Kapurthala was founded in the lith century by Rana Kapur of Jaisalmer's Royal family. It is said that Kapurthala was named after him. It is a former Princely State and is currently the headquarter of Kapurthala District. Maharaja Jagatjit Singh, the last ruler of Kapurthala before Indian independence, was a widely travelled and learned person bestowed with many honours and awards. He was chiefly instrumental in the growth and industrialization of this region. He was a great enthusiast of French Architecture which is visible in the palaces and various monuments of this city.