Bathinda

[vikrant]

Bathinda, also known as Bhatinda, is one of the oldest and most famous cities of the Punjab state of north-western India. It was in the jungles of Bathinda that Guru Gobind Singh Ji is reputed to have once challenged and fought the mighty Mughal forces. Bathinda also had a prominent role in the nation's struggle of freedom against the British rule and the autocratic administration of princely rulers. A prominent landmark is Qila Mubarak fort.

Bathinda is undergoing rapid industralisation: among recently developed features are a modern thermal power plant, fertilizer factories, and a large oil refinery. Bathinda is one of the biggest food grain and cotton markets in northern India, and the area around Bathinda has become a large grape growing area.[specify] Bathinda is also a leading railway junction and the administrative headquarters of Bathinda District. The American International firm Pepsi processes horticultural products grown in Bathinda.