Malerkotla to be Punjab's 23rd district

Context

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh announced the creation of a new district of Malerkotla, carving the state’s only Muslim-majority town from Sangrur district.

About the newly created district of Punjab

• Punjab had 13 districts at Independence.
• Malerkotla is the newest district in the state.
  • The 23rd district holds huge historical significance.
  • Significance: The new district will ease hardships of people in dealing with administrative problems. 

Historical background

• Malerkotla was established in 1454 by Sheikh Sadruddin-i-Jahan from Afghanistan.
  • Subsequently the State of Malerkotla was established in 1657 by Bayazid Khan.
• Malerkotla continued under the British protection and the alliance with the neighbouring Sikh states
• In 1947, it became the only Muslim majority Sikh state in East Punjab.
• After the dissolution of the princely states in 1948, Malerkotla joined the new state of PEPSU or Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU).
• PEPSU itself was dissolved in 1954 and during the reorganisation of states in 1956, Malerkotla became a part of Punjab.
• Sikhs, revered Sher Mohammed Khan, former Nawab of Malerkotla, who protested against the inhuman act of torture and bricking alive of younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, by the then governor of Sirhind Wazir Khan. 
• Malerkotla remained largely peaceful during the Partition in 1947, which saw communal clashes and large-scale migration of people across the India-Pakistan border.
• The town is also blessed by Sufi saint Baba Haider Sheikh and his “dargah” that exists there.