About Fatehgarh Sahib

About Fatehgarh Sahib

Fatehgarh Sahib, the great historic and pious Centre of pilgrimage for the Sikhs, is located about 50 kilometers to the north of Patiala on the Patiala- Rupnagar Road via Morinda. Fatehgarh Sahib district is one of the twenty districts in the state of Punjab in North-West India, with its headquarters in the city of Fatehgarh Sahib.It came into existence with effect from 13th April, 1992 , Baisakhi Day deriving its name from Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the youngest son of Guru Gobind Singh.The economy of the district depends mainly on agriculture and allied activities. The main towns are Sirhind, Bassi Pathana, Amloh, Khamano & Mandi Gobindgarh. The last is also known as the ‘Steel Town of India’ having a good number of steel rolling mills. Besides, numerous industrial units are engaged in the manufacturing of sewing machine parts, centrifugal pumps, bus/truck bodybuilding and mining machinery.

There are so many places to visit like Gurudwara Jyoti Swarup, Aam Khas Bagh, Sanghol, Rauza Sharif of Sheikh Ahmed Farooqi, Mujadid Alif-saani at Sirhind.

Gurudwara Jyoti Swarup
It is the venue of the cremation ceremonies of brave Sikh martyrs. Jor Mela (a great fair) is held here in December every year.

Aam Khas Bagh
The Aam Khas Bagh was built for the public and also for exclusive use of the Emperor Shah Jahan. The Royal couple used to stay here while going to and coming back from Lahore.
The other monuments include SHEESH MAHAL,HAMAM and the Tank where unique methods of heating water were adopted. At present, a Tourist Complex known as ‘MAULASARI’ is
being run in the Aam Khas Bagh. A beautiful garden and the Nursery is also being maintained

Sanghol
This is an ancient site of Harappan culture and is being maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. A large number of relics from the late Harappan Civilisation (1700 B.C. to 1300 B.C.) to the 6th century A.D. onward are preserved in the museum here. A vast treasury of about 15000 antiquities has been collected by the department through various archaeological excavations and explorations at Sanghol. It comprises of antiquities of diverse nature like sculptures, terrocottas, pottery, seals, sealings, coins, ivory, carvings, precious stones and other art objects.

Floating Resturant Sirhind
It is a unique type of Restaurant in whole of the Punjab. Built in the middle of the canal, it presents a picturesque view to the visitors. It is an important tourist spot run by The Punjab Tourism Development Corporation.
It attracts a large number of tourists, especially during summer.

Ustad Di Mazar
It is said that this tomb was raised as a memorial to the great architect and builder Ustad Syad Khan. The tomb of Ustad is situated at a distance of about two and a half kilometers from the Rauza Sharif. It has a pucca approach road. .

Shahgird Di Mazar
This is the tomb of Khawaja Khan the ‘Shagird’ (Assistant ) of Ustad Syad Khan. He too had attained great proficiency as a builder. Besides the architectural difference between the two tombs, this tomb once bore beautiful paintings most of which have now been lost.

History of Fatehgarh Sahib

The name ‘Fatehgarh’, refers to the ‘Town of Victory’, because in 1710 Sikhs under the leadership of Banda Bahadur overran the area and razed the fort that was built during Balban’s rule to the ground. The city is an historically important town north of Patiala, especially for the Sikh faith. Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib, marks the site of the live entombment of the two younger sons, Sahibzada Fateh Singh and Sahibzada Zorawar Singh of the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, Sri Guru Gobind Singh on 12 December 1705, by the Governor of Sirhind, Wazir Khan the place is the today commemorated by Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib, 5 km north of the Sirhind.

There are different views about the origin and development of Sirhind. Its first reference appears in the `PRASHARTANTARA’ which is mainly a compilation of prophecies. `VARAHA MIHIRA’ has made a reference to Sirhind in his book `BRIHAT SAMHITA’ which is based on `Prashartantara’. Sirhind was known as `SATUDAR DESH’ and was inhabbited by Sairindhas Aryans. In latter period it became an important border town of Pal Kindgdom. According to another manuscript, Sirhind was the Eastern Frontier of Kingdom of Brahmin dynasty of Kabul. In the Eleventh Century, Mehmood of Ghazni invaded India and the hold of Hindu Kings ended in 1193 A.D. Then Sultan Aram Shah ruled here. Nasir-ud-din Qubacha conquered Sirhind in 1210 A.D. But Illutmish won back this territory. Sher Khan, nephew of Balban, built a fort here. After Ibrahim Lodhi’s defeat in battle of Panipat in 1526 A.D., the town came under Mughal Empire.