What is Punjab Day, know its history and significance
Punjab E News: Today marks Punjab Day, commemorating the formation of Punjab on November 1, 1966. However, this significant date also signifies substantial territorial changes for Punjab. Many regions of Punjab were separated and became part of Himachal Pradesh and Haryana.
The first partition of Punjab occurred on August 15, 1947, when half of Punjab became part of Pakistan. Then, on November 1, 1966, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh were carved out of Punjab. Let’s delve into the history of Punjab.
The term ‘Punjab’ originates from a combination of two Persian words, “panj” and “ab,” signifying the five rivers that flow through the region: Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum.
The Greeks referred to Punjab as the Pentapotamian, an inland delta formed by these five contiguous rivers. Historically, Punjab served as the gateway to the Indian subcontinent for Greeks, Central Asians, Afghans, and Iranians. Agriculture stands as the primary industry in Punjab, with the state being the largest wheat producer in India.
During the Mahabharata period, Punjab was known as Panchnada. The presence of cities like Harappa (now in Punjab, Pakistan) contributed to the spread of the Indus Valley Civilization across a significant portion of the Punjab region.
The Vedic civilization also thrived in Punjab, especially along the banks of the Saraswati River. Punjab was an integral part of various ancient empires, including Gandhara, Mahajanapada, Nanda, Mauryan, Shunga, Kushan, and Gupta dynasties.
Due to its geographical location, Punjab was frequently subjected to attacks from both the west and the east. It faced invasions from Persians, Greeks, Turks, and Afghans. The period of contact between Punjab and the Persian empires holds particular historical significance, as parts of Punjab merged with these empires.
In the subsequent centuries, when Persian became the language of the Mughal government, Persian culture, architecture, poetry, art, and music became integral to the region’s heritage.
Historically, the geographical boundaries of ancient Punjab were delineated by two rivers, one to the east and the other to the west. The historical Punjab encompassed a vast territory, including regions that are now part of Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi.
Following the British departure in 1947, political decisions led to the partition of Punjab. One part became part of Pakistan, while the other merged with India. Subsequently, Punjab’s territory was further reduced, with Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, and Delhi being excluded.
Finally, on November 1, 1966, Punjab underwent another division, resulting in the creation of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. This date, November 1, 1966, marks the reconfiguration of Punjab.