Faridkot
Encyclopedia
Faridkot is a small city and a municipal council
in Faridkot district
in the state of Punjab
, India
.It's a division with headquarter at Faridkot consists of three Districts Faridkot, Bathinda and Mansa. There are 8 Sub Divisions, 8 Tehsils and 9 Sub-Tehsils within these Districts.Total area of the District is 1475.70 km².
Prior to independence large part of the district was under the princely rule of Maharaja of Faridkot and later it became part of the Patiala & East Punjab States Union (PEPSU ) in 1948. Faridkot was carved out as a separate district on 7 August 1972 out of the areas of Bathinda District
(Faridkot Tehsil) and Firozpur District
(Moga and Muktsar Tehsils). However in November 1995, the Faridkot District was trifurcated when two of its sub divisions viz Muktsar and Moga were given the status of independent districts.
the holy book of Sikh religion.In 13th century,this town was founded by Raja Mokalsi, the grandson of Rai Munj, a Bhatti Chief of Bhatnair now renamed as Hanumangarh
, Rajasthan and named Mokalhar after his name.
The state was captured in 1803 by Ranjit Singh
, but was one of the disticts that came under British influence after the 1809 . The last Ruler of Faridkot was LL. Raja Sir Harindar Singh Brar Bans Bahadur. Before partition there was majority Muslim population in Faridkot. There are many mosques in Faridkot which are taken care of by Sikh villagers.
Faridkot has played a leading role in the politics of the state of Punjab with a number of chief ministers and even a president hailing from the area. Although the separation of Moga and Muktsar left this district considerably smaller, the area remains an important political arena.
in the north west, Moga and Ludhiana Districts in the north east and districts of Bathinda and Sangrur in the south.
The topography of the district is plain, with only 1.4% of its area under forest cover. There are no rivers or natural drains flowing through the district.
The climate of the Faridkot District is mainly dry, characterized by a very hot summer, a short rainy season and a bracing winter. The year may be divided into four seasons. The cold season is from November to March. This is followed by the summer season which lasts up to about the end of June. The period from July to the middle of September constitutes the southwest monsoon season. The later half of September and October is the post-monsoon or transition period. There is no meteorological observatory in the district. The Temperatures increase rapidly beginning with the end of March till June, which is generally the hottest month, with the mean daily minimum temperature about 41 °C and the mean daily minimum about 26.5 °C. It is intensely hot during the summer, and the dustladen winds which blow, especially in the sandy parts, are very trying. The maximum temperature may go beyond 47 °C on individual days. With the onset of the monsoon by about the end of June or early July, there is an appreciable drop in the day temperature. However, during breaks in the monsoon during latter part of July and in August the weather becomes oppressive due to increase in day temperatures. By about the second week of September, when the monsoon withdraws from the district, both day and night temperatures begin to decrease. The fall in the night temperatures even in October is much more than that in the day temperatures. After October both the day and night temperatures decrease rapidly till January which is the coldest month. The mean daily maximum temperatures in January is about 20 °C and the mean daily minimum about 4.5 °C. In the cold season the district is affected by cold waves in the wake of passing western disturbances and the minimum temperature occasionally drops down to about a degree or two below the freezing point of water.
The average annual rainfall in the district is 433mm; about 71 percent of the annual rainfall in the district is received during the monsoon months July to September, July/August being the rainiest months. Some rainfall occurs during the pre-monsoon months, mostly in the form of thundershowers and in the cold season. Skies are moderately clouded during the monsoon season and for short spells of a day or two during cold season in association with the passing western disturbances. During the rest of the year the skies are mostly clear or lightly clouded. Winds are generally light in the district, and are northerly to northwesterly, at times southeasterly, throughout the year. But, during the summer and monsoon seasons winds from directions between north-east and south-east blow on many days. Thunderstorms and more frequently duststorms occur during the hot season. Rain during the monsoon season is also sometimes accompanied with thunder. Fog occurs occasionally in the cold season.
, Faridkot has a population of 618,008 which constitute about 2% of the total population of Punjab. Males constitute 327,121 of the population and females 290,887.The population density in this district is 424 persons per sq. km. Faridkot has an average literacy rate of 70.6%: male literacy is 75.9%, and female literacy is 64.8%.
This is as old as the town-self. This place is situated near the Qilla Mubarak. Baba Farid remained at this place in meditation for 40 days before proceeding to Pakpattan. Besides place of Tilla Baba Farid. A sacred piece of wood with which Baba ji wiped his hands littered with mud has been preserved to – date. Shabad-Kirtan is recited get daily and Langer is also served every day to the people visiting this place. The poor also get daily langer, larger number of people visit this holy place on every Thursday to pay their obeisance to the great Sufi Saint.
This place is situated on the out skirts about 4 K.M. on Faridkot-Kotkapura road. It is believed that Baba Sheikh Farid left his godari (Jacket) there before entering Faridkot town. A beautiful gurdwara was constructed in 1982 and a Sant Sarover was later constructed at this place. Large numbers of people visit this place every Thursday and also take bath in this Sarover.
, Ferozepur, Bathinda and Jaipur
by Train.It is also connected by road with Chandigarh (218 km), Ludhiana (105 km),Firozepur (32 km),Muktsar (45 km) and Bathinda (65 km). Faridkot, Kot Kapura and Jaitu Towns are linked by railway stations as well as by road. Faridkot is connected to all major cities of Punjab, Haryana
and Himachal Pradesh
(Shimla
) by Bus. Motor-cycle or Rickshaw
is helpful to move within city (Main Bazar, Line Bazar and Mall Road Areas).
Faridkot is home to many international and national level wrestlers. City has olympic style facility for young wrestlers to practice. It produces some Olympian Players as well.
The fort with its impressive architecture still adorns the city of Faridkot. Its foundation is believed to have been laid by Raja mokalsi, Raka Hamir Singh renovated it and got it extended. Later ruler like Raja Bikram Singh. Raja Balbir singh got constructed many new buildings. It housed the royal Place. Tosha Khana, Modi Khana & Treasury Buildings. There is a garden within the four walls of the fort. All the buildings are very well build and well furnished. It's not open to public as repair is going on.
‘Raj Mahal’ (royal Palace) was built during the reign of Maharaja Bikrama Singh during 1885–1889 under supervision of the, then Crown Prince (Later Maharaja) Balbir Singh, who incidentally was the first to move in and start living in it. Spread over nearly 15 acres (60,702.9 m²), it presented a magnificent look with French design, dominating grassy lawns a mid semi desert area of the State. Its entrance called “Raj Deori” – itself is a heritage building of a vintage and now houses Balbir Hospital.
This beautiful bungalow is a well laid out garden place. All the rooms are finished in the most modern style. The guests from the sisterly states used Darbar Ganj for stay. The building has now been converted into Circuit House.
This cottage is situtated 7 K.M. from Faridkot on Chahal Road. This beautiful cottage is constructed by Maharaja Brijinder Singh in 1910–11.
This tower is made at the entrance of the Fairy cottage which is also constructed by Maharaja Brijinder Singh.
* Sheikh Farid Agman Purab
Sheikh Farid Agam is celebrated from 15 September to 23 September. This festival starts with Live Theater competition, Qawali competition, other art and culture programs. This is followed up by Sports events such as National level wrestling, Hockey, Volleyball and football matches. Nagar kirtan is held on 23 September. More than 1,00,000 people attend this festival every year.
This park is situated in the heart of the city. Equipped with slides & swings, this park provides a beautiful scenery of the sunset in the evening.
Municipal council
A municipal council is the local government of a municipality. Specifically the term can refer to the institutions of various countries that can be translated by this term...
in Faridkot district
Faridkot District
Faridkot district is one of the twenty districts in the state of Punjab in North-West Republic of India. According to Punjab's Geo-Area, Faridkot is a Malwa District. It is one of the biggest cotton markets in South-East Asia. The name 'Faridkot' is derived from Baba Farid, a god-lover who wanted...
in the state of Punjab
Punjab (India)
Punjab ) is a state in the northwest of the Republic of India, forming part of the larger Punjab region. The state is bordered by the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh to the east, Haryana to the south and southeast and Rajasthan to the southwest as well as the Pakistani province of Punjab to the...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
.It's a division with headquarter at Faridkot consists of three Districts Faridkot, Bathinda and Mansa. There are 8 Sub Divisions, 8 Tehsils and 9 Sub-Tehsils within these Districts.Total area of the District is 1475.70 km².
Prior to independence large part of the district was under the princely rule of Maharaja of Faridkot and later it became part of the Patiala & East Punjab States Union (PEPSU ) in 1948. Faridkot was carved out as a separate district on 7 August 1972 out of the areas of Bathinda District
Bathinda District
Bathinda district is in Punjab, India. The districts encompasses an area of 3,344 square kilometres. It is bounded by Faridkot district on the north, Mukatsar district on the west, Barnala and Mansa districts on the east, and the state of Haryana on the south...
(Faridkot Tehsil) and Firozpur District
Firozpur District
Ferozepur district is one of the twenty two th districts in the state of Punjab in North-West Republic of India.It comprises an area of 11,142 km². The surface is level, with the exception of a few sand-hills in the south and south-east...
(Moga and Muktsar Tehsils). However in November 1995, the Faridkot District was trifurcated when two of its sub divisions viz Muktsar and Moga were given the status of independent districts.
Etymology
It has been named after the great Sufi Saint Baba Sheik Fariduddin Ganjshakar, whose verses are mentioned in Guru Granth SahibGuru Granth Sahib
Sri Guru Granth Sahib , or Adi Granth, is the religious text of Sikhism. It is the final and eternal guru of the Sikhs. It is a voluminous text of 1430 angs, compiled and composed during the period of Sikh gurus, from 1469 to 1708...
the holy book of Sikh religion.In 13th century,this town was founded by Raja Mokalsi, the grandson of Rai Munj, a Bhatti Chief of Bhatnair now renamed as Hanumangarh
Hanumangarh
Hanumangarh is a city in northern Rajasthan state in western India, situated on the banks of the river Ghaggar, located about 400 km from Delhi. It is the administrative seat of Hanumangarh District...
, Rajasthan and named Mokalhar after his name.
History
The history of the Faridkot District pertaining to the ancient period has been traced to the Indus Valley Civilization. A few sites explored in the Moga Tehsil(Now a separate District) link it with Indus Valley Civilization sites explored in the Rupnagar District. A vast area, including the present area of Faridkot District was under the influence of Indus Valley Civilization.The state was captured in 1803 by Ranjit Singh
Ranjit Singh
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji was the first Maharaja of the Sikh Empire.-Early life:...
, but was one of the disticts that came under British influence after the 1809 . The last Ruler of Faridkot was LL. Raja Sir Harindar Singh Brar Bans Bahadur. Before partition there was majority Muslim population in Faridkot. There are many mosques in Faridkot which are taken care of by Sikh villagers.
Faridkot has played a leading role in the politics of the state of Punjab with a number of chief ministers and even a president hailing from the area. Although the separation of Moga and Muktsar left this district considerably smaller, the area remains an important political arena.
Geography
It has an average elevation of 196 metres (643 ft).It lies in south west of the state and is surrounded by Ferozepur Districtin the north west, Moga and Ludhiana Districts in the north east and districts of Bathinda and Sangrur in the south.
The topography of the district is plain, with only 1.4% of its area under forest cover. There are no rivers or natural drains flowing through the district.
Climate
It is located on the Punjab Plain which in a macro regional context forms a part of great Satluj Ganga plain. It is a low lying flat area. The surface of the district is depositional plain which was formed by alleviation by the rivers in the remote past. No river is flowing through the district, butthere are some drains which flow during heavy rains and serve as natural drainage. There is a vast network of canals i.e. Bikaner, Sirhind feeder and Rajasthan Canal passes through district Faridkot.Sirhind feeder, Rajasthan Canal and Abohar Branch of Sirhind canal run through the entire length of district in north-south and northeast-southwest directions respectively. Sirhind Canal system has been serving the district for irrigation since a long time.The climate of the Faridkot District is mainly dry, characterized by a very hot summer, a short rainy season and a bracing winter. The year may be divided into four seasons. The cold season is from November to March. This is followed by the summer season which lasts up to about the end of June. The period from July to the middle of September constitutes the southwest monsoon season. The later half of September and October is the post-monsoon or transition period. There is no meteorological observatory in the district. The Temperatures increase rapidly beginning with the end of March till June, which is generally the hottest month, with the mean daily minimum temperature about 41 °C and the mean daily minimum about 26.5 °C. It is intensely hot during the summer, and the dustladen winds which blow, especially in the sandy parts, are very trying. The maximum temperature may go beyond 47 °C on individual days. With the onset of the monsoon by about the end of June or early July, there is an appreciable drop in the day temperature. However, during breaks in the monsoon during latter part of July and in August the weather becomes oppressive due to increase in day temperatures. By about the second week of September, when the monsoon withdraws from the district, both day and night temperatures begin to decrease. The fall in the night temperatures even in October is much more than that in the day temperatures. After October both the day and night temperatures decrease rapidly till January which is the coldest month. The mean daily maximum temperatures in January is about 20 °C and the mean daily minimum about 4.5 °C. In the cold season the district is affected by cold waves in the wake of passing western disturbances and the minimum temperature occasionally drops down to about a degree or two below the freezing point of water.
The average annual rainfall in the district is 433mm; about 71 percent of the annual rainfall in the district is received during the monsoon months July to September, July/August being the rainiest months. Some rainfall occurs during the pre-monsoon months, mostly in the form of thundershowers and in the cold season. Skies are moderately clouded during the monsoon season and for short spells of a day or two during cold season in association with the passing western disturbances. During the rest of the year the skies are mostly clear or lightly clouded. Winds are generally light in the district, and are northerly to northwesterly, at times southeasterly, throughout the year. But, during the summer and monsoon seasons winds from directions between north-east and south-east blow on many days. Thunderstorms and more frequently duststorms occur during the hot season. Rain during the monsoon season is also sometimes accompanied with thunder. Fog occurs occasionally in the cold season.
Demographics
India censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
, Faridkot has a population of 618,008 which constitute about 2% of the total population of Punjab. Males constitute 327,121 of the population and females 290,887.The population density in this district is 424 persons per sq. km. Faridkot has an average literacy rate of 70.6%: male literacy is 75.9%, and female literacy is 64.8%.
Schools
- Dasmesh Public School, Talwandi-Bhai Road
- Baba Farid Public School, New Harindra Nagar
- St. Mary's Convent School, Church Road
- Delhi International School, Kotkapura Road
- New Model School
- M.G.M. Sr. Sec. School
- S.D. Public School, Chehal Road
- Major Ajaib Singh School
- Kendriya VidyalayaKendriya VidyalayaKendriya Vidyalaya, is a system of central government schools under the Ministry of Human Resource Development ....
- Govt. Girl's School, Near Bus Stand
- Govt. Balbir Sr. Sec. School
- Little Angels' Public School, Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar
- D.A.V. Public School, Main Bazaar
- Army School
- Mahavira high school,near tilla baba farid
Colleges and universities
- Baba Farid University of Health SciencesBaba Farid University of Health SciencesBaba Farid University of Health Sciences was established in July 1998 by Punjab Act No. 18. It is named after Baba Farid, a 12th century Punjabi sufi and headquartered in Faridkot.-Faculty of Medical Sciences:* Christian Medical College, Ludhiana...
- Dasmesh Institute of Research & Dental Sciences, Talwandi-Bhai Road
- G.G.S. Medical College
- Govt. Brijindra College, College Road
- Baba Farid Law College, Kotkapura Road
- Malwa Polytechnical Institute
- Adesh Institute of Engineering & Technology, Sadiq road
- Govt. College of Education, Opposite Govt. Brijindra College
- Dasmesh college of nursing
- Baba farid college of nursing
- Malwa College of NursingMalwa College of NursingMalwa College of Nursing was established in Nov 2000 by Dr. Ravinder Singh. It is named after Malwa, a region of Punjab and headquartered in Kotkapura in the district of Faridkot in the state of Punjab ....
- University college of nursing
Religious places
- Gurdwara Tilla (Chilla) Baba Farid
This is as old as the town-self. This place is situated near the Qilla Mubarak. Baba Farid remained at this place in meditation for 40 days before proceeding to Pakpattan. Besides place of Tilla Baba Farid. A sacred piece of wood with which Baba ji wiped his hands littered with mud has been preserved to – date. Shabad-Kirtan is recited get daily and Langer is also served every day to the people visiting this place. The poor also get daily langer, larger number of people visit this holy place on every Thursday to pay their obeisance to the great Sufi Saint.
- Gurdwara Godari Sahib
This place is situated on the out skirts about 4 K.M. on Faridkot-Kotkapura road. It is believed that Baba Sheikh Farid left his godari (Jacket) there before entering Faridkot town. A beautiful gurdwara was constructed in 1982 and a Sant Sarover was later constructed at this place. Large numbers of people visit this place every Thursday and also take bath in this Sarover.
- Gurdwara Tibbi Sahib
- Gurdwara Godavarisar Dhilwan Kalan
- Gurdwara Guru Ki Dhab
Cuisine
Faridkot has very delectable cuisine. Some of the local sweets have become world-famous among the Punjabi Diaspora. The most popular among these is Bhaiye Di Barfi.Transport
Faridkot's nearest Airports are (1) Amritsar International Airport (125 km) (2) Delhi International Airport (425 km). Faridkot is well connected to cities like New DelhiNew Delhi
New Delhi is the capital city of India. It serves as the centre of the Government of India and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. New Delhi is situated within the metropolis of Delhi. It is one of the nine districts of Delhi Union Territory. The total area of the city is...
, Ferozepur, Bathinda and Jaipur
Jaipur
Jaipur , also popularly known as the Pink City, is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Founded on 18 November 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, the city today has a population of more than 3.1 million....
by Train.It is also connected by road with Chandigarh (218 km), Ludhiana (105 km),Firozepur (32 km),Muktsar (45 km) and Bathinda (65 km). Faridkot, Kot Kapura and Jaitu Towns are linked by railway stations as well as by road. Faridkot is connected to all major cities of Punjab, Haryana
Haryana
Haryana is a state in India. Historically, it has been a part of the Kuru region in North India. The name Haryana is found mentioned in the 12th century AD by the apabhramsha writer Vibudh Shridhar . It is bordered by Punjab and Himachal Pradesh to the north, and by Rajasthan to the west and south...
and Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is a state in Northern India. It is spread over , and is bordered by the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir on the north, Punjab on the west and south-west, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on the south, Uttarakhand on the south-east and by the Tibet Autonomous Region on the east...
(Shimla
Shimla
Shimla , formerly known as Simla, is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. In 1864, Shimla was declared the summer capital of the British Raj in India. A popular tourist destination, Shimla is often referred to as the "Queen of Hills," a term coined by the British...
) by Bus. Motor-cycle or Rickshaw
Auto rickshaw
An auto rickshaw or three-wheeler is a usually three-wheeled cabin cycle for private use and as a vehicle for hire. It is a motorized version of the traditional pulled rickshaw or cycle rickshaw...
is helpful to move within city (Main Bazar, Line Bazar and Mall Road Areas).
Sports
- Wrestling
Faridkot is home to many international and national level wrestlers. City has olympic style facility for young wrestlers to practice. It produces some Olympian Players as well.
- Swimming
- Hockey. Faridkot does not have any international level hockey ground but still city has produced Olympians, International and national level players.
- Football
- Cricket
Tourism
The fort with its impressive architecture still adorns the city of Faridkot. Its foundation is believed to have been laid by Raja mokalsi, Raka Hamir Singh renovated it and got it extended. Later ruler like Raja Bikram Singh. Raja Balbir singh got constructed many new buildings. It housed the royal Place. Tosha Khana, Modi Khana & Treasury Buildings. There is a garden within the four walls of the fort. All the buildings are very well build and well furnished. It's not open to public as repair is going on.
- Raj Mahal
‘Raj Mahal’ (royal Palace) was built during the reign of Maharaja Bikrama Singh during 1885–1889 under supervision of the, then Crown Prince (Later Maharaja) Balbir Singh, who incidentally was the first to move in and start living in it. Spread over nearly 15 acres (60,702.9 m²), it presented a magnificent look with French design, dominating grassy lawns a mid semi desert area of the State. Its entrance called “Raj Deori” – itself is a heritage building of a vintage and now houses Balbir Hospital.
- Darbar Ganj
This beautiful bungalow is a well laid out garden place. All the rooms are finished in the most modern style. The guests from the sisterly states used Darbar Ganj for stay. The building has now been converted into Circuit House.
- Fairy Cottage
This cottage is situtated 7 K.M. from Faridkot on Chahal Road. This beautiful cottage is constructed by Maharaja Brijinder Singh in 1910–11.
- Check Tower
This tower is made at the entrance of the Fairy cottage which is also constructed by Maharaja Brijinder Singh.
* Sheikh Farid Agman Purab
Sheikh Farid Agam is celebrated from 15 September to 23 September. This festival starts with Live Theater competition, Qawali competition, other art and culture programs. This is followed up by Sports events such as National level wrestling, Hockey, Volleyball and football matches. Nagar kirtan is held on 23 September. More than 1,00,000 people attend this festival every year.
- Shaheed Bhagat Singh Park
This park is situated in the heart of the city. Equipped with slides & swings, this park provides a beautiful scenery of the sunset in the evening.