Firozpur

Firozpur is a city in the district of Punjab. Firozpur is located next to the border of Pakistan. Pakistan border lies at its west, the district of Amritsar to its north and to the south are Fazilka and Abohar. Firozpur district is one among the nineteen districts in the state of Punjab. Firozpur has the reputation of being an exceptionally healthy district. It has second most rice mills in Punjab and used to be big trade centre before partition of India and Pakistan.

History of Firozpur defines the modern age, when India was under the shackles of British rule in India.

Firozpur is an ancient city situated close to the present day India-Pakistan border. It is believed to have been founded by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century. But Firozpur came into existence when British ruled India. From that time, anti British sentiments leads to glorify its modern history.

First Anglo-Sikh War in Firozpur
The strategic position of Firozpur in the northwest of the country has resulted in its being part of many military expeditions in the area. During the first Anglo-Sikh war, in the year 1845, it due to the negligence of the British commander at Firozpur that the Khalsa was able to cross the Sutlej unopposed. When Lord Hardinge declared war on the Sikhs, the first battle was fought at Mudki, 20 miles south-east of Firozpur. In 1838, Firozpur was the centre from where British troops advanced to Kabul during the rist Anglo-Afghan war.

Bhagat Singh Memorial in Firozpur
The three heroic martyrs of India`s freedom struggle Bhagat Singh and his associates Rajguru and Sukhdev have their final resting place on the banks of the river Sutlej in Firozpur. On March 23, 1931, despite popular protest, these three patriots were executed in Lahore and were stealthily cremated in the dead of night near Firozpur. They were killed for raising the flag of revolutionary terrorism against the British, displaying their deep patriotism and defiance for the foreign rulers till the very end. Shaheed Bhagat Singh Memorial marks the spot and every year on March 23. Thousands of people gather to pay homage of these noble heroes.

Saragarhi Gurudwara in Firozpur
Firozpur has another historical memorial. Saragarhi Gurudwara is commemorating the sacrifice of 21 Sikh soldiers who perished at Saragarhi in Baluchistan. On 12 September, every year, people gather here to pay tribute to the heroic soldiers and celebrate Saragarhi Day. The memorial service also provides an occasion for ex-servicemen to have a reunion.

Thus, from the time of Firoz Shah Tuglaq to the British era in India, Firozpur earned a lot of historical moments. Now the historical landmarks in Firozpur are the tourist attractions.

The places of interest in Firozpur are:
• The Saragarhi Gurudwara
• Hussainiwala, the samadhi of Bhagat Singh and his colleagues.
• Harike dam

Firozpur Cantonment :
Firoz pur Cantonment is a cantonment town in Firozpur district of the northern state of India, Punjab. The city of Firozpur is located in the south of Firozpur Cantonment. At present it is the divisional headquarters of the Indian Army. The administrative offices and residences of district is located in the cantonment area.

According to the 2001 census report, Firozpur Cantonment had a population of 57,418 inhabitants. Males constitute 60% of the population and females constitute 40% of the population. In Firozpur Cantonment, 11% of the population is les than six years of age. Firozpur Cantonment has an average literacy rate of 75% which is much higher than the national average literacy rate of 59.5%. The male literacy rate is 80% andd the female literacy rate is 68%.

This cantonment town has a historical importance because it served as the base of the Anglo sikh wars in the 1840s.