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Chandigarh History

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Chandigarh History

Chandigarh has an interesting past. The sloping plains on which modern Chandigarh city exits, was in the ancient past, a wide lake ringed by a marsh. The fossils excavated from the site indicate a large variety of aquatic and amphibian life which was supported by the environment. About 8000 years back the area was inhibited by the Harappans.

The history of modern Chandigarh is not very old. The foundation stone of Chandigarh was laid in 1952. The place was in the province of Punjab with its capital at Lahore. But due to the division of India and Pakistan in the year 1947, Lahore came in the side of Pakistan leaving Punjab without having a Capital. In 1948, the government of Punjab in consultation with the government of India, approved it as the new capital of both Haryana and Punjab. An area of 114.5 sq.kms. at the foot hills of Shivalik in the Ropar district was approved as the site for the new capital.

An existing village gave its name to the new capital. The word chandi is derived from the name of a Hindu diety called 'Chandi' after the chandi mandir (or shrine) in the region. The second half of the name has been taken from fort (garh) located close to the chandi temple.

The then Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru  supported the project and took interest in its execution. That is why this city is also known as the Dream City of India’s first prime minister. The Swiss-French architect Charles Edouard and Jeanneret (Le Corbusier) was the creator of the city. This is India’s cleanest city and perhaps Le Corbusier’s lasting legacy.

The location of the city was a part of erstwhile Ambala district as per the 1892-93 gazetteer of district Ambala. The site was selected by Dr. M.S. Randhawa, the then Deputy commissioner of Ambala.

It is the capital of both Punjab and Haryana, while it itself was declared as a Union Territory and under the direct control of the central government.

If you truly want to experience a glimpse of planned India, there is no other place than Chandigarh.


Significant Dates of Chandigarh

1893 - Was a Part of erst while Ambala  district
1948 - Approved as capital of Punjab and Haryana
1952 - Foundation stone of Chandigarh was laid
1958 - Creation of Sukhna Lake
1967 - Foundation of Rose Graden
1971 - Foundation of Shantikunj

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