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 History
The early history of the Patiala
state is considered more of a
myth than fact. Baba Ala Singh,
a man with vision and courage
assumed the leadership in 1714
and carved out an independent
principality from a petty
Zamindari of 30 villages. His
successors were instrumental in
the expansion of Patiala into a
big state. The state's borders
touched the Shivaliks in north,
Rajasthan in the South and upper
courses of the Jamuna and Sutlej.
The state of Patiala assumed
prominence on the Indian map
during the reign of Maharaja
Bhupinder Singh (1900-1930). The
rich architectural legacy of the
place is to his credit only.
Also his son facilitated the
process of natural integration
of the state by signing the
instrument of accession.
The
City
The erstwhile capital of one of
India's richest princely states,
Patiala is an ancient city with
a modern face. Amidst modern
institutions and buildings,
concrete roads and gardens stand
the magnificent forts and
palaces dating back to the 18th
century.The
 present day city can
also be descried as commercial
center for consumer goods.
Places
to Visit
Rajpura, located midway between
Patiala and Chandigarh. It is an
old Mogul outpost with a
dilapidated fort. It is an
important town today. It has
manufacturing units for cables,
tyres and a whole range of
agro-products.
Nabha
It is renowned for its Old
Palace that has now been
converted into a Government
College. The Royal Guest House
and High Court Complex located
here have also become parts of a
public School. Hira Mahal, the
residence of the ruling family
preserves antique cars, and
fascinating murals on the inside
walls.
Qila Mubarak
Built in 1764, by Maharaja Amar
Singh, the fort has two
portions. Qila Androon is the
inner fort and Qila Mubarak, the
outer. The gate of Qila Androon
is done in lime plaster with
geometrical and floral designs
on it. Inside the fort are two
painted chambers illustrating
scenes from Hindu mythology and
portraits of Sikh Gurus in
Patiala style. Also a part of
the fort is a museum of
chandeliers and famous weapons.
Motibagh Palace
It was the residence of former
rulers of Patiala. Today, it
accommodates the National
institute of Sports. It also
houses a museum of antique arts
and the artifacts along with the
world's greatest collection of
medals.
Mogul Serai|
It is located at about 11 km
from Rajpura on Rajpura- Ambala
G.T. Road. Built during the
Mogul times, this inn has two
majestic gates with a mosque in
the center and
 'bowli' (paved
well). It is a protected
monument.
Bahadurgarh Fort
It stands to commemorate the
visit of the 9th Sikh Guru, Shri
Tegh Bahadur., It was
constructed by Nawab Saif Khan
in 1658 A.D. and rebuilt in 1837
A.D. by Maharaja Karam Singh.
Located at 6 kilometers from
Patiala town on
Patiala-Chandigarh road, the
fort is enclosed by 2 circular
ramparts, 110 feet apart with a
moat, 58 feet wide.
Chattbir Zoo
It On Chandigarh-Patiala highway
is the Chattbir Zoo. The Zoo is
the largest simulated natural
habitat of the animals and birds
in the northern India. Its major
attractions are a deer park and
alion safari.
Ghuram
It is a village in Patiala
District and known to be the
home town of Mata Kaushalya. The
place is replete with
archaeological ruins.
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