Chandigarh is an Indian city, district, and union territory that acts as the capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana. The area, which is roughly 165 miles (265 kilometres) from New Delhi in the north, is bordered on the east by Haryana and on the west by Punjab.
Chandigarh was one of the first planned towns in post-independence India, and its architecture and urban planning are renowned worldwide. The town has one of the highest per capita incomes in the country. The Index for Human Development is amongst the highest worldwide. The governor of Punjab, assisted by a senior official, is in charge of the Chandigarh administration.
History of Chandigarh
Prior to independence, Lahore has been the capital of Punjab. Punjab, however, required a distinct capital following independence in 1947, and Chandigarh was born as a result.
In 1948, the Indian government chose Chandigarh over Amritsar, Jalandhar, Shimla, Ambala, Ludhiana, Phillaur, and Karnal after considering various choices.
The renowned architect of France, Le Corbusier, designed Chandigarh, India’s first honourable Prime Minister, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru’s ideal city.
The City and Territory
Chandigarh encompasses more than half of the union area, thanks to its infrastructure and low population density. It is made up of over 50 rectangular sectors that are connected by large streets that transport the city’s fast-moving arterial traffic. The city’s major government buildings are located in the northern section. The industrial areas are towards the southeast, divided by the mango-tree-lined greenbelt from the residential region. Ceramic plumbing and fittings, medicines, electrical appliances, and electronics are among the main factories in this town. The prevalence of the region’s population is centred in the southern sector.
Chandigarh University
Chandigarh, considered the pinnacle of cultural legacy and urbanisation, is the inspiration for the university’s name. CU is engaged in world-class research with excellent results in the current research excellence framework. The university offers a vibrant academic community that includes professors from major universities worldwide. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, CU has the highest student satisfaction rate at 85%. Through connections with more than 312 top-ranked institutions worldwide, Chandigarh University offers a global perspective to provide learners with international learning opportunities. As a result, CU has a global, welcoming, and inclusive environment.
Historical Facts About Chandigarh
Open Hand Monument is the official symbol
The architect Le Corbusier’s fundamental vision has been the Open Hand Monument, the symbol edifice of peace. The metal emblem, which stands 26 metres tall, denotes “to give and to offer”. The Hand Structure, interestingly, spins in the direction of wind flow.
The Design of France
Le Corbusier, a French architect, designed the city’s primary structures. However, it is considered a continuation of an older design by Albert Mayor, an American architect.
Named after Goddess Chandi
Chandigarh’s name comes from the Chandi Devi Temple, a Hindu shrine devoted to the deity Chandi, who is considered the goddess of power.
There are no statues
The city is well known as the “City of Roundabouts’ ‘, since there are roundabouts decked with plants and flowers every few metres along the road, adding kilometres to the attractiveness. And, as Le Corbusier stipulated, neither statues or sculptures of any type may be seen in any of Chandigarh’s parks or roundabouts.
Conclusion
Because of its ecologically responsible urban landscapes and infrastructure, Chandigarh is known as ‘The City Beautiful’. Also, the Chandigarh administration runs systematically. The pedestrian-friendly roadways, non-traffic zones, and lush green surroundings will make you fall in love with this city.