CHANDIGARH

As the capital of both Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh has become a symbol of post-colonial India’s vision, while staying true to its deep historical roots.

Chandigarh has long been a part of Punjab’s cultural and political history. Before its creation, the region saw the influence of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation, the Mughals, and the Sikh Empire. After India’s partition in 1947, when Punjab’s capital Lahore became part of Pakistan, a new capital was needed for Indian Punjab.

Commissioned by Jawaharlal Nehru, Chandigarh was designed by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier as a city that reflected modernist ideals, with wide roads, abundant green spaces, and geometric buildings.

Before Chandigarh’s creation, the area saw influence from the 18th-century Punjabi Confederacy. While the city itself wasn’t a major player in the confederacy, the nearby regions were. Key players like the Sukerchakia Misl, shaped the political scene of Punjab, before Ranjit Singh united the region and founded the Sikh Empire. The area around modern-day Chandigarh was a significant part of these power shifts.

Chandigarh today is known as one of the best-planned cities in the world. Its sectors, designed in a neat grid, offer both efficiency and beauty.

The Rock Garden, built by Nek Chand, showcases this blend of creativity and tradition, using discarded waste to create intricate art installations. The city’s museums also preserve artifacts from Punjab’s rich history, highlighting its importance. Chandigarh’s spiritual core is reflected in its many gurdwaras, which offer peace and community to everyone, keeping the city connected to its Sikh roots.

Until our paths cross in Bathinda - Trish Saab