Nabha is a city and municipal council in the Patiala district of the Indian state of Punjab. Historically the capital of the princely state of Nabha, one of the Phulkian states under British paramountcy, the town is known for its erstwhile royal heritage, traditional handicrafts, and as the seat of a noted public school.
| Type | City and Municipal Council |
|---|---|
| Country | India |
| State | Punjab |
| District | Patiala |
| Region | Malwa, Punjab |
| Languages | Punjabi (official), Hindi |
| Historical status | Capital of the former princely state of Nabha |
Nabha lies in the Malwa region of Punjab, on the plains of the Sutlej–Ghaggar interfluve. It is connected by road and rail to Patiala, Sangrur, and Ludhiana. The surrounding countryside is largely agricultural, with wheat, rice, and cotton being the principal crops.
Nabha was founded in the 18th century and became the seat of one of the three Phulkian princely states, alongside Patiala and Jind. The ruling family traced its descent from Phul, the common ancestor of the Phulkian chiefs. After the establishment of British paramountcy in the early 19th century, Nabha became a princely state under indirect British rule.
The rulers of Nabha bore the title of Raja, and several were granted the higher style of Maharaja. The state contributed troops during the World Wars and maintained its own administration, courts, and currency until accession to the Indian Union after independence. In 1948, Nabha was integrated, along with the other Phulkian states, into the Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU). PEPSU was subsequently merged into the state of Punjab in 1956 following the States Reorganisation Act.
One of the most prominent rulers, Maharaja Ripudaman Singh, came into conflict with the British administration in the early 20th century. He was eventually removed from the throne and lived the latter part of his life in exile within India. His son, Pratap Singh Malvendra Bahadur, succeeded him.
The local economy combines agriculture, agro-processing, and small-scale manufacturing. Nabha has historically been associated with the production of traditional Punjabi jutti (footwear), brassware, and handlooms. Grain markets serving the surrounding rural belt form an important part of commercial activity.
Nabha is administered by a Municipal Council under the Punjab Municipal Act. The town falls within the Nabha Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) constituency of Punjab and the Patiala parliamentary constituency.
Nabha shares the cultural traditions of the Malwa region of Punjab, including Punjabi folk music, Sikh religious heritage, and seasonal festivals such as Baisakhi, Lohri, and Gurpurabs. Several historic gurdwaras and Hindu temples are located in and around the town.