Amritsar lies in Punjab’s Majha region and borders Pakistan. It is known for Sri Harmandir Sahib, Jallianwala Bagh and the Attari border crossing. Farming, trade and religious tourism support its economy. Cross-border drug and weapons trafficking is a major challenge, requiring both security and treatment responses. In May 2026, Punjab notified Amritsar as a holy city. The district also faces flood risks along the Ravi.
Timeline: Amritsar in 6 stops
- 16th centuryCity foundedFounded
Guru Ram Das founded the city as Ramdaspur.
- 1604Sacred scriptureInstalled
Guru Arjan Dev placed the Adi Granth in Sri Harmandir Sahib.
- Apr 1919Freedom struggleMassacre
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place on Vaisakhi under Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer.
- 1969Higher educationUniversity
Guru Nanak Dev University was established in Amritsar.
- Aug–Sept 2025Border floodsFlood
The Ravi flooded border villages in the Ajnala area.
- May 2026State notificationHoly city
Punjab notified Amritsar as a holy city.
Know your district
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Amritsar |
| Region | Majha |
| Rivers and terrain | The Ravi flows along part of the border; the Beas runs along the south-east edge. |
| Border | Pakistan |
| Known for | Sri Harmandir Sahib, Jallianwala Bagh and the Attari border crossing. |
| Famous personalities | Guru Ram Das, founder of Ramdaspur, and Guru Arjan Dev, associated with Sri Harmandir Sahib. |
| Economy | Agriculture, trade and religious tourism. |
| Key institutions | Guru Nanak Dev University, Khalsa College and Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport. |
Places and people the board may ask about
- Sri Harmandir Sahib: This Sikh shrine houses the Adi Granth, placed there by Guru Arjan Dev in 1604.
- Akal Takht: Located near Sri Harmandir Sahib, it is a major seat of Sikh temporal authority.
- Jallianwala Bagh: The site commemorates the massacre of 13 April 1919.
- Attari: The border crossing has an Integrated Check Post and is known for the daily Beating Retreat ceremony.
- Ram Tirath: This site near Amritsar is associated with the Valmiki tradition.
- Durgiana Temple: This temple is an important religious landmark in the city.
- Khalsa College: Established in 1892, it is a prominent educational institution in Amritsar.
Strengths and challenges
Strengths
- Religious and historical landmarks attract visitors and support livelihoods.
- Educational institutions and the international airport strengthen the district’s connections.
- Agriculture and the border crossing contribute to economic activity.
Challenges
- Cross-border drone drops of heroin and weapons pose security and public health risks.
- Ravi floods threaten border villages, livelihoods and infrastructure.
- Heritage sites and visitor services need coordinated management and conservation.
What happened in 2025-26
- August 2025: Punjab Police anti-drone systems, called Baaz Akh, were operational in Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Ferozepur. Read the related brief on cross-border drones.
- August–September 2025: The Ravi flooded border villages in the Ajnala area. The Border Security Force (BSF) reported damage to fencing and posts across the Gurdaspur, Amritsar and Ferozepur sectors. See the Punjab floods brief.
- April 2026: Amritsar Commissionerate Police had registered 488 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and arrested 840 people during 2026 so far.
- May 2026: Punjab notified Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities.
- January–July 2026: Across Punjab, authorities recovered 161 drones and about 392 kg of heroin; these are state-wide figures, not Amritsar totals.
If you were DC of Amritsar
- Border coordination: As Deputy Commissioner (DC), hold regular coordination meetings with police and the BSF on drone alerts and village safety.
- Drug response: Coordinate police action with health services for treatment, rehabilitation and awareness without stigmatising patients.
- Flood readiness: Update village evacuation plans with local bodies, identify shelters and conduct exercises before the monsoon.
- Heritage services: Work with municipal authorities and site managers on sanitation, accessibility and visitor movement.
- Livelihoods: Connect farmers and local businesses with existing agriculture, skill and enterprise support services.
Likely interview questions
Tell us about your home district, Amritsar.
Answer pointers:
- Majha district bordering Pakistan, with the Ravi and Beas along its edges.
- Known for Sri Harmandir Sahib, Jallianwala Bagh and Attari.
- Conclude with its border-security and flood-management responsibilities.
How should Amritsar address drug trafficking without neglecting people who need treatment?
Answer pointers:
- Target trafficking networks through lawful, coordinated enforcement.
- Recognise drug dependence as a health concern; avoid stigma.
- Combine treatment and rehabilitation with community awareness.
As DC, how would you respond if the Ravi threatened border villages again?
Answer pointers:
- Monitor water levels and share timely warnings with villages.
- Coordinate evacuation, shelters and medical support with local agencies and the BSF.
- Assess damage and restore essential services after immediate rescue.
Why is Jallianwala Bagh important to Amritsar and India?
Answer pointers:
- The massacre took place on Vaisakhi, 13 April 1919.
- It is a reminder of colonial repression during the freedom struggle.
- Respectful remembrance and accurate public education remain important.
How would you balance religious freedom and public order around Amritsar’s major places of worship?
Answer pointers:
- Article 25 protects freedom of conscience and religion, subject to constitutional limits.
- Apply safety and traffic arrangements fairly to all communities.
- Consult site managers and residents, and use proportionate measures.
Speak with pride about Amritsar’s heritage without exaggerating its achievements. Acknowledge border and flood risks, and offer one practical, balanced solution.
Prelims Practice Corner
Q1. Who founded Amritsar as Ramdaspur?
(a) Guru Nanak Dev (b) Guru Ram Das (c) Guru Gobind Singh (d) Guru Tegh Bahadur
Show answer
Answer: (b) because Guru Ram Das founded the city as Ramdaspur.
Q2. Which river flooded border villages in the Ajnala area in 2025?
(a) Sutlej (b) Ghaggar (c) Ravi (d) Yamuna
Show answer
Answer: (c) because the Ravi flooded villages in the Ajnala area.
Q3. In which year was the Adi Granth placed in Sri Harmandir Sahib?
(a) 1604 (b) 1699 (c) 1892 (d) 1919
Show answer
Answer: (a) because Guru Arjan Dev placed it there in 1604.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amritsar district famous for?
Amritsar is famous for Sri Harmandir Sahib, Jallianwala Bagh and the Attari border crossing. It is also known for its educational institutions and religious heritage.
Which region of Punjab is Amritsar in?
Amritsar is in the Majha region. The district borders Pakistan.
What are Amritsar’s main administrative challenges?
Border trafficking and flood preparedness are major challenges. The district also needs coordinated heritage and visitor management.
Sources: The Tribune, The Tribune, The Print, Free Press Journal
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