SRI GANGANAGAR

THE FOOD BASKET OF RAJASTHAN

The northern-most city of Rajasthan, Sri Ganganagar is located near the border of the state of Punjab and also the international border of the nation of Pakistan. It is often referred to as “the food basket of Rajasthan” due to its fertile plains similar to those one would find in Punjab. The area was once barren and dry but was converted to a green town thanks to Maharaja Ganga Singh who constructed the Gang Canal to carry excess water from Punjab and Himachal Pradesh to the town.
Today, Sri Ganganagar is famed for its produce of wheat, mustard, cotton, bajra, sugarcane and grams. Kinnow, a hybrid citrus fruit is a popular horticultural product that is grown here. Majority of the industries in the area are based on agriculture and it provides a livelihood to a majority of the residents of Sri Ganganagar.

In ancient times, two mighty rivers i.e. the Saraswati and the Drishadvati flowed through the area making it home to tribes similar to those belonging to Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. However, in due course the rivers started to dry up causing a natural calamity that wiped out the tribes and caused Sri Ganganagar to turn into a barren wasteland. During the 15th century, Rao Bika established Bikaner and the territory of Sri Ganganagar was part of the princely State of Bikaner. Finally in 1927, the overhaul of Sri Ganganagar was complete thanks to the Gang Canal constructed by Maharaja Ganga Singh as the city was restored to its former glory.

BROR VILLAGE

Located on the Anoopgarh-Ramsinghpur road, Bror village is famed for the remnants of the Indus Valley Civilisation being unearthed here. Several artefacts, skeletal remains and buildings have been found in the vicinity of the village and they point to a period of time when the area was thriving with life.

LAILA MAJNU KA MAZAR

The mazar or tomb of Laila-Majnu is situated at Binjaur village around 11kms away from Anupgarh city. Legend has it that the tomb belongs to fabled lovers Laila and Majnu. The story goes that Laila and Majnu belonged to the Sindh and settled here after escaping the clutches of Laila’s parents and her brother who were against their courtship. Eventually when Laila and Majnu died, they are believed to have been buried here together. The tomb has today become a symbol of eternal love and people come here from far and wide to seek the blessings of the pair. A fair is held here every year to commemorate the love of Laila and Majnu and it is attended primarily by newlyweds and couples..

ANUPGARH FORT

Located in the town of Anupgarh close to the border of Pakistan, the Anupgarh fort is currently in ruins. However, in its heyday the fort was an imposing structure that helped keep the Bhati Rajputs at bay. The fort was built in the year 1689 by a Mughal governor who wished to keep Anupgarh under Mughal tutelage.

BUDDHA JOHAD GURUDWARA

This historical Gurudwara was built to commemorate an important event when Massa Ranghar, guilty of sacrilege at Amritsar’s Golden Temple was brought to justice by Sukha Singh and Mehtab Singh back in 1740. Located by the Dabla village in Ganganagar, this place of worship also houses historical paintings and monuments.