Patiala

Patiala, in the Malwa region of Punjab, rose to prominence in the 18th century as the capital of a powerful Sikh princely state. Its origins are linked to Baba Ala Singh, a Sidhu Jat chief who, around the 1740s, carved out his own territory amid the decline of the Mughals and the rise of Afghan and Sikh powers. He founded the Patiala state and chose the site of present-day Patiala for his new capital, building a fort and bazaars that attracted traders and soldiers.

Under Ala Singh’s successors, especially Maharaja Amar Singh, Maharaja Sahib Singh and later Maharaja Bhupinder Singh and Maharaja Yadvindra Singh, Patiala expanded in size, prestige and architectural richness. The rulers balanced alliances with the British and other Sikh states, which helped Patiala grow into one of the largest and most influential princely states in the Punjab region. Grand buildings like Qila Mubarak, Moti Bagh Palace, gardens and temples reflect this era of royal patronage.

Patiala also developed a distinctive cultural identity—its own style of turban, architectural features, royal traditions and a noted Gharana of Hindustani classical music. After Independence, Patiala State acceded to India and was merged into PEPSU and then modern Punjab. Today, Patiala is a major educational and administrative city, still known for its royal heritage and rich Malwa culture.