The origin of Bathinda is shrouded in mystery. Historians agree to its creation 1800-2000 years ago, but they are divided in their opinion regarding its origin. One legend credits its creation to King Binaipaul, the grandson of Ananghpaul of Lahore. As per this legend, King Binaipaul took the first alphabet of his name, i.e 'B' , added this to the name of his Prime minister Thandu Ram and named the place as Bathindu.With passage of time Bathindu got changed to Bathinda, the present name of the place.

Another legend attributes creation of Bathinda to Bika, a self exiled Prince of Bikaner state. Another claims Bathinda to be the Southern most capital of King Jaipal and claims its earlier name to be BHATTION -DA-KOT or BHATTI VINDE which got changed to its present title with passage of time.

A relic of Bathinda 's past splendour is the Bathinda fort ,estimated to have been built about 1800 years ago and legend credits its building to king Binapaul. It is undisputabely larger than its counterparts at Lahore ,Phillaur Hanumangarh.Bathinda fort is built on an area of 15 acres with height of its walls being approximately 150 feet. The fort was surrounded by a forty feet wide moat fed by abundant supply of water from sutlej river,which once flowed in its vicinity. during those days ,its geographical and stratagic situation made Bathinda the gateway to Rajasthan and Gangetic plains; which is true even today.

The origin of Bathinda is shrouded in mystery. Historians agree to its creation 1800-2000 years ago, but they are divided in their opinion regarding its origin. One legend credits its creation to King Binaipaul, the grandson of Ananghpaul of Lahore. As per this legend, King Binaipaul took the first alphabet of his name, i.e 'B' , added this to the name of his Prime minister Thandu Ram and named the place as Bathindu.With passage of time Bathindu got changed to Bathinda, the present name of the place.

Another legend attributes creation of Bathinda to Bika, a self exiled Prince of Bikaner state. Another claims Bathinda to be the Southern most capital of King Jaipal and claims its earlier name to be BHATTION -DA-KOT or BHATTI VINDE which got changed to its present title with passage of time.

A relic of Bathinda 's past splendour is the Bathinda fort ,estimated to have been built about 1800 years ago and legend credits its building to king Binapaul. It is undisputabely larger than its counterparts at Lahore ,Phillaur Hanumangarh.Bathinda fort is built on an area of 15 acres with height of its walls being approximately 150 feet. The fort was surrounded by a forty feet wide moat fed by abundant supply of water from sutlej river,which once flowed in its vicinity. during those days ,its geographical and stratagic situation made Bathinda the gateway to Rajasthan and Gangetic plains; which is true even today.

Bhatinda fort is a war fort situated on a high ancient mount. The bricks used here are said to date back to Kushan period when emperor Kanishka ruled over India. Once river Satluj flowed near the fort.

It was again in the jungles of Bhatinda that Guru Gobind Singh Ji is reputed to have once challenged and fought the mighty Mughal forces. This town also played a prominent role in freedom Struggle of the country and against the autocratic administration of the then Princely rulers.

It is one of the biggest food grain and cotton market in northern India. the area around Bhatinda has become a large grape growing area.
Bathinda is a leading railway junction. The American International firm PEPSI is processing horticulture products grown here.