Home > Travel > States of India > History of Pathankot
History of Pathankot
An ancient city of historical significance, Pathankot’s history is etched with its glorious past when it was under the rule of a generation of monarchs.

Share this Article:

History of PathankotThe history of Pathankot can be traced back to the ancient period of the great epic, the Mahabharata. It is believed that the city, which was named Prathisthan during that time, was under the kingdom of Audambra. The name Prathisthan meant "the firmly established place". And in the ancient book of Ain-i-Akbari, Pathankot was noted as Pargana Headquarter. The numerous antique coins suggest that the city had a significant place in the past ruled by many rulers. It is said that Pathankot is world famous for its military station known as Mammon Cantonment, which is known to be the biggest Military base in Asia.

During the 17th century, Pathankot was under the administration of the Pathania Rajputs, who ruled from Nurpur in Himachal Pradesh. The Nurpur state was established by Rana Bhet, a Taur Rajput of Delhi, who was well-known as Jatpal. He established his dynasty at Pathankot and took control of the whole country in the foothills of the Himalayas. Till 1781, the city of Pathankot was ruled by Raja Sayed Khan of Nurpur state, who was one of the Muslim descendants of a Mughal Emperor. By the end of the 17th century, Jatpal shifted his capital to Nurpur. Pathankot"s history is seeped with a long line of generations relating to various religions and royal clans. Thus according to Sikh history, it is believed that, Pathankot was established by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. During the medieval period, when the Ghilzai tribe of Pathan in Afghanistan came into power, the Pathan tribes of Afghanistan, namely the Marwat, Khattak, Yusufzai and other Pathans moved to India. They settled in places like Pathankot and Hoshiarpur. According to a famous historian named Sir A Cunnigham, the name of Pathankot originated from the word "Pathan". And thus, came forth the name Pathankot. It is also known that between the 17 to 18th century this region was ruled by Rajput rulers.

After the independence of India in 1947, Pathankot developed as an important township in many aspects. The city"s strategic location has prompted the establishment of an army and air force station. And after the partition of India, a huge number of people migrated from West Punjab also known as present day Pakistan, and settled in and around Pathankot. Most of these people started their own trade and contributed to the growth of the city and its surrounding area.

Visiting Information on Pathankot
The domestic civil airport, Pathankot Airport IXP is just 3 km from the main city of Pathankot and is 7 km from the city"s railway station located on the Pathankot to Majra Road under Pathankot Air Force Station. The Pathankot Airport is well connected to major cities like Delhi. The nearest International Airport from Pathankot is Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji International Airport at Amritsar, which is about 119 km from the city.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in States of India


East Indian States
East Indian States comprises of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and also the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It defines the cultural heritage, rich historical background and the linguistic unity.
Erode District
Erode District is one of the districts in the state of Tamil Nadu. The district of Erode is having a land-locked area with no sea coast.
Purnia District in Bihar
Purnia District is located in Bihar and extends from River Ganga to Nepal. The district has a rich Hindu history and glorious past.
South Delhi District
South Delhi District is the third largest district of Delhi as far as its area is concerned. South Delhi District is known for its economic, historical, cultural and social significance.
North Indian States
North Indian States formed the cultural and religious unity in spite of having many foreign invasion and the political disturbances from the early era till the British gained supremacy in Indian sub continent.
Kendujhar District
Kendujhar District, spread over an area of 8,240 sq kms, is as varied as the whole of Orissa with waterfalls roaring gorges, mountains and minerals. The manifold expressions of nature in Kendujhar District are considered as unique.
Hooghly district
Hooghly District along the bank of the river Hooghly is one of the principal trading ports of West Bengal.
Districts of South Tamil Nadu
Districts of South Tamil Nadu consist of many tourism destinations like archaeological sites and the history of Pandyas and Cholas. Considering their proximity to the sea, many districts also boast of serene beaches and coastal beauty.
Flora of Arunachal Pradesh
Flora of Arunachal Pradesh includes infinite species and is a subject of great interests for the botanists.
Districts of South Gujarat
Districts of South Gujarat are the epicenter of Jain pilgrimages and the early Hindu kingdoms.
North West States of India
North West States of India consist of three states, which are Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana. All of them are culturally and traditionally diverse and they have been ruled by different dynasties in historical time.
Geography Of Chittoor District
Geography of Chittoor district is spread along the topography of the land which is divided into two natural divisions; Chittoor has a dry and healthy climate.
Districts of North Rajasthan
District of Northern part of Rajasthan is dotted with ancient forts and medieval villages.
Districts of North Odisha
District of North Odisha has Bengal boundary and shares the same culture. These are reachable if one pays a weekend visit to Digha.
Districts of West Bihar
Districts of West Bihar is comprised of medieval monuments that were built by the different governors of Mughal era.
Districts of South Haryana
Districts of South Haryana consists of many cities of industrial excellence. These districts are dotted with popular tourism destinations.
Medieval History of Assam
Medieval history of Assam narrates the advent and rule of a number of kingdoms in the region. The prominent dynasties of the kingdom left an everlasting imprint on the socio cultural heritage of India.
Geography of Meghalaya
The suitable climate, highland plateaus, rivers and the flora and fauna together forms the geography of Meghalaya.
Districts of Rayalaseema
Districts of Rayalaseema in Andhra Pradesh state has urban population and rural settlements as well.
Districts of South Punjab
Districts of Southern part of Punjab depict medieval history of Punjab and the rise of Sikhs.