PUNJAB : STATIC STATE GK
STATE MAP
- Capital: Chandigarh (Also the joint capital of Haryana)
- Formation: November 1, 1966
- Chief Minister: Bhagwant Mann ( 2024 )
- Governor: Banwarilal Purohit ( 2024 )
- Area: 50,362 square kilometers
- Population: Over 2.8 crores (as per the last census in 2011)
- Density: Approximately 550 persons per square kilometer
- Official Language: Punjabi
- Major Rivers: Beas, Ravi, Sutlej
- Highest Point: Dhauladhar Range
- Official Animal: Blackbuck
- Official Bird: Baaz (Northern Goshawk)
- Official Tree: Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo)
- Punjab Legislative Assembly: The state has a unicameral legislature with 117 seats.
- Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib): Located in Amritsar, it is the holiest shrine in Sikhism and a symbol of religious tolerance and harmony.
- Jallianwala Bagh: A public garden in Amritsar, known for the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 during British rule.
- Wagah Border: The international border between India and Pakistan, famous for the ceremonial Wagah-Attari border closing ceremony.
- Lohri Festival: Celebrated in January, it marks the end of winter and is associated with bonfires, music, and dance.
- Patiala Peg: A term associated with a larger measure of alcoholic drinks, particularly whiskey, named after the princely state of Patiala.
- Maharaja Ranjit Singh: The founder and leader of the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century, known as the Lion of Punjab.
- Punjab Agricultural University (PAU): Located in Ludhiana, it is a leading agricultural research and education institution.
- Bhangra Dance: A lively and energetic traditional dance form originating from Punjab, often performed during celebrations.
- Punjabi Cuisine: Known for its rich and flavorful dishes such as Butter Chicken, Sarson da Saag, and Makki di Roti.
- Virasat-e-Khalsa: A museum in Anandpur Sahib, showcasing the history and culture of Sikhism.
- Punjab Engineering College (PEC): A premier engineering institution located in Chandigarh.
- Ropar Wetland: A significant Ramsar Wetland site, providing habitat for various migratory birds.
- Firozpur: Known for its historical monuments, including the Firozpur Cantonment and the Saragarhi Memorial.
- Mohali Cricket Stadium: Also known as the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, it is a major cricket venue in the state.
- Chhatbir Zoo: Located near Zirakpur, it is a prominent zoological park known for wildlife conservation.
- Qila Mubarak: A historic fort in Bathinda, associated with various rulers throughout history.
- Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL): Manages the generation and distribution of electricity in the state.
- Mansa Devi Temple: Situated in Panchkula, it is a popular pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi.
- Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU): Located in Amritsar, it is a prestigious educational institution named after Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.
- Gurudwara Sri Tarn Taran Sahib: A historic Sikh shrine in Tarn Taran, known for its sarovar (sacred pond).
- Kila Raipur Sports Festival: Popularly known as the Rural Olympics, it showcases traditional Punjabi sports and attracts participants from around the world.
- Nehru Rose Garden: Located in Ludhiana, it is one of the largest rose gardens in Asia, featuring a vast variety of roses.
- Ropar Archaeological Museum: Displays artifacts from the Harappan civilization and other archaeological findings.
- Gurudwara Baba Atal Rai Sahib: Located in Amritsar, it is a nine-story tower dedicated to the youngest son of Guru Hargobind.
- Bhakra Dam: One of the highest gravity dams in the world, built on the Sutlej River for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.
- Punjab Agricultural Implements Museum: Located in Barnala, it showcases traditional agricultural tools and implements.
- Kartarpur Corridor: A border crossing between India and Pakistan, allowing Sikh pilgrims to visit the holy shrine of Kartarpur Sahib.
- Ranjit Sagar Dam: Built on the Ravi River, it is a multipurpose dam providing irrigation and hydroelectric power.
- Shri Durgiana Tirath: Often referred to as the Silver Temple, it is a Hindu temple in Amritsar dedicated to Goddess Durga.
- Pind Balluchi: A cultural village-themed restaurant offering traditional Punjabi cuisine and entertainment.
- Fateh Burj: The tallest victory tower in India, located in Mohali, commemorating the victory of Banda Singh Bahadur.
- Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (AFPI): Located in Mohali, it trains young men for a career in the armed forces.
- Sukhna Lake: A man-made reservoir in Chandigarh, popular for boating and recreational activities.
- Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences: Located in Ludhiana, it focuses on veterinary and animal sciences education.
- Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium: Also known as Mohali Stadium, it hosts international and domestic cricket matches.
- Guru Gobind Singh Stadium: Located in Jalandhar, it is a multi-purpose stadium hosting various sports events.
Punjab Kesari: Lala Lajpat Rai, known as Punjab Kesari (Lion of Punjab), was a prominent freedom fighter and leader in the Indian independence movement.
Punjab Agricultural Research Board (PARB): A state-level agency promoting research and development in agriculture for enhanced productivity.
Baba Farid University of Health Sciences: Located in Faridkot, it is a significant institution for medical and health sciences education.
Ludhiana Stock Exchange: One of the regional stock exchanges in India, providing a platform for trading in securities.
Pind Dan Tradition: Haridwar is considered a significant place for performing Pind Dan rituals for the salvation of departed souls, and many Punjabi families participate in this tradition.
Kisan Credit Card Scheme: Introduced to provide farmers with access to affordable credit for agricultural and related activities.
Punjab State Education Board (PSEB): Responsible for conducting examinations and managing the education system in the state.
Punjab and Haryana High Court: Located in Chandigarh, it serves as the common high court for both Punjab and Haryana.
Patiala Gharana: A renowned school of classical vocal music, known for its contribution to the Indian classical music tradition.
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) Haridwar: A major manufacturing unit contributing to the power sector, situated in Haridwar.
Bhagat Singh: The iconic freedom fighter and martyr, born in Banga, Punjab, who played a pivotal role in the struggle against British colonialism.
Punjab State Information Commission (PSIC): Ensures transparency and accountability in governance through the Right to Information Act.
Shiromani Akali Dal: A prominent political party in Punjab, with a significant influence on state politics.
Kartarpur Sahib: The final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, located in Pakistan. The Kartarpur Corridor connects it to the Indian side.
Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board: Works towards promoting tourism and preserving the cultural heritage of the state.
Giani Zail Singh College of Engineering and Technology: A prestigious engineering institution in Bathinda, named after the former President of India.
Harike Wetland: A significant Ramsar Wetland site, it is the largest wetland in northern India and an essential habitat for migratory birds.
Nangal Dam: Built on the Sutlej River, it serves multiple purposes, including hydroelectric power generation and irrigation.
Punjab National Bank (PNB): One of the leading nationalized banks with a strong presence in Punjab and across India.
Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL): A major thermal power plant in Mansa district, contributing to the state’s energy needs.
Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (TIET): A prominent private engineering institution in Patiala.
Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Engineering College: Named after the Sikh military commander, it is located in Fatehgarh Sahib.
Shaheed Udham Singh: A revolutionary freedom fighter, born in Sunam, Punjab, known for avenging the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
Punjab State Human Rights Commission (PSHRC): Works towards safeguarding human rights and addressing violations.
Namdhari Sikh Sect: A sect within Sikhism known for its religious practices and spiritual teachings.
Punjab State AIDS Control Society (PSACS): Works towards prevention, control, and management of HIV/AIDS in the state.
Doaba: A region in Punjab, known as the “Land of the Two Rivers,” formed by the Beas and Sutlej rivers.
Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST): Promotes scientific research and technological development in the state.
Lassi: A traditional Punjabi beverage made with yogurt, water, spices, and sometimes fruit, known for its refreshing taste.
Punjabi Folk Music: Rich in traditions, Punjabi folk music includes genres like Bhangra, Giddha, and traditional Punjabi wedding songs.
Pind: The Punjabi term for a village, often associated with strong community bonds and rural traditions.
Punjab Engineering College Alumni Association (PECAA): Connects and engages alumni of Punjab Engineering College for networking and collaboration.
Ravi River: One of the five rivers of the Punjab region, flowing through the state and providing water for irrigation.
Pind Di Kudi: A phrase often used affectionately to refer to a girl from a village, celebrating rural roots and cultural identity.
Punjab Agricultural University College of Veterinary Science: Offers education and research in veterinary sciences in Ludhiana.
Punjab Institute of Sports (PIS): Aims to promote sports and athletics in the state by providing training and infrastructure.
Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University): Formerly known as PEC University of Technology, it offers engineering education in Chandigarh.
Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited (PSTCL): Manages the transmission of electricity in the state.
Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport: Located in Amritsar, it is an international airport serving the region.
Punjab School Education Board (PSEB): Responsible for school education and conducting examinations in the state.