Sultanpur Lodhi

Sultanpur Lodhi
Sultanpur Lodhi Location of Sultanpur Lodhi in Punjab and India
Coordinates	31°12′47″N 75°11′55″E / 31.2131777°N 75.1984978°E / 31.2131777; 75.1984978
Country	India
State	Punjab
District(s)	Kapurthala
SDM	Mr. K.S. Chandi
Population	15,653 (2001[update])
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Codes • Pincode • 144626 • Vehicle • PB-42

Sultanpur Lodhi is a city and a municipal council in Kapurthala district in the Indian state of Punjab. The town is named after its founder, Sultan Khan Lodhi who was a general of Mahmud of Ghazni in A.D 1103, which has been also mentioned in Ain-e-Akbari. Sultanpur Lodhi is located on the south bank of a seasonal rivulet called Kali Bein, which runs 6 miles (9.7 km) north of the intersection of Beas and Sutlej Rivers, two of the Five Rivers of Punjab. The word Punj - ab, literally means five river - land.

                                         ==History==

Ancient

Sultanpur Lodhi is one of the ancient cities of India, estimated to be established in around Century First A.D.. This city, in the period of centuries, witnesses the ups and downs in terms of politics, religion, literature, trade and commerce.

Sultanpur Lodhi, from 1st century to 6th century, was a major place of meditation and knowledge for Buddhism. In that period, the city was known by the name ‘Sarwmanpur’. Many statues, coins and other such objects of that time have been found during the archeological research and digging of the city. It is also believed that the ancient Buddhist book of ‘Abinav-Prastava’ authored by Katiyana was also written here. In 8th century, this place was established as a great empire of Hinduism and Buddhism.

Medieval Times

When the Afghan Ruler Mahmud of Ghazni invaded this area, the city was burnt to ashes by his army, as being a Hindu - Buddhist city, . The proof of this the layer of black soil, found few meters below the ground level here. City of Sarwmanpur after that was nothing but a bunch of peoples living in destroyed city. This was the end of ancient city of "Sarwmanpur".

During 12th century, Nawab Wali Muhammad Khan, cousin of the Emperor of Delhi Nasir-u-din Muhammad Shah was appointed as the Hakim {Ruler} of Punjab. During this period , one of the two sons of Hakim, Sultan Khan on his way saw the remains of this city and was attracted by beauty of the surroundings of the city. He decided to re-establish this city by his name. This was the complete death of "Sarwmanpur" and the birth of new city of Sultanpur Lodhi.

This new city of Sultanpur Lodhi was also the centre point of the old trade route between Delhi and Lahore. It was one of the major trade centers of north India at that time. It consisted of 32 major markets and about 5600 shops (Figures are mere estimates. No proof, as yet, with the Author). At that time the city was spread over in an area of 8 miles (13 km). The black rivulet (Kali Bein) at ran through the center of the city. These features are more than enough to take that Sultanpur Lodhi was a big city in old times.

Sultanpur Lodhi was mentioned as important place in famous "Ain-e-Akbari". The city in those times had many Royal Gardens and farms. At present, relics of these royal buildings built at that time, are still present. One of these is "Hadera". It was once a marvelous building used as place of rest for the royal family on their way to royal gardens. It was also used as place of entertainment for royal family and to organize dances and other royal functions. This place is now just an old & neglected building.

Sultanpur Lodhi, in those days was not only famous for its surrounding or trade, but also for its education. City had many Islamic schools of education known as Madarasas. The two princes of Delhi, Aurengzeb and Dara-sekoh completed their studies in one white mosque of Sultanpur Lodhi.

At the end of the 14th century, the governor of Lahore was Daulat Khan Lodhi. Sultanpur Lodhi was also called ‘Perran Puri’ {city of monks}. Many religious personalities were related to the city at that time & some of the tombs {Makbaras} of these monks are still present in the city.

After Nanakana Sahib {now in Pakistan}, Sultanpur Lodhi is perhaps the most related to life of the first Guru. In 1475 AD elder sister of Guru Ji, Bibi Nanki Ji was married to Shri Jai Ram of Sultanpur Lodhi. In 1483 Guru ji’s father sent Guru Nanak Dev Ji to the custody of Shri Jai Ram. Guru Ji was employed as the Modi {Person In-charge} of the Modi Khana {Civil supplies store}. In June 1488, Guru Nanak Dev Ji was married to Bibi Sulkhani ji in Sultanpur Lodhi. And in this city Guru Ji begot two sons, in July 1494 Shri Chand Ji and in Feb 1497 Lakmi Chand Ji. In this very city Guru Ji spent more than 14 years and in 1497 Guru Ji disappeared in holy Rivulet (Kali Bein) flowing along the North end of the city and then Re-Appeared after three days with the teaching of "na koi hindu, na koi muslman" {no one is Hindu, no one is Muslim}. This lead to the birth of a new Religion, "Sikhism". There after Guru Ji left his job and the City to start with the First Udasi {Sacramental Journey}.

After Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Fifth Guru Arjen Dev Ji, on the occasion of his marriage in a nearby village Dhala rested at Sultanpur Lodhi. A Gurudwara having Sehra and wedding costume of Guru Ji, is built at that place.

Modern

In 1739 Nader Shah, the famous invader, on his way to Delhi, invaded Sultanpur Lodhi and almost destroyed it. After looting the whole city, it was set on fire. After that Ahemd Shah Abdali again destroyed it. Later Sardar Jassa Singh Ahluwalia, after taking the historic monuments under his custody, re established this city ab-initio. But it could not re-gain its old prestige and glory. One of the reason has been, the development of Amritsar-Jalandhar G.T. Road as the main route for commutation to Delhi. One of the accomplice of Maharaja Jagajit Singh of Kapurthala was Dewan Ramjas, of Sultanpur Lodhi; later his sons worked for the Kapurthala Royal famaly, Dewan Mathura Dass, Dewan Daulat Ram & Dewan Jarmani Dass( 1895 -1971) who wrote the book "Maharaja & Maharani" in 1970. Dewan Ramjas and family were given many villages for the services.

Post Independence and Present

The Present day Sultanpur Lodhi is a Sub-Division and Tehsil of District Kapurthala of Punjab. It is small town, connected by the Road & Rail. It falls under Ferozepur Division of Northern Railway. It is a Legislative Constituency and Municipal Council. This City now houses a Civil cum Judicial Court {ACJ (Sr. Div.)}, Civil Hospital (SMO), Police Station {DSP}, BDEO Office {BDEO}, BEO Office {BEO}.

NGOs

Now various NGOs are working in the Modern day Society of the City. Ones with International affiliations are Rotary International and Lion Club. Whereas, local ones include PLUS Endeavour, Punjabi Sahit Sabha, Citizens welfare Forum etc.

Education

Two Degree Colleges and a College for Education (B.Ed.), Two Government Senior Secondary Schools, Many Affiliated Schools ..... . Now, A Multidisciplinary College is provisioned at a nearby village "Jabbowal". Overall the Education standard is mediocre.

Health & Medical Aid

City houses a Civil Hospital under charge of SMO and has specialiity medical care in Ortho., Opthalmology, Gynaecology, Paediatrics and Dentistry. A trauma Care Centre is also running there. Many private practitioners offer good medical services. The Nearest Medical Colleges are CMC & DMC at Ludhiana or Govt. Medical College, Amritsar.

Ashutosh Paul Author is a resident of the City

Demographics

As of 2001^[update] India census,^[1] Sultanpur Lodhi (Town Code 4591 and Tehsil Code 03 03 0003) had a population of 15,653. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Sultanpur Lodhi has an average literacy rate of 71%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 73%, and female literacy is 68%. Here, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age. This town extends only to 4 square miles (10 km²) and it is 26 miles (42 km) away from Jalandhar and 17 miles (27 km) from Kapurthala.

References