Pakistan and East Punjab remaining in India. The state underwent further reorganisation in 1966, leading to the creation of Haryana and the transfer of Himachal Pradesh’s hill regions.

Economy and Agriculture

Punjab is the heartland of India’s Green Revolution, which transformed the country’s food production landscape in the 1960s and 1970s. With extensive irrigation from canals and tube wells, high-yield crop varieties, and mechanised farming, the state became a leading producer of wheat and rice, contributing significantly to India’s food security.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Punjab’s economy, engaging nearly 70% of the population. Major crops include wheat, rice, maize, cotton, and sugarcane. However, the state faces challenges such as groundwater depletion, soil degradation, and the need for crop diversification towards less water-intensive farming.
The industrial sector has also developed, with Ludhiana known as the Manchester of India for its hosiery and bicycle industries. Jalandhar is a hub for sports goods and hand tools, while Mandi Gobindgarh specialises in steel production. Punjab’s growing sectors now include agro-processing, information technology, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals.

Demography and Culture

As per the 2011 Census, Punjab has a population of approximately 27.7 million, with a literacy rate exceeding 75%. The majority religion is Sikhism (around 58%), followed by Hinduism (38%), with smaller communities of Muslims, Christians, and others. The state’s social fabric reflects communal harmony, vibrant traditions, and deep-rooted spirituality.
Punjabi culture is renowned for its exuberance, hospitality, and strong community values. Music and dance form an essential part of social life—Bhangra and Giddha are the most famous folk dances performed during festivals such as Baisakhi and Lohri. Traditional attire includes salwar kameez, phulkari embroidery, and colourful turbans symbolising pride and identity.
Punjab’s literature, particularly in the Punjabi and Urdu languages, has produced celebrated poets and writers such as Shiv Kumar Batalvi, Amrita Pritam, and Waris Shah, whose Heer Ranjha remains a timeless classic. Punjabi cuisine, rich and hearty, includes dishes such as sarson da saag, makki di roti, butter chicken, and lassi, which have gained global fame.

Natural Resources and Environment

Punjab’s natural endowments primarily lie in its fertile soil and water resources. The Bhakra-Nangal and Harike dams are vital for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. However, overexploitation of groundwater due to intensive rice cultivation poses a serious ecological concern. The government and research institutions are promoting sustainable agricultural practices, crop diversification, and micro-irrigation systems to address environmental challenges.
The state’s forest cover, though limited (around 3.6% of total area), includes areas such as Bir Bhadson, Bir Motibagh, and Shivalik Forests. Wildlife sanctuaries such as Harike Wetland, Abohar, and Takhni-Rehmapur preserve migratory birds and native species. Afforestation and soil conservation programmes are being implemented to improve ecological balance.

Governance and Infrastructure

Punjab follows a unicameral legislative system with 117 assembly constituencies. The state contributes 13 members to the Lok Sabha and 7 to the Rajya Sabha. Administratively, it has a strong record of local self-governance through Panchayati Raj institutions.
Punjab is one of India’s most well-connected states, with an extensive road and rail network. The Golden Temple City of Amritsar houses the Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, offering domestic and international connectivity, while Ludhiana and Chandigarh serve as major industrial and educational centres. The Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway and Dedicated Freight Corridor projects are further strengthening infrastructure.
The state also boasts efficient power supply, irrigation systems, and rural electrification, though urbanisation and industrial growth are prompting newer infrastructure needs in housing and waste management.

Education and Health

Punjab has a well-developed education system, with institutions such as Panjab University (Chandigarh), Guru Nanak Dev University (Amritsar), Punjab Agricultural University (Ludhiana), and Lovely Professional University (Phagwara) being nationally renowned. Literacy rates have steadily improved, and emphasis on technical and agricultural education continues to strengthen the workforce.
The state’s healthcare infrastructure includes civil hospitals, rural health centres, and private medical institutions. Public health schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana aim to provide affordable medical access. Challenges remain in controlling lifestyle-related diseases and improving health services in rural areas.

Tourism and Heritage

Punjab’s tourism reflects its spiritual, historical, and cultural wealth. The Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar, the holiest shrine of Sikhism, attracts millions of pilgrims annually. Nearby, the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial stands as a solemn reminder of India’s struggle for independence.
Other significant attractions include Anandpur Sahib, associated with the birth of the Khalsa; Wagah Border, known for its daily flag-lowering ceremony; and the Sheesh Mahal in Patiala. The Virasat-e-Khalsa Museum in Anandpur Sahib showcases the evolution of Sikh culture and history through interactive exhibits.
Festivals such as Baisakhi, Hola Mohalla, Lohri, and Gurpurabs encapsulate Punjab’s festive spirit, while culinary and rural tourism initiatives offer visitors an authentic glimpse into village life.