Sirhind

Sirhind, also known as Sirhind-Fategarh, is a city in the Indian state of Punjab. It is located in the Fatehgarh Sahib district and holds significant historical and religious importance. The city is situated on the Grand Trunk Road, a historic trade route that once connected Kabul to Calcutta.

Historically, Sirhind was a prominent city in the Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire. It served as a strategic military and administrative center. The city's name is believed to be derived from "Siri Hind," meaning "the boundary of Hind" or "the capital of Hind," indicating its former prominence.

Sirhind is particularly revered in Sikhism due to several events that took place in the city during the 17th century. It is the site where the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Sahibzada Fateh Singh and Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, were martyred by the Mughal governor Wazir Khan. The Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib commemorates this event and is a major pilgrimage site for Sikhs.

The city also witnessed the execution of Banda Singh Bahadur, a Sikh warrior and leader. Due to these historical connections, Sirhind-Fategarh is a place of deep religious sentiment for the Sikh community. The district itself is named after the martyrdom site. The modern city is a blend of historical remnants and contemporary urban development.