PATIALA

city, administrative headquarters of Patiala district, Punjab state, northwestern India. The city lies on a major rail line, as well as on a branch of the Sirhind Canal. Founded in 1763 as the capital of the princely state of Patiala, it is a trade and industrial centre; weaving, cotton ginning, distilling, and manufacturing are among its industries. Punjabi University (established 1962) and 13 affiliated colleges are located in the city, as are an old fort and a modern sports stadium. Patiala district, 1,752 sq mi (4,538 sq km) in area, is a dry region watered only by a few cos (seasonal streams). Wheat, cotton, corn (maize), and gram (a legume) are the chief crops grown. The princely state of Patiala, of which the present district was a part, was the most important in the Punjab. It merged with independent India in 1948, and the district became part of the reorganized Punjab state in 1966. Besides Patiala, other important towns are Nabha, Samana, and Rajpura. Pop. (1981) city, 205,141; metropolitan area, 206,144; district, 1,568,898.