Panipat – “City of Weavers” and “Textile City”. Facts And History

Panipat, also known as “City of Weavers” and “Textile City”, the “cast-off capital” due to being “the global centre for recycling textiles”, is a town in the Indian state of Haryana. It is one of the state’s oldest and most important towns and has a long and rich history. The town is situated on the banks of the River Yamuna and is home to some historical monuments and sites. Panipat was the scene of several battles during the medieval period and is best known for the Battle of Panipat, which was fought between the forces of the Mughal Emperor Akbar and the forces of the Hindu King Hemu. The town is also home to many traditional industries, such as carpet-weaving and pottery-making.

History of Panipat

Panipat is a city in the Indian state of Haryana, located about 90 kilometers north of Delhi. The city has played a significant role in the history of India, particularly in the medieval and early modern periods. Here is a brief overview of the history of Panipat:

1. Ancient and Medieval Times: Panipat is mentioned in the ancient Sanskrit epic, the Mahabharata, as a place where the Pandavas, the heroes of the epic, spent some time during their exile. In the medieval period, Panipat was ruled by various dynasties, including the Tomaras, the Chauhans, and the Delhi Sultanate.
2. First Battle of Panipat (1526): The first Battle of Panipat was fought on April 21, 1526, between the forces of the Mughal Emperor Babur and the Sultan of Delhi, Ibrahim Lodi. Babur’s victory in this battle marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire in India.
3. Second Battle of Panipat (1556): The second Battle of Panipat was fought on November 5, 1556, between the forces of the Mughal Emperor Akbar and the army of Hemu, a Hindu general who had declared himself king of Delhi. Akbar’s victory in this battle secured his hold over northern India.
4. Third Battle of Panipat (1761): The third Battle of Panipat was fought on January 14, 1761, between the Maratha Empire and the Durrani Empire of Afghanistan. The Marathas, who had been expanding their territory in northern India, were defeated in this battle, and it is considered one of the bloodiest battles in world history.
5. Modern Times: After the British took control of India, Panipat became an important center of trade and commerce, particularly in textiles. The city also played a significant role in the Indian independence movement, with notable leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru visiting the city to deliver speeches and participate in protests.

Overall, Panipat’s history is marked by significant battles and political changes, as well as its role in India’s economy and culture.

How to Reach Panipat:

Panipat is located in the Indian state of Haryana and is well-connected to various parts of the country by air, rail, and road. Here are some ways to reach Panipat:

• By Air: The nearest airport to Panipat is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, which is about 90 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Panipat.
• By Train: Panipat Junction is a major railway station and is well-connected to various parts of the country. There are regular trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and other major cities to Panipat. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach your destination in Panipat.
• By Road: Panipat is well-connected to various parts of Haryana and other neighboring states by road. National Highway 44 passes through the city, which connects it to Delhi, Chandigarh, and other major cities. You can take a bus or a taxi to reach Panipat from these cities.
• By Metro: The Delhi Metro’s Yellow Line has been extended up to Kundli in Sonipat, which is about 17 kilometers away from Panipat. From Kundli, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Panipat.

Overall, Panipat is well-connected to various parts of the country by air, rail, and road, making it easy for visitors to reach the city.

Landmarks to Visit in Panipat:

Panipat has a rich historical and cultural heritage, and there are several places of interest that visitors can explore. Here are some of the famous places to visit in Panipat:

1. Panipat Museum: The Panipat Museum is a great place to learn about the city’s history and culture. The museum has several galleries that showcase artifacts, paintings, and sculptures from various periods, including the ancient and medieval periods.
2. Ibrahim Lodi Tomb: The tomb of Sultan Ibrahim Lodi is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture. The tomb is located in the center of the city and is surrounded by a beautiful garden.
3. Kabuli Bagh Mosque: The Kabuli Bagh Mosque is an ancient mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Babur. The mosque has beautiful architecture and is a great place to explore the history of the region.
4. Devi Temple: The Devi Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. The temple is located on the banks of the Devi Talab, a beautiful lake in the city.
5. Kala Amb: Kala Amb is a beautiful park located on the outskirts of the city. The park has lush greenery, beautiful fountains, and several picnic spots, making it a great place for a day trip.
6. Salar Gunj Gate: The Salar Gunj Gate is an ancient gate that was once a part of the city’s fortifications. The gate has beautiful architecture and is a great place to explore the history of the region.

Overall, Panipat has several places of historical and cultural significance that visitors can explore, making it a great destination for history buffs and culture enthusiasts.

Schools And Colleges in Panipat:

Panipat has several schools and colleges that offer quality education to students. Here are some of the popular schools and colleges in Panipat:

Schools:

• DAV Public School, Panipat
• Army Public School, Panipat
• The Millennium School, Panipat
• Little Flower Convent School, Panipat
• Panipat Institute of Engineering and Technology Public School
• Kendriya Vidyalaya No.1, Panipat
• St. Mary’s Convent School, Panipat
• Panipat Public School
• B.R. International Public School, Panipat
• Delhi Public School, Panipat Refinery Township

Colleges:

• National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra (NIT Kurukshetra)
• Panipat Institute of Engineering and Technology (PIET)
• Hindu College, Panipat
• University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Kurukshetra University
• Panipat Institute of Textile and Engineering (PITE)

These schools and colleges offer a range of courses and programs in various fields, including engineering, management, humanities, and sciences. Students from Panipat and surrounding areas can choose from these institutions to pursue their academic goals.

Restaurants And Hotels In Panipat:

Panipat has a range of restaurants and hotels that cater to visitors’ needs. Here are some popular restaurants and hotels in Panipat:

Restaurants:

• Biryani King – A popular restaurant chain serving delicious biryanis and kebabs.
• Tandoori Nites – A great place to enjoy North Indian cuisine, especially tandoori dishes.
• Punjab Food Junction – A restaurant serving Punjabi cuisine, including butter chicken, dal makhani, and naan.
• Riwaz – A fine-dining restaurant serving authentic Indian cuisine.
• Hotel Gold – A popular restaurant chain serving Chinese and Indian cuisine.
• Chawla’s 2 – A restaurant known for its delicious chicken dishes, including butter chicken and chicken tikka.
• Domino’s Pizza – A well-known chain serving pizza, pasta, and other Italian dishes.
• Bakers Bite – A popular bakery chain serving a range of cakes, pastries, and other baked goods.
• Subway – A fast-food chain serving sandwiches, wraps, and salads.

Hotels:

• The Leela Ambience, Ambala
• Park Blu Hotel, Panipat
• Hotel Gold, Panipat
• Hotel Luxmi Residency, Panipat
• Days Hotel, Panipat
• Hotel Royal Duke, Panipat
• Hotel Deep, Panipat
• Hotel My India, Panipat
• Hotel Swarn Mahal, Panipat

These restaurants and hotels offer a range of options for visitors to choose from, depending on their budget and preferences. Whether you are looking for a luxury hotel or a budget-friendly eatery, Panipat has several options to suit your needs.