Patiala, city, southeastern Punjab state, northwestern India. The city lies about 30 miles (50 km) southwest of Chandigarh on a major rail line as well as on a branch of the Sirhind Canal,
Patiala was founded in 1763 as the capital of the princely state of Patiala. It is now a trade and industrial centre; weaving, cotton ginning, distilling, and manufacturing are among its industries. Punjabi University (established 1962) and several affiliated colleges are located in the city, as are an old fort and a modern sports stadium.Wheat, cotton, corn (maize), and gram (chickpeas) are the chief crops grown in the surrounding region. Pop. (2001) 303,151; (2011) 406,192.