Patiala

Patiala (Punjabi: ਪਟਿਆਲਾ) is a city located in south-eastern Punjab, in northern India. The city is the administrative capital of Patiala district. Patiala is located around a castle named Qila Mubarak (the Fortunate Castle). It was constructed by a militiaman, Baba Ala Singh in 1763.[2]
Patiala is a Congress-Party stronghold. In popular culture, the city remains famous for its traditional turban (a type of headgear), paranda (a king of tasselled tag for braiding hair), salwar (a type of female trousers), jutti (a type of footwear) and Patiala peg (a measure of liquor).[2]
The first Indian astronaut, Rakesh Sharma, was born in Patiala.[3][4]
Contents   [hide]
1 Geography
2 History
3 Education
4 Tourist Attractions
4.1 Qila Mubarak Complex
4.2 Sheesh Mahal
4.3 Baradari Gardens
5 Demographics
6 Culture and traditions
7 District Administration
8 Notable people
9 References
10 External links
[edit]Geography

Patiala is located at 30.34°N 76.38°E.[5] It has an average elevation of 250 metres (820 feet). During short existence of PEPSU, Patiala served as it capital city. During the reign of Maharajas, Patiala state extended from Narnaul, Hissar in Harayana to Kandaghat and Chail in Himachal.
[edit]History

Main article: Patiala State
In the 18th century, the political vacuum created by the downfall of the Mughals was successfully filled up by the Sikh Misldars in Punjab by thwarting the designs of both the Marathas and the Afghans. One among these independent principalities of the Sikhs was that established by Baba Ala Singh at Patiala.
The rulers of the erstwhile states of Patiala, Nabha and Jind trace their ancestry to one Chaudhary Phul. Apparently the appellation of dynasty 'Phulkian' is derived from their common founder. One of his sons, Chaudhary Ram Singh was baptised and blessed by Guru Gobind Singh. His son Ala Singh assumed the leadership in 1714 A.D. when Banda Bahadur was engaged in the fierce struggle against the Mughals. A man with...