History of Amritsar

The spiritual heart of the Sikh community, Amritsar is perhaps one of India's most important junctions, connected to the rest of India by the 500 year old Grand Trunk Road on its east and Pakistan through the Wagah Border on its west. In addition to the fabulous Golden Temple, Amritsar's attractions include it roadside dhabas and the spectacle of the daily closing of the India - Pakistan border gate at Wagah.

The History of Amritsar can be traced back to the days of the Indus Valley Civilization. A number of archaeological sites have been found in Amritsar and other parts of Punjab. The history of Amritsar in the Vedic period was marked by the existence of a number of Sages and Saints and the legend of Ramayana, which considers the area to be the venue of Rishi Balmikis ashram and the birth place of Lavh and Kush.

The history of Amritsar points out at Greek influence on the region around 326 B.C. when the area came under the control of Alexander. With the defeat of the Greeks, the Mauryas annexed Amritsar, making it a part of their Empire. From the 4th century to the 6th century the history of Amritsar came to be linked with the history of the Gupta Empire. After a short period of rule by the Shahi Dynasty, the area came under the control of Sultan Mahmood of Ghazni. Amritsar's notable history is inter-linked with the birth and growth of Sikhism and the establishment of the Golden Temple starting in the 1500's. Amritsar, which means "Pool of Nectar", derives its name from the Amrit Sarovar, the holy tank that surrounds the Golden Temple.

It was from the 16th Century that the history of Amritsar came to be linked with the Sikh Gurus and their teachings. Sikh Sri Guru Ram Das and his successor Sri Guru Arjan Dev went on to create The Harimandir Sahib temple (also nkown as the Golden Temple) around a small pool that had healing powers. Slowly with people settling around the temple a town grew up. Over the years Amritsar underwent various historical developments and went on to fortified by Guru Gobind Singh. The history of Amritsar during India's Freedom Movement is a story of bloody struggles.

Otherwise like most small and crowded Indian cities, Amritsar is an important destination given the presence of the Golden Temple. However, there is more than just the temple for visitors. Amritsar played an important role in India's freedom. Jallianwala Bagh is the site of the Amritsar Massacre of unarmed Indians by British troops in 1919. In addition, the Indo-Pakistan border at Wagah, just a short distance from Amritsar, with its elaborate change-of-guards drill at the evening gate closing has become a major tourist attraction.

A trip to Amritsar will give you an opportunity to explore the authentic beauties of the past as well as the present. Book your cheap flights to Amritsar with Oceans Travel and experience the colourful traditions and values of India. With regular flights from Birmingham to Amritsar, London Heathrow to Amritsar and all other major UK airports you will find a fantastic deal. Popular flights such as Air India, Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkmenistan Airlines and Uzbekistan Airways fly to Amritsar. Don't miss out and book your cheap ticket to Amritsar with Oceans Travel.