History of Amritsar

The History of Amritsar

          The holy city Amritsar is in Punjab. It is known for the famous Golden temple (also known as the Harmandir Sahib) amidst a pool of water (Amrit Sarovar). The proper city was founded during the early 16^th century by Guru Ram Das. Now it is a major center for Sikh tradition. It is just 29 km away from the Wagha Border. 

          The historians trace the origins of the city back to the period of Indus civilization. The region was a part of the Indus valley settlements. It is a disputed factor however. Around third century BC this area was administered by Alexander the Great. Later the Mauryans acquired the land as it is believed now and was ruled by the Gupthas and Kushans also. Around tenth century, the region came under the influence of Muslim rulers such as the Lodhi dynasty and the Mughals.  

         The construction of the Amritsar city began during the early part of the 15^th and the 16^th centuries. The region witnessed a strong Sikh influence and thus the Forth Sikh Guru Ram Das took the construction project. Guru Ram das was appointed to build a township near Santoksar tank by his Guru Amar Das (The Third Guru). The township was built and was named as Santoksar. Later, Guru Amar Das assigned a second township project that which is the present day Amritsar.  The present day lake (the pool of nectar) has been excavated and reconstructed with the help of thousands of volunteers and paid laborers. The expansion of the township took place in the later periods by the initiation of Sikh Gurus. A temple was built amidst the pool of nectar and the Sikh Scripture the Guru Granth Sahib was placed inside the Darbar Sahib in 1604. The city was under numerous attacks by the Mughals and the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place in the same city by General Dyer. In the year 1984 the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi forcefully evacuated thousands of Sikh militants from the Golden temple under ‘Operation Blue Star’. As a result the city had witnessed riots and deaths in massive number. Now, the city of Amritsar has resumed normalcy and is a secured place to visit.