Key Takeaways
- Manimajra, now designated Sector 13, was founded in 1515 by Mani Ram and later became an independent princely state.
- The area predates Chandigarh’s planned city by centuries, giving it a historical character distinct from the rest of the city.
- Manimajra was officially integrated into Chandigarh’s sectoral grid in February 2020.
- The area today functions as Chandigarh’s IT Park while retaining historical landmarks like Manimajra Fort and its 500-year-old Shiv Temple.
Manimajra stands apart from the rest of Chandigarh as a town with roots predating the planned city by more than four centuries, founded in 1515 by a Zamindar named Mani Ram under the Lodhi Dynasty. Now officially designated as Sector 13, Manimajra bridges Chandigarh’s modern industrial and IT growth with its princely-era history. Consequently, understanding Manimajra’s layered past helps explain why it feels distinct from Chandigarh’s more uniformly planned sectors. This guide covers its history, integration into Chandigarh, and present-day character.
Early History
Manimajra was founded in 1515 by Mani Ram, a Zamindar under the Lodhi Dynasty. By the 18th century, his descendant Gangaram Singh governed Manimajra and 84 surrounding villages as a Mughal vassal.
The Independent Manimajra State
Following the decline of Mughal authority, Gangaram’s son Gharib Dass established the independent Manimajra State. Upon his death in 1783, his son Raja Gopal Singh took over, eventually receiving the title of Raja from the British in 1814 for his service in the Gurkha campaign.
Integration Into Chandigarh
Manimajra was officially integrated into Chandigarh’s sectoral grid as Sector 13 in February 2020, bridging its historical princely roots with the city’s modern planned-city framework.
Manimajra Today
Today, Manimajra contains a mix of urban societies like Uppal’s Marble Arch and Rajeev Vihar, alongside traditional localities such as Mari Wala Town and Pipliwala Town. The area has also developed into Chandigarh’s IT Park, adding a modern commercial dimension to its historical character.
Historical Landmarks
The 500 to 600-year-old Manimajra Shiv Temple and Thakurdwara, along with the over 360-year-old Manimajra Fort, remain the area’s most significant historical sites. The fort gained additional recognition as a filming location for the Oscar-winning movie Zero Dark Thirty.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Manimajra founded?
Manimajra was founded in 1515 by Mani Ram, a Zamindar under the Lodhi Dynasty.
What sector is Manimajra now part of?
Manimajra was integrated into Chandigarh’s sectoral grid as Sector 13 in February 2020.
Was Manimajra ever an independent state?
Yes, it became the independent Manimajra State after the decline of Mughal authority, ruled by descendants of Gangaram Singh.
What historical landmarks does Manimajra have?
The 500-year-old Shiv Temple and the over 360-year-old Manimajra Fort are its most notable landmarks.
Was Manimajra Fort used in any films?
Yes, it served as a filming location for the Oscar-winning movie Zero Dark Thirty.
What is Manimajra known for today?
It functions as Chandigarh’s IT Park while retaining a mix of urban societies and traditional localities.
Manimajra’s centuries-old history, from an independent princely state to Chandigarh’s modern IT Park, gives it a character unlike any other part of the city. For related coverage, see our guide to Places to Visit in Chandigarh.