Malerkotla is one of the five districts in Patiala Division. The district takes its name from the princely state of Maler Kotla that existed under the British Raj. It was  later on merged with other nearby princely states to create the Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU). Subsequently it became  a Tehsil of Sangrur District when PEPSU was merged with Punjab. It is bounded by Ludhiana district in the north, by Barnala district in the west, by Patiala district in the east and by Sangrur district in the south. The headquarters of the District is located at Malerkotla City. Malerkotla city is situated 40 km from Ludhiana, 45 km from Khanna, 35 km from Sangrur and 55 km from Jagraon. The city is situated on NH 11 and on secondary Ludhiana-Delhi railway line. Malerkotla is famous for its  poets and monuments. It is a major supplier of vegetables to this part of Punjab. It is also known for its artisans who are famous for making hand embroidered badges, insignias and such, for the armed forces.  It is also known for its metal industry and also for the manufacture of agricultural machinery.