Punjab Facts for Kids

Punjab is a special region in South Asia. It stretches across parts of what is now Pakistan and India. The name "Punjab" means "Land of Five Rivers" in Persian. These rivers are the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas. This area has a very rich history and culture.

Today, the Punjab region is divided between two countries:

Punjab (India): This is a state in the northern part of India.
Punjab (Pakistan): This is a large province in eastern Pakistan.

A Look at the Punjab Region
- The Land of Five Rivers
Punjab Through History
- British India and the Partition
  - West Punjab and East Punjab
- Former States and Provinces
See also
Images for kids
See also

A Look at the Punjab Region

The Punjab region is famous for its fertile lands. This makes it a great place for farming. Many different groups of people have lived here over thousands of years. They have all added to its unique culture. The region is known for its vibrant music, dance, and food.

The Land of Five Rivers

The five rivers that give Punjab its name are very important. They flow through the region, providing water for farms and cities. These rivers have shaped the landscape and the lives of the people. They have also played a big role in the region's history.

Punjab Through History

The Punjab region has seen many empires and rulers. It was a key area for trade and travel. Because of its location, many different cultures met and mixed here. This long history makes Punjab a fascinating place.

British India and the Partition

For a long time, the Punjab region was part of British India. This was when the British ruled over a large part of South Asia. In 1947, British India gained independence. It was then divided into two new countries: India and Pakistan.

This division was called the Partition of India. It split the Punjab region into two parts. The western part became Punjab (Pakistan). The eastern part became Punjab (India). This event changed the lives of millions of people.

West Punjab and East Punjab

After the Partition, the part of Punjab that joined Pakistan was called West Punjab. The part that joined India was called East Punjab. Later, East Punjab was reorganized into the modern Indian state of Punjab.

Former States and Provinces

Before the current division, there were other parts of Punjab. These included:

Punjab (British India): This was a large province under British rule.
Punjab Hill States agency: This was a group of smaller states in the hills.
Patiala and East Punjab States Union: This was a state in India formed after independence.