Jagraon is a sub-division (Tehsil) of Ludhiana district, a city of Punjab, which is more than five centuries old. The city's original name was "Jagar aon", which means 'a place of great flooding', although this flooding has since ceased. Jagraon is located at almost the center of Punjab state, only 16 kilometers from the River Satluj. The society, like much of Punjab, is basically agrarian. Jagraon is also Headquarters of one of the Police Districts of Punjab.
Historical Significance
The town was named after a Rajput Jirga or council, who were charged with the growth of the town and were probably known as the Rai’s representatives. About 3 kilometres north of Jagraon on the West of the Sidhwan Road is situated a mound of some dimensions. It is called Solah and marks the site of an old village. It was here in 1802 that young Rai Alias met his death in the hunting field. Under the Ranis, who succeeded him, Ahmed Gujjar, the thanedar or the local representative tried to assert his independence. He was, however, expelled with the help of the ruler of Patiala. In 1806 – 8 Maharaja Ranjit Singh deprived the Ranis of their possessions. The country around Jagraon passed into the hands of the Ahluwalia (Kapurthala) chief. Under him the town became the headquarters of the Ilaqa or territory. The mud fort of the Rais was improved. The town of Jagraon passed into British possession with the rest of the Cis-Satluj territory after the first Anglo-sikh War, 1846, when the fort was demolished.
Lape Shah – The small mausoleum of Lape Shah stands in the heart of the town. On one of the walls there is a painting of a camel and a dog. The legend has it that, led by the dog, the camel went round the town with a pot hung from the neck. Votaries of the Pir would put the food in the pot, which was brought by the animal to the master. The Pir is said to have himself laid out the streets of Jagraon. Every Thursday a fair is held there and both Hindus and Mohammadans offer alms and light earthen lamps filled with sarson oil. Lape Shah had said that jargon would be destroyed by floods. Accordingly the people still become panicky on even a slight indication of flood at the place.
Patriotic Significance
Jagraon is a historic city of Lala Lajpat Rai, who fought for the independence of our country was a resident of this city. The house where he stayed and made plans for the Govt. of Punjab has maintained the independence struggle as a museum. This city now has a Library and a college in the memory of Lala Lajpat Rai and a statue of Lala ji has been installed in the park opposite Municipal Council building. Jagraon is an important religious center for the Sikhs, the Muslims as well as the Jain community. Gurudwara Nanaksar Sahib is one of the important places of worship for the Sikhs. Gurudwara Mehdiana Sahib is known for its unique depiction of scenes from Sikh history, especially those of so called "atrocities" committed on Sikhs by the Muslim rulers, in the form of life-sized statues. The Muslim places of worship include the famous 'Khan gah' and the mausoleum of Mai Jeena, where a three day annual fair, called 'Roshni Mela' is held every spring.
Religious Significance
Jagraon may be said to be a town of Pirs. The graves of some notable Pirs, such as Mohkam Din, Bandli Shah, Kheve Shah, Chup Shah and Zahir Wali Shah are situated there and merit description.
The Jain temple is one of the most holy places for the Jain community in the region. The temple has peaceful ambience and lush green gardens which attracts pilgrims for the annual 'Diksha Mahotsav' in the third week of March. The old walled city, with its four gates is known locally for its Moghal period architecture. Even the local market within the walled city is known as 'Anarkali Bazaar', after the seat of beauty at emperor Akbar's court.
Jagraon future expansion
The city's major industry, besides agriculture, is rice shelling, with more than 100 shellers operating. Jagraon is also Asia's second largest grain collector after Khanna (also in district Ludhiana, Punjab) Jagraon hosts the Second largest Animal Market of Punjab, after Vallah, near Amritsar. The site for the proposed Greenfield International Airport to be made operational by 2010, is 16 kilometers from the city center. The cluster of educational institutions and colleges at Sidhwan, 7 kilometers from Jagraon, (in which the College of Law is the latest addition), is a center for professional and vocational education for women in the state.
Location
Jagraon is connected by Rail and Road. It is located at the junction of National Highways No. 95 and 71. The nearest airports are: Halwara (16 km), Sahnewal (45 km) and Adampur (70 km). The nearest International Ports are Guru Ram Das International Airport, Rajasansi (150 km), Wagha Landport (Border with Pakistan) (162 km) and Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi (360 km).