Pun: ਪਟਿਆਲਾ paṭiālā
‘Land of Ala Singh’ – City/District, Punjab
From Pun: pati, ‘lord, chief’ or pattí , a strip, share or division of land; and Ala (Singh).
Patiala is one of Punjab’s most historic cities, known for its royal heritage.
The city was founded in the 18th century by Baba Ala Singh, a Sikh chieftain who established the Patiala princely state in 1763.
Under successive rulers, Patiala became a major power in Punjab, aligning with the British during the Anglo-Sikh Wars and maintaining semi-autonomous status until Indian independence in 1947.
Patiala is famous for its grand palaces and forts, including:Qila Mubarak, the original royal residence, and Moti Bagh Palace, a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
The city is also a center of Punjabi culture, known for the Patiala Gharana of classical music, the Patiala salwar (a style of pleated trousers), and the Patiala peg, a term for a generous measure of whisky.
Patiala’s educational institutions, such as Punjabi University and Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, make it a center of learning in Punjab.
The city also has a strong sporting tradition, with the National Institute of Sports (NIS) training many of India’s top athletes.
For related place names see Indian Place names and Punjab place names.