Why Was Chandigarh Made the Capital of Two States: A Historical Analysis

Chandigarh, the twin capital city of Punjab and Haryana, holds a unique position in the history and governance of Northern India. This article explores the reasons behind its creation, the political battles that ensued, and the implications on the shared capital arrangement.

Introduction to the Conflict

When Punjab and Haryana were two states contending for the capital city of Chandigarh, they both refused to back down. This led to a decision by the Government to allow both states to share the capital. A similar scenario could have been avoided with the case of Hyderabad, which was divided between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Reasons and Political Implications

After the creation of Haryana in 1966 under the Punjab Reorganization Act based on linguistic grounds, the new state's politicians did not want to leave the capital. Both Punjab and Haryana contested for the ownership of Chandigarh, despite it being a border city. Unlike Hyderabad, where one state could reasonably claim the city, the situation with Chandigarh made it even more complex, as it straddled the border between the two states.

A notable and unconventional aspect of this arrangement is that Punjab and Haryana are one of the few states in India where the capitals are not located within their respective boundaries. Instead, Chandigarh functions as a union territory, administered directly from New Delhi.

Historical Context and Key Events

The path to Chandigarh's unique status is a tale of political maneuvering and historical events. Here's a chronological overview:

1948: Post-independence, India and Pakistan separated, leading to the award of West Punjab to Pakistan and Lahore as its capital. 1952: East Punjab decided to build a new capital, Chandigarh, as a symbolic and practical move following the loss of Lahore. East Punjab's Chief Minister Bhim Sen Sachar initiated the construction, which was designed by the world-renowned architect Le Corbusier. 1956: PEPSU (Patiala and East Punjab States Union) was dissolved and merged into the new state of East Punjab. 1960: The city's construction was completed, including the establishment of a high court and the opening of Punjab University. 1961: Linguistic reorganization led to a further reshaping of Punjab, dividing it into Punjab and Haryana, with Chandigarh being included as a shared capital between the two. 1966: The 1961 census results influenced the decision to reorganize Punjab, leading to the formation of the current Punjab and Haryana, with Chandigarh as a unique administrative entity. 1985: Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi signed a memorandum reassigning Chandigarh to Punjab, but it was never honored or implemented.

Conclusion and Implications

The history of Chandigarh's status is a testament to the complex interplay of political, linguistic, and geographical factors in Indian history. The unique governance model presents both challenges and opportunities for the states, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to manage shared resources and administrative responsibilities.

As Punjab and Haryana continue to navigate the shared capital arrangement, the lessons from Chandigarh's unique history can provide valuable insights into shared governance models, cultural preservation, and regional cooperation.