Bandala Village: A door to the past buried beneath the soil in Amritsar

Punjab: Bandala, a village in Amritsar district, is considered one of the oldest settlements in the area. Residents say its roots date back to the Indus Valley (Harappan) Civilization, making it a highly historic site. When the village is excavated during reconstruction or repair work, residents often uncover old bricks and other objects. This has strengthened the belief that the remains of an earlier settlement lie buried beneath the village. However, the Archaeological Survey of India or other major organizations have not conducted any major excavations in Bandala. Historian Jatinder Singh Aulakh, in his book “Majha in Ancient Ages: Mythology and Archaeology Study of the Majha Area in Punjab,” states that the village was resettled in the 12th century by a man named Melkhi, who came from the Malwa region. It is believed that he named the village “Bulandwala” because it was located atop a high mound, which he considered safe and secure. Over time, it is said that its name changed to Bandala.
But local traditions tell a different story. Satinderbir Singh Hundal said, “According to the story told by our elders, there were two brothers, Nona and Bahona, who came from Malwa and settled here. It is believed that this village was named after Bahona. A nearby village named Nona further strengthens this belief.” The village is also shrouded in interesting stories. Some tales link it to Alexander the Great. According to locals, a Nath yogi from the village predicted the conqueror’s death. Some historians believe that in ancient times, this place was known as “Jadla Nagari” and may even be mentioned in the Mahabharata. Historical records from the Amritsar District Gazetteer 1883–84 describe Bandala (also spelled Bundala) as an important village about nine miles southeast of Amritsar. At that time, its population was over 5,000, most of whom depended on agriculture. Even today, Bandala retains its quiet charm. But beneath its houses, there may be a hidden past waiting to be discovered. Many believe that proper archaeological study could reveal the true history of the old village.