Ludhiana is a city and a municipal corporation in Ludhiana district in the Indian state of Punjab. It is the largest city in Punjab, with an estimated population of 1.4 million. The population increases substantially during the crop harvesting season due to immigration of laborers from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Delhi. It has an area of about 310 km². The city stands on the Sutlej River`s old bank, 13 km south of its present course.
Ludhiana is centrally located on the National Highway 1 from Delhi to Amritsar, and is connected to the Indian capital city of New Delhi by road and frequent train service.
It is a major industrial and educational center of northern India, and is the crossroads of many different cultures.
Name Foundation
Ludhiana or Lodiana, is called after the Lodis, which dynasty ruled at Delhi from A.D. 1451 to1526. The Two Lodi Chief, Yusaf khan and Nihang Khan, deputed by Sikandar Lodi (A.D.1489-1517) to restore order in the region, fixed head-quarters on the present location of Ludhiana city, which was at the time on more than a village called Mir Hota. Legend has it that Yusaf crossed the Satluj to check the Khokhars, who were then plundering the Jalandhar Doab, and settled at Sultanpur; Nihang Khan remained at Mir Hota as the Emperor’s lieutenant and called the place Ludhiana.
Ludhiana city is known as the industrial hub of Punjab, whose roots go back to the 15th century. This vivacious city has turn out to be a colourful bouquet of different cultures, thanks to its industrial status. The inventive & creative urge of the Ludhianivis noticeable itself beautifully in various industrial activities. Ludhiana has time & again been called the Manchester of India. Industries manufacturing Cycle & its parts, Woolens, Machine Tools, Sewing Machines, Generators, Diesel Engines, Tyres & Tubes and a host of other utilities and consumer goods dot the map of Ludhiana. The industrial products & hosiery manufactured in Ludhiana are not only used within India but they are also exported to different regions of the world.
No one is in a mood to listen while the city is crying hoarse. Not that there is so much rush, it is because the mind of its inhabitants is elsewhere. There is no space to stretch one’s limbs and the time has been reduced to a roundabout at the Clock Tower. A grand race is taking place with no destination in sight. This marathon race is an end in itself. The promised joyride is in fact turning to be a pain in the neck. Still the show must go on; else the house of cards will come tumbling down. Amidst all this flurry of activities, there are literary discussions, cultural seminars, photograph and painting exhibitions, song and dance concerts, flower and baby shows, games and sports, stag parties and girlie outpourings, convocations and annual functions, declamations and debates, besides the get-togethers of senior citizens.
Still the city is bubbling with enthusiasm and wants to be heard, even in snatches. It is in fact a historical, industrial and cultural monologue of Ludhiana. The city is heaving a sigh of relief that it has retained its identity since the times of Sultan Sikander Khan Lodhi. His Generals, Usuf Khan and Nihang Khan, laid its foundation in 1481 near Meer Hota village as an army cantonment. Later Meer Hota was renamed as Lodhiana. In 1785 the Sutlej changed its course and the bet area of the width of 9 km and the length of 90 km was added to the territorial range of Ludhiana. Thus, the outlines of a big city were demarcated. It was Jalal Khan, the grandson of General Nihang Khan, who built the Ludhiana Fort.
Ludhiana gets its name from the Lodhi Dynasty, which is believed to have founded the city in the year 1480. During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Ludhiana became an important British cantonment. Initially, in 1805, Maharaja Ranjit Singh had occupied Ludhiana. However, in 1809, the British decided to curb his advance eastwards and sent troops to confront him. Ranjit Singh was forced to sign the treaty of 'perpetual friendship' with the British, which confined his activities to the right bank of the Sutlej. British troops were permanently stationed in Ludhiana and the Cis-Sutlej states came under British protection.
However, Ludhiana’s claim to fame is not its commercial enterprises alone. It is an important pilgrimage center as there are many historic Gurudwaras. In Cultural & Educational fields, too, Ludhiana holds an outstanding place. Punjab Agricultural University, Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College & Christian Medical College, Dayanand Medical College & Hospital are some of the premier educational & research institutes. Really, Ludhiana offers a mesmerizing quick look into the world of machines tempered with a thriving human touch.
Many leaders of the Indian freedom movement came from Ludhiana. Prominent among them were Lala Lajpat Rai, Sardar Kartar Singh Saraba, Baba Santa Singh and Maulana Habibur Rehman. Ludhiana has contributed five chief ministers, namely Bhim Sen Snahan, Justice Gurnam Singh, Gian Singh Rarewala, Lachaman Singh Gill and Beant Singh.
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