Bathinda's glorious past is evident in its forts. Once known asTabar-e-Hind (meaning gateway to India), the town was named after the Bhatti Rajputs who ruled Punjab in the 6th century. It was annexed by many rulers such as jayapala, Prithviraj Chauhan, and the Sultans of the Slave Dynasty and later on by the Mughal rulers. Finally in 1754, it was conquered by the Maharaja of Patiala and was made part of the princely state of Patiala.Today it is one of the the leading industrial cities of India: It is one of the biggest foodgrain and cotton markets in northern India. Together with its industrial development, Bathinda has preserved authentic Punjabi culture and traditions in its true and vibrant form.