The oldest ancient city after Bhatinda, Batala is also the eighth-largest city in Punjab in the context of the population. Since 3rd March 2019, Batala in Gurdaspur district is also a municipal corporation in the majha area of Punjab. It is the heart of the majha region of Punjab. A very religious place for Sikhs since the founder of the Sikh religion Guru Nanak Dev Ji was married to sulakhni the daughter of Mul Chand Chauna here at Batala at around 1485. Numerous temples and Gurudwaras dedicated to gurus marriage and tourists from all over the world come here to visit this site. Each year on the anniversary of Guru Nanak marriage, celebrations are held with great joy and pure heart. For the sixth Guru of Sikhs Shri Hargobind Ji, a beautiful Gurudwara Satkartarian Sahib is built.
It is also a prominent place for Hindus as it is believed that Lord Shiva came here at Mandir achleshwar Dham along with other 33 crore Devi Devta so that Kartikeya become happy as he was upset as he had lost the race from his brother Ganesha.
It was also earlier called the iron bird of Asia since it was the highest producer of agricultural and mechanical machinery. At present, it is one of the prominent cities in Northern India in terms of manufacturing of CI casting and mechanical machinery along with it is one of the best marketplaces for agriculture equipment and also it is a fastly developing industrial center.
This city was set up in the 15th century and according to sources, it is believed that the very first site that was marked as Naissance ground was very unfavorable. So the priests, astrologers interchanged the assigned one with this present area so batta or vatta means exchange so here from the name originates.
This city has a very renowned history in the context of its origin, development, and role during the partition of India. Being a prominent part of the state this city gives the proof by its beautiful monuments and other historical architectural designs. This city has seen everything including the heartbreaking partition of India in the year 1947.
This city was the first set up by Rai Ram Deo who was a Bhatti Rajput in Kapurthala during 1472 AD. Then in 1567 AD, this land came under the rule of army chief of Mughal emperor Akbar armed forces that is Shamsher Khan and it was he who had started the development of the city. The emperor Mirza Mohammed Khan beautified the city with bazaars and market places during the late 17th century. During the eighteenth century, the city witnessed wars that are two prominent misals so ultimately Sher Singh the grandson of Maharaja Ranjit Singh took the power of the city from the hands of Sada Kaur by force. Lastly, during the 19th century this city was under British rule and in 1947 partition of India occurred. It was first decided that Batala would be a part of Pakistan but due to some directorial reasons, it was given back to India.
The footing of the city was done during the rule of bahalol Khan Lodhi. The famous looter jasrath Zakhar destroyed all the area between Sutlej and Chenab river and Batala came under it. So Tahar Khan the then viceroy gave the control of this land's revenue to Rai Ram Deo. Rai Ram Deo transformed into Islam under Sheikh Muhammed kadiri of Lahore. So Batala became a Muslim City. Then Shamsher khan took power and started developing roads and converted this land to a city. Emperor Akbar gave the city to him as a present. He built a fine tank on the northeastern part and also so planted gardens inside the city which is called Anarkali. His tomb has been built within this garden with great respect and artistic nature.
During the 17th century, numerous saints lived here for example Shahab-ud-din, Bukhari, shah Ismail, Shah Niamatullah, and Sheikh Allahabad. The city was filled with Bazar and markets by Mirza Muhammad Khan during the Aurangzeb rule. The city has seen misal wars between Kanhayas and Ramgarhias. An astonishing widow of Gurbaksh Singh Kanhaya from Kanhaya Misal, Sada Kaur ruled over this area with great success and fame but soon was held prisoner by maharaja Ranjit Singh grandson maharaja Sher Singh. She remained in jail till she died because she had disagreed earlier to give in the land to Sher Singh. Being a powerful hunter and a successful emperor maharaja Sher Singh reigned in Batala till 1841. At the time of the British Raj Union Baring Church College was built.
During the partition, Batala was in Pakistan for 3 days but then it would become a prominent danger for Amritsar since if Batala is included in Pakistan then Amritsar would be surrounded by Pakistan from three sides so it was returned to India.
The beautiful history of Batala is in the marriage of Guru Nanak Dev. The Gurudwara that still has the wall that has been incriminated as endless by the Guru himself makes the city popular. Devotees from all around the world come here to seek blessings in Gurdwara Kandh Sahib.
1. Jal Mahal (baradari): This was made by Maharaja Sher Singh and is now under the local baring union Christian College and archaeological survey of India.
The king used to carry out meetings with his advisor in the Jal Mahal. The artistic Baradari in the middle of the tank was built by Maharaja Sher Singh. It has eight doors in the bottom area and four in the top section. The top section has broken down. Earlier in the80's the Municipal Council built a tubewell to fill up the tank. All sides of the reservoir were surrounded by Nanakshahi bricks but now it is no more.
2. Gurudwara Kandh Sahib: While he was planning for marriage, some miscreants had decided to make the wall fall on the Guru and he was informed by an old woman. To this date, the wall is kept and celebrations held each year on the marriage anniversary of the Guru.
3. Kali dwara Mandir: located in the center of the city, Chakri Bazar it is dedicated to goddess Kali, and devotees mostly visit here on Tuesdays. There is a large crowd during the Navratri time.
Due to the presence of sugar mills and delicious syrup one should taste the most popular lassi here. Batala has numerous food joints in the markets, bazaars, and also the main road. The Dhabas here use stainless steel plates and glasses to give food so that it symbolizes the originality of the place. Though some Dhabas have their air-conditioned sitting arrangement for the tourist it is most suitable to sit on the wooden benches and have the food. There are thalis for lunch which include different veg and nonveg but dal and yogurt are served with each thali and pickle and onions pieces are given for free.
Being a prominent fast developing industrial Town Batala is popular for the manufacture of machine tools and woolen products so it is very well connected with the major cities and towns by good railways and roadways. The majority of the locals use government and private buses for traveling to other major cities and it has one major government bus depot in the district.
The closest prominent railway station is situated about 38 kilometers from the town known as the Amritsar junction railway station. The closest international airport is situated about 40 kilometers from the town known as Guru Ramdas international airport in Amritsar.
The best time to visit this place is from early February to early April or from mid-October to mid-December. Between June to August, the temperature is really hot and August being the least favored season for tourism the prices of lodging dip the lowest.
Hotels ranging from one thousand to four or five thousand or more are available according to one's preferences having all the basic to luxurious amenities.