History Of Bathinda

History Of Bathinda

      It is believed that Rao Bhatti established the modern town of Bathinda in the Lakhi jungle area in the third century, and it was captured from him by the Brars. Bala Rao Bhatti inhabited the city in 965 AD, naming it Bhatti vinda after his surname. The city also remained the capital of Raja Jaipal. Later the city name was changed to Bhatinda and now a days it is known as Bathinda. 

In 1004, Mahmud of Ghazni besieged the local fort, which was located on the route from the northwest into the rich Ganges valley. In 1189, Muhammad Ghori attacked and occupied the fort of Bathinda. Prithvi Raj Chauhan, the ruler of this region, managed to recover possession of the fort thirteen months later in 1191 after a fierce battle. Razia Sultan, the first female ruler of India, was imprisoned at Bathinda in April, 1240. She was released in August of that year through the efforts of Altunia, the local governor. Both Altunia and Razia married but were killed by robbers near Kaithal on October 13[citation needed]. The Sidhu-Brars were thrown out of Bathinda during the Lodhi's rule, but were restored to the area by Babur. A few years later, Roop Chand, a staunch Sikh, came onto the scene of Punjab history. Phul, the second son of Roop Chand, started the practice of langar (community kitchen) for the people in the Lakhi jungle area and built a fort around 1654. With the formation of the Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU) on May 5, 1948, Bathinda District came into existence on August 20, 1948. Its headquarters was originally at Faridkot, but relocated to Bathinda in 1953. After 1953, many changes were made to Bathinda District's geographical boundaries. Muktsar and Mansa districts were separated from Bathinda. 

          Bathinda or Bhatinda named after the Bhati Rajput kings is one of the oldest cities in Punjab and the current administrative headquarters of Bathinda District. It is situated in north-western India in the Malwa (Punjab) Region. Courtesy to five artificial lakes in the city, Bathinda is also known as "The city of Lakes". Bathinda is a historical city. It was associated with the imprisonment of first woman emperor of India, Razia Sultan in 1239 in the fort here. In the 17th century 10th guru of sikhs Shri Guru Gobind Singh came to Quila Mubarak.The sikh's fifth Takhat, Takhat Shri Damdama Sahib is situated 30km from Bathinda. It is home to two modern thermal power plants,Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant at Bathinda proper, and the one at Lehra Mohabbat, a fertilizer plant, a large oil refinery, a Zoo, and the Quila Mubarak fort. Bathinda is one of the biggest food grain and cotton markets in northern India, and the area around Bathinda has become a large grape growing area. Bathinda's railway station is one of the biggest railway junctions in the country. It is considered one of the best cities in Punjab for education that’s why it is called Education Hub as well.

Places To Visit In Bathinda

   

Bathinda is lucky to have a rich religious and cultural heritage. There are a number places worth visiting in and around Bathinda. Many of them are deeply connected with various religious beliefs. 1. Quila Mubarak:- This is an oldest and highest small brick monument. It is the sign of Bathinda History. More than 10,000 people Daily visits this place every day. 2. Bahia Fort:- This was built in 1930 in front of the main Fort by S. Balwant Singh Sidhu belong to a group of 22 villages, so called Bahia Sahib. It was as official residence of armed forces of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala State. Now it has been converted into a Four Star Hotel. 3. Lakhi Jungle:- This is situated 15 km away from Bathinda and on the way to Mukatsar. A forest having old Gurudwara enjoyed the touches of Shri Guru Nanak Dev who recited one lakh holy Paths of Shri Japuji Sahib. Therefore it was called Lakhi Jungle. Tenth Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Gobind Singh also visited this place. 4. Rose Garden:- This garden boasts of large number of varieties of Roses. It is very near the city and is visited by large number of people on weekends. The 10 acre garden is located close to Thermal Plant. It has a vast variety of rose plants and is a good picnic spot. 5. Zoological garden:- It is a plant nursery of the forest department located approximately 10 km away from the Cantonment and is a popular picnic spot. This place is a small zoo in the midst of a small forest. 6. Chetak Park:- A beautiful garden built in Bathinda Cantonment is popular among children's and others. It has a lake and boating facility. 7. Mazaar of Peer Haji Rattan:- It is one of the most revered place of worship in the city. 8. Bazars:- Dhobi bazaar, Ajit road and Mall road are really popular to visit and for shopping. There is always a heavy rush in these markets. 9. Malls:- there are two malls (Mittal mall and Big cinema) that are already in functioned Bathinda people like to visit these places for entertainment.