Ludhiana is a large industrial city in the state of Punjab, India. The city stands on the old bank of Sutlej River, which is now 13 kms to the south of its present course. It is an industrial center of northern India, often referred to as India’s Manchester. Ludhiana is 107 kms west of the state capital, Chandigarh. Ludhiana was founded in 1480 by members of the ruling Lodhi dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. The then ruling sultan, Sikandar Lodhi, dispatched two chiefs, Yusaf Khan and Nihand Khan, to assert his control.
The two men camped at the site of present Ludhiana, which was a village called Mir Hota. Yusaf Khan crossed the Sutlej and established Sultanpur, while Nihand Khan founded Ludhiana on the site of Mir Hota. The name was original “Lodhi-ana”, meaning “Lodhi town”, which has since morphed from “Lodiana” to the present form of Ludhiana. The Lodhi Fort, or “Purana Qila”, is the only surviving structure in the city from this period; located in the neighborhood of Fatehgarh, it was well-maintained under Ranjit Singh and the British after him, but then fell into disrepair.
It was declared a state-protected monument in December 2013. An industrial city is known for its small-scale industrial units, which produce a variety of industrial goods, machine parts, auto parts, household appliances, hosiery, apparel, and garments. Ludhiana is Asia’s largest hub for bicycle manufacturing and produces more than 50% of India’s bicycle at more than 10 million each year. Ludhiana produces 60% of India’s tractor parts and a large portion of auto and two-wheeler parts. Several factories are suppliers of auto parts for German car makers such as Mercedes and BMW.
Ludhiana s one of the largest manufacturer of domestic sewing machines. hand tools and industrial equipment are other specialties. The apparel industry of Ludhiana, popularly known as Ludhiana hosiery industry provides employment to millions of people and produces India’s largest share of winter clothing. Ludhiana is also famous for its industry of shawls and stoles and satisfies the demand of major domestic and international brands. Ludhiana contributes more to Punjab than any other city in the state.
Well connected by road and rail with all major cities and air, The city is home to numerous educational institutes that attract students from across India including Punjab Agricultural University. The city is home to the Museum of Rural Life, which displays pottery, musical instruments and traditional Punjabi clothing. Nearby, leafy Nehru Rose Garden features ornamental fountains and more than one thousand different rose varieties. To the north, Maharaja Ranjit Singh War Museum documents Punjabi military history.
It is also one of the cities on the historic Grand Trunk Road that formed an important trade route. The city known for its pleasant weather attracts tourist mostly businessmen throughout the year. tourism in Ludiana is not just about museum but also sports. The Kila Raipur Sports Festival also known as Rural Olympics attracts participants and views from far and wide. Kabaddi Is also very popular in the city. There are numerous places worth visiting in and around the city such as Alamgir, Doraha, Jagraon, Katana Sahib, Lodhi Fort, Payal Fort, Khanna, Machhiwara, Mullanpur Dakha, Nanaksar, Serai Lashkari Khan, Sidhwanbet, and Sudhar.
Ludhiana is well known for being the hometown of several noted industrialists like Mahindra brothers as well as Bollywood personalities like Dharmendra. and Pankaj Kapoor. Ludhiana is a shoppers paradise with numerous markets and shopping malls selling a variety of local and branded products. There are numerous hotels, lodges that provide luxurious mid-range and budget accommodation. There are numerous restaurants from where tourists can enjoy delicious Punjabi cuisine. The streetfood scene here is vibrant with street stalls selling variety of food items. Tourists can also visit the famous Ludhiana zoo
