Chandigarh is one of the Top Cities in India. Serving as a Capital City of Punjab Haryana, it is also one of nine Union territories of the Country. Chandigarh has a GDP of more than 6,195.8 million US Dollars, making it one of the most prosperous cities. Apart from its economy, it is also famous for Tourism, Educational Institutes, Museums, Architecture, Bird Park, and greenery. Located at the foothills of Shivalik Range, It is a few km away from famous hill stations such as Shimla, Kasauli, and Dharampur.
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Symbols of Chandigarh
History-
In 1947, British Colonised India got Independence from the Britishers and became a democratic country. But, on the same day, the Partition of British India happened, resulting in the most deadliest and horrific mass migration in human history. It also resulted in the formation of two countries- India and Pakistan. Lakhs of people were killed, Thousands of Women were raped and people started fighting in the name of religion. Unfortunately, Punjab was the most affected Province in this Partition. Most of the Areas of Punjab came under the control of Pakistan, Including Lahore, the Capital City of Punjab. For some time, Shimla served as the official capital of Punjab. But due to the hilly geographic location of Shimla, there was a need for the Capital. So, PM Jawaharlal Nehru ordered to carve out, new capital city, out of fifty Villages of Punjab.
Planning and Architecture-
Back in the 1950s, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru termed Chandigarh his dream city. As, we have mentioned earlier, after the partition in 1947, there was a need for a Capital city for the state of Punjab. Lahore, then Capital city, became a part of Pakistan. So, the government was looking for a new capital city for Punjab. PM Nehru wanted to create a new modern architecture-inspired city for Punjab. Therefore, he started approaching famous and talented Architects around the World.
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Albert Mayer and Mathew Novicki –
His search came down when American architects Albert Mayer and Mathew Novicki agreed to design the city in 1949. Unfortunately, Mathew Novicki died, a few months after their deal to design the city. Albert couldn’t bear the unfortunate death of his friend, Novicki, so he declined to design the remaining work. The search for new architects was started in 1950, due to Nehru’s immediate orders.
Le Corbusier-
Le Corbusier’s History-
Then came, Le Corbusier, a swiss- French architect. Born in Switzerland, in 1887, Corbusier is one of the best architects of modern architecture. Fascist and Nazi Ideology strongly influenced his architectural Works. Henceforth, he also has to resist much criticism for his architectural inspiration. In 1930, he became a citizen of France and designed many iconic buildings all over the world. Countries like, America, Europe, India, and Japan have some of their greatest architectural designs.
Le Corbusier’s in India-
In 1951, Corbusier started working on the designs and planning by seeking help from Novicki’s unfinished Designs. Moreover, Pierre Jeanneret, Maxwell Fry, and Jane B. Drew were some of his co-architects, who also have a big part to plan Chandigarh.
Although, Chandigarh had to undergo many problems in its design and Planning. But, now, it is on the list of one of the Top urban cities of India. To witness the architecture of the city, many students and professionals, from all over the world, visit Chandigarh. Moreover, To honor Le Corbusier’s contribution to the development of this city. The Government of India has turned his house into a museum, which is now known as Le Corbusier’s Centre. It is located in Sector 19B of Chandigarh.
Etymology of Chandigarh-
The name Chandigarh is composed of two words- Chandi ( refers to Hindu Goddess ) and Garh (fortress). Chandi Mandir, the Hindu temple, located near the city in Panchkula District is the source of origin of the name Chandigarh.
Geography-
Location-
With the geographic coordinates of 30.74 N 76.79 E, Chandigarh is located by the foothills of Shivalik Mountainous range of Himalayas in north India. With an approx. area of 114 km2 and average elevation of 321 meters, it shares a border with the Punjab and Haryana. Moreover, it is joint capital of two states – Punjab and Haryana. Chandigarh lye on the flat and plain area of fertile land. However, now-a-days, the developed area of Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula, forms a new city collective name, known as the Tri- City.
Climate-
On average, Chandigarh has a humid subtropical Climate. It experiences seasonal rainfall, hot summers, and cold winters. It means you can experience all seasons in One year, here, in Chandigarh. keeping this aside, the following seasons came into effect in their respective time-
| Sr. No | Seasons | Period | Maximum Temperature | Minimum Temperature |
| 1. | Spring | February end to early April | 13 to 20° C | 5 to 12°C |
| 2. | Autumn | September end to mid-November | 10 to 22°C | 6°C |
| 3. | Summer | Mid-April to June end | 38 to 42°C | 34 to 36°C |
| 4. | Monsoon | Early July to Mid-September | 28 to 35°C | 26°C |
| 5. | Winter | November end to February end | 5 to 14°C | -1 to 5°C |
Demographics-
Population-
Currently, the Population of Chandigarh stands at 1,191,000 with a growth rate of 1.88%. According to United Nations – World Population Prospects, this is the yearly Population data from 2000 to 2022.
| Years | Population | Growth Rate |
| 2022 | 1,191,000 | 1.88% |
| 2021 | 1,169,000 | 1.83% |
| 2020 | 1,148,000 | 1.68% |
| 2019 | 1,129,000 | 1.71% |
| 2018 | 1,110,000 | 1.83% |
| 2017 | 1,090,000 | 1.87% |
| 2016 | 1,070,000 | 1.81% |
| 2015 | 1,051,000 | 1.84% |
| 2014 | 1,032,000 | 1.88% |
| 2013 | 1,013,000 | 1.81% |
| 2012 | 995,000 | 1.84% |
| 2011 | 977,000 | 1.88% |
| 2010 | 959,000 | 1.80% |
| 2009 | 942,000 | 1.95% |
| 2008 | 924,000 | 1.76% |
| 2007 | 908,000 | 1.91% |
| 2006 | 891,000 | 1.83% |
| 2005 | 875,000 | 1.86% |
| 2004 | 859,000 | 1.78% |
| 2003 | 844,000 | 1.93% |
| 2002 | 828,000 | 1.85% |
| 2001 | 813,000 | 2.91% |
| 2000 | 790,000 | 3.40% |
| 1999 | 764,000 | 3.38% |
| 1998 | 739,000 | 3.50% |
| 1997 | 714,000 | 3.48% |
| 1996 | 690,000 | 3.45% |
| 1995 | 667,000 | 3.41% |
| 1994 | 645,000 | 3.53% |
| 1993 | 623,000 | 3.32% |
| 1992 | 603,000 | 3.61% |
| 1991 | 582,000 | 3.19% |
| 1990 | 564,000 | 3.11% |
| 1989 | 547,000 | 3.21% |
| 1988 | 530,000 | 3.11% |
| 1987 | 514,000 | 3.01% |
| 1986 | 499,000 | 3.31% |
| 1985 | 483,000 | 2.99% |
| 1984 | 469,000 | 3.30% |
| 1983 | 454,000 | 2.95% |
| 1982 | 441,000 | 3.28% |
| 1981 | 427,000 | 5.17% |
| 1980 | 406,000 | 6.01% |
| 1979 | 383,000 | 6.39% |
| 1978 | 360,000 | 6.19% |
| 1977 | 339,000 | 6.27% |
| 1976 | 319,000 | 5.98% |
| 1975 | 301,000 | 6.36% |
| 1974 | 283,000 | 5.99% |
| 1973 | 267,000 | 6.37% |
| 1972 | 251,000 | 6.36% |
| 1971 | 236,000 | 7.76% |
| 1970 | 219,000 | 8.96% |
| 1969 | 201,000 | 8.65% |
| 1968 | 185,000 | 8.82% |
| 1967 | 170,000 | 8.97% |
| 1966 | 156,000 | 9.09% |
| 1965 | 143,000 | 8.33% |
| 1964 | 132,000 | 9.09% |
| 1963 | 121,000 | 9.01% |
| 1962 | 111,000 | 8.82% |
| 1961 | 102,000 | 8.51% |
| 1960 | 94,000 | 9.30% |
| 1959 | 86,000 | 8.86% |
| 1958 | 79,000 | 8.22% |
| 1957 | 73,000 | 8.96% |
| 1956 | 67,000 | 9.84% |
| 1955 | 61,000 | 8.93% |
| 1954 | 56,000 | 7.69% |
| 1953 | 52,000 | 8.33% |
| 1952 | 48,000 | 9.09% |
Other Ratios-
Sex Ratio– 818 females for every 1,000 males
Child sex ratio – 880 females per thousand males
Literacy Rate – 86.77 %
Male Population – 55%
Female Population- 45%
Economy-
Chandigarh, is often, make its place in the list of wealthiest Cities of India. Moreover, Chandigarh is also the third- largest deposit Centre and Seventh Largest Credit Centre, according to the reports of 2012 RBI Reports. Currently, the GDP of Chandigarh stands at the US$ 4.8 Billion, which makes it one of the richest towns of the country.
Employment-
Most of the people in Chandigarh either work under the government or retired from their government Job. Due to this, Chandigarh is also knowns as Pensioner’s Paradise.
However, the main source of employment is Business and trade. Moreover, PGIMER, The Punjab and Haryana High Court, IT Park and more than 100 Schools are another sources of Jobs.
IT Park of Chandigarh is providing thousands of Jobs to many professionals and is on a way to become a major IT Town of the Country. In addition, many Big MNCs like Infosys, Dell, EVRY, AIRTEL, DLF and many more have set up their offices in the city. This boom in IT sector is providing many Job Opportunities to Citizens.
Furthermore, start-Ups are rising at a great Level in Chandigarh, which made Digital Marketing, Content Writing good career options in the city.
Language-
Most of the population speaks Hindi, while Punjabi, and English are other major Languages in the city.
Religion-
Hinduism is the most followed religion in the city with 80.78%. After that, Sikhism comes with 13.11% and Islam at 4.87%. However, the remaining ones are Christians, Buddhists, and Jains are counted as minorities.
Ecology-
Chandigarh is known for its greenery and ecology. Moreover, The City has reserved forests area in many parts which sustain the life of many wildlife animals and Plants. Moreover, most of the city is covered by banyan, eucalyptus, Asoka, Cassia, and mulberry Plantations.
IT Park of Chandigarh is providing thousands of Jobs to many professionals and is on a way to become a major IT Town of the Country. In addition, many Big MNCs like Infosys, Dell, EVRY, AIRTEL, DLF and many more have set up their offices in the city.
Chandigarh Transport-
Road-
Wide and well-Maintained Roads have made Chandigarh, the Largest Number of Vehicles per person in the country. Furthermore, the Public Bus Transport of Chandigarh is one of the most advanced systems in the country. In addition, many CNG Buses are also working to reduce Pollution. Another Fact, is, that Government employees and students studying in government Institutes get a bus pass.
Rail-
Chandigarh railway Station is linked with all of the major regions of the country.
Air-
Chandigarh Airport, recently, has been reconstructed to start international Flights.
Education-
There are many Educational Institutes in the city which are providing quality education to students. These Institutes Includes Panjab University, PGIMER, NITTTER, Punjab Engineering College, and DAV College.
Apart from universities and colleges, there are also more than 110 Schools, including Delhi Public School, St. Stephen’s School, Carmel Convent School, St. Kabir Public School, and Government Model Senior Secondary School.
Chandigarh Tourism-
Apart from other things, Chandigarh is also famous for its many tourist attractions. Main tourist attractions are-
- Sukhna lake
- Zakir Hussain Rose Garden
- Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary
- Open Hand Monument
- Chandigarh Capitol Complex
- Secretariat Building
- Open hand Monument
- Bird Park
- Le Corbusier Centre
- The Government museum and art gallery
- Nexus Mall
- Gandhi Bhawan
- Japanese Garden
- Chandigarh Sector 17
Frequently Asked Questions-
Q-1. Who designed the city of Chandigarh?
Ans- Le Corbusier, a swiss- French architect, Born in Switzerland, in 1887, designed Chandigarh City. In 1951, Corbusier started working on the designs and planning by seeking help from Novicki’s unfinished Designs.
Q-2. How is Chandigarh City? What kind of people live there?
Ans- Serving as a Capital City of Punjab Haryana, it is also one of nine Union territories of the Country. Chandigarh has a GDP of more than 6,195.8 million US Dollars, making it one of the most prosperous cities.
Q-3. Which is the best taxi and cab service in Chandigarh?
Ans- Although there are many Best Taxi and Cab services, but HiWay Cabs, Mahajan Travels, and Fast Cab Taxi Services are best Taxi and Cab Service in Chandigarh with assured safety and reasonable Prices. Moreover, If you want to travel few Kms, you can also use Uber and Ola Services.
Q-4. What things can be improved in Chandigarh region? and How?
Ans- Honestly, Chandigarh is a well-made and Planned City. But in monsoons and rainy weather, Water Logging is a serious issue in the City. Most of the roads fill with water during rain and it acts as a major barrier to people’s work. Government should really think about this, as soon as possible.
Q-5. What are the Chandigarh Weather Conditions?
Ans- On average, Chandigarh has a humid subtropical Climate. It experiences seasonal rainfall, hot summers, and cold winters. It means you can experience all seasons in One year, here, in Chandigarh.
Q-6. How is Chandigarh Transport? and what do people use for transportation?
Ans- Chandigarh has Transport Buses, a Railway station, and an Airport on the Outskirt of the City. However, Wide and well-Maintained Roads have made Chandigarh, the Largest Number of Vehicles per person in the country. Furthermore, the Public Bus Transport of Chandigarh is one of the most advanced systems in the country.
Q-7. What is the Pincode of Chandigarh?
Ans- 160017 is the Pincode of Chandigarh City, Serving as a Capital City of Punjab Haryana, it is also one of nine Union territories of the Country.
Q-8. What is the Chandigarh distance from Dehradun?
Ans– It is a distance of 230 Kilometres from Dehradun to Chandigarh.
Q-9. What is the Chandigarh Population in 2022?
Ans- Currently, the Population of Chandigarh stands at 1,191,000 with a growth rate of 1.88% in 2022.
Q-10. When was Chandigarh Established?
Ans- Chandigarh City was established in 1953 by PM Jawaharlal Nehru as a new Capital of Punjab. Moreover, Regarded as Nehru’s Dream City, Chandigarh was planned and Designed by Le Corbusier, a swiss-french Architect.
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