Xuanzang (Hiuen-Tsang) visited Punjab in 633 A.D., recording detailed observations on its society, religion, and educational systems during King Harshavardhana’s reign. He gives vivid description of Sirhind.

The Battle of Multan occurred on 22 January 1849 during the Second Anglo-Sikh War, leading to British capture of Multan and eventual annexation of Punjab. Multan’s fall marked a major British victory in North India.

Dal Khalsa was a Sikh military confederacy in Punjab. Each Misl was considered equal, and Sikhs were free to join any. Leaders like Kapur Singh and Jassa Singh Ahluwalia unified various Misls, consolidating Sikh power in the region.

In 1733, Zakarya Khan granted Kapur Singh the title of Nawab, in a conciliatory move after failing to suppress the Sikhs militarily. Kapur Singh became a prominent leader, serving as head of the Sarbat Khalsa, an assembly of Sikhs, which influenced Sikh political and military strategies thereafter.

Punjab’s first National Skill Training Institute for women was established in Mohali in 2018, offering vocational courses and benefiting skill development. The institute is part of the state’s initiatives to enhance women’s employability.

Antyodaya Anna Yojana, launched in 2000, supplies 35 kg wheat/month at ₹2/kg to Punjab’s lowest BPL families. Punjab Atta Dal Scheme provides 5 kg wheat and 0.5 kg dal to poor households but not at the same quantity or rate as Antyodaya Anna Yojana.

Bishan Singh Bedi was born on 25 September 1946 in Amritsar, Punjab. He was a legendary left-arm orthodox spinner, played 67 Tests for India, captained the team in 22, and was later honored with Arjuna, Khel Ratna, and Padma Bhushan awards.

Chicho Chick Ganerian is a traditional Indian mixed-gender game distinguished by the use of vertical lines. Kikli is a Punjabi folk dance, Cloth Game is a sit-and-chase children’s game, and Kho Kho is a popular tag sport.

Patiala Gharana, founded in late 19th century by Fateh Ali Khan and Ali Baksh Khan, is renowned for its intricate taans and layakari. It is the most prominent Hindustani classical Gharana from Punjab, influencing thumri, khayal, and ghazal traditions in North India.

Alahunian are Punjabi death songs sung during mourning, mainly by women, to praise the deceased’s virtues. These are led by a marashan. Such songs are distinct from celebratory Boliyan, romantic Heer, or narrative Jugni, and reflect Punjab’s unique mourning traditions.

Heer Ranjha is a classic Punjabi epic poem written by Waris Shah in 1766. Waris Shah, a celebrated Punjabi Sufi poet, immortalized the folk love story through his poetry. Other listed personalities did not write this epic.

Padma Shri recipient, renowned for Agniparikhya, was a retired Professor and Dean at Punjabi University, Patiala. Also authored Nange Pairan da Safar; received Sahitya Akademi Award (1971), Saraswati Samman (2001), and Punjabi Sahit Rattan Award (2008) for contribution to Punjabi literature.

Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha (1861–1938) compiled ‘Mahan Kosh’, the first Punjabi encyclopedia, published in 1930 by Sikh Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee. It covers Sikhism, history, literature, and linguistics, and is widely regarded as a reference work in Punjabi language and Sikh literature.

Waris Shah (1722–1798), a renowned Punjabi Sufi poet, authored Heer Ranjha and is widely known as the Shakespeare of Punjab. He used classical poetic forms and contributed deeply to Punjabi language and culture, leaving an indelible mark on regional literature.

Barnala, founded in 1772 by Baba Ala Singh, originally served as a princely state headquarters. It was re-established as a district on 19 November 2006 and is currently the least populous district in Punjab

Article 243-I mandates State Finance Commissions to recommend on tax assignment and sharing power, allowing State Governments to authorize Zila Parishads to levy, collect, and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls, and fees as per its recommendations. It is fundamental to local self-governance in India.

The Sarpanch is the head of the Gram Sabha under Punjab Panchayati Raj Act, 1994. Gram Sabha comprises local electorate, holds meetings twice a year, and discusses development work and budget. Key meetings: Sawni and Hari, scheduled by the Sarpanch after harvest seasons.

Budhlada Municipal Council was established in 1950 as Punjab’s first municipal council under the Punjab Municipal Act, 1911. This marked the beginning of municipal local self-government in the state after India’s independence.

Sant Harcharan Singh Longowal was chief negotiator for Akali Dal in Punjabi language talks. His efforts led to the Punjab Accord, but the agreement was not fully implemented. He was later assassinated in 1985. Promotion of Punjabi was a critical issue in Punjab politics.

Chandigarh was awarded to Punjab as part of political and administrative agreements. It serves as the capital of both Punjab and Haryana but was specifically assigned to Punjab by the relevant settlement as mentioned in the text.

Amritsar has the highest number of Post Offices among Punjab’s 22 districts, with 377. Punjab has 3,809 Post Offices overall. Each Post Office is assigned a unique PIN code reflecting state, district, and office. Fazilka has the least number of Post Offices in Punjab.

Punjab launched its Startup and Entrepreneurship Development Policy in 2017 to foster innovation, offering incentives such as power duty exemption and tax reimbursements. The initiative aims to boost startups and industrial growth in the state.

Ludhiana is home to the wheat-maize research site established by the Government of India and BISA, focusing on agricultural advancements. It is a hub for major research institutes such as the Punjab Agricultural University, fostering innovation in crop production and agri-technology in Punjab.

Deer Park Bir Moti Bagh is located in Patiala, Punjab. Patiala is known for its historic palaces and gardens. Other notable sanctuaries in Punjab include Tiger Safari in Ludhiana and Deer Park Bir Talab in Bathinda. Deer Park Bir Moti Bagh is a popular recreational and ecological spot.

Ghaggar River, a seasonal river from the Shivalik Hills, is historically identified with the ancient Saraswati. It enters Punjab near Mubarakpur, often causing floods, and supports wetlands. Other major Punjab rivers—Sutlej, Beas, Ravi—are perennial but not linked with Saraswati mythologically.

Bhai Parmanand founded the Ghadar Party in 1913 to fight British colonial rule. He also chaired Sind Provincial Hindu Conference. Key members included Kartar Singh Sarabha and Lala Hardayal, but Bhai Parmanand was the main founder and ideologue behind its establishment.

Singh Sabha Movement, founded in 1873 in Amritsar, Punjab, focused on reviving Sikhism, promoting Sikh identity, modern education, and countering Christian missionary and Brahmanical influences. It played a crucial role in the religious and social reform of Sikhs during British rule in Punjab.

Nirankari Movement, founded in 1840 by Baba Dayal Singh in Punjab, opposed idol worship, promoted belief in Nirankar—the formless God—emphasized recitation of Gurbani and simple ritual, differing from mainstream Sikh adherence to Adi Granth and Guru Nanak’s authority.