Panjab University
Chandigarh, designed and planed by Swiss architect Le Corbusier, is a beautiful city full of boulevards, gardens, grand civic buildings, and lakes. The city has been a premier center of education, offering budding scholars and researchers a chance to use their skills to their full potential mostly due to institutions like the Panjab University in Chandigarh. An old establishment spread in the area of over 550 acres is regarded as one of India’s top education institutions.University campus comprises of teaching areas, hostels, sporting complexes, student study center, gymnasium and swimming pool. The university area is one of the preferred destinations among tourists, looking for an escape from the concrete buildings of the city.
Here is a brief overview of the university complex, helping the tourists in getting a better understanding of the university complex.
Keynotes about the Panjab University in Chandigarh
Address: Sector 14, Chandigarh, 160014
Opening time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Famous for: Stunning architecture and fascination history
Visit Duration: Two hour
How to reach: Take public transport to visit the institution
A Brief Overview of the Panjab University
Being one of the most prestigious public universities in India, Panjab University was founded after the country’s independence. Initially, the institution was the part of the University of Punjab – which broke into two parts after the partition of India. One portion went to Pakistan, whereas the other one remained in India.This center for education contains close to 78 research and teaching departments, and more than 188 affiliated colleges all over Punjab are attached to this education board. Apart from education, the institution has a sports complex, medical center, and several other facilities for students.
The university area, due to its scenic landscape and peaceful environment, attracts people who are looking for some peace.
History of the Panjab University
As pointed out earlier, the University of Punjab (established in 1882 at Lahore) was split into two halves - one remained with Pakistan whereas the other one came to India – as most colleges affiliated to the university were located in India. Interestingly, to distinguish between the namesakes, the Indian university was officially spelled as Panjab instead of the regular spelling.In 1956, the university’s headquarter was shifted from Solan to Chandigarh, and a new building was commissioned for the institute. After the reorganization of Punjab state, the institution became an Inter-State Body Corporate catering to more than 100 affiliated colleges.
Architecture
The checkerboard layout of the university campus was designed, Pierre Jeanneret. Spread in the area of 550 acres, the institute houses close to 78 teaching departments (along with separate research quarters), museum, Gandhi Bhawan, and the Central Library – forming the core of the university complex. Additional buildings spread in the south-east corner of the estate.Apart from these, the Panjab University complex has a bank, post office, staff club, botanical and medicinal herbs gardens, a day-care center for the children of the university employees, and so on.
Important Things to Do at the Panjab University
1. Exploring the heritage building of AC Joshi Library
One of the heritage buildings of the university complex, the AC Joshi Library was designed by Pierre Jeanneret and BP Mathur. Home to several rare and vintage furniture and pre-independence memorabilia, the place attracts bibliophiles from all over the country. The square-shaped building was designed in such a way that it allows maximum light to penetrate the reading rooms. Also, modern modular architecture compliments Chandigarh’s architecture.
2. Touring the university botanical garden
The botanical garden is one of the beautiful spaces inside the Panjab University. Home to several rare and beautiful plants and shrubs, the place looks glorious during the flower blooming season.
3. Talking a walk around campus grounds
University campus is surrounded by a serene landscape and beautifully laid down buildings. During the early morning hours, before the classes commence, one can find several people walking through the laid path or jogging through it.
4. Eating at the campus cafeteria
The student cafeteria as a humble menu, but an old-school nostalgia attached to it makes this place so popular among tourists. Do try the cafeteria coffee, and its sandwiches – they are quite good. Interesting Facts about the University Complex
1. A 19th-century institute
Not many are aware of the fact that the Panjab University is the part of the Lahore based University of Punjab. After India’s partition, the esteemed institute was broken into two parts – one attending to the affiliated colleges in Pakistan, whereas its counterpart attends Indian colleges.2. Designed by Pierre Jeanneret
The institute was designed by a Swiss designer, Pierre Jeanneret. The designer used a checkerboard framework for the institute, equally distributing the teaching departments and research centers all over the estate. Additionally, the designer provided room for the green space as well as the expansion of the institute. By the way, the institute is spread in an area of 550 acres.3. Haunted Presence
Panjab University is one of the haunted places in Chandigarh, according to a few. There have been some reported incidents of paranormal activity. As per some witnesses, the area around the teaching departments is considered as haunted and people have seen some apparitions around the Botanical Garden.This institute is one of the premier educational institutions of India, located in a serene environment. If you are into nature and heritage buildings, then it is the place to be in Chandigarh.