Fatehgarh Churian

According to the census of India 2011[1], Fatehgarh Churian has a total population of 13,070, of which 6,881 are males while 6,189 are females. The religious data of census shows 42.10% of the population as Hindus, 41.10% as Sikhs, 16.6% as Christians and .20% as others. The population of Children aged 0-6 is 1,351, which is 10.34% of the total population of the town. The literacy rate of Fatehgarh Churian is 85.46 % higher than the state average of 75.84 %. In Fatehgarh Churian, male literacy is around 89.09 %, while female literacy rate is 81.46 %.

Before the 18th century it was Bandesha Jats dominant area. Bandeshas' also called Bandechha ruled this region in the 17th century. During the 18th century, the Khaniya Misl, founded by Jai Singh, established themselves in Sangatpura; a village 7 km from Fatehgarh Churian. After that they vigorously took control of the whole area from Bandeshas'. Rani Sada Kaur, married into Sukerchakia Misl, had her headquarters in Fatehgarh Churian. Her daughter Mehtab Kaur was married to Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Rani Sada was instrumental in Ranjit Singh's rise to power.[2]

Kharak Singh, son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, was married to Chand Kaur, daughter of Sardar Fateh Singh in this village. Rani Chand Kaur built an attractive temple, a jewel of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's reign, Panj Mandir, here with a Pucca tank, which still stands.[3] The 180 years old temple carries the profound legacy of Punjab in the form of unique frescoes adorning monuments. Unfortunately, due to the dire neglect of concerned authorities, it is sinking in the oblivion. After the visit of two member ASI team in 2011 and sanction of Rs 3 crores for restoration, it is still waiting for any action.[4] It is said that there was a pucca tunnel linking the temple and the Fort, built for the convenience of Rani Chand Kaur to go to the temple every day for worship. Before 1947 the town had presence of Muslim population including Shias and Sunnis. This is evident from the numerous old mosques, which were converted into Gurudwaras. The Sunni and Shia Muslims were roughly in equal numbers.

After the partition of India, a number of Hindu and Sikh migrants from newly formed Pakistan settled here.

Situated on the boundary between Gurdaspur and Amritsar districts, it is the last village in Gurdaspur district although it is closer to Amritsar than Gurdaspur. It is well connected to other towns by the road network. It is surrounded by towns like Amritsar (26 km), Batala (25 km), Ajnala (21 km), and Dera BaBa Nanak (19 km). It is on the railway line between Amritsar and Dera Baba Nanak.

Fatehgarh Churian is divided into thirteen different wards. The area is roughly 40% Hindu and 35% Sikh along with 25%Christians in number.

Religious places are Gagranwala Mandir, Tahli Sahib Gurudwara, Panj Mandir, Githi Das Mandir, Talab Wala Mandir, Gurudwara Takhia Wala and many churches as well. St. Francis Convent school is one of the biggest institution this town has for quality education. In addition to these, Puran Shah's Haveli is another landmark of the town.

Most of the religious days are celebrated by the people of town collectively as a community. Many local clubs and societies of religious nature also help in the celebrations. Organizing Sant Samelans, gathering of seers and saints, and Shoba Yatras are now tradition of the town. It has a few historic sanctum sanctorum in distance of 15-18 km like Dhianpur Dhaam, Ramdass, Chola Sahib. River Ravi is also not far.

By air: Fatehgarh Churian is located 27.6 km from Amritsar airport (Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport)

By rail: Fatehgarh Churian has its own railway station.

By road: Fatehgarh Churian town is located on the "Amritsar-Dera Baba Nanak Road".