Ludhiana, is industrial metropolis of the Punjab industry. Its machine tools and motor parts are widely exported. The Christian Medical College, an Engineering College and Punjab Agricultural University which has ushered green revolution in Punjab are renowned centres of education. Ludhiana holds world records in food production.

The Punjabi spirit of enterprise and business savvy is best exemplified by the city of Ludhiana which is renowned the world over for its hosiery goods. It is no exaggeration to say that in Ludhiana every household is a mini hosiery unit and everybody seems to be involved in some way or the other in this lucrative business. From Moscow to Montreal, shopping malls retail both cotton and woollen products from Ludhiana. However, Ludhiana's claim to fame is not its commercial enterprises alone. It is an important pilgrimage center as there are many historic Gurudwaras in and around Ludhiana. Ludhiana also boasts of many prestigious educational institutions. There are two Medical Colleges, an Engineering College and the famous Punjab Agricultural University modelled on the Land Grant of America.

During reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Ludhiana became an important British cantonment. Initially in 1805, Maharaja Ranjit Singh had occupied Ludhiana. However, in 1809, the British decided to curb his advance eastwards and sebt troops to confront him. Ranjit Singh was forced to sign the treaty of 'perpetual friendship' with the British, which confined his activities to the Right Bank of the Sutlej. British troops were permanently stationed in Ludhiana and the Cis—Sutlej States came under British Protection.

Ludhiana is initially connected with Guru Gobind Singh Ji. In the village Machhiwara, Ludhiana district, is the Gurudwara Charan Kanwal named after the Guru's lotus feet. When Aurangzeb's army attacked the fortress of Chamkuar Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh Ji successfully resisted their onslaught and slipped away into the forests of macchiwara. The Mughal forces got wind of his whereabouts and Guru Gobind forces saved by two of his Muslim devotees who disguised him as their Muslim prophet. The place where the Guru rested is where the Gurudwara stands today. Another famous Gurudwara, the Gurudwara Manji Sahib is at Alamgir, 10 kilometres from Ludhiana, where the two Muslim devotees placed the cot in which Guruji was being carried. There is a ten feet deep tank near the Gurudwara where, according to a legend, Guru Gobind Singh Ji shot an arrow into the parched land, which miraculously yielded water.

During the struggle for freedom from the British many leaders of the freedom movement came from Ludhiana. Prominent among them were Lala Lajpat Rai, Sardar Kartar Singh Saraba, Baba Santa Singh and Maulana Habibur Rehman.

A war museum is being set up in Ludhiana at the cost of Rs. 1.83 crores. The museum will have a separate weapons section, a medal section and will display photographs and paintings in various battles. Ludhiana will then truly salute the noble warrior spirit of the Punjabis.

Gurudwara Charan Kanwal: This Gurudwara is situated at machhiwara about 35 kms. from Ludhiana and marks the spot where Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who was being carried by Ghani Khan and Nabi Khan as a Muslim Saint in disguise to escape the persuant Moghul forces had rested for a while.

Gurudwara Manji Sahib Alamgir: The beautiful structure 10 kms. from Ludhiana is situated at the spot where Nabi Khna and Ghani Khan had finally left Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Tank near the Gurudwara commemorates the spot where Guruji had shot an arrow and the parched earth had yielded water. A fair is held here in the last week of December.

Gurudwara Nanaksar Sahib (Jagraon): Situated near Jagraon at a distance of about 38 kms. from Ludhiana on Ferozepur Road Gurudwara founded by Baba Nand Singh, Nanaksar Sahib is a model of elegance and architecture.

An annual gathering known as "barsi" is five-day function, which is concluded on a day corresponding to 13th Bhadon (August). It is attended by nearly one lakh devotees from all parts of India.

Sarai At Doraha: This beautiful Sarai (protected monument) is situated to the south of Ludhiana-Khanna road at Doraha.