Ferozpur

State

Firozpur, situated on the Sutlej River banks, was founded by Sultan Firuz Shah Tughluq (1351–88) and is located near the international border between India and Pakistan with memorials to India's freedom fighters. It is known for its rich history and its role in the freedom movement of the country. It is located at the meeting point of the rivers Beas and Sutlej and is known for its wetland and a preferred destination for bird watchers and nature lovers.

History

The capital city, Firozpur, is believed to have been founded by Firuz Shah Tughluq from which the district obtains its name. In 1838, as part of the first Anglo-Afghan war, troops of the British East India Company marched from Ferozepur to Kabul. Seven years later during the Anglo-Sikh War the area was the scene of conflict between the Khalsa army and the British. It has always remained an important place throughout its existence. It has always remained as a border area, earlier between Sikhs and Britishers and now between India and Pakistan[1].
At the time of Partition of India, Firozpur had a Muslim Nawab and had been ruled by the same Mamdot family for centuries, along with the majority which voted to join Pakistan. In a very controversial move, however, British Viceroy Mountbatten the Firozpur district, and the estate of the Nawab of Mamdot to India, forcing hundreds of thousands of Muslims to flee in the chaos of Partition from Firozpur to Pakistan. This was a very controversial move, and many Pakistanis believe this was an attempt by the British to undermine the survival of Pakistan as an independent state. This move would leave the newly established nation without one single military complex. Most importantly, while the bulk of the fertile land remained in Pakistan, the canal head works and water sources are found in the district. This has caused much tensions between the two countries as India has, time and time again, violated the Indus Water Treaty and hindered water flow to Pakistan, creating hurdles for Pakistan's agriculture based economy. Also,the forceful integration of the region into India allowed Indian soldiers to enter Kashmir. This caused the 1947 Indo-Pakistan war and the War of 1965. Today, Firozpur has a Sikh and Hindu majority with a virtually non-existent Muslim population. Most Muslims left for West Punjab, in the wake of Partition of India while and most of the remainder converted to Sikhism in order to escape massacre at the hands of the Sikhs.

Shopping

Shopping in Ferozepur is a delightful experience for the avid shopper. The state of Punjab has a fairly rich tradition of handicrafts and handlooms.
The state is noted for exquisite handicrafts like phulkaris (traditional embroidery), lacquered woodwork, jewelry etc. These are the items, you should look for while shopping in Ferozepur.
Also go for the Punjabi jutis (shoes), which are typical of this region. Hand-woven carpets, blankets, woolen garments and of course Patiala salwar (the traditional Indian garments with a Punjabi twist in design) are hit with those who want to do some shopping in Ferozepur.
There are several shopping joints in the city. The old city bazaars are better places for shopping traditional Indian wears in Ferozepur.

District
Firozpur
STD Code
01632
Termperature
Summer 35-40°C, Winter 10-20°C
Best time to visit
Oct - Mar