Patiala State in the context of "History of Punjab"

Patiala (Punjabi pronunciation: [pʌʈeɑ̈ːɭɑ]) is a city in southeastern Punjab, northwestern India. It is the fourth largest city in the state and is the administrative capital of Patiala district. Patiala is located around the Qila Mubarak (the 'Blessed Castle') constructed by a chieftain Ala Singh, who founded the royal dynasty of Patiala State in 1763, and after whom the city is named.

In popular culture, the city remains famous for its traditional Patiala shahi turban (a type of headgear), paranda (a tasselled tag for braiding hair), Patiala salwar (a type of female trousers), jutti (a type of footwear) and Patiala peg (a measure of liquor). Patiala is also known as the Royal City and the Beautiful City.

Ala Singh (1691 – 7 August 1765) was the founder and first ruler of Patiala from 1763 until his death in 1765. Born into the Sikh Phulkian dynasty, Singh rose to power through key battles in his early life and expanded his territory in Punjab. As an adult, Singh was constantly engaged in battles and war. Through warfare and diplomacy, Singh began to acquire territory that would form the foundations of Patiala State. In 1763, he established the city of Patiala and founded Patiala State. Singh, at various times, had both adversarial and allied relations with the Afghan Durrani Empire. Ahmed Shah Durrani, the King of the Durrani Empire, granted Singh the title of Raja and other royal powers. After being granted the title of Raja, Singh became the first Sikh monarch in history. Much of his personal success has been attributed to the influence and connections of his wife, Mai Fatto.

Singh was praised and criticised, both by his contemporaries and historians, for his shrewd and cunning policies and strategies. Many in the Dal Khalsa recognized his strength and pragmatism; however, they found him to be an unworthy Sikh, and clashes with the Dal Khalsa persisted throughout Singh's adult life. Singh's reign ended with his death in 1765, and he was succeeded by his grandson, Amar Singh.

Patiala Shahi is a style of turban (pagg) common among Sikh men, originating in Punjab, India.

"Patiala Shahi" literally means "Patiala royal": this style of turban was worn by Bhupinder Singh, the ruler of Patiala State.