Jagraon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. Please discuss this issue on the talk page or replace this tag with a more specific message. This article has been tagged since December 2005. |
| Jagraon | |
 |
|
| Coordinates: | |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 233 m (767 ft) |
| Population (As of 2001) | |
| - City | 53,000 |
| Time zone | GMT +5.5 (UTC) |
| Postcode | 142026 |
Jagraon is a sub-division (Tehsil) of Ludhiana district, a city of Punjab, which is more than five centuries old. The city's original name was "Jagar aon", which means 'a place of great flooding', although this flooding has since ceased. Jagraon is located at almost the geographical center of Punjab state, only 16 kilometers from the River Satluj. The society, like much of Punjab, is basically agrarian. Jagraon is also Headquarters of one of the Police Districts of Punjab.
[edit] Historical and Religious Significance
Jagraon is an important religious center for the Sikhs, the Muslims as well as the Jain community. Gurudwara Nanaksar Sahib is one of the important places of worship for the Sikhs. Gurudwara Mehdiana Sahib is known for its unique depiction of scenes from Sikh history, especially those of so called "atrocities" committed on Sikhs by the Muslim rulers, in the form of life-sized statues. The Muslim places of worship include the famous 'Khan gah' and the mausoleum of Mai Jeena, where a three day annual fair, called 'Roshni Mela' is held every spring.
The Jain temple is one of the most holy places for the Jain community in the region. The temple has peaceful ambience and lush green gardens which attracts pilgrims for the annual 'Diksha Mahotsav' in the third week of March. The old walled city, with its four gates is known locally for its Moghal period architecture. Even the local market within the walled city is known as 'Anarkali Bazaar', after the seat of beauty at emperor Akbar's court. Jagraon is also the home of Lala Lajpat Rai, one of the most brave and influential leaders of the freedom struggle of India. His house still stands tall in the neighbourhood, and houses a Municipal Library.
[edit] Jagraon future expansion
The city's major industry, besides agriculture, is rice shelling, with more than 100 shellers operating. Jagraon is also Asia's second largest grain collector after Khanna (also in district Ludhiana, Punjab)[citation needed]. Jagraon hosts the Second largest Animal Market of Punjab, after Vallah, near Amritsar. The site for the proposed Greenfield International Airport to be made operational by 2010, is 16 kilometers from the city center. The cluster of educational institutions and colleges at Sidhwan, 7 kilometers from Jagraon, (in which the College of Law is the latest addition), is a center for professional and vocational education for women in the state.
[edit] Location
Jagraon is connected by Rail and Road. It is located at the junction of National Highways No. 95 and 71. The nearest airports are: Halwara (16 km), Sahnewal (45 km) and Adampur (70 km). The nearest International Ports are Guru Ram Das International Airport, Rajasansi (150 km), Wagha Landport (Border with Pakistan) (162 km) and Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi (360 km).
Area Code (Telephone) 91-1624
See also: Mullanpur.
