Faridkot

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Faridkot | type = city | latd = 30.67 | longd = 74.75
locator_position = right | state_name = Punjab
district = Faridkot
leader_title =
leader_name =
altitude = 196
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 71,986| population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone = 91-1639
postal_code = 151 203
vehicle_code_range =
sex_ratio =
unlocode =
website =
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Faridkot ( _pa. ਫ਼ਰੀਦਕੋਟ, فریدکوٹ; Hindi: फ़रीदकोट) is a small city and a municipal council in Faridkot district in the state of Punjab, India.

It has been named after the great Sufi Saint Baba Sheik Fariduddin Ganjshakar, whose verses are mentioned in Guru Granth Sahib the holy book of Sikh religion.cite web|url = http://pbsc.nic.in/pdf/districts/faridkot.pdf| title = District: Faridkot|publisher = National Informatics Centre, Punjab State Unit, Chandigarh|accessdate = 2007-26-07] Previously it was called Mokalhar.cite web|url = http://pbsc.nic.in/pdf/districts/faridkot.pdf| title = District: Faridkot|publisher = National Informatics Centre, Punjab State Unit, Chandigarh|accessdate = 2007-26-07]

The main crops of the city are wheat, paddy and cotton. Industries of the town include cotton handling, from ginning to baling, as well as manufacture of machine tools, sewing machines, and bicycles.

History

The ruling dynasty of Faridkot claimed descent from Rawal Jaisal, who founded Jaisalmer in Rajasthan in 1156. The town was founded in the 16th century by his descendant Bhallan of the Burai Jats.

In 13th century, noted Sufi saint, Baba Farid, on his way to Pak Pattan from Delhi, stopped here, and did penance for 40 days, near the fort of King ‘Makoal’, then under construction. The king was so impressed by his presence that he named the city, after Baba Farid, 'Faridkoat, instead of ‘Makoalpur’, and the place, where he stayed, is still called, ‘Tilla Baba Farid’, and ‘Baba Sheikh Farid Aagman Purb Mela’ is celebrated each year, commemorating his arrival in the city [ [http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070925/punjab1.htm#11 Manns draw crowds at Baba Farid Mela] "The Tribune", September 25, 2007.] [ [http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030923/punjab.htm Tilla Baba Farid] "The Tribune", September 25, 2007.] .

sabo via Guru ki Dhab. However, later in the battle of Muktsar in 1705, Nawab Kapuray, 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. Before partition there was majority Muslim population in Faridkot so the two main languages spoken were Punjabi and Urdu. There are many mosques in Faridkot which are taken care of by Sikh villagers. There was a man named Sher Singh Gill who comes from a warrior family he was known for his brave action against the mob during 1947 riots. In a village named jattpur there were many attacks on residents that weren't Sikhs or Hindus. Sher Singh Gill saved a man named Mohammad Ali who was runnning for his life from the mobs. Luckly Sher Singh was in the farms and seen Ali running and presued to stop the mob and save Mohammad from death. Mohammd Ali was really greatful and thanked Sher Singh so much. After the partition was over and killing was finished Ali had resided in Faridkot where he worked with Sher singh. After, Sher Singh death in 1978 he gave all his land, property, and car to Mohammad Ali because of his loyality. During Sikh militant rule in Punjab in the 80's Mohammad Ali was killed due to not giving up his property to Sikh militants.

Geography

Faridkot is located at coord|30.67|N|74.75|E| [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/23/Faridkot.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Faridkot] ] . It has an average elevation of 196 metres (643 feet).Faridkot has always played a very crucial role in the politics of the state with a number of chief ministers and even a president hailing from the area, though after the separation of Moga and Muktsar this district has become considerably small but still this area is an important political arena.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Faridkot had a population of 71,986. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Faridkot has an average literacy rate of 67%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 71%, and female literacy is 62%. In Faridkot, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age. 75% of the population follows Sikhism and 25% follows Hinduism.

References

* [http://www.4dw.net/royalark/India/faridkot.htm Genealogy of The ruling dynasty of Faridkot]