Punjab
Punjab: The Land of Five Rivers
Punjab, pronounced as /pʌnˈdʒɑːb/ and locally known as [pənˈdʒɑːb], is a state situated in northwestern India, forming a vital part of the greater Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent. Bordered by Himachal Pradesh to the north and northeast, Haryana to the south and southeast, and Rajasthan to the southwest, Punjab shares its international boundary to the west with the Pakistani province of the same name. This has led to Indian Punjab often being referred to as East Punjab or Indian Punjab for clarity. Chandigarh, a union territory, serves as the state’s capital as well as the shared capital of neighboring Haryana. Punjab spans an area of 50,362 square kilometers (19,445 square miles), accounting for 1.53% of India’s total geographical area. It ranks as the 19th largest state in India by area and 16th largest by population, with over 27 million residents distributed across 23 districts.
Punjabi, written in the Gurmukhi script, is the official language and is spoken widely throughout the state. The primary ethnic group is the Punjabis, with Sikhs making up 57.7% of the population and Hindus comprising 38.5%. Punjab’s cultural and geographical identity is closely tied to three tributaries of the Indus River—the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi—that flow through its fertile plains.
Significance of Punjab
Punjab’s history is one of the richest in India, marked by the migration and settlement of diverse tribes and cultures, making it a vibrant melting pot of civilizations.
1. Ancient Era and the Indus Valley Civilization
The region was home to the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world’s earliest urban cultures, which flourished until its decline around 1900 BCE. The early Vedic period saw Punjab become a central hub of Aryan settlements, fostering the growth of Vedic culture. However, Punjab’s prominence waned with the rise of the Mahajanapadas, larger kingdoms that emerged across the Indian subcontinent.
2. Classical Antiquity
Punjab’s location at the crossroads of South Asia and Central Asia made it the frontier of several ancient empires. It was a key territory during Alexander the Great’s campaign and later became part of the Maurya Empire under Chandragupta Maurya. Successive empires, including the Kushans, Guptas, and Harsha’s Empire, controlled the region, while nomadic groups like the Hunas, Turks, and Mongols also left their mark on Punjab’s cultural and political landscape.
3. Medieval Period and Muslim Rule
By 1000 CE, Punjab came under Muslim rule, beginning with the Ghaznavids and later forming part of the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire. The Mughal period brought prosperity to the region, with Lahore becoming a significant cultural and administrative center. However, the decline of the Mughal Empire in the 18th century set the stage for the rise of Sikhism.
4. The Rise of Sikhism and the Sikh Empire
Sikhism, founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 15th century, emerged as a spiritual movement promoting equality, justice, and devotion to one God. Over the next two centuries, the teachings of successive Sikh Gurus laid the foundation of a unique Sikh identity. Conflicts with the Mughal rulers led to the militarization of the Sikhs, culminating in the formation of a Sikh confederacy. In 1801, Maharaja Ranjit Singh unified the region under the Sikh Empire, establishing Lahore as its capital. The Sikh Empire was renowned for its secular governance and military strength until its annexation by the British East India Company in 1849.
Partition and the Creation of East and West Punjab (1947)
The Partition of India in 1947 marked a turning point in Punjab’s history. The province was divided along religious lines, with the Muslim-majority western portion becoming part of Pakistan and the Hindu- and Sikh-majority eastern portion remaining in India. This division, fueled by communal tensions, led to one of the largest migrations in human history. Millions of Sikhs and Hindus migrated from West Punjab to East Punjab, while Muslims moved in the opposite direction. The violence and upheaval left deep scars on the region’s social and cultural fabric.
Lahore, once the cultural and administrative heart of Punjab, became part of Pakistan, while cities like Amritsar and Ludhiana emerged as key centers in Indian Punjab.
Reorganization of East Punjab (1966)
After independence, East Punjab underwent significant administrative changes. The Punjabi Suba movement, which sought to create a Punjabi-speaking state, led to the reorganization of the region in 1966. This resulted in the carving out of two new states:
- Haryana: Formed as a separate state for Hindi-speaking areas in southeastern Punjab.
- Himachal Pradesh: Expanded to include the hilly, Pahari-speaking regions of Punjab, eventually attaining statehood in 1971.
The remaining Punjabi-speaking areas became the present-day state of Punjab. Chandigarh was designated as a shared capital for Punjab and Haryana, further emphasizing the region’s complex political and cultural history.
Modern Punjab: Economy, Society, and Culture
Today, Punjab is one of India’s most agriculturally prosperous states, often referred to as the “Granary of India.” Its economy, with a gross domestic product of ₹8.02 trillion (US$96 billion), is predominantly agrarian, driven by the cultivation of wheat, rice, and sugarcane. The state ranks 17th among Indian states in per capita GDP and ninth on the Human Development Index.
In addition to its agricultural prowess, Punjab boasts thriving industries in tourism, music, cinema, and cuisine. Punjabi culture, marked by its vibrant festivals, traditional dances like Bhangra and Giddha, and soulful music, has a global influence. The state’s unique culinary heritage, with iconic dishes like makki di roti and sarson da saag, has become synonymous with Indian cuisine.
Punjab also remains a spiritual hub, with the Golden Temple in Amritsar attracting millions of devotees from around the world.
History of Punjab
Ancient Period
Punjab is one of the world’s oldest urban centers, home to the Indus Valley Civilisation, which thrived around 3000 BCE and declined about a thousand years later. This decline was followed by Indo-Aryan migrations around 1500–500 BCE. Intertribal conflicts led to the formation of larger political entities ruled by kings and chieftains, known as Mahajanapadas. Ancient Hindu epics, notably the Mahabharata, chronicle these early states and their key figures. Many ancient tribes, such as Gandharas, Kambojas, and Yaudheyas, played roles in these regional conflicts, with contributions to the heroic traditions of ancient Punjab.
The Rigveda, the oldest Hindu text, was composed predominantly in the Punjab region (circa 1500–1200 BCE), with its religious practices focused on the worship of Indra.
King Porus is the earliest notable king in the region, famously clashing with Alexander the Great at the Battle of Hydaspes in 326 BCE. Despite being defeated, Porus impressed Alexander with his bravery and leadership, leading to an alliance rather than his deposition. Following Alexander’s death, the region came under control by the Maurya Empire and the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom, with Menander I Soter emerging as a prominent figure, introducing Greco-Buddhism. The Greek influence ended by 12 BCE when the region came under Sasanian control.
Medieval Period
The Umayyad Caliphate introduced Islam into Punjab following Muslim conquests in the 8th century. The Hindu Shahi dynasty ruled the region until it was overthrown by the Turkic Ghaznavids in the 10th century. Ghaznavid power declined until the Ghurid conquest by Muhammad of Ghor in 1186. His death in 1206 led to the rise of the Delhi Sultanate, which governed Punjab for approximately three centuries through five dynasties: Mamluks, Khalajis, Tughlaqs, Sayyids, and Lodis.
The late 15th century saw the rise of Sikhism, founded by Guru Nanak, marking a new socio-political-religious dynamic in Punjab. The Sikhs were subjected to persecution under the Mughals, including the execution of Guru Arjan and Guru Tegh Bahadur. This led to the establishment of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, symbolizing a “saint-soldier” ethos.
Under Mughal rule, Sikh communities faced challenges such as oppression and military conflicts. Key figures like Guru Hargobind and Guru Tegh Bahadur actively resisted Mughal policies, maintaining the Sikh faith and political identity during this period.
Modern Period
The Mughal Empire, centered in Lahore, ruled Punjab until its decline, with Afghan rulers subsequently vying for control. During this time, the Sikh Confederacy began consolidating power, leading to the creation of the Sikh Empire in 1799 under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. This empire expanded significantly, extending from the Khyber Pass in the west to western Tibet in the east. It was administratively divided into four regions: Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, and Kashmir.
Following Ranjit Singh’s death in 1839, internal divisions weakened the empire. The British East India Company capitalized on this by launching the First and Second Anglo-Sikh Wars, leading to the annexation of Punjab in 1849 by the British.
Colonial Era
After annexation by the British, Punjab became an economically strategic region, becoming one of India’s richest agricultural areas. The British introduced extensive transportation infrastructure like railways and postal services, as well as Canal Colonies (between 1860 and 1947) that brought 14 million acres under cultivation. This system revolutionized agriculture, although it disproportionately benefited large landowners, leaving many rural communities economically marginalized.
During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, Punjab remained largely peaceful. The British formalized direct control over the area in 1858, implementing administrative reforms and exploiting resources for economic gain.
One significant event during this era was the Jallianwala massacre of 1919, in which British troops killed hundreds of Sikhs in Amritsar, further igniting the Indian independence movement. As India progressed toward independence, communal divisions grew, fueled by religious, social, and economic inequities.
Partition and Post-Colonial Period
When India gained independence in 1947, Punjab was divided into West Punjab (Pakistan) and East Punjab (India). Partition triggered widespread violence, forcing millions of Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs to migrate across the new borders. This division caused major demographic shifts; many districts in West Punjab became almost entirely Muslim, while East Punjab saw significant Hindu and Sikh population increases.
In India, the PEPSU (Patiala and East Punjab States Union) was formed but later integrated with East Punjab to create the modern Indian state of Punjab in 1956. In 1966, Punjab was reorganized into two states, Punjab and Haryana, due to demands by Hindu and Sikh groups.
Economic disparities grew in post-independence Punjab due to resource allocation, specifically the unequal distribution of water from the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers, which fueled tensions. Additionally, the Green Revolution brought prosperity to certain sectors but left small farmers behind, exacerbating economic inequalities and dissatisfaction.
Insurgency and Modern Conflicts
From 1981 to 1995, Punjab experienced a prolonged insurgency rooted in political discontent, especially among Sikhs seeking greater autonomy. This culminated in Operation Blue Star (1984), an Indian military operation aimed at quelling Sikh separatist movements, particularly in the Golden Temple. The aftermath was devastating: Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards, sparking widespread communal violence and accusations of state-sponsored atrocities against the Sikh population.
The economic challenges and socio-political tensions that began during the colonial and post-colonial periods, combined with these insurgencies, continue to shape the region’s modern identity.
Legacy and Modern Punjab
Punjab’s history reflects its strategic location at the intersection of diverse empires, religions, and trade routes. Post-independence political decisions, resource inequities, and socio-economic divisions have left lasting legacies. Today, Punjab remains a region with a rich cultural heritage, shaped by its history, conflicts, and the resilience of its people.
Geography
Punjab is located in northwestern India and covers a total area of 50,362 square kilometres (19,445 sq mi). It is bordered by Pakistan’s Punjab province to the west, Jammu and Kashmir to the north, Himachal Pradesh to the northeast, and Haryana and Rajasthan to the south.
Most of Punjab consists of a fertile, alluvial plain supported by perennial rivers and an extensive network of irrigation canals. A range of rolling hills stretches across the northeastern part of the state at the base of the Himalayas. The region averages an elevation of 300 metres (980 ft) above sea level, with variations ranging from 180 metres (590 ft) in the southwest to over 500 metres (1,600 ft) near the northeastern border. The southwestern region of Punjab is semi-arid and eventually transitions into the Thar Desert.
The state’s landscape is traversed by five major rivers, three of which—Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi—flow through the Indian part of Punjab. The Sutlej and Ravi rivers also form sections of the international border with Pakistan.
Soil conditions in Punjab are influenced by the area’s topography, vegetation, and underlying rock, though climatic variations contribute to more noticeable differences in soil profiles across regions. Based on soil types, Punjab can be categorized into three regions: southwestern, central, and eastern.
Punjab is located within seismic zones II, III, and IV. Zone II is a low-risk area for earthquakes, Zone III has a moderate risk, while Zone IV is considered a high-risk zone.
Climate
The subtropical geography and latitude of Punjab lead to significant variations in temperature throughout the year. While only a few regions experience temperatures below 0°C (32°F), ground frost is common across much of the state during the winter months. During colder periods, temperatures tend to drop, particularly under clear skies with low humidity, while high humidity and overcast conditions result in a slower rise in temperature.
Temperature Patterns
Peak temperatures typically occur in mid-May and June, with much of the state experiencing temperatures over 40°C (104°F) during this time. Ludhiana recorded its highest maximum temperature at 46.1°C (115°F), while Patiala and Amritsar recorded 45.5°C (113.9°F). Summer months see average maximum temperatures in Ludhiana staying above 41°C (106°F) for approximately one and a half months. In contrast, winter brings cooler conditions, with the lowest temperatures in January.
During the coldest months, December through February, the minimum temperatures can fall as low as 0.2°C (32.4°F) in Amritsar and 0.5°C (32.9°F) in Ludhiana. Average annual temperatures across Punjab are around 21°C (70°F), with the range between the warmest months of July (9°C or 48°F) and November (18°C or 64°F).
Seasons in Punjab
Punjab experiences three primary seasons:
- Summer (mid-April to August): Temperatures from May to August range between 40°C to 47°C, with atmospheric pressure fluctuations—ranging from 987 millibar in February to as low as 970 millibar in June.
- Monsoon (July to September): The monsoon brings most of Punjab’s annual rainfall, entering the state from the Bay of Bengal currents in early July and tapering off by mid-September.
- Winter (December to February): The temperatures during winter remain minimal, with day temperatures averaging 12°C (54°F) and night temperatures falling to 5°C (41°F).
Transitional Periods
- Pre-summer Season (March to mid-April): This is a transition from winter to summer, marked by occasional showers and wind activity.
- Post-monsoon Season (September to November): A temperate and dry transitional period between the monsoon and winter.
Rainfall Patterns
Rainfall primarily occurs during the monsoon and winter seasons:
- Monsoon Rainfall: Most of Punjab’s rainfall originates from the Bay of Bengal’s monsoon currents, arriving in early July and lasting until mid-September.
- Winter Rainfall: This cooler, less frequent rainfall brings relief to farmers, particularly those growing crops in the Shivalik Hills. Some areas of the Shivalik region receive up to 100 millimetres (3.9 inches) of rain during these months.
Humidity and Dew Points
The average relative humidity varies seasonally, with summer months recording low humidity levels that peak during monsoon and post-monsoon periods. The dew point ranges between 7°C in January and 25°C during the monsoon season.
Sunshine
Punjab enjoys an average of 2,762 hours of sunshine annually, with the highest sunshine levels in May (294.7 hours) and June (269 hours).
These climatic patterns support Punjab’s agricultural cycle while also affecting the lifestyle, culture, and economy of the region.
Wildlife and Biodiversity in Punjab
Agriculture and Wildlife
Punjab boasts a diverse array of wildlife, with 396 bird species, 214 species of Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), 55 varieties of fish, 20 reptile species, and 19 mammalian species. The state is known for its large wetland areas, numerous bird sanctuaries, and zoological parks. Key wetland areas include Hari-Ke-Pattan, Kanjli, and Kapurthala Sutlej. Wildlife sanctuaries and protected areas such as Harike in Tarn Taran Sahib, Rupnagar Zoological Park, Chhatbir Bansar Garden in Sangrur, Aam Khas Bagh in Sirhind, Ram Bagh Palace in Amritsar, Shalimar Garden in Kapurthala, and Baradari Garden in Patiala contribute to the conservation of local wildlife.
Flora and Forest Cover
Punjab has the smallest percentage of forest cover among all Indian states, with only 3.6% of its total area classified as forested as of 2017. The state’s green cover has been significantly impacted by the Green Revolution, with vast areas of forest cleared for agriculture, infrastructure, and urban development. To combat this, NGOs such as EcoSikh are actively promoting afforestation and reforestation. Through initiatives like planting saplings and advocating for environmental reforms, EcoSikh has established over 100 mini-forests using the Miyawaki method, known as Guru Nanak Sacred Forests.
Prior to the Green Revolution, species like Butea monosperma (locally known as dhak in Punjabi) were abundant across the state. Today, native plant species face threats due to habitat degradation. These mini-forests aim to combat this risk by preserving biodiversity and restoring native greenery.
Fauna Diversity
The fauna of Punjab is equally fascinating. Several species call its wetlands and river systems home, such as crocodiles, gharials (reintroduced into the Beas River after their absence for over 50 years), and Indus river dolphins inhabiting the Harike Wetland.
In addition to wildlife inhabiting natural reserves, Punjab supports thriving industries like silk extraction from silkworms and honey production. The southern plains of Punjab are semi-arid, with camels frequently observed. Buffalos can be seen grazing along river banks, while northeastern regions are home to horse populations.
Wildlife sanctuaries in the state are home to a variety of mammals and reptiles such as wild boar, otters, fruit bats, hog deer, wildcats, flying foxes, squirrels, and mongooses. Forests naturally form in areas such as the Shivalik Ranges, covering parts of Ropar, Gurdaspur, and Hoshiarpur.
Prominent forest areas include Bir Forest in Patiala and Mand Forest in the wetlands of Punjab. However, the local subspecies of blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra rajputanae) faces the risk of local extinction.
Botanical gardens, zoological parks, and a tiger safari park add to the state’s conservation efforts. Additionally, there are three dedicated deer parks aimed at protecting the local deer populations.
State Symbols and Conservation Priorities
- State Bird: Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
- State Animal: Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra)
- State Aquatic Animal: Indus River Dolphin (Platanista minor)
- State Tree: Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo)
These symbols highlight Punjab’s rich biodiversity while underscoring the importance of conservation efforts to maintain the balance of its natural ecosystems.
Demographics of Punjab
Population Overview
Punjab accounts for 2.3% of India’s total population, with a population density of 551 individuals per km². According to the 2011 Census, Punjab’s total population was 27,743,338, making it the 16th most populated state in India. Of this, 14,639,465 were males, and 13,103,873 were females. Approximately 32% of the state’s population identifies as Dalits.
The state’s population growth rate stands at 13.9%, which is lower than the national average. Furthermore, the 2019-2021 National Family Health Survey reported that Punjab’s total fertility rate was 1.6 children per woman.
Urban vs. Rural Population
Out of Punjab’s total population, 37.5% (10,399,146 individuals) reside in urban areas, with 5,545,989 males and 4,853,157 females. Over the last 10 years, the urban population has risen by 37.5%.
Here’s the change in urban and rural population percentages over the years:
| Year | Rural Population (%) | Urban Population (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 62.51% | 37.49% |
| 2001 | 66.08% | 33.92% |
| 1991 | 70.45% | 29.55% |
| 1981 | 72.32% | 27.68% |
| 1971 | 76.27% | 23.73% |
Total rural and urban population figures (in millions):
| Year | Rural (millions) | Urban (millions) | Total Population (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 17.32 | 10.3 | 27.70 |
| 2001 | 16.10 | 8.26 | 24.36 |
| 1991 | 14.29 | 5.99 | 20.28 |
| 1981 | 12.14 | 4.65 | 16.79 |
| 1971 | 10.33 | 3.22 | 13.55 |
Population Density Trends
The population density in Punjab has increased over time. Below is the population density (in persons per km²) recorded in various years:
| Year | Population Density (persons/km²) |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 551 |
| 2001 | 484 |
| 1991 | 403 |
| 1981 | 333 |
Population Density by District (2011 Census)
The population density varies significantly across districts in Punjab. Below is the district-wise population density as per the 2011 Census:
| Sr. No. | District | Density (persons/km²) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ludhiana | 978 |
| 2 | Amritsar | 928 |
| 3 | SAS Nagar | 909 |
| 4 | Jalandhar | 836 |
| 5 | Gurdaspur | 647 |
| 6 | Patiala | 570 |
| 7 | Fatehgarh Sahib | 509 |
| 8 | Rupnagar | 505 |
| 9 | Kapurthala | 499 |
| 10 | SBS Nagar | 478 |
| 11 | Hoshiarpur | 469 |
| 12 | Tarn Taran | 464 |
| 13 | Sangrur | 457 |
| 14 | Moga | 444 |
| 15 | Faridkot | 424 |
| 16 | Bathinda | 414 |
| 17 | Barnala | 402 |
| 18 | Ferozepur | 382 |
| 19 | Mansa | 350 |
| 20 | Sri Muktsar Sahib | 348 |
The overall population density for the entire state stands at 551 persons/km².
Gender in Punjab
The sex ratio in Punjab has seen a consistent decline over the years. As of the latest statistics, the sex ratio stands at 895 females per 1,000 males, which is below the national average of 940 females per 1,000 males.
In an effort to address this issue, the Punjab government, under the Aam Aadmi Party, introduced a financial incentive in June 2023. They announced that all women will receive ₹6,000 upon the birth of their second girl child.
In Punjab, males are referred to as Punjabi or Panjabi, while females are known as Punjaban or Panjaban.
Sex Ratio by Districts (2011)
The following table represents the sex ratios across various districts in Punjab as per the 2011 Census, listed in descending order:
| Sr. No. | District | Sex Ratio (Females per 1,000 Males) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hoshiarpur | 961 |
| 2 | Shahid Bhagat Singh Nagar | 954 |
| 3 | Jalandhar | 915 |
| 3 | Rupnagar | 915 |
| 4 | Kapurthala | 912 |
| 5 | Tarn Taran | 900 |
| 6 | Muktsar | 896 |
| 7 | Gurdaspur | 895 |
| 8 | Moga | 893 |
| 8 | Firozpur | 893 |
| 9 | Patiala | 891 |
| 10 | Faridkot | 890 |
| 11 | Amritsar | 889 |
| 12 | Sangrur | 885 |
| 13 | Mansa | 883 |
| 14 | Mohali | 879 |
| 15 | Barnala | 876 |
| 16 | Ludhiana | 873 |
| 17 | Fatehgarh Sahib | 871 |
| 18 | Bathinda | 868 |
These figures demonstrate the varying sex ratios across different districts in Punjab, highlighting disparities in gender distribution.
Literacy
According to the 2011 Census, Punjab’s literacy rate is 75.84%, which is slightly above the national average of 74.04%. Of this, male literacy stands at 80.4%, while female literacy is at 70.7%. In total, 18,707,137 people are literate in the state—10,436,056 males and 8,271,081 females.
The median number of years of schooling completed in Punjab is 7.8 years for males and 6.5 years for females.
Literacy Rates by District (2011)
The following table shows the literacy rates in various districts of Punjab, as per the 2011 Census, ranked in descending order:
| Sr. No. | District | Literacy Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hoshiarpur | 84.59% |
| 2 | Mohali | 83.80% |
| 3 | Jalandhar | 82.48% |
| 4 | Ludhiana | 82.20% |
| 5 | Rupnagar | 82.19% |
| 6 | Gurdaspur | 79.95% |
| 7 | Shahid Bhagat Singh Nagar | 79.78% |
| 8 | Fatehgarh Sahib | 79.35% |
| 9 | Kapurthala | 79.07% |
| 10 | Amritsar | 76.27% |
| 11 | Patiala | 75.28% |
| 12 | Moga | 70.68% |
| 13 | Faridkot | 69.55% |
| 14 | Firozpur | 68.92% |
| 15 | Bathinda | 68.28% |
| 16 | Sangrur | 67.99% |
| 17 | Barnala | 67.82% |
| 18 | Tarn Taran | 67.81% |
| 19 | Muktsar | 65.81% |
| 20 | Mansa | 61.83% |
Language in Punjab
Punjabi is the native and sole official language of Punjab and is spoken by 89.8% of the state’s population. It is spoken as a first language by approximately 24.9 million people, accounting for about 90% of the state’s population.
- Hindi is spoken by 7.9% of the population.
- Bagri has about 234,000 speakers (0.8%).
- Other languages collectively make up 1.5%, amounting to 413,000 speakers.
Caste Composition
According to the 2011 Census, Punjab’s population is diverse in terms of caste composition:
- Scheduled Castes (SC): 31.9%
- Other Backward Classes (OBC or BC): 31.3%
- Upper Castes (UC): 30%
- Religious Minorities: 3.8%
- Rai Sikhs: 3%
Of the SC population, 73.33% live in rural areas, while 26.67% reside in urban areas. Despite Punjab having only 2.3% of the country’s total population, it accounts for 4.3% of the total SC population in India. Between 2001 and 2011, the SC population grew at a rate of 26.06%, compared to the state’s overall rate of 13.89%.
The literacy rate among SCs is 64.81%, compared to the state’s overall literacy rate of 75.84%.
Health Indicators
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4, 2015–16):
- Infant mortality rate for SCs: 40 per 1,000 live births before the age of one.
- General infant mortality rate for the state: 29 per 1,000 live births.
- OBC infant mortality rate: 21 per 1,000 live births.
The prevalence of anemia is significantly high among SCs:
- 56.9% of women (ages 15–49) in the SC group are affected by anemia, compared to 53.5% for the overall state.
- 60% of SC children (ages 6–59 months) suffer from anemia, compared to 56.9% for the state as a whole.
Scheduled Caste Population by District (2011)
The following are the SC population percentages in Punjab’s districts as per the 2011 Census:
| Sr. No. | District | SC Population (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shahid Bhagat Singh Nagar | 42.51% |
| 2 | Muktsar | 42.31% |
| 3 | Fazilka | 42.27% |
| 4 | Firozpur | 42.07% |
| 5 | Jalandhar | 38.95% |
| 6 | Faridkot | 38.92% |
| 7 | Moga | 36.50% |
| 8 | Hoshiarpur | 35.14% |
| 9 | Kapurthala | 33.94% |
| 10 | Tarn Taran | 33.71% |
| 11 | Mansa | 33.63% |
| 12 | Bathinda | 32.44% |
| 13 | Barnala | 32.24% |
| 14 | Fatehgarh Sahib | 32.07% |
| 15 | Amritsar | 30.95% |
| 16 | Pathankot | 30.60% |
| 17 | Sangrur | 27.89% |
| 18 | Ludhiana | 26.39% |
| 19 | Rupnagar | 25.42% |
| 20 | Patiala | 24.55% |
| 21 | Gurdaspur | 23.03% |
| 22 | SAS Nagar | 21.74% |
These statistics highlight the diverse socio-economic landscape of Punjab’s population structure.
Religion in Punjab
Punjab has the highest population of Sikhs in India and is the only state where Sikhs form the majority, accounting for approximately 57.7% of the state’s population with around 16 million Sikhs. Hinduism is the second most widely practiced religion, with about 10.68 million adherents (38.5%), and it is predominantly concentrated in the Doaba region.
Islam has 535,489 adherents, making up 1.9% of the population, mainly located in Malerkotla and Qadian. Other religions include Christianity (1.3%), Jainism (0.2%), Buddhism (0.1%), and smaller religious groups (0.3%).
Sikhs are a majority in 17 out of 23 districts of Punjab, while Hindus dominate in five districts: Pathankot, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Fazilka, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar.
Historical Context of Religious Groups
The following is a snapshot of religious groups in Punjab from 1881 through 2011:
| Religious Group | 1881 Pop. (%) | 2011 Pop. (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Hinduism | 42.98% | 38.49% |
| Islam | 36.94% | 1.93% |
| Sikhism | 19.84% | 57.69% |
| Christianity | 0.08% | 1.26% |
| Jainism | 0.16% | 1.93% |
| Buddhism | 0% | 0.12% |
Key Religious Sites
Golden Temple & Sikh Shrines
The Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) in Amritsar is the most sacred Sikh shrine and the headquarter of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, the chief Sikh religious body. Within its complex is the Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the highest temporal authority of the Sikhs. Punjab is home to three of Sikhism’s five Takhts (temporal religious seats): Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Damdama Sahib, and Anandpur Sahib.
Sikh Gurdwaras are widespread across the state, with one present in nearly every village, town, or city, varying in architectural styles and size.
Hindu Temples
Hindu temples are also a significant part of Punjab’s cultural landscape, with notable ones like Shri Durgiana Mandir in Amritsar and Shri Devi Talab Mandir in Jalandhar. These temples attract thousands of pilgrims annually. Some Punjabi Hindus also practice syncretic traditions, combining veneration of Sikh Gurus with traditional Hindu practices, visiting both Gurdwaras and Hindu Mandirs.
Literacy Rate by Religion (2001 Census)
According to the 2001 Census, the literacy rates among different religious groups in Punjab were as follows:
| Religion | Literacy Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Jains | 95.9% |
| Hindus | 74.6% |
| Buddhists | 72.7% |
| Sikhs | 67.3% |
| Christians | 54.6% |
| Muslims | 51.2% |
This snapshot of Punjab’s religious demographics and literacy data highlights the state’s rich diversity, with Sikhism forming the majority while Hinduism, Islam, and other minority religions coexist across its landscape.
Culture
Punjabi Jutti and Traditional Attire
The culture of Punjab is diverse and vibrant, encompassing various aspects like music, dance, festivals, and cuisine. Bhangra is a popular traditional dance that represents both religious and non-religious celebrations. Punjabi culture also boasts a rich tradition of poetry in the Punjabi language and a well-established Punjabi film industry, which has roots that predate the Partition of India.
Punjabi cuisine is globally celebrated for its variety and flavor, and it has gained immense popularity across the world. Additionally, Punjab hosts numerous seasonal and harvest festivals such as Lohri, Basant, Vaisakhi, and Teeyan, which are celebrated alongside religious festivals common to India.
Oral Traditions:
The Kissa, or Punjabi oral storytelling tradition, has a rich history with influences from regions such as the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, and Afghanistan.
Punjabi Weddings:
Punjabi wedding ceremonies are a cornerstone of the state’s cultural fabric. Known for their elaborate rituals, these weddings include music, dancing, traditional dresses, and distinctive foods. These customs have developed over centuries and remain deeply rooted in the lives of Punjabis.