Evolution Of Punjab -An important seminar with eyes on futuristics held at Ludhiana with KBS Sidhu, IAS(Retd.) as key note speaker along with Dr Mohammad Idris, a historian.

Evolution Of Punjab -An important seminar with eyes on futuristics held at Ludhiana with KBS Sidhu, IAS(Retd.) as key note speaker along with Dr Mohammad Idris, a historian.

Ludhiana 09-02-2025

An important seminar was held at Ludhiana at Pal Auditorium in  Punjab Agricultural University as organised by CHARDHA PUNJAB , a non-political front constituted with an objective of having a wide spread discourse on history, economy and sociology of Punjab. The front aims at developing a vision and plan for the betterment of the state and it’s demography. It conducts symposiums, short films, literature festivals etc etc.

At a well-attended seminar organized at Pal Auditorium in  Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, on Sunday, K.B.S. Sidhu, IAS (Retd.), a former Principal Secretary to the Government of Punjab, delivered an insightful address on the Evolution of Revenue Collection System & Administration in Punjab.

He traced the origins of the revenue collection system in the region to the Mughal era, highlighting how it was initially crude and exploitative. However, significant reforms were introduced during the reign of Sher Shah Suri (1540-1545), who implemented a scientific approach to land assessment based on irrigation availability. It was during this period that the zamindari system took root, shaping agrarian relations for centuries.

A transformative shift occurred during the time of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, who led a revolutionary movement to overthrow feudal landlordism and establish land rights for actual cultivators. This landmark development in Punjab’s history laid the foundation for a system where land ownership was based on labor and cultivation rather than aristocratic privilege.

Under British rule, said Mr Sidhu , while the colonial administration sought to maximize agricultural revenue, they also undertook significant reforms in land documentation and record-keeping. The land surveys and revenue records introduced by the British remain the backbone of Punjab’s land administration to this day. Notably, this structured system played a crucial role in enabling refugees on both sides of the border to claim land and property following the Partition of 1947, facilitating resettlement despite the upheaval.

Sidhu concluded  that post-independence, Punjab’s first Chief Minister, Sardar Partap Singh Kairon, spearheaded a critical land consolidation initiative. His efforts not only streamlined landholdings but also laid the groundwork for the Green Revolution, which transformed Punjab into the breadbasket of India, ensuring food security for millions across the nation.

Dr Mohammad Idris, a former HOD History at Panjabi University, Patiala spoke about “3000 Years old history of Punjab and Its people”. Prof Idris tracked the cultural and political history of Punjab which he said is the oldest civilization. Vedas originated in this region. The trade and prosperity in the region were profound. The invaders from Persia and Arabian regions invaded the region and the invasion was resisted by The Hindu Shahis, a dynasty established between 843 CE and 1026 CE. In fact, they endured multiple waves of conquests for nearly two centuries and their core territory was described as having contained the regions of Eastern Afghanistan and Gandhara, encompassing the area up to the Sutlej River in modern day Punjab, expanding into the Kangra Valley. Speaking about the Punjabis tribulations till with their encounters with the Britishers during Maha Raja Ranjit Singh’s times, Dr. Idris said Punjabis are warriors by circumstances, but they are also liberal and moderate to accommodate others ethos ever, a legacy which should continue.

Mr Vinayak Dutt spoke about his new book: “Punjab-From the Perspective of a Punjabi Hindu”. Mr Dutt emphasized that in real sense Punjab region is the real VISHWAGURU as Vedas were written here. He also added that Naaths-Yogis-Sufis made an indelible impression on the minds of people who inherit composite culture for centuries and that tradition continued with the propounding of Sikh Philosophy of harmonious living by our Gurus. Dutt said all Punjabis have innovative minds. But unfortunately, vested interests have been trying to make wedges between composite culture. In this undercurrent the Punjab Hindus find themselves stifled. As most of the businesses are handled by this community, it has become a taboo as of now as this strata is much maligned as anti-Punjab and farmers. He reminded audience that Lahore is believed to have been founded by LUV – a son Lord Rama and Lord’s another son Kush founded KASUR of undivided Punjab. There are old temples found in their memories. But, unfortunately no one tells important history of Punjab to the new generation. He echoed sentiments of Prof. Dr Mohammad Idris that text books should present facts rather than supressing.

Earlier, the session started with 3 melodious folk Punjabi Songs sung by Ms. Jahnvi Sharma which were enough to set the serious pitch for the discussions that followed. Her song “ Daachi Walia Mor Muhar Ve “ touched hearts as if  Punjab was pleading for return of good old days and reunion of minds in the hope of good times once again here.

A documentary film was also shown about history of Punjab which demonstrated well researched historical facts of the region.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15mWDtDxxs/

The addresses by the three speakers were a fine blend to give good food for thought to the audience. Ms. Manvir Kaur a famous Journalist  (Social Post Channel ) compered the show with her  impressive skills to elicit answers from the speakers where the audience posed thought-provoking questions, demonstrating keen interest in Punjab’s agrarian history and contemporary challenges. Brij Bhushan Goyal from the audience vouched for strengthening cooperative institutions for betterment of agriculture in Punjab.

The seminar left a lasting impact, with discussions continuing beyond the auditorium, making it a focal point of intellectual discourse even at informal gatherings. The seminars was attended by scientists, economists and bankers from the city along with scores of youth and students .