The City of Amritsar: An Introduction

Whenever a city gets associated with a particular religion, it transcends, so to speak, the perils of mortality. In terms of our history Varanasi and Amritsar belong to this category. This volume seek to present the historic profile of the city which recently celebrated 400th anniversary of its establishment. One reads of cities which at one time played a crucial role in history. They come to prominence for reasons which are historical, dynastic, commercial and several other unclassifiable reasons. In terms of our own country, one can immediately think of Taxila and Patliputra. Thinking of the rest of world, one thinks of Jerusalem and the Vatican. The explanation is simple. Religions are not exposed to the same hazards as cities are. To be associated with a religion, therefore, is to ensure almost that the city will survive and , indeed, with the passage of time become more and more important.