Bathinda, one of the oldest cities in Punjab, previously spelled as Bhatinda, holds significance as a historical and religious center dating back to 7000 BC.

Modern Bathinda was established in 965 AD by Bala Rao Bhatti, a Bhati Rajput king. The city witnessed historical events, including Guru Hargobindji’s battle against the Mughals in 1634. It subsequently adopted the cultural and administrative practices of the erstwhile princely state of Patiala but has since become its own district.