Jalandhar

History of Jalandhar District comprises three periods – ancient, medieval and modern. According to the history of Jalandhar, in ancient time, the district comprised the whole of the Upper Doabas from Ravi River to Sutlej River. According to the Padama Purana, the district takes its name from the demon king Jalandhara. The whole of Punjab and the area of present Jalandhar District was part of the Indus Valley Civilization. Harappa and Mohenjo-daro are the sites where remains of the Indus Valley Civilization have been found extensively. The archaeological explorations made during the recent years have pushed the ancient times of Jalandhar District of Harappa period. Modern history of Jalandhar District also states that Khilafat Movement was started in the district in early 1920 to bring pressure upon British rulers to change their policy towards Turkey. Mahatma Gandhi extended sympathy and support to this movement. Jalandhar District was declared ‘Proclaimed Area’ under the Seditious meetings Act. After the independence of the country, however the district was affected by communal riots and exodus of minority communities from both sides of the border, consequent upon the partition of the country.