Gurdaspur, located in the northern region of Punjab, India, is a city with deep historical roots stretching back several centuries

The name Gurdaspur is believed to originate from Guriya Ji, a local sage whose students built the city. The suffix pur is common in northern India, denoting a town or settlement. Gurdaspur's ancient history aligns with the broader region of Punjab, being influenced by early civilizations such as the Indus Valley civilization and the Vedic civilization.

Gurdaspur came under the rule of empires such as the Mauryan Empire, which expanded its influence across the Indian subcontinent under rulers like Chandragupta and Ashoka. Following this, Gurdaspur was successively ruled by the Indo-Greek, Indo-Scythian, and Kushan empires, all of which left cultural and historical marks on the region.

During the early medieval period, the city experienced invasions from the White Huns and later, the early Turkish empires. By the 11th century, Islam began to spread across Punjab through Mahmud of Ghazni’s campaigns, and Gurdaspur came under the control of the Delhi Sultanate by the 13th century.

Gurdaspur rose in prominence under the Mughal Empire, becoming part of the broader administrative and military framework of the empire, which governed much of northern India. In the 18th century after the decline of Mughal power, the region was contested by Sikh Misls (at the time of the Sikh Confederacy). Gurdaspur was initially under the control of the Ramgarhia Misl - led by Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, and played a significant role in resisting Mughal and Afghan invasions. The Ramgarhia Misl also controlled parts of Amritsar. The city eventually became part of the Sukerchakia Misl as the Ramgarhia weakened and came under Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s rule. This was during the time where he united the confederacy and established the Sikh Empire.

In 1849, following the annexation of Punjab by the British after the Second Anglo-Sikh War, Gurdaspur was incorporated into British India. It became a key district in British Punjab, playing a significant role in agriculture and military recruitment. Its position near the Ravi River made it an important site for British administration, particularly for irrigation and canal building projects.

Following the partition of India in 1947, Gurdaspur was one of the few districts of Punjab that was divided between India and Pakistan (primarily because of it’s diverse religious make-up and strong muslim population). The Shakargarh Tehsil - a term referring to a sub-district, was joined to Pakistan’s Punjab. The Indian part of Gurdaspur became a border district.

In contemporary times, Gurdaspur is known for its agricultural productivity, particularly in crops like wheat and sugarcane, and remains culturally significant as the home to various religious and historical sites. The district has a population of over 2 million and is part of the agricultural and cultural heartland of Punjab.

Until our paths cross in Hoshiarpur - Trish Saab