Are you looking for a unique and offbeat destination in India that will take you back in time and enrich your knowledge and appreciation of the country’s rich heritage? If yes, then you should definitely consider visiting Fatehabad, a historical and cultural gem of Haryana that has many attractions for tourists. Fatehabad is one of the oldest towns in India that has witnessed many glorious and turbulent events in the past.
It has many monuments of historical and religious significance that showcase the diversity and legacy of the various dynasties that ruled over it. Fatehabad is also famous for its handicrafts and handloom products that reflect the local art and craftsmanship.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Fatehabad, from its history to its places of interest to its accessibility. Read on to discover why Fatehabad should be on your bucket list of travel destinations in India.
History of Fatehabad
Fatehabad derives its name from the founder of the Mughal Empire, Babur’s grandson, Fateh Khan, who was the governor of the town in the 16th century. However, the history of Fatehabad goes back much further than that. Fatehabad was a part of the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the oldest and most advanced civilizations in the world. It was later ruled by various dynasties such as the Mauryas, Kushans, Guptas, Rajputs, Mughals, Sikhs, and British. Fatehabad has seen many wars and revolutions that have shaped its destiny and left their mark on its landscape and culture.
Indus Valley Civilization
Fatehabad was a part of the Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, that flourished from 2500 BC to 1750 BC. The Indus Valley Civilization was known for its urban planning, trade, agriculture, art, and technology. One of the prominent sites that reveal the Harappan culture and lifestyle in Fatehabad is the Banawali Mound.
The Banawali Mound is an archaeological site that was excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1973. The site has revealed the remains of a fortified town with houses, streets, drains, wells, granaries, pottery, seals, beads, terracotta figurines, etc.
The site also has evidence of barley cultivation, which is considered to be the earliest in India. The Banawali Mound is a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient history and archaeology.
Medieval Period
Fatehabad entered the medieval period around the 8th century AD when it was ruled by the Rajput clans such as the Tomars, Chauhans, Rathores, etc. One of the most famous Rajput rulers of Fatehabad was Prithviraj Chauhan, who is considered to be the last Hindu king of India.
Prithviraj Chauhan fought against the invading Muslim armies led by Muhammad Ghori in the 12th century and defeated him several times before being captured and killed. Prithviraj Chauhan’s heroism and romance with Princess Sanyogita are immortalized in many legends and poems.
Fatehabad came under the control of the Turks in the 13th century when Qutub-ud-din Aibak established the Delhi Sultanate. One of the most notable Turkish rulers who left his mark on Fatehabad was Firoz Shah Tughlaq, who built many mosques, forts, canals, and roads in his reign.
One of his most remarkable monuments in Fatehabad is the Lat ki Masjid, which means “the mosque with a pillar”. The Lat ki Masjid is a 14th century mosque that has a distinctive pillar (lat) in its courtyard. The pillar is believed to be either a sundial or an astronomical instrument that was used to measure time and celestial movements. The Lat ki Masjid is an example of the fusion of Hindu and Islamic architecture and art.
Fatehabad became a part of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century when Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi at the Battle of Panipat in 1526. One of Babur’s grandsons, Humayun, built a mosque in Fatehabad during his exile from Delhi after being defeated by Sher Shah Suri. The Humayun Mosque is one of the oldest surviving structures in Fatehabad that showcases the elegance and simplicity of Mughal architecture. The Humayun Mosque has a large dome, arched entrances, ornamental niches, and inscriptions from the Quran.
Fatehabad also played a role in the rise of the Sikh Empire in the 18th century. Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last Sikh guru, visited Fatehabad in 1705 and stayed at a place called Gurudwara Patshahi Dasvin. Guru Gobind Singh was the founder of the Khalsa, the Sikh warrior community, and the author of the Dasam Granth, a collection of religious and secular writings. Guru Gobind Singh’s visit to Fatehabad is commemorated by a shrine that attracts many Sikh pilgrims.
Modern Period
Fatehabad became a part of British India in the 19th century after the British defeated the Sikhs in the Anglo-Sikh wars. Fatehabad witnessed some of the events of the First War of Independence in 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny or the Indian Rebellion. Some of the local leaders who participated in the uprising against the British were Rao Tula Ram, Nawab Ahmed Ali Khan, and Rani Lakshmi Bai. Fatehabad also saw some social and economic changes during the British rule such as the introduction of railways, irrigation, education, etc.
Fatehabad became a part of independent India in 1947 after the partition of India and Pakistan. Fatehabad was initially a part of Punjab state but later became a part of Haryana state when it was carved out of Punjab in 1966. Fatehabad has since developed into a modern town with industries, agriculture, education, health, etc. Fatehabad is also known for its handicrafts and handloom products such as durries, shawls, carpets, etc. that are made by the local artisans and weavers.
Places to Visit in Fatehabad
Fatehabad has many places of interest for tourists that showcase its historical and religious significance. Here are some of the attractions that you should not miss when you visit Fatehabad:
Agroha Dham
Agroha Dham is a religious and historical site that houses a temple dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi and a museum that displays artifacts from the ancient Agroha city. Agroha Dham is located about 20 km from Fatehabad on the Hisar road. Agroha Dham is considered to be the birthplace of Maharaja Agrasen, the legendary king and founder of the Agrawal community. According to legend, Maharaja Agrasen established a city called Agroha that was divided into 18 sectors, each inhabited by a different clan of traders.
The city was prosperous and peaceful until it was destroyed by a flood. Agroha Dham is visited by lakhs of pilgrims every year during the Agroha Maha Kumbh festival that is held on Sharad Purnima (full moon day in October-November). The festival celebrates the unity and brotherhood of the Agrawal community and also promotes social welfare and harmony.
Humayun Mosque
Humayun Mosque is a 16th century mosque built by the Mughal emperor Humayun during his exile from Delhi after being defeated by Sher Shah Suri. Humayun Mosque is located about 5 km from Fatehabad on the Ratia road. Humayun Mosque is one of the oldest surviving structures in Fatehabad that showcases the elegance and simplicity of Mughal architecture.
The mosque has a large dome, arched entrances, ornamental niches, and inscriptions from the Quran. The mosque is also surrounded by a garden and a pond that add to its beauty and serenity.
Lat ki Masjid
Lat ki Masjid is a 14th century mosque built by Firoz Shah Tughlaq that has a distinctive pillar (lat) in its courtyard. Lat ki Masjid is located about 3 km from Fatehabad on the Tohana road. Lat ki Masjid is an example of the fusion of Hindu and Islamic architecture and art.
The mosque is built with red sandstone and has a square plan with four minarets at each corner. The pillar (lat) is made of iron and has a height of about 13 meters. The pillar is believed to be either a sundial or an astronomical instrument that was used to measure time and celestial movements. The pillar also has some inscriptions in Sanskrit and Arabic that mention its origin and purpose.
Balaji Temple
Balaji Temple is a popular temple dedicated to Lord Balaji, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Balaji Temple is located about 40 km from Fatehabad on the Jakhal road. Balaji Temple attracts devotees from all over India who come to seek blessings and miracles from the deity.
The temple has a black stone idol of Lord Balaji that is adorned with gold ornaments. The temple also has a pond where devotees take a dip to cleanse their sins and diseases. The temple also hosts various festivals and rituals throughout the year such as Janmashtami, Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, etc.
You may also like to check out: Unearth the Length and Breadth of Fatehpur Sikri
How to Reach Fatehabad
Fatehabad is well connected by road, rail, and air to major cities in Haryana and neighboring states. Here are some of the ways to reach Fatehabad:
By Road
Fatehabad is located on the National Highway 9 that connects Delhi to Mumbai. It is also connected by state highways to other cities in Haryana such as Hisar, Sirsa, Rohtak, etc. There are regular buses and taxis available from these cities to Fatehabad. The distance and duration from some of the nearby cities are as follows:
Delhi: 215 km, 4 hours
Chandigarh: 250 km, 5 hours
Hisar: 65 km, 1.5 hours
Sirsa: 75 km, 1.5 hours
Rohtak: 140 km, 3 hours
By Rail
The nearest railway station to Fatehabad is Hisar, which is about 65 km away. Hisar is a major junction that connects to various cities in India such as Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, etc. There are frequent trains available from these cities to Hisar. From Hisar, one can take a bus or a taxi to Fatehabad.
By Air
The nearest airport to Fatehabad is Chandigarh international airport, which is about 250 km away. It connects to various domestic and international destinations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Dubai, Singapore, etc. There are regular flights available from these cities to Chandigarh. From Chandigarh, one can take a bus or a taxi to Fatehabad.
Also read: Trailing The Origins Of Indus Valley Civilization
Fatehabad is a historical and cultural gem of Haryana that offers a unique and enriching experience for tourists. Fatehabad has many attractions that showcase its ancient and medieval heritage and its religious diversity. It is also famous for its handicrafts and handloom products that reflect the local art and craftsmanship.
Fatehabad is a perfect destination for anyone who wants to explore the hidden treasures of India and learn more about its glorious past and vibrant present.
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