Jalandhar

Jalandhar, city, north-central Punjab state, northwestern India. It lies on a level plain about 20 miles (32 km) east of the Beas River.

Jalandhar is an ancient city. In the 7th century ce it was the capital of a Rajput kingdom. The third largest city in the state, it is an important rail and road junction and a trade centre for agricultural products. Its industries include manufacturing, tanning, weaving, and carpentry in addition to a large sporting-goods industry. Jalandhar is surrounded by several suburbs and has a large cantonment to the south and an airfield 9 miles (14 km) to the east. It has colleges affiliated with Guru Nanak Dev University and several state government offices. Jalandhar’s surrounding area is on a level, fertile alluvial plain, most of which is under cultivation. Principal crops are wheat, corn (maize), cotton, sugarcane, and gram (chickpeas). Pop. (2001) 706,043; (2011) 862,886.