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THE CITY BEAUTIFUL – CHANDIGARH

South Divisional State Library

ABOUT CHANDIGARH

Chandigarh, the dream city of India’s first Prime Minister, Late. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was designed by the famous French architect Le Corbusier.

The city is located in a picturesque location at the foot of the Shivalik Hills. It is considered one of the best experiments in India’s 20th-century urban planning and modern architecture. The name of Chandigarh, which means “Fortress of Goddess Chandi,” comes from Chandi Mandir, a temple dedicated to the goddess near the city of Manimajra. The deity ‘Chandi,’ the goddess of power, and a fort of ‘garh’ laying beyond the temple, gave the town its name “Chandigarh-The City Beautiful.” 

Chandigarh

The city has a prehistoric past. In ancient history, the gently sloping plains on which modern Chandigarh exists was a vast lake ringed by a marsh. The fossil remains found at the site indicate a large variety of aquatic and amphibian life supported by that environment. 

HISTORY OF CHANDIGARH

The city was designed by the Swiss architect Le Corbusier and supported by Maxwell Fry, Jane Drew, and several Indian architects and city planners. Foundation began in the early 1950s, and the city’s most significant area was completed in the early 1960s. The project eventually required the migration of about 21,000 people from 58 villages. The territory of the Chandigarh Union was reorganized on November 1, 1966, into two new states, mainly Hindi-speaking Haryana and Punjabi-speaking Punjabi, along the lines of India.

Indian City and Union Territory, Chandigarh

The territory is about 165 miles (265 km) north of New Delhi, adjacent to Haryana to the east and Punjab on all other sides. It is located in the Indo-Ganges Plain, southwest of the Shivalik Hills, between two seasonal streams, the Suhuna and Patiari rivers. This land is a flat and fertile alluvial land, and the arable land in the countryside produces crops such as wheat, corn, and rice. Temperatures can exceed 120 ° F (about 50 ° C) in the summer (April to June) and up to 30 ° F (about 2 ° C) in the winter (November to February). It may go down. It rains frequently. The monsoon season (July-September) is hot and humid. Union area, 44 square miles (114 square kilometres). Pop. City, (2001) 808,515; Union Territory, (2001) 1,063,000; Citi, (2011) 960,787; Union Territory, (2011) 1,054,686.

Open Hand Momument Chandigarh

 

The Open Hand Monument is an iconic building designed by architect Le Corbusier. It is located in the city’s Capital complex and the territory of the Union of Chandigarh.

The Open Hand Monument is the coat of arms of the Chandigarh government. It symbolizes an open hand to give and a hand to take. Peace and prosperity or reconciliation. It conveys the message of openness and unity of ideas. It is also equipped with Mohali International Airport, domestic and international flights. Anyone who wants to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of Chandigarh can visit from any region.

 

Architecture of Chandigarh

The architecture of Chandigarh is a mix of modern and traditional styles, and it is one of the city’s main attractions. The city’s landmarks include the Capitol Complex, which houses the government offices of Punjab and Haryana, and the High Court. The Capitol Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its innovative design and modernist style. Another famous landmark is the Rock Garden, which is a unique sculpture garden made entirely from recycled materials. It is a must-visit spot for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Food and Culture

Chandigarh is known for its vibrant food and culture scene. The city is a melting pot of Punjabi and Haryanvi cultures, and it is home to some of the best food in the region. The street food  is particularly famous, and you can find a variety of delicious dishes in the city’s markets and food stalls. Some popular dishes include chole bhature, tikki chhole, and samosas.

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