Chandigarh India

Chandigarh: The City Beautiful

Wikipedia Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandigarh

Wikipedia Excerpt: "Chandigarh (/ˌtʃʌndɪˈɡɑːr/ (listen)) is a city, district and union territory in India that serves as the joint capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana. As a union territory, the city is ruled directly by the Union Government of India and is not part of either state."

History

The history of the area around Chandigarh dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Archaeological findings have revealed settlements in the region dating back thousands of years. However, the modern city of Chandigarh is a relatively recent creation.

After the partition of India in 1947, the state of Punjab was divided, and its capital, Lahore, became part of Pakistan. To serve as the new capital of East Punjab (later Punjab), the city of Chandigarh was planned and constructed. The foundation stone of the city was laid in 1952.

The master plan for Chandigarh was designed by the renowned Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, based on earlier plans by Polish architect Maciej Nowicki and American planner Albert Mayer. Le Corbusier's vision was of a modern, functional city with a grid plan, broad avenues, and distinct sectors for various functions like residential, commercial, and industrial areas. The city was conceived as a symbol of independent India's progress and modernity. Chandigarh officially became a union territory on November 1, 1966, and continues to serve as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.

Culture

Chandigarh's culture is a blend of the traditions of Punjab and Haryana, along with a cosmopolitan influence due to its planned nature and diverse population. The city embraces both traditional and modern lifestyles.¹⁰

Punjabi culture is dominant, with its vibrant music (Bhangra and Giddha), energetic dances, and festive celebrations like Baisakhi and Lohri. Haryanvi culture also has its presence, particularly in the traditions of the people who have migrated from the neighboring state.

The planned layout of the city fosters a sense of community and organization. Chandigarh has a thriving arts scene with art galleries, theaters, and cultural centers promoting various forms of creative expression. The city hosts numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

Art and Architecture

Chandigarh is internationally acclaimed for its modernist architecture, primarily attributed to Le Corbusier's master plan. The city is divided into sectors, each designed to be self-sufficient with its own green spaces, schools, and shopping areas.

Key architectural landmarks include:

• The Capitol Complex: Comprising the Secretariat, the High Court, and the Legislative Assembly, characterized by their monumental scale and unique architectural elements like the Open Hand Monument. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Sukhna Lake: A man-made lake designed by Le Corbusier, serving as a popular recreational and social space.
• Rock Garden: Created by Nek Chand Saini, a unique sculpture garden made entirely from industrial and urban waste.
• Rose Garden (Zakir Hussain Rose Garden): Asia's largest rose garden, showcasing a vast collection of roses.
• Museums and Art Galleries: Including the Government Museum and Art Gallery, which houses a collection of Gandhara sculptures and miniature paintings.

The city's architecture emphasizes functionality, clean lines, and the integration of green spaces into the urban fabric.

Major Cities

Chandigarh itself is a well-defined city and union territory. While it serves as a nucleus, the surrounding areas in Punjab and Haryana have developed into interconnected urban centers, forming a larger metropolitan region. These include:

• Mohali (Punjab): Located adjacent to Chandigarh, it is a significant IT and residential hub.
• Panchkula (Haryana): Situated to the east of Chandigarh, known for its planned sectors and Shivalik foothills.

However, within the administrative boundary of the Chandigarh union territory, Chandigarh is the primary and only major city. As per the 2011 census, the population of Chandigarh was 1,054,686.

Temples and Palaces

Chandigarh has several temples and religious places catering to its diverse population.²³ Some notable temples include:

• Mata Mansa Devi Temple (Panchkula, adjacent to Chandigarh): A revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi.
• Chandi Mandir (adjacent to Chandigarh): Believed to be the origin of the city's name, dedicated to Goddess Chandi.
• ISCKON Temple: A Hare Krishna temple.

Chandigarh, being a relatively modern and planned city, does not have traditional grand palaces like those found in states with long histories of royal rule. However, some of the prominent government buildings designed by Le Corbusier, like the Capitol Complex, can be seen as modern-day architectural marvels with palatial grandeur in their scale and design.

Geography

Chandigarh is located at the foothills of the Shivalik Range, part of the Himalayas. It has a relatively flat and fertile terrain. The city is well-planned with a grid pattern of roads and a high proportion of green spaces. Two seasonal streams, the Sukhna Choe and the Patiali Rao, flow through the city. The climate is humid subtropical, with hot summers, a monsoon season, and pleasant winters.

People and Ethnicity

Chandigarh has a diverse population, with significant communities from Punjab and Haryana, along with migrants from other parts of India attracted by education, employment, and the city's high quality of life. Punjabi and Hindi are the most commonly spoken languages. The ethnic composition reflects the city's role as a shared capital and its status as a modern urban center.

Cuisine

Chandigarh's cuisine is influenced by the culinary traditions of Punjab and Haryana, with a modern and cosmopolitan twist. Popular dishes include:

• Punjabi cuisine: Butter chicken, chole bhature, sarson da saag and makki di roti, lassi.
• Haryanvi cuisine: Bajre ki roti with saag, kachri ki sabzi.
• Street food: Gol gappe, chaat, momos, tikkas.
• Modern cafes and restaurants: Offering a wide range of international and fusion cuisines.

The city has a vibrant food culture with numerous restaurants, dhabas, and cafes catering to diverse palates.

Healthcare

Chandigarh has a well-developed healthcare infrastructure with reputed government and private hospitals and medical institutions. The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) is a premier medical institute of national importance located in Chandigarh. Other major hospitals include Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) and several private hospitals offering specialized care.

Religions

Chandigarh has a diverse religious landscape. Sikhism and Hinduism are widely followed due to the city's proximity to Punjab and Haryana. Islam and Christianity also have a presence, along with smaller communities following Jainism and Buddhism. The city has numerous gurdwaras, temples, mosques, and churches.

Tourism

Tourism in Chandigarh is driven by its unique architecture, well-maintained gardens, and its role as a gateway to the hill stations of Himachal Pradesh. Key tourist attractions include:

• Rock Garden
• Sukhna Lake
• Rose Garden
• Capitol Complex
• Government Museum and Art Gallery
• Pinjore Garden (adjacent to Chandigarh)
• International Dolls Museum

The city's planned layout and green spaces make it a pleasant place to visit.

Waterways

Chandigarh does not have significant navigable waterways. Sukhna Lake offers boating for recreational purposes.

Hill Stations

Chandigarh is located at the foothills of the Shivalik Range and serves as a convenient base for visiting popular hill stations in Himachal Pradesh like Shimla, Kasauli, and Dharamshala, which are a few hours' drive away.

Politics and Government

As a union territory, Chandigarh is directly governed by the Union Government of India. The President of India appoints an Administrator who heads the administration. The Administrator is usually the Governor of Punjab. Chandigarh has its own police force and administrative departments. It sends one member to the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian Parliament).

Transportation

Chandigarh has a well-organized transportation system.

Roads

The city has a well-planned network of wide roads laid out in a grid pattern, making navigation relatively easy. It is well-connected to neighboring states by national and state highways.

Airports

Chandigarh International Airport (IXC) provides air connectivity to major cities in India and some international destinations. It serves Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula.

Rail Services

Chandigarh Junction (CDG) is a major railway station connecting the city to various parts of India. It is a significant railhead for passengers traveling to and from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and other states.

Major Train Stations

The major train station in Chandigarh is Chandigarh Junction (CDG).

Bridges

Chandigarh has bridges and flyovers to manage traffic flow across roads and seasonal streams.

Pilgrimages

While Chandigarh itself is not primarily known as a major pilgrimage center, its proximity to important religious sites in Punjab and Haryana makes it a transit point for pilgrims visiting places like Anandpur Sahib, Hemkund Sahib, and Mata Mansa Devi Temple (Panchkula).

IT Industry

Chandigarh and its surrounding areas (Mohali and Panchkula) are emerging as significant IT hubs in North India. The region has attracted investments in software development, IT services, and electronics manufacturing, with several multinational and domestic IT companies having a presence.

Colleges and Universities

Chandigarh is a major educational center with numerous colleges and universities offering a wide range of courses:

• Panjab University: A renowned public university.
• Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER).
• Punjab Engineering College (PEC).
• Chandigarh University (in Mohali).
• Chitkara University (near Chandigarh).
• Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (regional center).

Education System

The education system in Chandigarh follows the national pattern (10+2+3). The Union Territory has a high literacy rate and a strong emphasis on education, with numerous government and private schools and colleges.

Dams

Chandigarh does not have any major dams within its immediate vicinity. Sukhna Lake is a man-made reservoir. The region relies on water supply from nearby rivers and groundwater sources.

Fishing

Fishing is limited to recreational activities in Sukhna Lake and nearby reservoirs. It is not a significant economic activity.

Cattle Farming

Cattle farming is present in the rural areas surrounding Chandigarh but is not a major agricultural activity within the planned city limits.

Agriculture

Agriculture is limited within the planned city of Chandigarh. However, the surrounding areas in Punjab and Haryana are agriculturally productive, supplying food grains and vegetables to the city.

Industries

Chandigarh has a mix of industries, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, light engineering goods, and food processing. The service sector, including IT, education, and tourism, is a major contributor to the economy.

Food Industry

Chandigarh has a thriving food processing industry, including bakeries, dairy products, and the processing of agricultural produce from the surrounding regions.

Milk Industry

The milk industry is well-organized, with both cooperative and private dairies supplying milk and dairy products to the city. Amul is a major milk and dairy based business in Chandigarh.

Automobile Industry

While not a major manufacturing hub, Chandigarh has a significant presence in the automobile sector as a major market for vehicles and has numerous dealerships and service centers.

Textile Industry

Chandigarh has a small textile industry, including handloom and small-scale manufacturing units, primarily catering to local demand. The neighboring state of Punjab has a more significant textile industry.