About Ferozepur
About Ferozepur
Ferozepur, a district lying near Faridpur, is a city of antiquity. Its strategic presence near the border separating India from Pakistan has earned it historical importance. Before 15 August 1973, this district was the southernmost of the seven districts of the Jalandhar Division of the Punjab State. On that date, the new Ferozpur Division was formed and the Ferozpur District was included in it. The boundary of the present Ferozpur District on the east runs along the Faridkot District. On the northeast, the River Satluj generally separates it from the Jalandhar and Kapurthala districts. The border town of Ferozepur is known for its memorials to the freedom fighters of India.
The major attraction of Ferozepur are Gandhi Garden, Barki Memorial,Hussainiwala Memorial, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Memorial and Shitala Mata Temple.
History of Ferozepur
Founded in 14th century by Feroze Shah Tughlaq, this heroic city played a significant role in struggle for independence. According to one tradition Ferozpur was founded in near about 1360 by Firoz Shah Tughlak (Emperor of Delhi, A.D. 1351-1387), who had a passion for founding cities. It is also stated that Ferozpur was founded by one of the Bhatti Chiefs, named Firoz Khan, but the first is widely accepted.
Ferozepore’s strategic position in the northwest of the country has resulted in its being part of many military expenditions in the area. During the first Anglo-Sikh war in 1845, it due to the negligence of the British commander at Ferozepore that the Khalsa was able to cross the Sutlej unopposed. When Lord Hardinge declared war on the Sikhs, the first battle was fought at Mudki, 20 miles south-east of Ferozepore. In 1838, Ferozepore was the centre from where British troops advanced to Kabul during the rist Anglo-Afghan war.
It was at this place that martyrs Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru were cremated hastily on March 23,1931. They were killed for raising the flag of revolutionary terrorism against the British, displaying their deep patriotism and defiance for the foreign rulers till the very end.
Today, a Shaheed Bhagat Singh Memorial marks the spot and every year on March 23, thousands of people gather to pay homage of these noble heroes. Ferozepore has another historical memorial, the Saragarhi Gurudwara, commemorating the sacrifice of 21 Sikh soldiers who perished at Saragarhi in Baluchistan. On 12 September, every year, people gather here to pay tribute to the heroic soldiers and celebrate Saragarhi Day. The memorial service also provides an occasion for exservicemen to have a reunion.