History

The historic and pious District of Fatehgarh Sahib came into existence with effect from 13th April, 1992, Baisakhi Day deriving its name from Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the youngest son of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

It is bound by Ludhiana and Rupnagar(Ropar) in the North, Patiala in the South, SAS Nagar (Mohali), Rupnagar (Ropar) and Patiala in the East and Ludhiana and Sangrur in the West. It is situated between 30 degree-38′ North and 76 degree-27′ East and is 50 Kms. towards the west of Chandigarh , the capital of Punjab.

The economy of the district depends mainly on agriculture, industry and allied activities.

The main towns are Sirhind, Bassi Pathana, Amloh, Khamano & Mandi Gobindgarh. The last is also known as the ‘Steel Town of India’ having a good number of steel rolling mills. Besides, numerous industrial units are engaged in the manufacturing of sewing machine parts, centrifugal pumps, bus/truck body building and mining machinery.

There are different views about the origin and development of Sirhind. Its first reference appears in the `PRASHARTANTARA’ which is mainly a compilation of prophecies. `VARAHA MIHIRA’ has made a reference to Sirhind in his book `BRIHAT SAMHITA’ which is based on `Prashartantara’. Sirhind was known as `SATUDAR DESH’ and was inhabbited by Sairindhas Aryans. In latter period it became an important border town of Pal Kindgdom. According to another manuscript, Sirhind was the Eastern Frontier of Kingdom of Brahmin dynasty of Kabul. In the Eleventh Century, Mehmood of Ghazni invaded India and the hold of Hindu Kings ended in 1193 A.D. Then Sultan Aram Shah ruled here. Nasir-ud-din Qubacha conquered Sirhind in 1210 A.D. But Illutmish won back this territory. Sher Khan, nephew of Balban, built a fort here. After Ibrahim Lodhi’s defeat in battle of Panipat in 1526 A.D., the town came under Mughal Empire.

The tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh fought against the atrocities of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, due to which he bore the wrath of the Dynasty. The youngest Sahibzadas of Guru Ji namely Sahibzada Zorawar Singh & Sahibzada Fateh Singh alongwith their grandmother Mata Gujri ji were done to death in this very town. The present Gurudwara Fategarh Sahib has been constructed in their holy memory. TheDistrict Administrative Complex is in close vicinity of the Gurudwara Sahib.