History
Jalandhar was an important part of the Indus Valley Civilization in the ancient times. During the reign of Kanishka, Jalandhar had played host to the grand conference of theologians of Buddhists where all the holy writings of the religion were compiled for the convenience of the followers.the area of present Jalandhar District was part of the Indus Valley Civilization. Harappa and Mohenjodaro are the sites where remains of the Indus Valley Civilization have been found extensively. The archaeological exploration made during the recent years have pushed the antiquity of the Jalandhar District of the Harappa period.
The earliest historical mention of Jalandhar occur in the region of Kanishka, the Kushan King of northern India in whose time a council of Buddhists theologians was held near Jalandhar about 100 AD to collect and arrange the sacred writings of Buddhism and to bring about reconciliation between its various sects.
In the 7th Century, when the famous Chinese traveller and pilgrim Hiuen Tsang visited India during the reign of Harsha Vardhana, the Kingdom of Jalandhar or Trigartta under Raja Utito. It was said to have extended 167 miles (about 268 kms) from east to west and 133 miles (about 213 kms) from north to south, thus including the hill states of Chamba, Mandi and Suket (Himachal Pardesh) and Satadru or Sirhind in the plains. Raja Utito was a tributary of Harsh Vardhana. The Rajput Rajas appear to have continued to rule over the country right upto the 12th century, interrupted some time or the other, but their capital was Jalandhar and Kangra formed and important stronghold.
According to Chinese pilgrim Famine, who traveled India in the seventh century AD, there were so many Vihars and Maths of Buddhism in India. In the Jalandhar District, there were as many as 50 Vihars and Maths of Buddhism. The Buddhism religion was adopted by a large number of people.
From the later half of the tenth century upto AD 1019, the district was included in the Shahi Kingdom of the Punjab and Jalandhar was an important city in the region.
The medieval history of Jalandhar started with the advent of Ala-ud-din Khilji. However, the war over Jalandhar did not stop and after the advent of Babur, he took over the reigns of Jalandhar and offered it to Daulat Khan Lodhi. Thus began the Mughal rule over the region which was however interrupted by the able ruler, Sher Shah Suri. Sher Shah Suri's rule was very short lived and Jalandhar was finally restored in the strong hands of Akbar and his successors. After the death of Aurangazeb, the Mughal domination had come to an end and the tussle over the conquest of Jalandhar had again began with several foreign invaders trying to capture the city. During 1759, Jalandhar was ruled by 12 confederacies of Sikh religion.
The later years of medieval history of Jalandhar witnessed a fierce struggle between
the Sikh battalion and foreign invaders. The medieval age had ultimately come to
an end with the death of Ranjit Singh and the final outcome of Anglo-Sikh War.
The
modern era of Jalandhar began from AD 1846. Jalandhar played a prominent role during
the Revolt of 1857. Thereafter, Jalandhar took part in the various agitations to
free India from the clutches of British rulers. The assassination of Bhagat Singh
in AD 1929 had an important impact on Jalandhar. The Civil Disobedience Movement
was strictly followed in the city. On 15th August, Jalandhar rejoiced over the independence
of the country.
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Banks in Jalandhar
Most of the banks in Jalandhar provide Automated teller machine facility for the
convenience of the customers. Through the ATM facility the customers can withdraw
money 24 hours. Some of the banks also offer credit card and debit card facility.
The Banks also provide loan to the agriculturists and landless agricultural laborers
who need money. Internet banking is another facility catered by the banks, which
has made the whole process of banking very convenient. Some of the banks have introduced
core banking which has resulted in the operation of banking process easier all over
India.
Major Industries
Jalandhar today is a highly industrialized centre being India's foremost producer
of world class sports equipments. The city also has the distinction of producing
some of the best sportsmen in the country. These people were expert manufacturers
of surgical and sports items. A number of leather goods were already being manufactured
in Jalandhar. In the last few years, a couple of new industries have also thrived
in the district.
Some of the most well known industries in Jalandhar are associated
with the manufacture of blocks, ball bearings, auto parts, machines for cutting chaff
and lathe chucks. Some of the most important industries at Jalandhar are given below.
This
place produces around 90% of the total sports items produced in Punjab. Some of the
sports items manufactured here are cricket bats, footballs, cricket and hockey balls,
badminton, tennis and squash rackets, hockey sticks, leather items, shuttle cocks
and balls.
The auto parts industry is one of the main industries of Jalandhar. As
many as 300 different auto parts industry centers are there in Jalandhar, which employ
more than 4500 people. The major hand tools produced at Jalandhar are screw driver,
spanner set and nose pliers.
There are 275 centers in the district that produce various
surgical equipments. The tanning industry has also flourished to a great extent in
Jalandhar. The products of this industry include shoes and other leather articles.
Some of the rubber items produced at Jalandhar are V-belts, V-shape chappals, rubber
rolls and cycle or scooter tires.
Phone and Communication
Jalandhar is connected to world through very good Landline and Wireless communication network.
There are various land line and Wireless Phone service providers like BSNL,Airtel,Spice,Hutch,Reliance and Vodaphone .Most of the mobile (cell phone) services have good range in all the areas.
Weather Conditions
The climate of this district is on the whole dry except during the brief south-west monsoon season. The year may be divided into four seasons. The cold season is from the middle of November to early part of March. The succeeding period upto the end of June in the summer season, July, August and first half of September constitute the South-West monsoon season. The period from middle September to the middle of November is the post monsoon or transition period.
The summer season sets in April and lasts up to end of June, to be taken over by the rainy season (during which time it becomes hot and humid). The rainy season sets in the beginning of July and lasts up till September's end. The winter season starts after the rains are over from October and lasts up until March's end. May and June are the hottest months of the year in Jalandhar (during which time mercury is known to cross 45 °C).
