Bathinda

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = BATHINDA
state_name = Punjab
locator_position = centre
skyline =
skyline_caption = Qila Mubarak
latd = 30 |latm = 13 |lats = 48 |latNS = N
longd=74 |longm = 57 |longs = 0 |longEW = E
state_name = Punjab
district=Bathinda
leader_title=Deputy Commissioner
leader_name=Rahul Tiwari
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 217,389
area_telephone = 91-164
postal_code = 15100x
vehicle_code_range = PB 03
footnotes =

Bathinda( _pa. ਬਠਿੰਡਾ) is one of the oldest cities in Punjab and the current administrative headquarters of Bathinda District. It is situated in north-western India in the Malwa (Punjab) Region and as of 2001 has a population of 217,389 [http://www.indianetzone.com/6/bathinda.htm] .

It is home to two modern thermal power plants [http://www.bathinda.nic.in/html/places_to_visit.html#N10007] , a fertilizer plant [http://bathinda.nic.in/html/industry.html] , a large oil refinery [ [http://www.indianetzone.com/6/bathinda.htm Bathinda , Punjab ] ] , a Zoo [http://www.bathinda.nic.in/html/places_to_visit.html#N10007] , and the Qila Mubarak fort [http://www.north-india.in/punjab/districts/bhatinda.htm] . Bathinda is one of the biggest food grain and cotton markets in northern India, and the area around Bathinda has become a large grape growing area. [http://www.indianetzone.com/6/bathinda.htm] . Bathinda's railway junction is Asia's biggest [http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Bathinda-railway-station-to-be-on-hitech-track-soon/251747/] and is currently undergoing a project for modernization. The Multinational Corporation Pepsi processes horticultural products grown in Bathinda [http://www.infopunjab.com/punjab/travel/faridkot.htm] .

History

Prehistoric Bathinda

Birth of modern Bathinda

It is believed that Rao Bhatti established the modern town of Bathinda in the Lakhi jungle area in the third century, and it was captured from him by the Brars. Bala Rao Bhatti inhabited the city in 965 AD, naming it Bathinda after his surname. The city also remained the capital of Raja Jaipal.

In 1004, Mahmud of Ghazni besieged the local fort, which was located on the route from the northwest into the rich Ganges valley. In 1189, Muhammad Ghori attacked and occupied the fort of Bathinda. Prithvi Raj Chauhan, the ruler of this region, managed to recover possession of the fort thirteen months later in 1191 after a fierce battle.

Razia Sultan, the first female ruler of India, was imprisoned at Bathinda in April, 1240. She was released in August of that year through the efforts of Altunia, the local governor. Both Altunia and Razia married but were killed by robbers near Kaithal on October 13Fact|date=February 2008.

The Sidhu-Brars were thrown out of Bathinda during the Lodhi's rule, but were restored to the area by Babur. A few years later, Roop Chand, a staunch Sikh, came onto the scene of Punjab history. Phul, the second son of Roop Chand, started the practice of "langar" (community kitchen) for the people in the Lakhi jungle area and built a fort around 1654.

With the formation of the Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU) on May 5, 1948, Bathinda District came into existence on August 20 1948. Its headquarters was originally at Faridkot, but relocated to Bathinda in 1953.

After 1953, many changes were made to Bathinda District's geographical boundaries. Muktsar and Mansa districts were separated from Bathinda.

Qila Mubarak

The 1900 year old fort in Bathinda is a Historical National Monument. A brief history:

Geography and climate

Bathinda is also famous for having one of the biggest military chhaunis (cantonments) in Asia. Rampura Phul, Goniana, Mansa, Talwandi Sabo, Bhucho Mandi, Nathana, Tungwali and Gubalgard are all small towns near Bathinda. Bathinda is about 1-2 hours distance from Sangrur, Dhuri, Kotkapura, Faridkot and Muktsar. Ludhiana and Patiala are about 3 hours from Bathinda. Chandigarh is about 4 hours from Bathinda.

There are direct trains that run from Delhi to Bathinda via Patiala, Ambala,Hisar and Rohtak, Jind route. The journey takes approximately six hours.

Areas worth visiting are The Mall, Dhobi Bazar,Rose Garden, Model Town, Fort at Bathinda, known as 'Qila Mubarak', Gurudwara Shri Hazi Rattan, the three lakes near the thermal plant, and others.

Summer temperatures can be as high as 50°C (122°F), and winter temperatures as low as 0°C (32°F). The weather is generally dry, but is very humid from mid-May to the end of August. Rainfall is primarily from the south-west due to monsoon weather, and is concentrated in the period July to mid-September.

Economy

Bathinda is one of the largest railway junctions of India, and more lines extend from it than any junction on the Indian Railway network. Located in Bathinda, is the largest military Cantonments of Asia; its name refers to local sand dunes. Bathinda itself is located on the Indo-Gangetic alluvial plains. Bathinda is home to the Guru Gobind Singh Oil Refinery, which is currently under construction, and a National Fertilizers Plant. Major developments are planned & announced starting from 2007 till 2010.As part of a massive development programme to make Bathinda a model city of Punjab, the government will set up a special economic zone (SEZ) for textile, flying school, cricket stadium and academy, domestic airport and an air-conditioned bus stand within three years. The cricket stadium and academy would be set up by the BCCI on convert|25|acre|m2 [ [http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070707/punjab1.htm The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Punjab ] ] .Leading real estate comnpany Ansal API is coming up with an integrated township- Sushant City. Spread over 250 acres the township will not only offer a multiple choice of residential options but also the facilities of academic institutions, healthcare, shopping cum office and entertainment facilities- all within the same township. Sushant City Bathinda will provide a glimpse of a Canadian lifestyle, which will liberate its residents from the contours of clutter and offer a vast expanse of green belts and parks with exquisite plantations and flowerbeds. Other facilities woven into the township are convenient connectivity to banks, ATMs and other service outlets.

Bathinda has a thermal power plant named as Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant(GNDTP) after the first Sikh guru. It is located near the rose garden within in the interiors of Bathinda.There is another 230MW power plant located 18 km away in Lehra Mohabbat. Bathinda is also one of the biggest railways junction in Asia.All major national and regional banks operate in Bathinda.

Demographics

As of the 2001, India census [GR|India] , Bathinda had a population of 217,389. Males constitute 54% of the population and females, 46%. Bathinda has an average literacy rate of 70% (57% male and 43% female), higher than the national average of 59.5%; 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Education

Government Rajindra College is located in the heart of the city. The college offers graduate courses in science, commerce, and humanities.City also have Punjab Technical University, Giani Zail Singh College Of Engineering & Technology Bathinda, and Bathinda Engineering College. Saint Joseph's Convent School, Saint Xavier's Senior Secondary School and MSD Senior Secondary Public School are the prominent high schools located in Bathinda.It also have private medical college, Adesh Institute of Medical Research, and Baba Shiri Chand Ji Government College in Sardargarh (Bathinda),Maharaja Ranjit Singh Khalsa Technology College. [http://www.universitypunjabi.org/pages/affiliatedcolle.html#4] [http://www.itmtonline.com iTMT] Mehna Chowk, Bathindaand others.

External links

* Information and pictures of important places [http://www.bathindainfo.com]

* Google satellite map of Bathinda [http://www.maplandia.com/india/punjab/bathinda/bhatinda]
* Official website of Bathinda district [http://www.bathinda.nic.in/]
* City of Bathinda - Google Explorer [http://explorer.altopix.com/map/faoqnr/1/2/City_of_Bathinda.htm?order=date]