Introduction :-
Punjab is an Indo-Iranian word meaning "the land of five rivers". Punjab lies at the cross-roads of the great civilizations of the world. Historically, the area west of Punjab was under the sphere of influence of the Persians, the east was the heartland of the Indian civilization, the south under the influence of the Arabs and the north under the Turko-Mongolian influence. Many great religious movements which found world-wide appeal grew in the fertile plains of Punjab. They include Budhism, Sikhism and many schools of Sufi thought in Islam . This ethnic and religious diversity is reflected in the cultural mosaic of todays's Punjab.
History :
The British ruled Punjab for 200 years like the rest of India . During this period they committed many atrocities
on the locals . Many of the Freedom Fighters of the Great Indian Freedom Struggle were from Punjab . Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev , Lala Lajpat Rai, Udham Singh were some of the brave sons of this soil who laid down their life for the country . In addition thousands of unsung heros sacrificed themselves in the "Jalia Wala Bagh" incident . At last on 15 th August 1947 , India became independent . But it came at a heavy price . The Great Indian nation was partitioned on the basis of religion into two states of India and Pakistan . Western Punjab was dominated by Muslims and went to Pakistan while Eastern Punjab was dominated by Hindus and Sikhs and remained in India .Hindus and Muslims with people of other religions had lived here for ages . Although there were some differences between them , still the common culture and traditions joined them. As agreed by Indian and Pakistani leaders , the minority Hindus and Sikhs in Pakistan would be allowed to live there only and the Muslims would be allowed to live in India . The Indian government followed the decision but their Pakistani counterparts did not control the Muslim mobs in their side . Thousands of Hindus and Sikhs were mercilessly killed in the Pakistani Punjab . Then its repercussions followed in Indian side of Punjab . What followed after that, had never happened in the civilized history of human beings . Around 500,000 people were killed from both sides . Another 50 million people had to migrate to other side of the border . Hindus and Sikhs started migrating from Pakistan to India and Muslims from India to Pakistan .Slowly and surely things started getting to normal . Soon big-hearted and hard working Punjabis made Punjab the jewel in the crown of India .Punjab was again divided into the states of present day Punjab, Harayana and Himachal Pradesh for administrative reasons in 1966.
Cities of Punjab
 Chandigarh, Amritsar
Tourist Attraction of Punjab :-
Golden Temple :
During Maharaja Ranjit Singh's reign the lower half of the temple was decorated with marble while the entire upper half was inlaid with copper covered over by gold plate : hence its new name, the Golden Temple. Free Kitchen and recitation of the divine word never cease here. Its four gated invite everyone from all directions. Located in the heart of the city is the Golden Temple, the most visited tourist attraction of Amritsar. The Golden Temple welcomes everyone regardless of the religion or faith one follows. The stunning sanctum, shimmering in the water of the holy tank, flanked by spotlessly clean marble walkways and pavements makes it breathtakingly beautiful.
Rose garden :
A garden with the fragrances of roses of all kinds. Every year a 'Rose Festival' is organized by the city administration in which different kinds of roses and other flowers are displayed. A flower arrangement competition is also organized at this occasion.
Rock garden, an international famous creation. It nestles amidst 20 acres of woods in the form of an open air exhibition hall theatre, a treasure trove and a miniature maze all rolled into one vast fantasy. This fantasy land is a vast open air museum that showcases a vast array of natural rock forms and stones.
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