ENGLISH PROJECT
“Cultural threadsof India : WEAVING NATIONAL INTEGRATION”
PUNJAB – THE LAND OF FIVE RIVERS
Name: DS. DarshathaSri Shivani
Class: X-A
Roll No.: 10
KV CRPF Avadi Chennai
2.
Introduction
★ Punjab isa state in northern India known for its Sikh
population and agriculture.
★ It is founded in 1570’s by Sikh Guru Ram Das, is the site
of Harmandir Sahib the holiest gurudwara ( Sikh place of
worship ) known in English as golden temple.
★ The capital is Chandigarh,and the state shares borders
with Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh,
Haryana, and Rajasthan.
3.
History of punjab
1.Ancient Period
The history of Punjab dates back to the Indus Valley
Civilization (around 2500 BCE), one of the world’s oldest
civilizations.
Important cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro were
part of this civilization, which flourished along the
Indus River.
Later, during the Vedic Age (1500–500 BCE), Punjab
became the center of early Aryan culture.
The Rigveda, the oldest Hindu scripture, was composed
here.
4.
History of punjab
2.Mauryan and Gupta Empires
Punjab was ruled by Chandragupta Maurya and later by
Ashoka the Great of the Mauryan Empire.
After the Mauryas, the region came under the Indo-Greeks,
Kushans, and Guptas, who influenced its art, trade, and
religion.
5.
History of punjab
3.Medieval Period
In the 11th century, Punjab faced several invasions by Mahmud
of Ghazni and other rulers from Central Asia.
Later, it became part of the Delhi Sultanate and then the
Mughal Empire.
During Mughal rule, Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539) founded
Sikhism, a new religion based on equality, truth, and devotion
to God.
Successive Sikh Gurus strengthened the faith and defended it
against oppression.
6.
History of punjab
4.British Period (1849–1947)
Under British rule, Punjab became an important center for
agriculture and military recruitment.
The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (1919) in Amritsar was a tragic
event that intensified India’s freedom struggle.
Many leaders from Punjab played a key role in India’s
independence movement.
7.
History of punjab
5.Partition and Modern Period
In 1947, India gained independence, and Punjab was
divided between India and Pakistan.
The western part went to Pakistan, and the eastern part
became Indian Punjab.
In 1966, Punjab was further divided to form Haryana and
Himachal Pradesh.
Today, Punjab is known for its rich culture, Sikh heritage,
and agricultural success.
8.
LANGUAGE
Punjabi is theofficial language of Indian state of Punjab. It is
additional official in Haryana and Delhi.
Some of its major urban centres in northern India are:-
Amritsar,Ludhiana,Chandhigarh,Jalandhar,Ambala,Patiala,Bathinda,
Hoshiarpur and Delhi.
In 2011,census of India,31.14 billion reported their languages as
punjabi.
9.
Sikhism religion ofpunjab
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded in the
Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent by
Guru Nanak in the late 15th century. It teaches
devotion to one formless God (Waheguru),
emphasizes honest living, selfless service,
equality of all humankind, and rejects
superstitions and caste systems. The faith's core
principles and teachings are enshrined in its holy
book, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, which serves as
the living Guru after the line of ten human
Gurus. Sikhs follow five important symbols
called the Five Ks –
Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (steel bracelet), Kanga
(comb), Kachera (cotton undergarment), and
Kirpan (sword) – which represent their faith and
discipline.
10.
Some of thewords in punjab
Sat sri akal (ਸਤ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਕਾਲ): A formal greeting, similar to
"Hello".
Ki haal chaal? (ਕਿ ਹਾਲ ਚਾਲ?): How are you? (casual).
Tusi kiven ho? (ਤੁਸੀਂ ਕਿਵੇਂ ਹੋ?): How are you? (formal).
Main theek haan (ਮੈਂ ਠੀਕ ਹਾਂ): I am fine.
Main theek haan (ਮੈਂ ਠੀਕ ਹਾਂ): I am fine.
Munda (ਮੁੰਡਾ): Boy.
Kudi (ਕੁੜੀ): Girl.
Yaari (ਯਾਰੀ): Friendship.
11.
Chief minister ofpunjab
Chief minister of Punjab is Bhagwant
Mann age 51,better known by his
stage name "Jugnu", is an Indian
politician, social worker, former
comedian, singer and actor who is
currently serving as the 17th Chief
Minister of Punjab since 2022.
12.
FAMOUS RIVERS
★ Thefamous rivers of Punjab are the five tributaries of
the Indus River: Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum.
★ The name "Punjab" itself means "Land of Five Waters"
and is derived from the Persian words "Panj" (five) and "Aab"
(water).
★ The Sutlej is the longest and a vital river for the
region's irrigation and hydroelectric power.
FOODS OF PUNJAB
BUTTERCHICKEN –
Description:- a rich, creamy, and mildly spiced Indian dish
made with tender, marinated chicken pieces simmered in a
velvety tomato-based sauce infused with butter, cream,
and aromatic spices like garam masala. Originating from
Delhi, it's known for its smooth texture, balanced sweet
and spicy flavors, and is commonly served with naan bread
or rice.
19.
FOODS OF PUNJAB
PUNJABITHALI –
Description:- A Punjabi thali is a large platter of various
dishes that showcases the rich, spicy, and hearty
flavors of Punjabi cuisine, typically including a mix of
vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, different types
of bread like naan and kulcha, rice, lentil dishes such
as Dal Makhani, paneer (Indian cheese) preparations
like Shahi Paneer, and a sweet such as Gulab
Jamun. It's a meal meant to be shared, featuring
strong flavors, generous portions, and ingredients like
dairy, wheat, and a liberal use of aromatic spices.
20.
FOODS OF PUNJAB
•AMRITSARI FISH -
Description:- Amritsari fish is a popular and spicy Indian
street food originating from the city of Amritsar in Punjab.
This crispy, deep-fried fish dish is celebrated for its bold
flavors and delicate, flaky texture. The fish is marinated in a
mixture of gram flour (besan) and spices before being fried
to golden perfection.
21.
FOODS OF PUNJAB
•ALOO (potato)PARATHA –
Description:- Aloo paratha is a popular North Indian
stuffed flatbread made with whole wheat flour
(atta), mashed potatoes, and a blend of spices. The
paratha is cooked on a tawa (griddle) with ghee or
oil until golden brown and crispy. It is a hearty and
flavorful dish traditionally served for breakfast,
often with yogurt, pickle, or a dollop of butter.
22.
DESERTS/BEVERAGES OF PUNJAB
•LASSI –
Description:-Lassi is a popular, traditional Indian yogurt-based
beverage known for its smoothie-like consistency and
refreshing quality, especially in hot weather. It is made by
blending yogurt with water or milk and can be either sweet
or salty, with the sweet version typically including sugar and
flavorings like cardamom.
23.
DESERTS/BEVERAGES OF PUNJAB
•KADA PRASAD –
Description:- Kada prasad is a sacred, velvety sweet offered
in gurudwaras (Sikh temples) and holds deep significance
for the Sikh community. The rich dessert is a type
of halwa made from equal proportions of whole wheat
flour (atta), sugar, and clarified butter (ghee).
24.
TRADITIONAL DRESS OFPUNJAB
The traditional dress of Punjab includes
the Salwar Kameez for women, often adorned with
an embroidered Phulkari dupattas. For men, the
Kurta-Pyjama is a popular and versatile outfit,
which can be paired with a lungi or dhoti. For
special occasions and traditional dance forms like
the Bhangra and Gidha, the attire becomes more
vibrant and elaborate, often featuring waistcoats
and embellished garments.
25.
FAMOUS PLACES INPUNJAB
Some places to visit in Punjab:-
• Amritsar-
1. Religious significance
The Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib):
This is the spiritual heart of Sikhism, a
magnificent gurudwara with stunning gold-plated
architecture. It is surrounded by the sacred Amrit
Sarovar, a pool where devotees take purifying
dips.
Cultural Importance:
The temple embodies core Sikh principles like
equality and community service, making it an
iconic symbol of the faith.
26.
FAMOUS PLACES INPUNJAB
2. Jallianwala Bagh
Jallianwala Bagh is a historic
garden and memorial in Amritsar, India,
famous as the site of
the Jallianwala Bagh
massacre on April 13, 1919,
where British troops under
General Dyer fired on a peaceful
crowd, resulting in many
deaths. Today, it serves as a national
memorial to the victims, featuring a
museum, a flame of freedom, and
preserved bullet-ridden walls that serve
as a stark reminder of the tragedy and a
significant site for India’s struggle for
independence.
27.
FAMOUS PLACES INPUNJAB
• Chandigarh-
1. Nek chand Rock garden
Nek Chand's Rock Garden is a renowned 40
-acre sculpture garden in Chandigarh, India,
created by self-taught artist Nek Chand Saini,
who transformed over many years industrial
and domestic waste, including discarded
pottery, glass, and tiles, into thousands of
whimsical human and animal figures and
surreal landscapes. The garden features winding
walkways, interlinking waterfalls, and integrated
architectural elements, blending traditional Indian
art with modern techniques to showcase the
transformative power of art and sustainable practices,
becoming one of the most visited sites in India.
28.
FAMOUS PLACES INPUNJAB
Gobindgarh fort –
Gobindgarh Fort is a historic 43-acre
military fortress in the heart of Amritsar,
Punjab, India, built in the 18th century by
the Bhangi Misl and later expanded by
Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The fort features
bastions, a moat, and various buildings
including the Khas Mahal and Toshakhana,
and its history spans the Sikh Empire to the
East India Company and the Indian
Army. Today, it functions as a living heritage
complex with museums, an interactive 7D
show, and other cultural exhibits, showcasing the
fort's significance and the region's rich history.
29.
FAMOUS PLACES INPUNJAB
Pathankot –
Pathankot is a city and district in the
northern Indian state of Punjab, situated at
the meeting point of Punjab, Himachal
Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, and near the
Pakistani border. Surrounded by the Ravi and
Chakki rivers, the city offers views of
the Shiwalik foothills and snow-capped
Himalayas. The area's culture is influenced by
its proximity to other northern states, and it is home
to Pathankot Air Base and a
significant military cantonment. It is a green, low
-lying area with an average elevation of 332 meters
(1,089 ft). Pathankot is a strategically important
military station, housing Mammon Cantt, one of Asia’s
largest military bases, and a major air base.
30.
AGRICULTURE
Agriculture inPunjab
is vital to India's food
supply, earning it the
nickname the "Food Bowl"
or "Granary of India" for its
high production of wheat
and rice, along with
significant output of
sugarcane, cotton, and
dairy products.
31.
AGRICULTURE
• Wheat: needscool climate
50-75cm rainfall
Well drained loamy soil
Mostly grown in Punjab,Haryana,UP.
• Rice: needs high temperature
(above 25°c)
Heavy rainfall
Clayey soil
Mostly grown in West
Bengal,Punjab,Odisha.
• Dairy: Punjab is the major hub for dairy
products.
32.
Famous festivals
Famous festivalsin Punjab include Lohri,
celebrating the end of winter with
bonfires; Baisakhi, a major harvest festival and
celebration of the Khalsa formation; Gurpurab,
commemorating Guru Nanak's birth with
prayers and processions; and Hola Mohalla, a
martial arts and religious festival honoring Guru
Gobind Singh. Other festivals like Teej (a
women's festival), Basant Panchami (spring
festival), and religious events like Maghi and
the Shaheedi Jor Mela are also widely
celebrated.
33.
FAMOUS DANCE OFPUNJAB
The most famous folk dances of Punjab are Bhangra
and Gidda, with Bhangra being an energetic dance
for men associated with harvest and performed
during festivals like Baisakhi, and Gidda being a
vibrant, celebratory folk dance performed by
women. Other notable Punjabi folk dances include
Jhumar, Kikli, and Dhamal, each with its own unique
characteristics and cultural significance.
It is known for its lively, energetic movements, foot-
tapping beats, and infectious rhythm, reflecting the
Punjab culture and significance.
34.
Important facts
Punjab hasone of the highest literacy
rate in the northern side of IndiaPunjab
is "the Land of Five Rivers," a name
derived from the Persian words for "five"
and "water," referring to the Sutlej,
Beas, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum
rivers. It's the birthplace of Sikhism, a
major religion in the state, and home to
the holiest Sikh shrine, the Golden
Temple in Amritsar. Punjab is known as
the "Wheat Bowl of India" due to its
fertile soil, and it also hosts the iconic
Wagah-Attari border ceremony. .
35.
Conclusion
"In conclusion, Punjabstands as a testament to its name –
the Land of Five Rivers – not only through its vital
agricultural contributions that feed the nation but also as a
cultural hub with deep historical roots. The state's dynamic
economy is bolstered by thriving industries like textiles and
engineering, complemented by its strategic role as a key
infrastructural and trade link in India's northwest. With
continued investment and innovation, Punjab is poised to
further solidify its position as a prosperous and culturally
rich state, enriching the entire region."
36.
I Thank myEnglish Teacher for giving me the opportunity to explore about Punjab which I never
Knew much about the significance of the Historic State !!