Rakaposhi is a mountain in the Karakoram mountain range in Pakistan. It is situated in the Nagar Valley approximately 100 km north of the city of Gilgit. Rakaposhi means "shining wall" in the local language. Rakaposhi is also known as Rakaposhi Peak. Rakapushi and Dumani ("Mother of Mist"). It is ranked 27th highest in the world and 12th highest in Pakistan, but it is more popular for its beauty than its rank might suggest and is said to be one of the most beautiful mountains in the world.
Rakaposhi was first climbed in 1958 by Mike Banks and Tom Patey, members of a British-Pakistani expedition, via the Southwest Spur/Ridge route. Both of them suffered minor frostbite during the ascent. Another climber slipped and fell on the descent and died during the night.
[edit] Notable features
Rakaposhi is notable for its exceptional rise over local terrain, almost unmatched in the world. For example, it rises 6000m in only 16.5km horizontal distance from the Hunza River. There are magnificent views of Rakaposhi from the Karakoram Highway on the route through Hunza. A tourist spot in the town of Ghulmat (located in the Nagar Valley) called "Zero Point of Rakaposhi" is the closest convenient view point of the mountain.
[edit] Time line
1892 Martin Conway explores the south side of Rakaposhi.
1938 M. Vyvyan and R. Campbell Secord make the first reconnaissance and climb a north-western forepeak (about 5,800m/19,000') via the northwest ridge.
1947 Secord returns with H. W. Tilman and two Swiss climbers; they ascend via the Gunti glacier to 5,800m/19,000' on the south-west spur.
1954 Cambridge University team, led by Alfred Tissières, attempts the peak via the south-west spur but only reached 6,340m/20,800'. Also, an Austro-German expedition led by Mathias Rebitsch attempted the same route.
1956 A British-American expedition, led by Mike Banks, reaches 7,163m/23,500' on the Southwest Ridge, above the Gunti glacier.
1958 The first ascent, noted above.
1964 An Irish expedition attempts the long and difficult Northwest Ridge.
1971 Karl Herrligkofer leads an attempt on the elegant but difficult North Spur (or North Ridge).
1973 Herrligkofer returns to the North Spur but is again unsuccessful due to time and weather problems.
1979 A Polish-Pakistani expedition ascends the Northwest Ridge from the Biro Glacier.
1979 A Japanese expedition from Waseda University, led by Eiho Ohtani, succeeds in climbing the North Spur. Summit party: Ohtani and Matsushi Yamashita. This ascent was expedition-style, done over a period of six weeks, with 5000m of fixed rope.
1984 A Canadian team achieves a semi-alpine-style ascent of the North Spur, using much less fixed rope than the Japanese team had. Summit party: Barry Blanchard, David Cheesmond, Kevin Doyle.
1985-1987 Various unsuccessful attempts on the long East Ridge.
1986 A Dutch team climbs a variation of the Northwest Ridge route.
1995 An ascent via the Northwest Ridge.
1997 An ascent via the Southwest Spur/Ridge (possibly the original route).
2000 An attempt from the East side (Bagrot Glacier).
[edit] Climbing routes
The routes with successful summits so far have been (see the timeline as well):
Southwest Spur/Ridge (first ascent route). Long, but not exceedingly technical. Some tricky gendarmes (rock pinnacles). Has been repeated.
Northwest Ridge. Long, and more technically difficult than the SW Spur/Ridge. Has been repeated.
North Spur (a.k.a. North Ridge). Shorter than the above two routes, but much more technically difficult. Has been repeated, including a semi-alpine-style (capsule style) ascent.
Attempts have also been made from the east side (Bagrot Glacier), the East Ridge, and the North Face.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Bahawalpur
Bahawalpur (also Bhawalpur or Bhawulpore) (Urdu: بہاولپور ) is a city of (1998 pop. 403,408) located in Bahawalpur District, Punjab Pakistan. Bahawalpur is located south of the Sutlej River and it lies in the Cholistan region. It is situated 90 km from Multan, 420 km from Lahore and about 700 km from the national capital Islamabad. It was the capital of the former princely state of Bahawalpur.
Contents [hide]
1 History
2 Education
3 Climate
4 Wildlife
5 Sites of interest
5.1 Environs
6 Economy
7 Specialities of Bahawalpur
8 Bazaars of Bahawalpur
9 See also
10 External links
11 References
[edit] History
The city was founded in 1748 by Nawab Muhammad Bahawal Khan Abbasi I, whose descendants ruled the area until it joined Pakistan in 1947. The Bahawalpur (princely state) was one of the largest states of British India, more than 450 kilometres long, and was ruled by Nawab Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V Bahadur,[2] who decided to join Pakistan at the time of independence in 1947.
The Royal House of Bahawalpur is said to be of Arabic origin[citation needed] and claim descent from Abbas, progenitor of the Abbasid Caliphs of Baghdad and Cairo. [citation needed] Sultan Ahmad II, son of Shah Muzammil of Egypt left that country and arrived in Sind with a large following of Arabs ca. 1370. [citation needed] He married a daughter of Raja Rai Dhorang Sahta, receiving a third of the country I dowry. Amir Fathu'llah Khan Abbasi, is the recognized ancestor of the dynasty. [citation needed] He conquered the bhangar territory from Raja Dallu, of Alor and Bahmanabad, renaming it Qahir Bela. Amir Muhammad Chani Khan Abbasi entered the imperial service and gained appointment as a Panchhazari in 1583. At his death, the leadership of the tribe was contested between two branches of the family, the Daudputras and the Kalhoras. Amir Bahadur Khan Abbasi abandoned Tarai and settled near Bhakkar, founding the town of Shikarpur in 1690. Daud Khan, the first of his family to rule Bahawalpur, originated from Sind where he had opposed the Afghan Governor of that province and was forced to flee.[citation needed] The Nawab entered into Treaty relations with the HEIC, 22nd February 1833. The state acceded to the Dominion of Pakistan on 7th October 1947 and was merged into the province of West Pakistan on 14th October 1955.
[edit] Education
Sadiq Public School, Bahawalpur
Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur designed by A. R. HyeIt also boasts a number of reputable educational establishments namely the Islamia University, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College and the Sadiq Public School, Bahawalpur, which is one of the biggest schools in Pakistan[citation needed] and whole of Asia.[citation needed]
[edit] Climate
This short section requires expansion.
The weather is hot and dry. Summer temperatures reach high forties degrees Celsius. [citation needed] There is very little rainfall.
[edit] Wildlife
One of the few zoos in Pakistan is located in Bahawalpur. Located over an area of several acres inside the city, it contains a variety of animal species including Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers, hyenas, leopards, and peacocks alongside a variety of other animals. Located near the city is the Lal Sohanra National Park, one of the few safaris in the country housing large animals including lions and rhinoceros.
[edit] Sites of interest
Bahawalpur LibraryGeneral
Noor Mahal (House of the Royal Family)
Farid Gate
Bahawalpur Museum
Bahawalpur National Library
Bahawalpur Zoo
National Wildlife Park, Lal Sohanra
Noor Palace)Mausoleums
Channen Peer Tomb Yazman
Mausoleums of Haugha Sahib
[edit] Environs
Derawar Fortress near Bahawalpur.The old fort of Munde Shahid, 50 km from Bahawalpur and Marot Fort are considered to be antiquities. A place outside the Marot Fort is known as 'Baithak Maula Ali'. The tomb of Naugaza is located in the Munde Sharif Fort.
The famous fort of Derawar is located near the city, being the private fort of the former royal family who continue to be major political players[citation needed] in Pakistan.
Architectural monuments include the former royal family's palaces namely Darbar Mahal, Gulzar Mahal and Noor Mahal. All Mahals are now under military control. [citation needed]
[edit] Economy
A royal Palace.Bahawalpur has only one railroad bridge over the Sutlej River, making it an important rail centre. The surrounding area is mostly agricultural, which allows agricultural exports to many parts of the world. There is also a large market town for mangoes, dates, wheat, sugarcane, and cotton that bring in continuous demand all year round. In addition, it has soap making and cotton spinning factories, as well as enterprises producing silk and cotton textiles, carpets, and pottery. Bahawalpur has also sugar mill nearby.
[edit] Specialities of Bahawalpur
Uch Sharif Shrine.Bahawalpur is known for its cotton, silk, embroidery, carpets, and extraordinarily delicate pottery, which is produced here.
The Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) has established a Craft Development Center for Cholistan area, outside Farid Gate, Bahawalpur from where handicrafts manufactured in Cholistan can be purchased.
Flassi - It is a piece of 4-ft * 7-ftsize, made of camel hair and cotton yarn. It is used for wall hanging, as a decoration piece and a carpet. [citation needed]
Gindi or Rilli - It is made of small pieces of many colors of cotton cloth and needlework. It can be used as wall hangings, bed covers, carpets and blankets. [citation needed]
Changaries - Like big plaques, these are made of palm leaves in different bright colors with beautiful patterns and geometric designs. These are used for keeping the 'chapattis' and also as a wall decoration. [citation needed]
Khalti - It is like a purse embroidered on top with multi colored threads. [citation needed]
Artwork - It is an attractive type of embroidery done on dupatta, kurta and chaddar etc.
[edit] Bazaars of Bahawalpur
The main shopping centers of Bahawalpur are Shahi Bazaar, Machli Bazaar, Farid Gate and the Mall. Commercial area in Satellite Town is a newly developed center that is gaining popularity rapidly. A few shopping malls including Takbeer Shopping mall, Time, Prince etc cater for all kinds of needs.
[edit] See also
Bahawalpur (princely state)
Noor Mahal
Bahawalpur Airport
Islamia university, Bahawalpur
Sadiq Public School, Bahawalpur
Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur
Sadiq Egerton College, Bahawalpur
Gujjar
Nawab
Contents [hide]
1 History
2 Education
3 Climate
4 Wildlife
5 Sites of interest
5.1 Environs
6 Economy
7 Specialities of Bahawalpur
8 Bazaars of Bahawalpur
9 See also
10 External links
11 References
[edit] History
The city was founded in 1748 by Nawab Muhammad Bahawal Khan Abbasi I, whose descendants ruled the area until it joined Pakistan in 1947. The Bahawalpur (princely state) was one of the largest states of British India, more than 450 kilometres long, and was ruled by Nawab Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V Bahadur,[2] who decided to join Pakistan at the time of independence in 1947.
The Royal House of Bahawalpur is said to be of Arabic origin[citation needed] and claim descent from Abbas, progenitor of the Abbasid Caliphs of Baghdad and Cairo. [citation needed] Sultan Ahmad II, son of Shah Muzammil of Egypt left that country and arrived in Sind with a large following of Arabs ca. 1370. [citation needed] He married a daughter of Raja Rai Dhorang Sahta, receiving a third of the country I dowry. Amir Fathu'llah Khan Abbasi, is the recognized ancestor of the dynasty. [citation needed] He conquered the bhangar territory from Raja Dallu, of Alor and Bahmanabad, renaming it Qahir Bela. Amir Muhammad Chani Khan Abbasi entered the imperial service and gained appointment as a Panchhazari in 1583. At his death, the leadership of the tribe was contested between two branches of the family, the Daudputras and the Kalhoras. Amir Bahadur Khan Abbasi abandoned Tarai and settled near Bhakkar, founding the town of Shikarpur in 1690. Daud Khan, the first of his family to rule Bahawalpur, originated from Sind where he had opposed the Afghan Governor of that province and was forced to flee.[citation needed] The Nawab entered into Treaty relations with the HEIC, 22nd February 1833. The state acceded to the Dominion of Pakistan on 7th October 1947 and was merged into the province of West Pakistan on 14th October 1955.
[edit] Education
Sadiq Public School, Bahawalpur
Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur designed by A. R. HyeIt also boasts a number of reputable educational establishments namely the Islamia University, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College and the Sadiq Public School, Bahawalpur, which is one of the biggest schools in Pakistan[citation needed] and whole of Asia.[citation needed]
[edit] Climate
This short section requires expansion.
The weather is hot and dry. Summer temperatures reach high forties degrees Celsius. [citation needed] There is very little rainfall.
[edit] Wildlife
One of the few zoos in Pakistan is located in Bahawalpur. Located over an area of several acres inside the city, it contains a variety of animal species including Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers, hyenas, leopards, and peacocks alongside a variety of other animals. Located near the city is the Lal Sohanra National Park, one of the few safaris in the country housing large animals including lions and rhinoceros.
[edit] Sites of interest
Bahawalpur LibraryGeneral
Noor Mahal (House of the Royal Family)
Farid Gate
Bahawalpur Museum
Bahawalpur National Library
Bahawalpur Zoo
National Wildlife Park, Lal Sohanra
Noor Palace)Mausoleums
Channen Peer Tomb Yazman
Mausoleums of Haugha Sahib
[edit] Environs
Derawar Fortress near Bahawalpur.The old fort of Munde Shahid, 50 km from Bahawalpur and Marot Fort are considered to be antiquities. A place outside the Marot Fort is known as 'Baithak Maula Ali'. The tomb of Naugaza is located in the Munde Sharif Fort.
The famous fort of Derawar is located near the city, being the private fort of the former royal family who continue to be major political players[citation needed] in Pakistan.
Architectural monuments include the former royal family's palaces namely Darbar Mahal, Gulzar Mahal and Noor Mahal. All Mahals are now under military control. [citation needed]
[edit] Economy
A royal Palace.Bahawalpur has only one railroad bridge over the Sutlej River, making it an important rail centre. The surrounding area is mostly agricultural, which allows agricultural exports to many parts of the world. There is also a large market town for mangoes, dates, wheat, sugarcane, and cotton that bring in continuous demand all year round. In addition, it has soap making and cotton spinning factories, as well as enterprises producing silk and cotton textiles, carpets, and pottery. Bahawalpur has also sugar mill nearby.
[edit] Specialities of Bahawalpur
Uch Sharif Shrine.Bahawalpur is known for its cotton, silk, embroidery, carpets, and extraordinarily delicate pottery, which is produced here.
The Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) has established a Craft Development Center for Cholistan area, outside Farid Gate, Bahawalpur from where handicrafts manufactured in Cholistan can be purchased.
Flassi - It is a piece of 4-ft * 7-ftsize, made of camel hair and cotton yarn. It is used for wall hanging, as a decoration piece and a carpet. [citation needed]
Gindi or Rilli - It is made of small pieces of many colors of cotton cloth and needlework. It can be used as wall hangings, bed covers, carpets and blankets. [citation needed]
Changaries - Like big plaques, these are made of palm leaves in different bright colors with beautiful patterns and geometric designs. These are used for keeping the 'chapattis' and also as a wall decoration. [citation needed]
Khalti - It is like a purse embroidered on top with multi colored threads. [citation needed]
Artwork - It is an attractive type of embroidery done on dupatta, kurta and chaddar etc.
[edit] Bazaars of Bahawalpur
The main shopping centers of Bahawalpur are Shahi Bazaar, Machli Bazaar, Farid Gate and the Mall. Commercial area in Satellite Town is a newly developed center that is gaining popularity rapidly. A few shopping malls including Takbeer Shopping mall, Time, Prince etc cater for all kinds of needs.
[edit] See also
Bahawalpur (princely state)
Noor Mahal
Bahawalpur Airport
Islamia university, Bahawalpur
Sadiq Public School, Bahawalpur
Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur
Sadiq Egerton College, Bahawalpur
Gujjar
Nawab
Multan
Multan (help·info) (Urdu: ملتان) is a city in the Punjab Province of Pakistan and capital of Multan District. It is located in the southern part of the province. It has a population of over 3.8 million (according to 1998 census), making it the sixth largest city of Pakistan. It is built just east of the Chenab River, more or less in the geographic center of the country and about 966 km from Karachi.
Multan is known as the 'City of Sufi Saints (Pir) and Shrines'. The city is full of bazaars, mosques, shrines and superbly designed tombs. A network of rails, highways and air flights has Multan well connected to the rest of the world.
Contents [hide]
1 History
2 Geography and climate
3 Demographics
4 Economy
5 Educational institutions
6 Tourism
7 Sites of interest
8 See also
9 External links
[edit] History
Main article: History of Multan
Multan is one of the oldest cities in South Asia, the exact age has yet to be determined. Its modern name comes from its old Sanskrit name Mūlasthān. It has seen a lot of warfare because of its location on a major invasion route between South Asia and Central Asia. It is famous for its Sufi shrines.
Multan was ruled by various Hindu empires for over 1000 years. It is believed to have been visited by Alexander the Great. It is said that when Alexander was fighting for the city, a poisoned arrow struck him, making him ill- and eventually leading to his death. The exact place where Alexander was hit by the arrow can be seen in the old city premises. It is believed to be the same city as "Maii-us-than", where Alexander's forces stormed the citadel after seeing their king injured and unconscious on the field of battle. Multan was part of the Mauryan and the Gupta empires that ruled much of northern India. In the mid 5th century, the city was attacked by a group of nomads led by Toraman. These nomads were successful in taking the city, but did not stay, and the long-standing Hindu/Zorastrian rule over the city was reestablished. The noted Chinese traveler Huen Tsang visited Multan in 641 AD.
During the Pre-Islamic period, Multan was known as the city of gold for its large and wealthy temples. The Sun temple, Suraj Mandir, was considered one of the largest and wealthiest temples in the entire sub-continent. Numerous historians have written about this extremely large Hindu temple that housed over 6,000 people within it. Other famous sites included the Suraj Kund ("pool of the Sun") and Temple of Prahladapuri. Story of Prahlada from whom the temple took its name is interesting.
Prahlada was the son of King Hiranyakashipu. Hiranyakashipu held sway over this country and condemned the gods and forbade the paying of homage in their name. Prahlada was recognized as being a very devoted follower of Vishnu, much to his father's disappointment. As Prahlada grows in age, his father Hiranyakashipu becomes upset at his devotion to Vishnu, who he sees as his mortal enemy. Eventually his anger leads him to attempt to kill the boy Prahlada in many ways, but each time Prahlada is protected by Vishnu's mystical power. Finally in disgust Hiranyakashipu points to a particular pillar and asks if his Vishnu is in it? Prahlada answers "He is". Hiranyakashipu, unable to control his anger, smashes the pillar with his mace, it burst in two and out sprang the god Vishnu in the form of a man-lion form called Narasimha avatar who laid the King across his knees and ripped his stomach open with his claws. A Temple devoted to Narasimha Avatar of Vishnu is built. The temple is situated close to the shrine of Bahawal Huk. Currently its roof and surrounding building have been damaged but the pillar is no more. The Idol was shifted from temple to a new place near old fruit market. Now it is at Haridwar, where it was brought in 1947 by Narayan Das Baba.
Interestingly, Multan is located very close to Harappa, the Indus Valley Civilization site. Some have suggested that Harappa and Mohenjodaro. could be linked with the two Avataras of Vishnu - Narasimha and Waraha respectively.
In the 7th century, Multan had its first experience with Muslim armies. Armies led by Al Muhallab ibn Abi Suffrah launched numerous raids from Persia into India for inclusion of the area into their empires. However, only a few decades later, Muhammad bin Qasim would come on behalf of the Arabs, and take Multan along with Sind. Following bin Qasim's conquest, the city was securely under Muslim rule, although it was in effect an independent state.
With the turn of the millennium, the city was attacked twice by Mahmud of Ghazni who destroyed the Sun Mandir. After Muhammad Ghuri's victories in India, and his establishment of a capital in Delhi, Multan was made a part of his empire. However, the rise of the Mongols would again give it some independence, albeit requiring it to be vigilant against Mongol raids from Central Asia.
Under the Mughal Empire, Multan enjoyed over 200 years of peace, and became known as Dar al-Aman (Abode of Peace). The Khakwani Nawabs of Multan gave it a lot of financial stability and growth to the local farming sector. It was at this time that Multan was ruled by Nawab Ali Mohammad Khan Khakwani. As governor of Multan, he built the famous Mosque Ali Mohammad Khan in 1757 which remains to this day. Many buildings were constructed in this time, and agricultural production grew rapidly. The Khakwani Nawabs of Multan at this time were paying homage to the Afghan king but due to lack of power in Delhi and Kabul they had a free reign and pretty much were absolute rulers of Multan. Multan at that time included areas which are part of Vehari, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan districts. The city escaped the destruction brought upon India by the armies of Nadir Shah, but it was ruled from Kabul by numerous Afghan dynasties for a while.
Multan witnessed difficult times as Mughal rule declined. After Ahmad Shah Durrani's dynasty went into decline, it was ruled locally by the Pashtun Khakwani and Sadozai chieftains. The Sadozais having gained the favor of the king and having the Khakwani Nawab removed. This period saw the rise of Sikh power and frequent clashes took place between the Muslims and Sikhs. The Sikhs attacked Multan killed the Sadozai Nawab and took over the city. The Khakwanis had moved out of the city at that time and lived in small walled cities around main Multan. The Khokhars or Khatri Muslim occupied Multan intermittenly between 1756 to 1763 displacing replacing ruling Sadozai member by Khakwani nawab or his brother,son or even soninlaw ,this was most turbulent period in history of Multan resulting administration getting paralysed & inviting attack from misl from Gujranwal The Sikhs led many expeditions against Multan. Bhangi Sikh Sardar , attacked Multan for the first time around June 1761. The Sikhs plundered many village. His sons Jhanda Singh and Ganda Singh attacked again in 1764, However attempts to take the Multan fort failed and they retreated after collecting several million rupees from the ruler Muzaffar Khan Saddozai.It was later captured by Sardar Hari Singh from nawab in 1818 for Maharaja Ranjit Singh
The front view of an old colonial building built during the rule of the British RajIn the 19th century, the Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh with his Capitol at Lahore conquered Multan and thus became master of the whole of Punjab. Sikh armies under Great General Hari Singh Nalwa defeated and killed The ruler of Multan Muzaffar Khan Saddozai. The death of Muzaffar Khan was in fact the death of Muslim rule in Multan. After capturing the Fort, the Sikh soldiers were let loose to arson and debauchery as happened with the conquered cities throughout the History, which Latif recorded as follows: "The city and Fort were now given up to be plundered by the Sikh troops. Great were the ravages committed by the Sikhs on this occasion. About 400 to 500 houses in the Fort were razed to the ground and their owners deprived of all they had. Precious stones, jewellery, shawls and other valuables belonging to the Nawab were confiscated by the state and kept carefully packed by Diwan Ram Diyal for inspection of the Maharaja. In the town many houses were set on fire and nothing was left with the inhabitants that was worth having. Hundreds were killed in the city, and indeed there was hardly a soul who escaped both loss and violence". Diwan Sawan Mall took over and known to be one of the most able and powerful Sikh rulers of his time. He amassed enormous wealth and became a threat to the Sovereign. His sons Dewan Mulraj and Karan Narain were well looked after. The first son Mulraj became the Governor of Multan, after his father had been assassinated. His younger brother rose to being a General of the highest order under Maharaja Ranjit Singh and was awarded titles of Sardar (High Noble), Bakshi ( Benevolent) by the Maharaja. However, Sikh rule would not last long, as the British were eventually provoked into checking the Sikh strength in Punjab. After a long and bloody battle, Multan was made part of the British Raj. During this time, Sardar Karan Narain's son became an icon during the British Raj and was awarded titles 'Rai Bahadur' and Knighted 'Sir' by Her Majesty. The British built some rail routes to the city, but its industrial capacity was never developed.
Upon Pakistan's independence in 1947, Multan became part of the Punjab province. It initially lacked industry, hospitals and universities. Since then, there has been some industrial growth, and the city's population is continually growing. But the old city continues to be in a dilapidated state, and many monuments wear the effects of the warfare that has visited the city.
[edit] Geography and climate
Agricultural export is a large portion of income for the local populationThe city of Multan is located in southern Punjab province at almost the exact center of Pakistan. The very next major adjoining city is Sahiwal. The area around the city is a flat plain and is ideal for agriculture. There are many canals that cut across the Multan District that provide water from nearby rivers. It is extremely hot in the summer. Multan is has several citrus and mango farms . It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
[edit] Demographics
The majority of Multan's residents speak a language called Siraiki. The overwhelming majority of the people are Muslim. Most of the people speak Siraiki language with a good portion of the people conversant in Urdu. English is understood by the educated.
Multan has traditionally been a melting pot of several regional as well as distinct ethnic groups due to it location near four of Pakistan's main provinces and it historical significance as a centre of learning, culture. As a result, Multan of today consists of Baloch, Pashtun, Panjabi, Seraiki (a transition group between Panjabi and Sindhi), Afghan, Persian and mohajir's who recently arrived at the time of independence in 1947.
Multan is also rich in literature, there are many poets and other prominent personalities who are known country wide. The city is notable for being the birthplace of the founder of Afghanistan, Ahmed Shah Abdali who was born in the village of Kiri Shah Husain Khan where members of his tribe still live. In Urdu poetry Asad Multani, Dr. Qateel Jaffri, Haider Gardezi, Aasi Karnali, Aslam Ansari, Arsh Siddiqi, Sahir Bukhari (Known as Sharif Bukhari), Iqbal Arshad, Arshad Multani, Hazeen Sidiqi, Anwar Jamal, Razi-ud-Din Razi, Ghazala Khakwani, Kashif Baloch, Shaakir Hussain Shaakir and Riffat Abbass are popular poets of the city. Whereas Hafeez Khan is leading short story writer, playwright,critic,research schollar and columnist.While Mazhar Kaleem the undisputed master of spy novels in Urdu literature also hails from Multan. Multan is also famous for its sufis. It is still the home town of Sheikh Amin, a present day famous Sufi.
[edit] Economy
Main article: Economy of Multan
Local billboards in MultanMultan is a commercial and industrial center, it is connected with the rest of the country through rail and air including the other industrials hubs such as Lahore, Karachi, Quetta & Faisalabad. Industries include fertilizer, cosmetics, glass manufacturing, cotton production and processing, large textile units, flour mills, sugar and oil mills and large-scale power generation projects. It is famous for its handicrafts (carpets & ceramics) and cottage industries. There are hospitals, public gardens, and several colleges affiliated with the University of the Punjab. The University of Multan was established in 1975. Large, irregular suburbs have grown outside the old walled town, and two satellite towns have been set up. Mangoes of Shujabad district are well known. Multani khussa (traditional shoes), embroidery on dresses for women and men, furniture and other wooden products, earthenware pottery, painted pottery, camel-skin ware (e.g. lamps), surgical instruments & carpets are few of the city's major export items with a great demand within the country as well.
Mango trees are a large portion of Multan's export domestically as well as abroadMultan is an important agricultural, industrial and tourist centre. Wheat, cotton and sugarcane are the main crops grown in the district. Moreover, rice, maize, tobacco, bajra, moong(lentils), mash(lentils), masoor(lentils) , oil seed such as rape / mustard and sunflower are also grown in minor quantities in the district. Mangoes, citrus, guavas and pomegranate are the main fruits grown in the Multan district. Additionally, dates, jaman, pears, phalsa and bananas are also grown in minor quantities in the district. Mangos:[2]Citrus kinnow:[3]
[edit] Educational institutions
Main articles: List of educational institutions in Multan and List of universities in Multan
In 1950, the then Governor Abdur Rub Nishtar founded Nishtar Medical College, which became an affiliate of Punjab University. Renowned doctors graduated from this institution and have spread out all over the world. Legacy of its graduates resonates in the west, where a large number of these doctors have established their name in the different faculties of medicine.
Bahauddin Zakariya University formerly known as Multan University, is the main source of higher education for this region. Government College at Bosan Road, Government College Science, Punjab College, Punjab College for Women, and Government Degree College for Women are the most popular institutions.
Among schools, various public and private schools provide education up to secondary level. One of them is Government Islamia High School at Aam Khas Bagh, which in spite of very limited resources, is providing opportunity for the poor students of this city to excel. There are several privates schools and colleges which follow foreign curricula like the British GCE Ordinary level/Advanced level & the IB within the city. The oldest of these institutes is La Salle High School which has lost its significance as schools such as Multan Public School, Jinnah Highs, Bloomfield Hall and Beacon House have attracted high caliber students given their resources.Multan Public School is one of the largest school of Pakistan.Its 97 acre campus containg splendid buildings of academic block and vast playing fields along with all the educational facilities makes it one of the best public school of the country.
There is another Institute for Engineering and Technology called N.F.C. I.E.T. It is located opposite to the Pak-Arab Fertilizers, on Khanewal Road. This Institute currently offers Graduate Degree in Chemical, Electronic and Computer System Engineering.
Private Colleges and Universities
University of Southern Punjab
SKANS
Punjab College of Information Technology
Punjab college of Commerce
Punjab college for Women
Leadership College
Superior College
Educators College
[edit] Tourism
Multan, being an historic city, attracts a number of tourists every year. When the first settlements established themselves in Multan, access to the city was through a circular road around the rampart that gave access to the city through thirteen gates and even now some of the imposing structures of these gates are still visible and well preserved. The Old City has narrow, colorful bazaars full of local handicrafts and narrow winding lanes. There are many places of historical, cultural and recreational interest in the city. In the bazaars of the Old City one still comes across tiny shops where craftsmen can be seen busily turning out masterpieces in copper, brass, silver as well as textiles in the traditional fashion.
The numerous Sufi shrines within the old city offer impressive examples of workmanship and architecture. The Shams-e Tabriz shrine is built almost entirely of sky-blue engraved glazed bricks. That of Shah Rukn-e Alam (Tughlaq period) has one of the biggest domes in Asia. The shrine of Sheikh Yusuf Gardez is a masterpiece of the Multani style. Other shrines include the Pahladpuri Temple and the Idgah Mosque (1735).
[edit] Sites of interest
This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards.
Please improve this article if you can. (May 2007)
The Multan Municipal Corporation Clock Tower
King's Mosque (also referred as Eid Gah Mosque)
Side view of the Shah Rukn-I-Alam mausoleumGeneral
Multan Arts Council building
The Multan Municipal Corporation Clock Tower
Mohallah Qadeerabad.
Mumtazabad Colony
Shahrukne Alam Colony
Gulgasht Colony
New Multan
WAPDA Colony
Multan Cantt.
Basti Khudadad Colony
Prestigious College Students
Ali Murtaza Gardezi (Union College, New York)
Nazar Abbas Kazmi (NCA, Lahore)
Fun and Playlands
Joy Land
Jinnah Park
Askari Park Jheel (LAKE)
Alladin
Mumtazabad Park
Shahshamas Park
Cantonment Garden
Construction
Supercon Engineers (Road Construction)
Industries
AlHilal Vegetable ghee Mills www.sultanghee.com/ourproducts.htm
Hussain Industries
Chenab Concrete (Tuff Paver & Concrete Block Manufacturer)
Hafeez Ghee and General Mills
Saleem Soap Factory (Muhammad Rafiq Group)
Pak Cola industry
Coca Cola Industry
Peppsi Cola Industry
Rubber Industry and Plastic as well
Textile Industry
Colonial buildings
Memorial Obelisk
Temples
Sun Mandir
Suraj Kund
Forts
Multan Fort
Fort Munro
Mausoleums
Mausoleum of Shah Shams Tabraizi
Mausoleum of Shah Gardez
Mausoleum of Hazrat Baha-ud-Din Zakaria
Mausoleum of Shah Rukn-i-Alam
Mausoleum of Musa Pak Shaheed
Mausoleum of Bibi Pak Daman (Near Basti Daira)
Mausoleum of Hazrat Sher Shah Syed (Multan-Mazzaffargarh Road)
Mausoleum of Hazrat Makhdoom Abdul Rashid Haqqani (Makhdoom Rashid Road)
Shrine of Shahadna Shahaid (Near Delhi Gate) (shrine of a faithful disciple of Bahaul Haq)
Totla Mai (Near Haram Gate)
Mausoleum of Shah Ali Akbar
Baba Safra (Near Eidgah)
Nuagaza tombs
Manka
Mausoleum of Makhdoom Jahania in Jahanaian
Mazar Baba Tal Shah 160/10-R Jangal Maryala
Museums
Multan Museum
Govt. College Museum
Gardens Parks
Lake Chamanzar-e-Askari and Company Bagh (Cantonment)
Qasim Bagh in the Multan Fort
Langer Khan Garden
Aam-Khas Garden and the parks at Bohar gate
Cantonment garden (Multan cantt.)
Jinnah Park Shah Ruken Alam Colony Multan
Shah Shamas Park Daulat Gate Multan
Chaman Zar Askari Cantt
Qasim Bagh Park
Mosques
Mosque
Sawi Mosque
Mosque Ali Muhammad Khan
Mosque Phool Hattan Wali
Eid Gah Mosque
Jamia Khair-ul-Madaris
Mosque Ahmed Shah Abdali
Mosque Khalil
Baqarabad Mosque New Multan
Sports grounds
Multan Cricket Club Stadium
Qasim Bagh Stadium
Divisional Sports Ground
Govt. College Cricket Ground (PCB Ground)
Red light district
Ghanta Ghar (Multan)
Multan is known as the 'City of Sufi Saints (Pir) and Shrines'. The city is full of bazaars, mosques, shrines and superbly designed tombs. A network of rails, highways and air flights has Multan well connected to the rest of the world.
Contents [hide]
1 History
2 Geography and climate
3 Demographics
4 Economy
5 Educational institutions
6 Tourism
7 Sites of interest
8 See also
9 External links
[edit] History
Main article: History of Multan
Multan is one of the oldest cities in South Asia, the exact age has yet to be determined. Its modern name comes from its old Sanskrit name Mūlasthān. It has seen a lot of warfare because of its location on a major invasion route between South Asia and Central Asia. It is famous for its Sufi shrines.
Multan was ruled by various Hindu empires for over 1000 years. It is believed to have been visited by Alexander the Great. It is said that when Alexander was fighting for the city, a poisoned arrow struck him, making him ill- and eventually leading to his death. The exact place where Alexander was hit by the arrow can be seen in the old city premises. It is believed to be the same city as "Maii-us-than", where Alexander's forces stormed the citadel after seeing their king injured and unconscious on the field of battle. Multan was part of the Mauryan and the Gupta empires that ruled much of northern India. In the mid 5th century, the city was attacked by a group of nomads led by Toraman. These nomads were successful in taking the city, but did not stay, and the long-standing Hindu/Zorastrian rule over the city was reestablished. The noted Chinese traveler Huen Tsang visited Multan in 641 AD.
During the Pre-Islamic period, Multan was known as the city of gold for its large and wealthy temples. The Sun temple, Suraj Mandir, was considered one of the largest and wealthiest temples in the entire sub-continent. Numerous historians have written about this extremely large Hindu temple that housed over 6,000 people within it. Other famous sites included the Suraj Kund ("pool of the Sun") and Temple of Prahladapuri. Story of Prahlada from whom the temple took its name is interesting.
Prahlada was the son of King Hiranyakashipu. Hiranyakashipu held sway over this country and condemned the gods and forbade the paying of homage in their name. Prahlada was recognized as being a very devoted follower of Vishnu, much to his father's disappointment. As Prahlada grows in age, his father Hiranyakashipu becomes upset at his devotion to Vishnu, who he sees as his mortal enemy. Eventually his anger leads him to attempt to kill the boy Prahlada in many ways, but each time Prahlada is protected by Vishnu's mystical power. Finally in disgust Hiranyakashipu points to a particular pillar and asks if his Vishnu is in it? Prahlada answers "He is". Hiranyakashipu, unable to control his anger, smashes the pillar with his mace, it burst in two and out sprang the god Vishnu in the form of a man-lion form called Narasimha avatar who laid the King across his knees and ripped his stomach open with his claws. A Temple devoted to Narasimha Avatar of Vishnu is built. The temple is situated close to the shrine of Bahawal Huk. Currently its roof and surrounding building have been damaged but the pillar is no more. The Idol was shifted from temple to a new place near old fruit market. Now it is at Haridwar, where it was brought in 1947 by Narayan Das Baba.
Interestingly, Multan is located very close to Harappa, the Indus Valley Civilization site. Some have suggested that Harappa and Mohenjodaro. could be linked with the two Avataras of Vishnu - Narasimha and Waraha respectively.
In the 7th century, Multan had its first experience with Muslim armies. Armies led by Al Muhallab ibn Abi Suffrah launched numerous raids from Persia into India for inclusion of the area into their empires. However, only a few decades later, Muhammad bin Qasim would come on behalf of the Arabs, and take Multan along with Sind. Following bin Qasim's conquest, the city was securely under Muslim rule, although it was in effect an independent state.
With the turn of the millennium, the city was attacked twice by Mahmud of Ghazni who destroyed the Sun Mandir. After Muhammad Ghuri's victories in India, and his establishment of a capital in Delhi, Multan was made a part of his empire. However, the rise of the Mongols would again give it some independence, albeit requiring it to be vigilant against Mongol raids from Central Asia.
Under the Mughal Empire, Multan enjoyed over 200 years of peace, and became known as Dar al-Aman (Abode of Peace). The Khakwani Nawabs of Multan gave it a lot of financial stability and growth to the local farming sector. It was at this time that Multan was ruled by Nawab Ali Mohammad Khan Khakwani. As governor of Multan, he built the famous Mosque Ali Mohammad Khan in 1757 which remains to this day. Many buildings were constructed in this time, and agricultural production grew rapidly. The Khakwani Nawabs of Multan at this time were paying homage to the Afghan king but due to lack of power in Delhi and Kabul they had a free reign and pretty much were absolute rulers of Multan. Multan at that time included areas which are part of Vehari, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan districts. The city escaped the destruction brought upon India by the armies of Nadir Shah, but it was ruled from Kabul by numerous Afghan dynasties for a while.
Multan witnessed difficult times as Mughal rule declined. After Ahmad Shah Durrani's dynasty went into decline, it was ruled locally by the Pashtun Khakwani and Sadozai chieftains. The Sadozais having gained the favor of the king and having the Khakwani Nawab removed. This period saw the rise of Sikh power and frequent clashes took place between the Muslims and Sikhs. The Sikhs attacked Multan killed the Sadozai Nawab and took over the city. The Khakwanis had moved out of the city at that time and lived in small walled cities around main Multan. The Khokhars or Khatri Muslim occupied Multan intermittenly between 1756 to 1763 displacing replacing ruling Sadozai member by Khakwani nawab or his brother,son or even soninlaw ,this was most turbulent period in history of Multan resulting administration getting paralysed & inviting attack from misl from Gujranwal The Sikhs led many expeditions against Multan. Bhangi Sikh Sardar , attacked Multan for the first time around June 1761. The Sikhs plundered many village. His sons Jhanda Singh and Ganda Singh attacked again in 1764, However attempts to take the Multan fort failed and they retreated after collecting several million rupees from the ruler Muzaffar Khan Saddozai.It was later captured by Sardar Hari Singh from nawab in 1818 for Maharaja Ranjit Singh
The front view of an old colonial building built during the rule of the British RajIn the 19th century, the Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh with his Capitol at Lahore conquered Multan and thus became master of the whole of Punjab. Sikh armies under Great General Hari Singh Nalwa defeated and killed The ruler of Multan Muzaffar Khan Saddozai. The death of Muzaffar Khan was in fact the death of Muslim rule in Multan. After capturing the Fort, the Sikh soldiers were let loose to arson and debauchery as happened with the conquered cities throughout the History, which Latif recorded as follows: "The city and Fort were now given up to be plundered by the Sikh troops. Great were the ravages committed by the Sikhs on this occasion. About 400 to 500 houses in the Fort were razed to the ground and their owners deprived of all they had. Precious stones, jewellery, shawls and other valuables belonging to the Nawab were confiscated by the state and kept carefully packed by Diwan Ram Diyal for inspection of the Maharaja. In the town many houses were set on fire and nothing was left with the inhabitants that was worth having. Hundreds were killed in the city, and indeed there was hardly a soul who escaped both loss and violence". Diwan Sawan Mall took over and known to be one of the most able and powerful Sikh rulers of his time. He amassed enormous wealth and became a threat to the Sovereign. His sons Dewan Mulraj and Karan Narain were well looked after. The first son Mulraj became the Governor of Multan, after his father had been assassinated. His younger brother rose to being a General of the highest order under Maharaja Ranjit Singh and was awarded titles of Sardar (High Noble), Bakshi ( Benevolent) by the Maharaja. However, Sikh rule would not last long, as the British were eventually provoked into checking the Sikh strength in Punjab. After a long and bloody battle, Multan was made part of the British Raj. During this time, Sardar Karan Narain's son became an icon during the British Raj and was awarded titles 'Rai Bahadur' and Knighted 'Sir' by Her Majesty. The British built some rail routes to the city, but its industrial capacity was never developed.
Upon Pakistan's independence in 1947, Multan became part of the Punjab province. It initially lacked industry, hospitals and universities. Since then, there has been some industrial growth, and the city's population is continually growing. But the old city continues to be in a dilapidated state, and many monuments wear the effects of the warfare that has visited the city.
[edit] Geography and climate
Agricultural export is a large portion of income for the local populationThe city of Multan is located in southern Punjab province at almost the exact center of Pakistan. The very next major adjoining city is Sahiwal. The area around the city is a flat plain and is ideal for agriculture. There are many canals that cut across the Multan District that provide water from nearby rivers. It is extremely hot in the summer. Multan is has several citrus and mango farms . It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
[edit] Demographics
The majority of Multan's residents speak a language called Siraiki. The overwhelming majority of the people are Muslim. Most of the people speak Siraiki language with a good portion of the people conversant in Urdu. English is understood by the educated.
Multan has traditionally been a melting pot of several regional as well as distinct ethnic groups due to it location near four of Pakistan's main provinces and it historical significance as a centre of learning, culture. As a result, Multan of today consists of Baloch, Pashtun, Panjabi, Seraiki (a transition group between Panjabi and Sindhi), Afghan, Persian and mohajir's who recently arrived at the time of independence in 1947.
Multan is also rich in literature, there are many poets and other prominent personalities who are known country wide. The city is notable for being the birthplace of the founder of Afghanistan, Ahmed Shah Abdali who was born in the village of Kiri Shah Husain Khan where members of his tribe still live. In Urdu poetry Asad Multani, Dr. Qateel Jaffri, Haider Gardezi, Aasi Karnali, Aslam Ansari, Arsh Siddiqi, Sahir Bukhari (Known as Sharif Bukhari), Iqbal Arshad, Arshad Multani, Hazeen Sidiqi, Anwar Jamal, Razi-ud-Din Razi, Ghazala Khakwani, Kashif Baloch, Shaakir Hussain Shaakir and Riffat Abbass are popular poets of the city. Whereas Hafeez Khan is leading short story writer, playwright,critic,research schollar and columnist.While Mazhar Kaleem the undisputed master of spy novels in Urdu literature also hails from Multan. Multan is also famous for its sufis. It is still the home town of Sheikh Amin, a present day famous Sufi.
[edit] Economy
Main article: Economy of Multan
Local billboards in MultanMultan is a commercial and industrial center, it is connected with the rest of the country through rail and air including the other industrials hubs such as Lahore, Karachi, Quetta & Faisalabad. Industries include fertilizer, cosmetics, glass manufacturing, cotton production and processing, large textile units, flour mills, sugar and oil mills and large-scale power generation projects. It is famous for its handicrafts (carpets & ceramics) and cottage industries. There are hospitals, public gardens, and several colleges affiliated with the University of the Punjab. The University of Multan was established in 1975. Large, irregular suburbs have grown outside the old walled town, and two satellite towns have been set up. Mangoes of Shujabad district are well known. Multani khussa (traditional shoes), embroidery on dresses for women and men, furniture and other wooden products, earthenware pottery, painted pottery, camel-skin ware (e.g. lamps), surgical instruments & carpets are few of the city's major export items with a great demand within the country as well.
Mango trees are a large portion of Multan's export domestically as well as abroadMultan is an important agricultural, industrial and tourist centre. Wheat, cotton and sugarcane are the main crops grown in the district. Moreover, rice, maize, tobacco, bajra, moong(lentils), mash(lentils), masoor(lentils) , oil seed such as rape / mustard and sunflower are also grown in minor quantities in the district. Mangoes, citrus, guavas and pomegranate are the main fruits grown in the Multan district. Additionally, dates, jaman, pears, phalsa and bananas are also grown in minor quantities in the district. Mangos:[2]Citrus kinnow:[3]
[edit] Educational institutions
Main articles: List of educational institutions in Multan and List of universities in Multan
In 1950, the then Governor Abdur Rub Nishtar founded Nishtar Medical College, which became an affiliate of Punjab University. Renowned doctors graduated from this institution and have spread out all over the world. Legacy of its graduates resonates in the west, where a large number of these doctors have established their name in the different faculties of medicine.
Bahauddin Zakariya University formerly known as Multan University, is the main source of higher education for this region. Government College at Bosan Road, Government College Science, Punjab College, Punjab College for Women, and Government Degree College for Women are the most popular institutions.
Among schools, various public and private schools provide education up to secondary level. One of them is Government Islamia High School at Aam Khas Bagh, which in spite of very limited resources, is providing opportunity for the poor students of this city to excel. There are several privates schools and colleges which follow foreign curricula like the British GCE Ordinary level/Advanced level & the IB within the city. The oldest of these institutes is La Salle High School which has lost its significance as schools such as Multan Public School, Jinnah Highs, Bloomfield Hall and Beacon House have attracted high caliber students given their resources.Multan Public School is one of the largest school of Pakistan.Its 97 acre campus containg splendid buildings of academic block and vast playing fields along with all the educational facilities makes it one of the best public school of the country.
There is another Institute for Engineering and Technology called N.F.C. I.E.T. It is located opposite to the Pak-Arab Fertilizers, on Khanewal Road. This Institute currently offers Graduate Degree in Chemical, Electronic and Computer System Engineering.
Private Colleges and Universities
University of Southern Punjab
SKANS
Punjab College of Information Technology
Punjab college of Commerce
Punjab college for Women
Leadership College
Superior College
Educators College
[edit] Tourism
Multan, being an historic city, attracts a number of tourists every year. When the first settlements established themselves in Multan, access to the city was through a circular road around the rampart that gave access to the city through thirteen gates and even now some of the imposing structures of these gates are still visible and well preserved. The Old City has narrow, colorful bazaars full of local handicrafts and narrow winding lanes. There are many places of historical, cultural and recreational interest in the city. In the bazaars of the Old City one still comes across tiny shops where craftsmen can be seen busily turning out masterpieces in copper, brass, silver as well as textiles in the traditional fashion.
The numerous Sufi shrines within the old city offer impressive examples of workmanship and architecture. The Shams-e Tabriz shrine is built almost entirely of sky-blue engraved glazed bricks. That of Shah Rukn-e Alam (Tughlaq period) has one of the biggest domes in Asia. The shrine of Sheikh Yusuf Gardez is a masterpiece of the Multani style. Other shrines include the Pahladpuri Temple and the Idgah Mosque (1735).
[edit] Sites of interest
This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards.
Please improve this article if you can. (May 2007)
The Multan Municipal Corporation Clock Tower
King's Mosque (also referred as Eid Gah Mosque)
Side view of the Shah Rukn-I-Alam mausoleumGeneral
Multan Arts Council building
The Multan Municipal Corporation Clock Tower
Mohallah Qadeerabad.
Mumtazabad Colony
Shahrukne Alam Colony
Gulgasht Colony
New Multan
WAPDA Colony
Multan Cantt.
Basti Khudadad Colony
Prestigious College Students
Ali Murtaza Gardezi (Union College, New York)
Nazar Abbas Kazmi (NCA, Lahore)
Fun and Playlands
Joy Land
Jinnah Park
Askari Park Jheel (LAKE)
Alladin
Mumtazabad Park
Shahshamas Park
Cantonment Garden
Construction
Supercon Engineers (Road Construction)
Industries
AlHilal Vegetable ghee Mills www.sultanghee.com/ourproducts.htm
Hussain Industries
Chenab Concrete (Tuff Paver & Concrete Block Manufacturer)
Hafeez Ghee and General Mills
Saleem Soap Factory (Muhammad Rafiq Group)
Pak Cola industry
Coca Cola Industry
Peppsi Cola Industry
Rubber Industry and Plastic as well
Textile Industry
Colonial buildings
Memorial Obelisk
Temples
Sun Mandir
Suraj Kund
Forts
Multan Fort
Fort Munro
Mausoleums
Mausoleum of Shah Shams Tabraizi
Mausoleum of Shah Gardez
Mausoleum of Hazrat Baha-ud-Din Zakaria
Mausoleum of Shah Rukn-i-Alam
Mausoleum of Musa Pak Shaheed
Mausoleum of Bibi Pak Daman (Near Basti Daira)
Mausoleum of Hazrat Sher Shah Syed (Multan-Mazzaffargarh Road)
Mausoleum of Hazrat Makhdoom Abdul Rashid Haqqani (Makhdoom Rashid Road)
Shrine of Shahadna Shahaid (Near Delhi Gate) (shrine of a faithful disciple of Bahaul Haq)
Totla Mai (Near Haram Gate)
Mausoleum of Shah Ali Akbar
Baba Safra (Near Eidgah)
Nuagaza tombs
Manka
Mausoleum of Makhdoom Jahania in Jahanaian
Mazar Baba Tal Shah 160/10-R Jangal Maryala
Museums
Multan Museum
Govt. College Museum
Gardens Parks
Lake Chamanzar-e-Askari and Company Bagh (Cantonment)
Qasim Bagh in the Multan Fort
Langer Khan Garden
Aam-Khas Garden and the parks at Bohar gate
Cantonment garden (Multan cantt.)
Jinnah Park Shah Ruken Alam Colony Multan
Shah Shamas Park Daulat Gate Multan
Chaman Zar Askari Cantt
Qasim Bagh Park
Mosques
Mosque
Sawi Mosque
Mosque Ali Muhammad Khan
Mosque Phool Hattan Wali
Eid Gah Mosque
Jamia Khair-ul-Madaris
Mosque Ahmed Shah Abdali
Mosque Khalil
Baqarabad Mosque New Multan
Sports grounds
Multan Cricket Club Stadium
Qasim Bagh Stadium
Divisional Sports Ground
Govt. College Cricket Ground (PCB Ground)
Red light district
Ghanta Ghar (Multan)
Quetta
Quetta (help·info) (Urdu: کوئٹہ) also spelled Kwatah city is a variation of kwatkot, a Pashto word meaning “fort,”. It is the largest city and provincial capital and district of Baluchistan Province, Pakistan.
The city is the provisional and district headquarters and is an important marketing and communications centre between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Situated at an elevation of 1676–1900 meters above sea level in north-western Pakistan, Quetta is also know as the fruit basket of Pakistan.
Contents [hide]
1 History
1.1 Early history
1.2 During British era
1.3 Early Settlers
1.4 Earthquake (1935)
2 Geography and climate
3 Demography
4 Culture
5 Sports
6 Educational institutions
7 Transport
7.1 Air Transport
7.2 Road and Railways
8 Telecommunication
9 Tourist Attractions
9.1 Pishin Valley
9.2 Hanna Lake
9.3 Towns
9.4 Askari Park
9.5 Hazarganji Chiltan National Park
10 Gallery
11 External links
12 References
[edit] History
[edit] Early history
It is un-known that when Quetta was inhabited at first, but most probably it was habited during the 6th century A.D. The region remian part of Sassanid Persian Empire and was later annexed by Rashidun Caliphate during 7th century Islamic conquest. It remained part of Umayyad Empire and Abassid Empire. However in detail Quetta was first mentioned in the 11th century when it was captured by Mahmud of Ghazni on one of his invasions of the subcontinent. In 1543 the Moghul emperor Humayun rested here on his retreat to Persia, leaving his one-year-old son Akbar until he returned two years later. The Moghuls ruled Quetta until 1556, when the Persians took it, only to be retaken by Akbar in 1595.
[edit] During British era
Quetta cantonment, 1889.In 1828 the first westerner to visit Quetta described it as a mud-walled fort surrounded by 300 mud houses. Although occupied briefly by the British during the First Afghan War in 1839, it was not until 1876 that Quetta came under permanent British control and Robert Sandeman was made political agent in Baluchistan. Since Partition the population of Quetta has increased dramatically. Because of its military base and trading activities, and the introduction of commercial fruit farming, Quetta District can now support about half a million people.
[edit] Early Settlers
Very little is known about the human settlement in the district. However, it is certain that the Afghans and Brahuis are recent immigrants. The Pashtuns appear to have entered the district from the north east, emigrating from their home round the Takht-i-Sulaman. Kasi's (A branch of Afghan) are said to have migrated from their home around the Takht-i-Sulaman about eight centuries ago. They made their first settlement at Samli, a village near Quetta city. The Brahuis are an offshoot from the Kalat territory and their presence in the district dates back to the eighteenth century.
Till 1947 Quetta was a small town. People used to call it small London. But rapid population growth in terms of rural - urban migration, and influx of Indian refugees increased the population at Quetta. Influx of Afghan refugees during the 1980s helped the slums to grow. New settlement in the form of housing schemes emerged at Satellite Town, Jinnah Town, Samungli Town, Model Town and Shahbaz Town. In Kachi Abadies, slums also begun to develop. The process of settlement continues. Now Quetta has turned into an over-populated city.
[edit] Earthquake (1935)
Quetta, before the devastating earthquake of 7.1 magnitude on 31 May 1935, was a bright and bustling city with multi-storey buildings. Those couple minutes of the earthquake seemed like hours to the people of Quetta. It was almost completely destroyed in this earthquake and was virtually razed to the ground in the small hours of the morning of that fateful day, when about 40,000 people perished. Today, houses are generally single storey and quake proof, built with bricks and reinforced concrete. The structure is generally of lighter material. Incidentally, the bricks of Quetta have a yellowish tinge unlike the red variety of Sindh and the Punjab.
[edit] Geography and climate
Quetta in Winter (Photo by Amin Mengal)
Jinnah Road, Quetta, in the late 1940s, after independence
Morning view of Satellite town, QuettaQuetta city is comprised of a valley and is a natural fort, surrounded as it is by imposing hills on all sides. The encircling hills have the resounding names of Chiltan, Takatoo, Murdar and Zarghun. surrounded by three different mountain ranges. It is north west of Karachi and south west of Islamabad.
Quetta has minimum winter temperatures ranging well below freezing point and as low as -18˚C, while maximum winter temperatures seldom crosses 25˚C. Snowfall was a common feature in months of December – February till early ninties but after that snowfall has become rare in winters due to drought that was severe during 1999–2001. Summer maximum and minimum temperature hover around 42˚C and 12˚C (53˚F) respectively. Unlike to the rest of the country, Quetta does not have a fertile rainy season during monsoon time. In general Quetta has a dry climate. It receives rainfall during the winter season from December – March.
[edit] Demography
According to the 1998 census Quetta was the ninth biggest city of Pakistan with a population of 565,137 ( however according to non-governmental census the population of Quetta along with Afghan immigrants is over 1,500,000). The city in general is dominated by a Pashtun majority, a Balochi and Hazara minority with an eclectic smattering of smaller groups. However the city is also a home to millions of Afghan immigrants. The Pushto, Balochi, Persian (Hazaragi dialect), Brahui, Sindhi, Punjabi and Urdu languages are spoken in large parts of Quetta, giving the city a very multicultural feel.
Quetta was the outskirt of Kandahar until it was captured by the British in Second Afghan war. Most of the Balochis settled in Quetta after 1970 when a new province by the name of Balochistan was created after One Unit system was abolished in Pakistan. Quetta was made the capital city of Balochistan.
[edit] Culture
Beside millions of Afghan immigrants, the local inhabitants are mainly Pashtuns. Others include Baloch, Brahuis, Hazaras and smaller populations of Punjabis, Mohajirs and Sindhis. During the summer season main bazaars are full of people from all over Pakistan. The merchants are mainly Pushtun people. Quetta is a multi-Cultural city. The Hazaras mostly live in Mari- Abad, and out skirt of Quetta called Brouri. Most Hazaras have migrated from Afghanistan in 1980's and 1990's during the time of instability. It is one of the hot spots of Hazara migrants especially from Hazaras of Ghazni. Quetta tribesmen are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Making visitors comfortable is an integral part of their local traditions. The tribes include Kakar, Ghilzai Tareen, Mandokhel, Sherani, Looni, Kasi and Achakzai. The main bazaar on Jinnah Road is full of Pashtun traders, many of them wearing turbans. Hazara traders sitting in their shops, Baloch hawkers with red embroidered caps, and full-skirted nomad women carrying bundles of imported cloth for sale. During the summer season main bazaars are full of people from all over Pakistan. Quetta is a multi-Cultural city.
[edit] Sports
Football is popular in Quetta, which has produced more renowned players then any other part of Pakistan. Mali Bagh is the best-known football ground. Teams in Quetta include Afghan football and Baluch football clubs and Quetta Bazigars. In boxing, Olympian sportsmen are Syed Ibrar Ali Shah, Asghar Ali Changezi, and Haider Ali Changezi.
[edit] Educational institutions
Quetta has many higher education institutions. The prestigious military Command and Staff College, which was founded by the British, recently celebrated its hundredth anniversary. University of Balochistan was established in 1974. The Balochistan University of Information Technology and Management Sciences is also located in Quetta.
Balochistan Institute of Technology
DAR-E-ARQAM School Of Islam & Modern Sciences
Balochistan University of Information Technology and Management Sciences
Command and Staff College
Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University
University of Balochistan
Tameer-i-Nau public college
Government College of Technology Balochistan
Army public school and college
[edit] Transport
Quetta is on the western edge of Pakistan and is well connected with the country by a wide network of roads, railways and airways.
[edit] Air Transport
Quetta International AirportQuetta Airport is 4th highest Airport of Pakistan, at the height of 1605 meter above sea level. Pakistan International Airlines, Shaheen Air International and Airblue all have regular flights between Quetta and other major cities of Pakistan including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar. Pakistan International Airlines has a direct flight between Dubai and Quetta. Other international passengers traveling to Quetta can reach Quetta via any of the other main hubs of Pakistan, i.e. Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad or Peshawar.
[edit] Road and Railways
Quetta railway station is one of the highest railway station of Pakistan, at the height of 1676 meter above sea level. The railway track was lined in 1890s during the British era to link Quetta with rest of the country. The extensive network of Pakistan Railways connects Quetta to Karachi in south, by a 863 km (536 miles) track, Lahore in northeast (1,170 km or 727 miles) and Peshawar further northeast (1587 km or 986 miles). A metalled road is also present along the railroad that connects Quetta to Karachi via Sibi, Jacobabad and Rohri. A track from the Irani city of Zahedan links to Quetta via Taftan, but the train service were temporarily disabled in 2006 due to unrest in Balochistan.
Quetta Railway StationRecently the new project has been proposed for constructing a railway track that will link Gawadar to China, this will also link Gawadar with Quetta via Kalat. Even though the linear distance from Quetta to Lahore is merely 700 km, there is no direct railroad track on this route because of the Sulaiman Range that lies in the east of Quetta. So all northeast-bound trains for Punjab or NWFP must go 350+ km south up to Rohri, Sindh (near Sukkur) first, before continuing north to Punjab and/or NWFP.
[edit] Telecommunication
PTCL (Pakistan Telecommunication Corporation Limited) provides the main network of landline telephone. Many Internet Service Providers and all major mobile phone companies operating in Pakistan provide service in Quetta.
[edit] Tourist Attractions
St. Mary's church during winter. From a 1910 photograph.
Hanna Lake In Winter
Quetta At NightQuetta is a major tourist attraction for tourists from abroad. It is advertised as a thrilling location, full of adventure and enjoyment. Some prominent bazaars of Quetta are located on the roads Shahrah-e-Iqbal (the Kandahari Bazaar) and Shahrah-e-Liaquat (the Liaquat and Suraj Gang Bazaar, Alamdar road (little Tokyo). Here, tourists can find colorful handicrafts, particularly Balochi mirror work and Pashtun embroidery which is admired all over the world. The Pashtun workers are prominently expert in making fine Afghan carpets, with their pleasing and intricate designs, fur coats, jackets, waist-coats, sandals and other creations of traditional Pashtun skills. local handicrafts, specially green marble products, mirror work and embroidered jackets, shirts, and hand bags, pillow covers, bed sheets, dry fruits, etc. Balochi carpets are made by the nomadic tribes of this area. They are generally not nearly as fine or expensive as the Persian city products, or even the Turkoman tribal rugs from further North, but they are generally better than Afghan carpets and more authentic than the bad copies of Turkoman and Persian designs that the cites of Pakistan produce. They definitely have a charm of their own. They range from relatively crude rugs that can, with some bargaining, be had at very reasonable prices to quite fine and valuable pieces. Many are small enough to be fairly portable. For those interested in local cuisine, there are many sumptuous dishes to feast upon. The "Sajji" (leg of lamb), Hazaragi Aash, Mantho is said to be very good by locals. The Pathan tribesmen of the valley also enjoy "Landhi" (whole lamb), which is dried in shade and kept for the winters. "Kebab" shops are very popular, the best being Lal Kabab, Tabaq, Cafe Farah and Cafe Baldia. They serve Pakistani and Continental food, while Cafe China specializes in Chinese cuisine. Some of the finest mutton in the country is raised around Quetta. It has a delicious smell which can be sampled in the "Pulao" that most of the eating houses offer. Small and clean hotels in Alamdar road provide real comfort for tourists in peaceful environments.
[edit] Pishin Valley
About 50 km, from Quetta is the valley of Pishin, which is surrounded by thousands of acres of vineyards and orchards, made by boring holes into rocks to bring to the surface the deep water. The rich harvest of apples, grapes, plums, peaches and apricots is loaded at Yaru railway station, seven miles from Pishin.
[edit] Hanna Lake
Hanna Lake nestles in the hills ten kilometres (six miles) east of Quetta, a startling turquoise pool within bare brown surroundings. There is a lakeside restaurant with picnic tables shaded by pine trees. At one end, the irrigation dam rises out of the depths like battlements of a fort. It is very attractive for holidaymakers, and is crowded with hikers and campers in holidays. You can hire a boat and paddle on the lake and round the island in the middle.
[edit] Towns
Quetta Consists of Several Small Housing Areas.
. Quetta Cantt (Primarily for Ex and Serving Armed forces Personnel)
. Satellite town (Known as Heart of Quetta)
. Jinnah Town (One of the most Developed Housing Schemes of Quetta)
. Samugli Housing Scheme (On Main Samugli Road near Jinnah Town)
[edit] Askari Park
It is the Biggest Park of Quetta with Children Playground/Toys and Entertainment Point, Present on Airport Road Near Custom House Quetta. Its being Administrated by Army.
[edit] Hazarganji Chiltan National Park
In the Hazarganji Chiltan National Park, 20 km south-west of Quetta, Markhors have been given protection. The park is spread over 32500 acres, altitude ranging from 2021 to 3264 meters. Hazarganji literally means "Of a thousand treasures". In the folds of these mountains, legend has it, there are over a thousand treasures buried, reminders of the passage of great armies down the corridors of history. The Bactrains, Scythians, Muslims, Mongols and then the great migrating hordes of Baluch, all passed this way.
The city is the provisional and district headquarters and is an important marketing and communications centre between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Situated at an elevation of 1676–1900 meters above sea level in north-western Pakistan, Quetta is also know as the fruit basket of Pakistan.
Contents [hide]
1 History
1.1 Early history
1.2 During British era
1.3 Early Settlers
1.4 Earthquake (1935)
2 Geography and climate
3 Demography
4 Culture
5 Sports
6 Educational institutions
7 Transport
7.1 Air Transport
7.2 Road and Railways
8 Telecommunication
9 Tourist Attractions
9.1 Pishin Valley
9.2 Hanna Lake
9.3 Towns
9.4 Askari Park
9.5 Hazarganji Chiltan National Park
10 Gallery
11 External links
12 References
[edit] History
[edit] Early history
It is un-known that when Quetta was inhabited at first, but most probably it was habited during the 6th century A.D. The region remian part of Sassanid Persian Empire and was later annexed by Rashidun Caliphate during 7th century Islamic conquest. It remained part of Umayyad Empire and Abassid Empire. However in detail Quetta was first mentioned in the 11th century when it was captured by Mahmud of Ghazni on one of his invasions of the subcontinent. In 1543 the Moghul emperor Humayun rested here on his retreat to Persia, leaving his one-year-old son Akbar until he returned two years later. The Moghuls ruled Quetta until 1556, when the Persians took it, only to be retaken by Akbar in 1595.
[edit] During British era
Quetta cantonment, 1889.In 1828 the first westerner to visit Quetta described it as a mud-walled fort surrounded by 300 mud houses. Although occupied briefly by the British during the First Afghan War in 1839, it was not until 1876 that Quetta came under permanent British control and Robert Sandeman was made political agent in Baluchistan. Since Partition the population of Quetta has increased dramatically. Because of its military base and trading activities, and the introduction of commercial fruit farming, Quetta District can now support about half a million people.
[edit] Early Settlers
Very little is known about the human settlement in the district. However, it is certain that the Afghans and Brahuis are recent immigrants. The Pashtuns appear to have entered the district from the north east, emigrating from their home round the Takht-i-Sulaman. Kasi's (A branch of Afghan) are said to have migrated from their home around the Takht-i-Sulaman about eight centuries ago. They made their first settlement at Samli, a village near Quetta city. The Brahuis are an offshoot from the Kalat territory and their presence in the district dates back to the eighteenth century.
Till 1947 Quetta was a small town. People used to call it small London. But rapid population growth in terms of rural - urban migration, and influx of Indian refugees increased the population at Quetta. Influx of Afghan refugees during the 1980s helped the slums to grow. New settlement in the form of housing schemes emerged at Satellite Town, Jinnah Town, Samungli Town, Model Town and Shahbaz Town. In Kachi Abadies, slums also begun to develop. The process of settlement continues. Now Quetta has turned into an over-populated city.
[edit] Earthquake (1935)
Quetta, before the devastating earthquake of 7.1 magnitude on 31 May 1935, was a bright and bustling city with multi-storey buildings. Those couple minutes of the earthquake seemed like hours to the people of Quetta. It was almost completely destroyed in this earthquake and was virtually razed to the ground in the small hours of the morning of that fateful day, when about 40,000 people perished. Today, houses are generally single storey and quake proof, built with bricks and reinforced concrete. The structure is generally of lighter material. Incidentally, the bricks of Quetta have a yellowish tinge unlike the red variety of Sindh and the Punjab.
[edit] Geography and climate
Quetta in Winter (Photo by Amin Mengal)
Jinnah Road, Quetta, in the late 1940s, after independence
Morning view of Satellite town, QuettaQuetta city is comprised of a valley and is a natural fort, surrounded as it is by imposing hills on all sides. The encircling hills have the resounding names of Chiltan, Takatoo, Murdar and Zarghun. surrounded by three different mountain ranges. It is north west of Karachi and south west of Islamabad.
Quetta has minimum winter temperatures ranging well below freezing point and as low as -18˚C, while maximum winter temperatures seldom crosses 25˚C. Snowfall was a common feature in months of December – February till early ninties but after that snowfall has become rare in winters due to drought that was severe during 1999–2001. Summer maximum and minimum temperature hover around 42˚C and 12˚C (53˚F) respectively. Unlike to the rest of the country, Quetta does not have a fertile rainy season during monsoon time. In general Quetta has a dry climate. It receives rainfall during the winter season from December – March.
[edit] Demography
According to the 1998 census Quetta was the ninth biggest city of Pakistan with a population of 565,137 ( however according to non-governmental census the population of Quetta along with Afghan immigrants is over 1,500,000). The city in general is dominated by a Pashtun majority, a Balochi and Hazara minority with an eclectic smattering of smaller groups. However the city is also a home to millions of Afghan immigrants. The Pushto, Balochi, Persian (Hazaragi dialect), Brahui, Sindhi, Punjabi and Urdu languages are spoken in large parts of Quetta, giving the city a very multicultural feel.
Quetta was the outskirt of Kandahar until it was captured by the British in Second Afghan war. Most of the Balochis settled in Quetta after 1970 when a new province by the name of Balochistan was created after One Unit system was abolished in Pakistan. Quetta was made the capital city of Balochistan.
[edit] Culture
Beside millions of Afghan immigrants, the local inhabitants are mainly Pashtuns. Others include Baloch, Brahuis, Hazaras and smaller populations of Punjabis, Mohajirs and Sindhis. During the summer season main bazaars are full of people from all over Pakistan. The merchants are mainly Pushtun people. Quetta is a multi-Cultural city. The Hazaras mostly live in Mari- Abad, and out skirt of Quetta called Brouri. Most Hazaras have migrated from Afghanistan in 1980's and 1990's during the time of instability. It is one of the hot spots of Hazara migrants especially from Hazaras of Ghazni. Quetta tribesmen are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Making visitors comfortable is an integral part of their local traditions. The tribes include Kakar, Ghilzai Tareen, Mandokhel, Sherani, Looni, Kasi and Achakzai. The main bazaar on Jinnah Road is full of Pashtun traders, many of them wearing turbans. Hazara traders sitting in their shops, Baloch hawkers with red embroidered caps, and full-skirted nomad women carrying bundles of imported cloth for sale. During the summer season main bazaars are full of people from all over Pakistan. Quetta is a multi-Cultural city.
[edit] Sports
Football is popular in Quetta, which has produced more renowned players then any other part of Pakistan. Mali Bagh is the best-known football ground. Teams in Quetta include Afghan football and Baluch football clubs and Quetta Bazigars. In boxing, Olympian sportsmen are Syed Ibrar Ali Shah, Asghar Ali Changezi, and Haider Ali Changezi.
[edit] Educational institutions
Quetta has many higher education institutions. The prestigious military Command and Staff College, which was founded by the British, recently celebrated its hundredth anniversary. University of Balochistan was established in 1974. The Balochistan University of Information Technology and Management Sciences is also located in Quetta.
Balochistan Institute of Technology
DAR-E-ARQAM School Of Islam & Modern Sciences
Balochistan University of Information Technology and Management Sciences
Command and Staff College
Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University
University of Balochistan
Tameer-i-Nau public college
Government College of Technology Balochistan
Army public school and college
[edit] Transport
Quetta is on the western edge of Pakistan and is well connected with the country by a wide network of roads, railways and airways.
[edit] Air Transport
Quetta International AirportQuetta Airport is 4th highest Airport of Pakistan, at the height of 1605 meter above sea level. Pakistan International Airlines, Shaheen Air International and Airblue all have regular flights between Quetta and other major cities of Pakistan including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar. Pakistan International Airlines has a direct flight between Dubai and Quetta. Other international passengers traveling to Quetta can reach Quetta via any of the other main hubs of Pakistan, i.e. Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad or Peshawar.
[edit] Road and Railways
Quetta railway station is one of the highest railway station of Pakistan, at the height of 1676 meter above sea level. The railway track was lined in 1890s during the British era to link Quetta with rest of the country. The extensive network of Pakistan Railways connects Quetta to Karachi in south, by a 863 km (536 miles) track, Lahore in northeast (1,170 km or 727 miles) and Peshawar further northeast (1587 km or 986 miles). A metalled road is also present along the railroad that connects Quetta to Karachi via Sibi, Jacobabad and Rohri. A track from the Irani city of Zahedan links to Quetta via Taftan, but the train service were temporarily disabled in 2006 due to unrest in Balochistan.
Quetta Railway StationRecently the new project has been proposed for constructing a railway track that will link Gawadar to China, this will also link Gawadar with Quetta via Kalat. Even though the linear distance from Quetta to Lahore is merely 700 km, there is no direct railroad track on this route because of the Sulaiman Range that lies in the east of Quetta. So all northeast-bound trains for Punjab or NWFP must go 350+ km south up to Rohri, Sindh (near Sukkur) first, before continuing north to Punjab and/or NWFP.
[edit] Telecommunication
PTCL (Pakistan Telecommunication Corporation Limited) provides the main network of landline telephone. Many Internet Service Providers and all major mobile phone companies operating in Pakistan provide service in Quetta.
[edit] Tourist Attractions
St. Mary's church during winter. From a 1910 photograph.
Hanna Lake In Winter
Quetta At NightQuetta is a major tourist attraction for tourists from abroad. It is advertised as a thrilling location, full of adventure and enjoyment. Some prominent bazaars of Quetta are located on the roads Shahrah-e-Iqbal (the Kandahari Bazaar) and Shahrah-e-Liaquat (the Liaquat and Suraj Gang Bazaar, Alamdar road (little Tokyo). Here, tourists can find colorful handicrafts, particularly Balochi mirror work and Pashtun embroidery which is admired all over the world. The Pashtun workers are prominently expert in making fine Afghan carpets, with their pleasing and intricate designs, fur coats, jackets, waist-coats, sandals and other creations of traditional Pashtun skills. local handicrafts, specially green marble products, mirror work and embroidered jackets, shirts, and hand bags, pillow covers, bed sheets, dry fruits, etc. Balochi carpets are made by the nomadic tribes of this area. They are generally not nearly as fine or expensive as the Persian city products, or even the Turkoman tribal rugs from further North, but they are generally better than Afghan carpets and more authentic than the bad copies of Turkoman and Persian designs that the cites of Pakistan produce. They definitely have a charm of their own. They range from relatively crude rugs that can, with some bargaining, be had at very reasonable prices to quite fine and valuable pieces. Many are small enough to be fairly portable. For those interested in local cuisine, there are many sumptuous dishes to feast upon. The "Sajji" (leg of lamb), Hazaragi Aash, Mantho is said to be very good by locals. The Pathan tribesmen of the valley also enjoy "Landhi" (whole lamb), which is dried in shade and kept for the winters. "Kebab" shops are very popular, the best being Lal Kabab, Tabaq, Cafe Farah and Cafe Baldia. They serve Pakistani and Continental food, while Cafe China specializes in Chinese cuisine. Some of the finest mutton in the country is raised around Quetta. It has a delicious smell which can be sampled in the "Pulao" that most of the eating houses offer. Small and clean hotels in Alamdar road provide real comfort for tourists in peaceful environments.
[edit] Pishin Valley
About 50 km, from Quetta is the valley of Pishin, which is surrounded by thousands of acres of vineyards and orchards, made by boring holes into rocks to bring to the surface the deep water. The rich harvest of apples, grapes, plums, peaches and apricots is loaded at Yaru railway station, seven miles from Pishin.
[edit] Hanna Lake
Hanna Lake nestles in the hills ten kilometres (six miles) east of Quetta, a startling turquoise pool within bare brown surroundings. There is a lakeside restaurant with picnic tables shaded by pine trees. At one end, the irrigation dam rises out of the depths like battlements of a fort. It is very attractive for holidaymakers, and is crowded with hikers and campers in holidays. You can hire a boat and paddle on the lake and round the island in the middle.
[edit] Towns
Quetta Consists of Several Small Housing Areas.
. Quetta Cantt (Primarily for Ex and Serving Armed forces Personnel)
. Satellite town (Known as Heart of Quetta)
. Jinnah Town (One of the most Developed Housing Schemes of Quetta)
. Samugli Housing Scheme (On Main Samugli Road near Jinnah Town)
[edit] Askari Park
It is the Biggest Park of Quetta with Children Playground/Toys and Entertainment Point, Present on Airport Road Near Custom House Quetta. Its being Administrated by Army.
[edit] Hazarganji Chiltan National Park
In the Hazarganji Chiltan National Park, 20 km south-west of Quetta, Markhors have been given protection. The park is spread over 32500 acres, altitude ranging from 2021 to 3264 meters. Hazarganji literally means "Of a thousand treasures". In the folds of these mountains, legend has it, there are over a thousand treasures buried, reminders of the passage of great armies down the corridors of history. The Bactrains, Scythians, Muslims, Mongols and then the great migrating hordes of Baluch, all passed this way.
Lahore
Lahore (help·info) (Urdu: لاہور, Punjabi: لہور, pronounced [la.hor]) is the capital of the Punjab and is the second largest city in Pakistan after Karachi. It is Popularly known as the Heart of Pakistan, due to its historical importance in the creation of Pakistan, and also being the cultural, political and educational centre of the country. It is also often called Gardens of the Mughals or City of Gardens because of the heritage of the Mughal Empire. It is located near the Ravi River and Wagah, close to the Pakistan-India border.
Much of Lahore's architecture from the Mughal and colonial eras has been preserved. Mughal structures such as the Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, Shalimar Gardens and the mausoleums of Jehangir and Nur Jehan are popular tourist spots in the city. Colonial (British) structures such as the Lahore High Court, General Post Office (GPO) and many of the older universities still retain their Mughal-Gothic style.
Punjabi is the native language of the province and is the most widely-spoken language in Lahore and rural areas. Urdu and English, however, are becoming more popular with younger generations since they are officially supported, whereas Punjabi has no official patronage. Many people of Lahore who speak Punjabi are known as Lahori Punjabi due to their use of a mixture of Punjabi and colloquial Urdu. According to the 1998 census, Lahore's population was nearly 7 million. Mid-2006 government estimates now put the population at about 10 million.[1] This makes Lahore the second largest city in Pakistan (after Karachi), the fifth largest city in South Asia and the 23rd largest city in the world.
Contents [hide]
1 History
1.1 Ancient Lahore
1.2 Early Muslim era
1.3 Mughal era
1.4 Sikh Rule
1.5 British rule
1.6 Role in independence
1.7 Modern history
2 Geography and climate
3 Government
4 Demographics
5 Cityscape
5.1 Architecture
5.2 Public space
5.2.1 Shopping
5.2.2 Restaurants and cafés
5.3 Gardens and parks
6 Education
7 Transportation
8 Economy
9 Culture
10 Sports
11 Gallery
12 Sister cities
13 Lahore in literature
14 From Lahore to Montmartre
15 See also
16 References
17 External links
[edit] History
Main article: History of Lahore
[edit] Ancient Lahore
Lahori Gate, which opens to the most ancient districts of Lahore in the walled city known in old times as kacha kotPtolemy, the celebrated astronomer and geographer, mentions in his Geographia a city called Labokla situated on the route between the Indus River and Palibothra, or Pataliputra (Patna), in a tract of country called Kasperia (Kashmir), described as extending along the rivers Bidastes (Jhelum), Sandabal or Chandra Bhaga (Chenab), and Adris (Ravi). This city may be ancient Lahore. [citation needed]
Another legend, based on oral traditions, states that Lahore was named after Lava, son of the Hindu god Rama, who supposedly founded the city. To this day, the Lahore Fort has a vacant temple dedicated to Lava (also pronounced Loh, hence "Loh-awar" or The Fort of Loh). Likewise, the Ravi River that flows through northern Lahore was named for the Hindu goddess Durga.[2]
The oldest authentic document about Lahore was written anonymously in 982 and is called Hudud-i-Alam[3]. It was translated into English by Vladimir Fedorovich Minorsky and published in Lahore in 1927. In this document, Lahore is referred to as a small shahr (city) with "impressive temples, large markets and huge orchards." It refers to "two major markets around which dwellings exist," and it also mentions "the mud walls that enclose these two dwellings to make it one." The original document is currently held in the British Museum. [4].
[edit] Early Muslim era
Mahmud and Ayaz
Sultan Mahmud is to the right, shaking the hand of the sheykh, with Ayaz standing behind him. The figure to his right is Shah Abbas I, who reigned about 600 years later.
Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, TehranFew references to Lahore exist for times before its capture by Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni in the eleventh century. In 1021, Mahmud appointed Malik Ayaz to the throne and made Lahore the capital of the Ghaznavid Empire.
The sultan took Lahore after a long siege and battle in which the city was torched and depopulated. As the first Muslim ruler of Lahore, Ayaz rebuilt and repopulated the city. He added many important features, such as city gates and a masonry fort, built in 1037-1040 on the ruins of the previous one, which had been demolished in the fighting (as recorded by Munshi Sujan Rae Bhandari, author of the Khulasatut Tawarikh in 1695-96).[citation needed] The present Lahore Fort stands in the same location. Under his rule, the city became a cultural and academic center, renowned for poetry. The tomb of Malik Ayaz can still be seen in the Rang Mahal commercial area of town.
After the fall of the Ghaznavid Empire, Lahore was ruled by various Muslim dynasties known as the Delhi Sultanate, including the Khiljis, Tughlaqs, Sayyid, Lodhis and Suris.[5] When Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aybak was crowned here in 1206, he became the first Muslim sultan of the Indian subcontinent[citation needed]. It was not until 1524 that Lahore became part of the Mughal Empire.
[edit] Mughal era
Roshnai Gate - Original gate built by Mughal emperor Akbar.
Badshahi MasjidLahore reached a peak of architectural glory during the rule of the Mughals, whose buildings and gardens survived the hazards of time. Lahore's reputation for beauty fascinated the English poet John Milton, who wrote "Agra and Lahore, the Seat of Great Mughal" in 1670[6].
From 1524 to 1752, Lahore was part of the Mughal Empire, and from 1584 to 1598, during the rule of Mughal emperor Akbar, the city served as its capital. During this time, the massive infamous Lahore Fort was built. A few buildings within the fort were added by Akbar's son, Mughal emperor Jahangir, who is buried in the city. Jahangir's son, Shah Jahan, was born in Lahore. He, like his father, extended the Lahore Fort and built many other structures in the city, including the Shalimar Gardens. The last of the great Mughals, Aurangzeb, who ruled from 1658 to 1707, built the city's most famous monuments, the Badshahi Masjid and the Alamgiri Gate next to the Lahore Fort. This area attracts many tourists and is used by the government for public speeches and social events.
[edit] Sikh Rule
Mausoleum of Ranjit SinghDuring the 18th century, as Mughal power dwindled, Lahore was often invaded. The city was a suba, a province of the Afghan Empire, governed by provincial rulers with their own court.
The 1740s were years of chaos, and the city had nine different governors between 1745 and 1756. Invasions and chaos in local government allowed bands of warring Sikhs to gain control in some areas. In 1799, all Sikh Misls (warring bands) joined into one to form a sovereign Sikh state ruled by Maharaja Ranjit Singh from the royal capital, Lahore[7].
[edit] British rule
Map of Lahore 1893The second and final Anglo-Sikh war brought Lahore under the rule of the British crown. During their reign (1849-1947), British construction in Lahore combined Mughal, Gothic and Victorian styles. The GPO and YMCA buildings in Lahore commemorated the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria, an event marked by the construction of clock towers and monuments all over India. Other important British buildings included the High Court, the Government College University, the museums, the National College of Arts, Montgomery Hall, Tollinton Market, the University of the Punjab (Old Campus) and the Provincial Assembly.
At one end of The Mall stands the university, perhaps the largest center of education in Asia.[citation needed] The city has built a new campus in quieter environments on the Canal Bank, but the old university buildings are still functioning.
For the sake of entertainment, the British introduced horse-racing to Lahore. The first racing club, established in 1924, is called LRC or Lahore Race Club.
[edit] Role in independence
Minar-e-Pakistan, where the Pakistan Resolution was passedLahore enjoys a special position in the history of India's freedom-struggle. The 1929 Congress session was held at Lahore. In this Congress, a resolution of "complete independence" was moved by Pandit Nehru and passed unanimously at midnight on 31 December 1929.[8] On this occasion, the contemporary tricolour of India (with a chakra at its centre) was hoisted as a national flag, and thousands of people saluted it.
Lahore prison was a place to detain revolutionary freedom fighters. Noted freedom fighter Jatin Das died in Lahore prison after fasting for 63 days in protest of British treatment of political prisoners. One of the greatest martyrs in the history of Indian independence, Shaheed Sardar Bhagat Singh, was hanged in Lahore Jail[9].[citation needed]
The most important session of the All India Muslim League, later the Pakistan Muslim League, the premier party fighting for Indian independence and the creation of Pakistan, was held in Lahore in 1940.[10] Muslims under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam demanded a separate homeland for Muslims of India in a document known as the Pakistan Resolution or the Lahore Resolution. During this session, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, leader of the league, publicly proposed the Two Nation Theory for the first time.
[edit] Modern history
Lahore is regarded as the heart of Pakistan and was known as the Paris of the East before the riots of 1947. [citation needed] Among all cities of India, Lahore suffered the greatest loss due to the Partition of Punjab in 1947.
At independence, Lahore was made capital of Punjab province in the new state of Pakistan. After 1947, Lahore was affected by large-scale riots among Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs that led to huge structural damage to historic monuments such as the Lahore Fort, Badshahi mosque and other colonial buildings[11].
With United Nations assistance, the government was able to re-build Lahore. The second Islamic Summit Conference was held in the city[12]. In 1996 the ICC Cricket World Cup final match was held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, and Lahore along with Colombo is to host the semi finals of the 2011 Cricket World Cup.[13].
[edit] Geography and climate
Lying between 31°15′ and 31°45′ North latitude and 74°01′ and 74°39′ East longitude, Lahore is bounded on the north and west by the Sheikhupura District, on the east by Wagah, and on the south by Kasur District. The Ravi River flows on the northern side of Lahore. Lahore city covers a total land area of 404 km² and is still growing.
The weather of Lahore is extreme during the months of May, June, and July, when the temperatures soar to 40–45 °C. In August, the monsoon seasons starts, with heavy rainfall throughout the province. December, January, and February are the coldest months, when temperatures can drop to -1 °C.[citation needed]
The city’s highest maximum temperature was 48 °C, recorded on June 6, 1921, and again on June 9, 2007.[14] At the time the meteorological office recorded this official temperature in the shade, it reported a heat index in direct sunlight of 55 °C.[citation needed]
[edit] Government
The City-District of Lahore comprises nine administrative towns and one separate military cantonment, but Lahore also has some historic neighbourhoods.
Administrative towns
Aziz Bhatti Town
Ravi Town
Shalimar Town
Shadman Town
Wagah Town
Data Ganj Baksh Town
Gulberg Town
Allama Iqbal Town
Samanabad Town
Nishtar Town
Lahore Cantonment
Localities
Ichhra
New Muslim Town
Hassan Town
Awan Town
Mustafa Town
Johar Town
Garden Town
Iqbal Town
Faisal Town
Model Town
WAPDA Town
Valencia
Punjab Cooperative Housing Society
Green Town
Township
Pasco Society
Muhafiz Town
Allama Iqbal Town
Sanda
Gulshan-e-Ravi
Neighbourhoods
Shad Bagh
Chah Miran
Gawalmandi
Laxshmi Chowk
Qila Gujar Singh
Township
Shahdara Bagh
Begum kot
Ravi Town
Baghbanpura
Krishan Nagar
Defence Housing Authority (Lahore)
SukhChayn Gardens
Walled City of Lahore
Mughalpura
Harbanspura
Jallo Mor
Batapur
[edit] Demographics
See also: Mosques of Lahore
According to the 1998 census, Lahore's population was nearly 6.8 million. Mid-2006 government estimates put the population at somewhere around 10 million, which makes it the second largest city in Pakistan, after Karachi.[15] It is considered to be one of the 30 largest cities of the world. Also according to the 1998 census, 86.2%, or 6,896,000 of the population are Punjabis and 10.2% or 816,000 are Muhajir. More than a million Pashtun live in Lahore, the vast majority of whom are settling. Finally, the Seraikis at 0.4% number about 32,000[16]. Figures are unavailable for the many Afghan refugees and migrants from Iran who have permanently settled in Lahore but were not included in the census.
Many languages are spoken in Lahore, including Punjabi, Urdu, Pashto, Persian/Farsi and English. According to the 1998 census, 96% of Lahore's population is Muslim. Other religions include Christians and a small number of Bahais, Zoroastrians, Hindus and Sikhs.[citation needed]
[edit] Cityscape
[edit] Architecture
Diwan-e-Aam: Hall of Public Audience (arched vault and ceiling not original)
Main Boulevard passes through the district of GulbergThe architecture of Lahore reflects the history of the city and is remarkable for its unique variety. Structures remain from ancient Mughal times, while other buildings reflect the tastes of the British Raj, the mixed Victorian and Islamic style of which is often referred to as Mughal Gothic.[citation needed] Lahore also has buildings of modern design.
[edit] Public space
[edit] Shopping
Lahore's tech bazaars include the Hall Road Electronics market adjacent to the Mall Road and the Hafeez Centre located on the Gulberg Main Boulevard. Pace, a shopping centre once thought to be owned by Imran Khan, is also located on the Main Boulevard beside the Hafeez Centre. Other well-known and popular shopping areas are the Liberty Market in Gulberg and at the Fortress Stadium, as well as malls in Gulberg, Model Town, MM Alam Road, and Cantonment. Apart from these, shopping areas are being developed in many of Lahore's new suburbs such as Bahria, Lake City, and Cantonment.
For traditional shopping, the Anarkali and Ichhra bazaars are the most popular of many in the city.[citation needed] The alleys and lanes of these bazaars are full of traditional wares like leather articles, embroidered garments, glass bangles, beaten gold and silver jewelry, and creations in silk. Anarkali is named after the famous courtesan of Akbar’s time, Anarkali (Pomegranate Blossom). The grave of Sultan Qutbuddin Aibak, who died falling off his horse while playing polo, is located in Anarkali on Aibak Road. Mahmud Ghaznavi's general, Malik Ayaz, lies buried in the commercial area of Rang Mahal.[citation needed]. Rang Mahal is part of old Lahore and todays houses a largest wholesale and retail cloth markets in Punjab.
[edit] Restaurants and cafés
View of Food Street in LahoreLahoris are known for their love of food and eating.[citation needed] While Lahore has a great many traditional and modern restaurants, in recent years Western fast food chains, such as McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Subway Sandwiches, Dunkin Donuts, Nando's and Kentucky Fried Chicken have appeared all over the city. Recently the food streets in the historic locales of Lahore (Gawalmandi, Anarkali, and Badshahi) have attracted tourists. Food streets have undergone restorations and are cordoned off in the evenings for pedestrian traffic only; numerous cafés serve local delicacies under the lights and balconies of restored havelis (traditional residential dwellings).
Some of the trendiest restaurants in Lahore are concentrated on the M M Alam Road in Gulberg. Here, dozens of high-class culinary outlets, ranging from Western franchises to traditional, ethnic, or theme restaurants, attract all classes of Lahore's citizens. New restaurants are constantly opening, and the business is extremely competitive. Many boisterous restaurants of Lahore are open late into the night.
One of Lahore's unique café restaurants is "Coocoo's Den", located in the old city just behind the Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort at the edge of Lahore's red light district.[citation needed] The restaurant is housed in a 300-year-old Kothi-style dwelling of a famous artist and was once a brothel. At different times in the life of this property, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim families have owned it. Another famous Lahore landmark is the Pak Tea House in Anarkali, long a favoured haunt of intellectuals and artists.
[edit] Gardens and parks
The Shalimar Gardens built by Emperor Shah JehanLahore is known as the City of Gardens.[citation needed] There were many gardens in Lahore during the Mughal era, and although some have since been destroyed, many still survive.
The Shalimar Gardens were laid out during the reign of Shah Jahan and were designed to mimic the Islamic paradise of the afterlife described in the Quran. The gardens follow the familiar charbagh model (four squares) with three descending terraces.[citation needed]
The Lawrence Gardens were established in 1862 and were originally named after Sir John Lawrence, late 19th century British Viceroy to India. The gardens were organized in an area covering 112 acres.[citation needed] The British East India Company vowed that it would provide for the garden 80,000 saplings of 600 different species from every corner of the world. After money was collected from the sale of Badami Bagh, the soldiers' bazaar at Anarkali, and from a grant by the Company Bahadur (an extension of the East India Company), the land was purchased in the year 1860. Today it is known as Bagh-e-Jinnah.[citation needed]
The many other gardens and parks in the city include Hazuri Bagh, Iqbal Park, Mochi Bagh, Gulshan Iqbal Park, Model Town Park, Race Course Park, Nasir Bagh Lahore, Jallo Park, Wild Life Park, and Changa Manga, an artificial forest near Lahore in the Kasur district.
[edit] Education
See also: List of educational institutions in Lahore
Punjab University Old CampusLahore is known as the education capital of Pakistan, with more colleges and universities than any other city in the country.[17] Most of the reputable universities are public, but in recent years there has also been an upsurge in the number of private universities.[citation needed] LUMS, the Lahore University of Management Sciences, is the most renowned business school in Pakistan.Lahore School of Economics is also a renowed business school of Pakistan and is regarded after LUMS in Lahore. The University of Lahore, in the private sector, is located in the industrial area of the city, where students have opportunities to get jobs and internships.[citation needed]
The University of the Punjab is the oldest institute of higher learning in the country.[18] NCA, the National College of Arts, is the oldest and most renowned arts college of Pakistan.[citation needed] The oldest institution of Pakistan, Government College Lahore (now University) is also situated in Lahore. It was established in 1864.
UET, Lahore is the one of the most highly regarded engineering universities in Pakistan.[19] COMSATS is also a well-known institute recently awarded the university charter.[20]
[edit] Transportation
The Allama Iqbal International Airport: one of the largest international airports in PakistanLahore is one of the most accessible cities of Pakistan.[citation needed] In addition to the historic Grand Trunk Road (G.T. road), a motorway was completed in 1997 from Lahore to Islamabad. The government has built underpasses to ease congestion and prevent traffic jams, and according to official figures, Lahore has the highest number of underpasses in Pakistan.[citation needed] Lahore has high levels of air pollution and smog, mostly due to the growth of industry. Air pollution is reaching record peaks, and smog is often thick.[citation needed]
The Pakistan Railways headquarters is located in Lahore.[citation needed] Pakistan Railways provides an important mode of transportation for commuters and connects distant parts of the country with Lahore for business, sight-seeing, pilgrimage, and education. The Lahore Central Railway Station, built during the British colonial era, is located in the heart of the city.
Double decker buses are back in Lahore after almost twenty years.[citation needed]To accommodate increased air travel, the government built a new city airport in 2003.[citation needed] It was named Allama Iqbal International Airport after the national poet of Pakistan, Mohammed Iqbal, and is served by international airlines as well as the national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines. The previous airport now operates as the Hajj Terminal to facilitate the great influx of pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia to perform the hajj every year.[citation needed]
Lahore Railway StationDespite these improvements, Lahore struggles for safety on its roads, which are dangerous because the number of vehicles overwhelms the road space.[citation needed] Massive congestion occurs every day as millions of Lahoris travel through disorganised, fast-moving traffic, and accidents are rife.[citation needed] The government is trying to improve traffic conditions by constructing overhead bridges, underpasses, and conducting public safety campaigns. Plans exist for a mass-transit system in the city and a high-speed railway between Lahore and Rawalpindi.[citation needed]
[edit] Economy
Central to Lahore's economy is the Lahore Stock Exchange (LSE), Pakistan's second largest stock exchange.[citation needed] Lahore has offices of all Pakistani government corporations including the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and the Water and Sewage Authority (WASA). It also hosts the country's largest information technology (IT) companies, most of which are located in the IT park, which accounts for nearly 70 percent of Pakistan's software exports.[citation needed] Food and restaurant businesses remain open all night. The shopping markets are usually open late into the night.[citation needed] Lahore is the second largest financial hub of Pakistan and has industrial areas including Kot Lakhpat and the new Sundar Industrial Estate (near Raiwand).
Water And Power Development Authority (WAPDA) House BuildingAs Lahore expands, former residential areas are being turned into commercial centres, and the suburban population is constantly moving outwards. This has resulted in the development of the Liberty Market, the MM Alam Road, the new Jail Road (which has some of the largest office buildings in Lahore), and the new eight-lane Main Boulevard, which has some of Lahore's largest and finest shopping centres.[citation needed]
The suburban population's move from commercial areas to less busy areas supports a thriving construction industry and several large housing projects including Bahria Town, Lake City, Eden Villas, and a project by the Dhabi Group (a joint Pakistan-UAE partnership) to construct a new city on the outskirts of Lahore.[citation needed]
Lahore is famous as the hub of hand-made carpet manufacturing in Pakistan.[21] At present, hand-knitted carpets produced in and around Lahore are among Pakistan's leading export products, and their manufacturing is the second-largest cottage and small industry. Lahore-based carpet exports make up nearly 85 percent of all carpet exports from Pakistan.[citation needed] Craftsmen in Lahore can produce any type of carpet using popular motifs such as medallions, paisleys, traceries, and geometric designs. The Lahore Design Centre at the Punjab Small Industries Corporation maintains a separate section of carpet designing to experiment with new designs. Lahore is famous for single-wefted designs in Turkoman and Caucasian style and double-wefted Mughal types.
Lahore's economic importance depends also on many government institutes and international companies headquartered in the city, including WorldCALL Telecom Group,Pakistan Railways, Pakistan Cricket Board, Punjab University, NCA, Bata shoes, Haier, Wateen Telecom, Warid Telecom, Honda, Reebok, Daewoo, Nestle, Coca Cola, Tetra Pak, Monsanto, Delaval, Makro Cash & Carry, Mr Cod, Porsche, and Rolls Royce.[citation needed]
The economy is also enhanced by Lahore's historic and cultural importance, even though, unlike other smaller cities, its industrial estates are far fewer and smaller. Being the capital of the largest province in Pakistan brings the city the biggest development budget in the country. As of 2005, the city's gross domestic product (GDP) by purchasing power parity (PPP) is estimated at $28 billion with an average growth rate of 5.9 percent, [1]ranked 122nd in the world.[2]
[edit] Culture
One of the horses on display at the annual horse and cattle showLahore's culture is unique. Known as the cultural capital or Heart of Pakistan, the city has been the seat of the Mughal Empire and the Sikh Empire as well as the capital of Punjab in Mahmud Ghaznavi's 11th century empire and in the British Empire.
Lahore played an important role in Pakistani history, as it was in this city where the independence declaration for Pakistan was made. The city was the only known major city of the British Empire that would come into the new Muslims state.[citation needed] It was the largest city in the newly formed Pakistan at the time of independence and provided the easiest access to India, with its porous border near the Indian city of Amritsar only 30 miles to the east. Large numbers of Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims lived closely in Lahore in the pre-Partition era, and the city suffered many revolts and demonstrations, as well as bloodshed and mobs, at the time of independence.[citation needed] Lahore was also wanted by the Sikhs since it used to be their capital before the British. Initially, Lahore was planned to be made the capital of the newly-formed Pakistan, but the idea was dropped due to the city's close proximity to India; Karachi was chosen instead.[citation needed] Lahore's culture -- its history, institutions, food, clothing, films, music, fashion, and liberal community lifestyle -- attract people from all over the country.
Kites for sale on the streets of Lahore on the eve of the Basant festivalLahore is an extremely festive city. The people of Lahore celebrate many festivals and events throughout the year, blending Mughal, Western, and current trends. Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha are celebrated. Many people decorate their houses and light candles to illuminate the streets and houses; roads and businesses are lit for days during these public holidays.[citation needed]
{Basant is a Punjabi festival marking the coming of spring. Basant celebrations in Pakistan are centered in Lahore, and people from all over the country as well as abroad come to the city for the annual festivities. Kite-flying competitions traditionally take place on city rooftops during Basant. Courts have banned the kite-flying because of casualties and power installation losses. The ban was lifted for two days in 2007, then immediately reimposed when 11 people were killed by celebratory gunfire, sharpened kite-strings, electrocution, and falls related to the competition.[22]
The Festival of Lamps, or Mela Chiraghan, is an important and popular event in Lahore. This is celebrated at the same time as Basant, every spring on the last Friday of March, outside the Shalimar Gardens.
The National Horse and Cattle Show is one of the most famous annual festivals, held in spring in the Fortress Stadium. The week-long activities include a livestock display, horse and camel dances, tent pegging, colourful folk dances from all regions of Pakistan, mass-band displays, and tattoo shows in the evenings.
On August 14, the people of Pakistan celebrate the day Pakistan gained its independence from the British Raj. There are lots of celebrations in Lahore, the streets are full of people singing and dancing. Parades of the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force are held early in the morning. Concerts are held with many pop and classical singers.
The World Performing Arts Festival is held every autumn (usually in November) at the Alhambra cultural complex, a large venue consisting of several theatres and amphitheatres. This ten-day festival consists of musicals, theatre, concerts, dance, solo, mime, and puppetry shows. The festival has an international character with nearly 80 percent of the shows performed by international performers. On average 15-20 different shows are performed every day of the festival.[23]
[edit] Sports
The Imran Khan enclosure gate at Gaddafi StadiumGaddafi Stadium is a Test cricket ground in Lahore. Designed by Pakistani architect Nayyar Ali Dada, it was completed in 1959 and is one of the biggest cricket stadiums in Asia. After its renovation for the 1996 Cricket World Cup, the stadium had a capacity of over 60,000 spectators for high-profile matches or events. Nearby is an athletics stadium, a basketball pitch, an Al Hamra open-air hall similar in design to the coliseum, and the world's largest field hockey stadium, all of these in a single huge complex.
The Lahore Marathon is part of an annual package of six international marathons being sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The Lahore race carries prize money of approximately US$100,000. More than 20,000 athletes from Pakistan and all over the world participate in this event. It was first held on January 30, 2005, and again on January 29, 2006. More than 22,000 people participated in the 2006 race. The third marathon was held on January 14, 2007.[24].
Plans exist to build Pakistan's first sports city in Lahore, on the bank of the river Ravi.[citation needed]
Eddy Gonsalvez of Gulberg, Lahore, is a famous amateur boxer who won many titles. He is famous for introducing boxing to the youth of Lahore.[citation needed]
[edit] Gallery
The Alamgiri Gate, photographed in 1870.
George Craddock, 1880s, Railway Station at Lahore, Pakistan.
Street scene of Lahore, 1890s.
Government College of Lahore, 1880s.
Tolinton Market, 1864.
[edit] Sister cities
Lahore has several sister cities including:
Chicago, U.S.
Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Kortrijk, Belgium
Belgrade, Serbia (2007)
Krakow, Poland
Coimbra, Portugal
Glasgow, Scotland[25]
Córdoba, Spain[26]
Istanbul, Turkey
Xian, China
Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Buchara, Uzbekistan
Fes, Morocco
Hounslow, England, twinned with Cantt[27]
Sariwon, North Korea
Isfahan, Iran
Mashad, Iran
In the 1970s, Istanbul was the first city to be twinned with Lahore, followed by Sariwon.
The latest cities were twinned in early 2007: Belgrade, Chicago, Córdoba, Krakow, Kortrijk, Mashad and Isfahan.
[edit] Lahore in literature
Muhammad Iqbal, scholor, thinker, and poet in Urdu and Persian.
Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri, Islamic hadith compiler, poet and author.
Faiz Ahmed Faiz, poet in Urdu
Saadat Hasan Manto, short story writer in Urdu
Rudyard Kipling, novelist in English, author of Kim
Bapsi Sidhwa, novelist in English, author of Cracking India and The Crow Eaters
Mohsin Hamid, novelist in English, author of Moth Smoke and The Reluctant Fundamentalist
Shauna Singh Baldwin, novelist, author of What the Body Remembers
Pran Nevile, author of Lahore - A Sentimental Journey
Much of Lahore's architecture from the Mughal and colonial eras has been preserved. Mughal structures such as the Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, Shalimar Gardens and the mausoleums of Jehangir and Nur Jehan are popular tourist spots in the city. Colonial (British) structures such as the Lahore High Court, General Post Office (GPO) and many of the older universities still retain their Mughal-Gothic style.
Punjabi is the native language of the province and is the most widely-spoken language in Lahore and rural areas. Urdu and English, however, are becoming more popular with younger generations since they are officially supported, whereas Punjabi has no official patronage. Many people of Lahore who speak Punjabi are known as Lahori Punjabi due to their use of a mixture of Punjabi and colloquial Urdu. According to the 1998 census, Lahore's population was nearly 7 million. Mid-2006 government estimates now put the population at about 10 million.[1] This makes Lahore the second largest city in Pakistan (after Karachi), the fifth largest city in South Asia and the 23rd largest city in the world.
Contents [hide]
1 History
1.1 Ancient Lahore
1.2 Early Muslim era
1.3 Mughal era
1.4 Sikh Rule
1.5 British rule
1.6 Role in independence
1.7 Modern history
2 Geography and climate
3 Government
4 Demographics
5 Cityscape
5.1 Architecture
5.2 Public space
5.2.1 Shopping
5.2.2 Restaurants and cafés
5.3 Gardens and parks
6 Education
7 Transportation
8 Economy
9 Culture
10 Sports
11 Gallery
12 Sister cities
13 Lahore in literature
14 From Lahore to Montmartre
15 See also
16 References
17 External links
[edit] History
Main article: History of Lahore
[edit] Ancient Lahore
Lahori Gate, which opens to the most ancient districts of Lahore in the walled city known in old times as kacha kotPtolemy, the celebrated astronomer and geographer, mentions in his Geographia a city called Labokla situated on the route between the Indus River and Palibothra, or Pataliputra (Patna), in a tract of country called Kasperia (Kashmir), described as extending along the rivers Bidastes (Jhelum), Sandabal or Chandra Bhaga (Chenab), and Adris (Ravi). This city may be ancient Lahore. [citation needed]
Another legend, based on oral traditions, states that Lahore was named after Lava, son of the Hindu god Rama, who supposedly founded the city. To this day, the Lahore Fort has a vacant temple dedicated to Lava (also pronounced Loh, hence "Loh-awar" or The Fort of Loh). Likewise, the Ravi River that flows through northern Lahore was named for the Hindu goddess Durga.[2]
The oldest authentic document about Lahore was written anonymously in 982 and is called Hudud-i-Alam[3]. It was translated into English by Vladimir Fedorovich Minorsky and published in Lahore in 1927. In this document, Lahore is referred to as a small shahr (city) with "impressive temples, large markets and huge orchards." It refers to "two major markets around which dwellings exist," and it also mentions "the mud walls that enclose these two dwellings to make it one." The original document is currently held in the British Museum. [4].
[edit] Early Muslim era
Mahmud and Ayaz
Sultan Mahmud is to the right, shaking the hand of the sheykh, with Ayaz standing behind him. The figure to his right is Shah Abbas I, who reigned about 600 years later.
Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, TehranFew references to Lahore exist for times before its capture by Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni in the eleventh century. In 1021, Mahmud appointed Malik Ayaz to the throne and made Lahore the capital of the Ghaznavid Empire.
The sultan took Lahore after a long siege and battle in which the city was torched and depopulated. As the first Muslim ruler of Lahore, Ayaz rebuilt and repopulated the city. He added many important features, such as city gates and a masonry fort, built in 1037-1040 on the ruins of the previous one, which had been demolished in the fighting (as recorded by Munshi Sujan Rae Bhandari, author of the Khulasatut Tawarikh in 1695-96).[citation needed] The present Lahore Fort stands in the same location. Under his rule, the city became a cultural and academic center, renowned for poetry. The tomb of Malik Ayaz can still be seen in the Rang Mahal commercial area of town.
After the fall of the Ghaznavid Empire, Lahore was ruled by various Muslim dynasties known as the Delhi Sultanate, including the Khiljis, Tughlaqs, Sayyid, Lodhis and Suris.[5] When Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aybak was crowned here in 1206, he became the first Muslim sultan of the Indian subcontinent[citation needed]. It was not until 1524 that Lahore became part of the Mughal Empire.
[edit] Mughal era
Roshnai Gate - Original gate built by Mughal emperor Akbar.
Badshahi MasjidLahore reached a peak of architectural glory during the rule of the Mughals, whose buildings and gardens survived the hazards of time. Lahore's reputation for beauty fascinated the English poet John Milton, who wrote "Agra and Lahore, the Seat of Great Mughal" in 1670[6].
From 1524 to 1752, Lahore was part of the Mughal Empire, and from 1584 to 1598, during the rule of Mughal emperor Akbar, the city served as its capital. During this time, the massive infamous Lahore Fort was built. A few buildings within the fort were added by Akbar's son, Mughal emperor Jahangir, who is buried in the city. Jahangir's son, Shah Jahan, was born in Lahore. He, like his father, extended the Lahore Fort and built many other structures in the city, including the Shalimar Gardens. The last of the great Mughals, Aurangzeb, who ruled from 1658 to 1707, built the city's most famous monuments, the Badshahi Masjid and the Alamgiri Gate next to the Lahore Fort. This area attracts many tourists and is used by the government for public speeches and social events.
[edit] Sikh Rule
Mausoleum of Ranjit SinghDuring the 18th century, as Mughal power dwindled, Lahore was often invaded. The city was a suba, a province of the Afghan Empire, governed by provincial rulers with their own court.
The 1740s were years of chaos, and the city had nine different governors between 1745 and 1756. Invasions and chaos in local government allowed bands of warring Sikhs to gain control in some areas. In 1799, all Sikh Misls (warring bands) joined into one to form a sovereign Sikh state ruled by Maharaja Ranjit Singh from the royal capital, Lahore[7].
[edit] British rule
Map of Lahore 1893The second and final Anglo-Sikh war brought Lahore under the rule of the British crown. During their reign (1849-1947), British construction in Lahore combined Mughal, Gothic and Victorian styles. The GPO and YMCA buildings in Lahore commemorated the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria, an event marked by the construction of clock towers and monuments all over India. Other important British buildings included the High Court, the Government College University, the museums, the National College of Arts, Montgomery Hall, Tollinton Market, the University of the Punjab (Old Campus) and the Provincial Assembly.
At one end of The Mall stands the university, perhaps the largest center of education in Asia.[citation needed] The city has built a new campus in quieter environments on the Canal Bank, but the old university buildings are still functioning.
For the sake of entertainment, the British introduced horse-racing to Lahore. The first racing club, established in 1924, is called LRC or Lahore Race Club.
[edit] Role in independence
Minar-e-Pakistan, where the Pakistan Resolution was passedLahore enjoys a special position in the history of India's freedom-struggle. The 1929 Congress session was held at Lahore. In this Congress, a resolution of "complete independence" was moved by Pandit Nehru and passed unanimously at midnight on 31 December 1929.[8] On this occasion, the contemporary tricolour of India (with a chakra at its centre) was hoisted as a national flag, and thousands of people saluted it.
Lahore prison was a place to detain revolutionary freedom fighters. Noted freedom fighter Jatin Das died in Lahore prison after fasting for 63 days in protest of British treatment of political prisoners. One of the greatest martyrs in the history of Indian independence, Shaheed Sardar Bhagat Singh, was hanged in Lahore Jail[9].[citation needed]
The most important session of the All India Muslim League, later the Pakistan Muslim League, the premier party fighting for Indian independence and the creation of Pakistan, was held in Lahore in 1940.[10] Muslims under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam demanded a separate homeland for Muslims of India in a document known as the Pakistan Resolution or the Lahore Resolution. During this session, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, leader of the league, publicly proposed the Two Nation Theory for the first time.
[edit] Modern history
Lahore is regarded as the heart of Pakistan and was known as the Paris of the East before the riots of 1947. [citation needed] Among all cities of India, Lahore suffered the greatest loss due to the Partition of Punjab in 1947.
At independence, Lahore was made capital of Punjab province in the new state of Pakistan. After 1947, Lahore was affected by large-scale riots among Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs that led to huge structural damage to historic monuments such as the Lahore Fort, Badshahi mosque and other colonial buildings[11].
With United Nations assistance, the government was able to re-build Lahore. The second Islamic Summit Conference was held in the city[12]. In 1996 the ICC Cricket World Cup final match was held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, and Lahore along with Colombo is to host the semi finals of the 2011 Cricket World Cup.[13].
[edit] Geography and climate
Lying between 31°15′ and 31°45′ North latitude and 74°01′ and 74°39′ East longitude, Lahore is bounded on the north and west by the Sheikhupura District, on the east by Wagah, and on the south by Kasur District. The Ravi River flows on the northern side of Lahore. Lahore city covers a total land area of 404 km² and is still growing.
The weather of Lahore is extreme during the months of May, June, and July, when the temperatures soar to 40–45 °C. In August, the monsoon seasons starts, with heavy rainfall throughout the province. December, January, and February are the coldest months, when temperatures can drop to -1 °C.[citation needed]
The city’s highest maximum temperature was 48 °C, recorded on June 6, 1921, and again on June 9, 2007.[14] At the time the meteorological office recorded this official temperature in the shade, it reported a heat index in direct sunlight of 55 °C.[citation needed]
[edit] Government
The City-District of Lahore comprises nine administrative towns and one separate military cantonment, but Lahore also has some historic neighbourhoods.
Administrative towns
Aziz Bhatti Town
Ravi Town
Shalimar Town
Shadman Town
Wagah Town
Data Ganj Baksh Town
Gulberg Town
Allama Iqbal Town
Samanabad Town
Nishtar Town
Lahore Cantonment
Localities
Ichhra
New Muslim Town
Hassan Town
Awan Town
Mustafa Town
Johar Town
Garden Town
Iqbal Town
Faisal Town
Model Town
WAPDA Town
Valencia
Punjab Cooperative Housing Society
Green Town
Township
Pasco Society
Muhafiz Town
Allama Iqbal Town
Sanda
Gulshan-e-Ravi
Neighbourhoods
Shad Bagh
Chah Miran
Gawalmandi
Laxshmi Chowk
Qila Gujar Singh
Township
Shahdara Bagh
Begum kot
Ravi Town
Baghbanpura
Krishan Nagar
Defence Housing Authority (Lahore)
SukhChayn Gardens
Walled City of Lahore
Mughalpura
Harbanspura
Jallo Mor
Batapur
[edit] Demographics
See also: Mosques of Lahore
According to the 1998 census, Lahore's population was nearly 6.8 million. Mid-2006 government estimates put the population at somewhere around 10 million, which makes it the second largest city in Pakistan, after Karachi.[15] It is considered to be one of the 30 largest cities of the world. Also according to the 1998 census, 86.2%, or 6,896,000 of the population are Punjabis and 10.2% or 816,000 are Muhajir. More than a million Pashtun live in Lahore, the vast majority of whom are settling. Finally, the Seraikis at 0.4% number about 32,000[16]. Figures are unavailable for the many Afghan refugees and migrants from Iran who have permanently settled in Lahore but were not included in the census.
Many languages are spoken in Lahore, including Punjabi, Urdu, Pashto, Persian/Farsi and English. According to the 1998 census, 96% of Lahore's population is Muslim. Other religions include Christians and a small number of Bahais, Zoroastrians, Hindus and Sikhs.[citation needed]
[edit] Cityscape
[edit] Architecture
Diwan-e-Aam: Hall of Public Audience (arched vault and ceiling not original)
Main Boulevard passes through the district of GulbergThe architecture of Lahore reflects the history of the city and is remarkable for its unique variety. Structures remain from ancient Mughal times, while other buildings reflect the tastes of the British Raj, the mixed Victorian and Islamic style of which is often referred to as Mughal Gothic.[citation needed] Lahore also has buildings of modern design.
[edit] Public space
[edit] Shopping
Lahore's tech bazaars include the Hall Road Electronics market adjacent to the Mall Road and the Hafeez Centre located on the Gulberg Main Boulevard. Pace, a shopping centre once thought to be owned by Imran Khan, is also located on the Main Boulevard beside the Hafeez Centre. Other well-known and popular shopping areas are the Liberty Market in Gulberg and at the Fortress Stadium, as well as malls in Gulberg, Model Town, MM Alam Road, and Cantonment. Apart from these, shopping areas are being developed in many of Lahore's new suburbs such as Bahria, Lake City, and Cantonment.
For traditional shopping, the Anarkali and Ichhra bazaars are the most popular of many in the city.[citation needed] The alleys and lanes of these bazaars are full of traditional wares like leather articles, embroidered garments, glass bangles, beaten gold and silver jewelry, and creations in silk. Anarkali is named after the famous courtesan of Akbar’s time, Anarkali (Pomegranate Blossom). The grave of Sultan Qutbuddin Aibak, who died falling off his horse while playing polo, is located in Anarkali on Aibak Road. Mahmud Ghaznavi's general, Malik Ayaz, lies buried in the commercial area of Rang Mahal.[citation needed]. Rang Mahal is part of old Lahore and todays houses a largest wholesale and retail cloth markets in Punjab.
[edit] Restaurants and cafés
View of Food Street in LahoreLahoris are known for their love of food and eating.[citation needed] While Lahore has a great many traditional and modern restaurants, in recent years Western fast food chains, such as McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Subway Sandwiches, Dunkin Donuts, Nando's and Kentucky Fried Chicken have appeared all over the city. Recently the food streets in the historic locales of Lahore (Gawalmandi, Anarkali, and Badshahi) have attracted tourists. Food streets have undergone restorations and are cordoned off in the evenings for pedestrian traffic only; numerous cafés serve local delicacies under the lights and balconies of restored havelis (traditional residential dwellings).
Some of the trendiest restaurants in Lahore are concentrated on the M M Alam Road in Gulberg. Here, dozens of high-class culinary outlets, ranging from Western franchises to traditional, ethnic, or theme restaurants, attract all classes of Lahore's citizens. New restaurants are constantly opening, and the business is extremely competitive. Many boisterous restaurants of Lahore are open late into the night.
One of Lahore's unique café restaurants is "Coocoo's Den", located in the old city just behind the Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort at the edge of Lahore's red light district.[citation needed] The restaurant is housed in a 300-year-old Kothi-style dwelling of a famous artist and was once a brothel. At different times in the life of this property, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim families have owned it. Another famous Lahore landmark is the Pak Tea House in Anarkali, long a favoured haunt of intellectuals and artists.
[edit] Gardens and parks
The Shalimar Gardens built by Emperor Shah JehanLahore is known as the City of Gardens.[citation needed] There were many gardens in Lahore during the Mughal era, and although some have since been destroyed, many still survive.
The Shalimar Gardens were laid out during the reign of Shah Jahan and were designed to mimic the Islamic paradise of the afterlife described in the Quran. The gardens follow the familiar charbagh model (four squares) with three descending terraces.[citation needed]
The Lawrence Gardens were established in 1862 and were originally named after Sir John Lawrence, late 19th century British Viceroy to India. The gardens were organized in an area covering 112 acres.[citation needed] The British East India Company vowed that it would provide for the garden 80,000 saplings of 600 different species from every corner of the world. After money was collected from the sale of Badami Bagh, the soldiers' bazaar at Anarkali, and from a grant by the Company Bahadur (an extension of the East India Company), the land was purchased in the year 1860. Today it is known as Bagh-e-Jinnah.[citation needed]
The many other gardens and parks in the city include Hazuri Bagh, Iqbal Park, Mochi Bagh, Gulshan Iqbal Park, Model Town Park, Race Course Park, Nasir Bagh Lahore, Jallo Park, Wild Life Park, and Changa Manga, an artificial forest near Lahore in the Kasur district.
[edit] Education
See also: List of educational institutions in Lahore
Punjab University Old CampusLahore is known as the education capital of Pakistan, with more colleges and universities than any other city in the country.[17] Most of the reputable universities are public, but in recent years there has also been an upsurge in the number of private universities.[citation needed] LUMS, the Lahore University of Management Sciences, is the most renowned business school in Pakistan.Lahore School of Economics is also a renowed business school of Pakistan and is regarded after LUMS in Lahore. The University of Lahore, in the private sector, is located in the industrial area of the city, where students have opportunities to get jobs and internships.[citation needed]
The University of the Punjab is the oldest institute of higher learning in the country.[18] NCA, the National College of Arts, is the oldest and most renowned arts college of Pakistan.[citation needed] The oldest institution of Pakistan, Government College Lahore (now University) is also situated in Lahore. It was established in 1864.
UET, Lahore is the one of the most highly regarded engineering universities in Pakistan.[19] COMSATS is also a well-known institute recently awarded the university charter.[20]
[edit] Transportation
The Allama Iqbal International Airport: one of the largest international airports in PakistanLahore is one of the most accessible cities of Pakistan.[citation needed] In addition to the historic Grand Trunk Road (G.T. road), a motorway was completed in 1997 from Lahore to Islamabad. The government has built underpasses to ease congestion and prevent traffic jams, and according to official figures, Lahore has the highest number of underpasses in Pakistan.[citation needed] Lahore has high levels of air pollution and smog, mostly due to the growth of industry. Air pollution is reaching record peaks, and smog is often thick.[citation needed]
The Pakistan Railways headquarters is located in Lahore.[citation needed] Pakistan Railways provides an important mode of transportation for commuters and connects distant parts of the country with Lahore for business, sight-seeing, pilgrimage, and education. The Lahore Central Railway Station, built during the British colonial era, is located in the heart of the city.
Double decker buses are back in Lahore after almost twenty years.[citation needed]To accommodate increased air travel, the government built a new city airport in 2003.[citation needed] It was named Allama Iqbal International Airport after the national poet of Pakistan, Mohammed Iqbal, and is served by international airlines as well as the national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines. The previous airport now operates as the Hajj Terminal to facilitate the great influx of pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia to perform the hajj every year.[citation needed]
Lahore Railway StationDespite these improvements, Lahore struggles for safety on its roads, which are dangerous because the number of vehicles overwhelms the road space.[citation needed] Massive congestion occurs every day as millions of Lahoris travel through disorganised, fast-moving traffic, and accidents are rife.[citation needed] The government is trying to improve traffic conditions by constructing overhead bridges, underpasses, and conducting public safety campaigns. Plans exist for a mass-transit system in the city and a high-speed railway between Lahore and Rawalpindi.[citation needed]
[edit] Economy
Central to Lahore's economy is the Lahore Stock Exchange (LSE), Pakistan's second largest stock exchange.[citation needed] Lahore has offices of all Pakistani government corporations including the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and the Water and Sewage Authority (WASA). It also hosts the country's largest information technology (IT) companies, most of which are located in the IT park, which accounts for nearly 70 percent of Pakistan's software exports.[citation needed] Food and restaurant businesses remain open all night. The shopping markets are usually open late into the night.[citation needed] Lahore is the second largest financial hub of Pakistan and has industrial areas including Kot Lakhpat and the new Sundar Industrial Estate (near Raiwand).
Water And Power Development Authority (WAPDA) House BuildingAs Lahore expands, former residential areas are being turned into commercial centres, and the suburban population is constantly moving outwards. This has resulted in the development of the Liberty Market, the MM Alam Road, the new Jail Road (which has some of the largest office buildings in Lahore), and the new eight-lane Main Boulevard, which has some of Lahore's largest and finest shopping centres.[citation needed]
The suburban population's move from commercial areas to less busy areas supports a thriving construction industry and several large housing projects including Bahria Town, Lake City, Eden Villas, and a project by the Dhabi Group (a joint Pakistan-UAE partnership) to construct a new city on the outskirts of Lahore.[citation needed]
Lahore is famous as the hub of hand-made carpet manufacturing in Pakistan.[21] At present, hand-knitted carpets produced in and around Lahore are among Pakistan's leading export products, and their manufacturing is the second-largest cottage and small industry. Lahore-based carpet exports make up nearly 85 percent of all carpet exports from Pakistan.[citation needed] Craftsmen in Lahore can produce any type of carpet using popular motifs such as medallions, paisleys, traceries, and geometric designs. The Lahore Design Centre at the Punjab Small Industries Corporation maintains a separate section of carpet designing to experiment with new designs. Lahore is famous for single-wefted designs in Turkoman and Caucasian style and double-wefted Mughal types.
Lahore's economic importance depends also on many government institutes and international companies headquartered in the city, including WorldCALL Telecom Group,Pakistan Railways, Pakistan Cricket Board, Punjab University, NCA, Bata shoes, Haier, Wateen Telecom, Warid Telecom, Honda, Reebok, Daewoo, Nestle, Coca Cola, Tetra Pak, Monsanto, Delaval, Makro Cash & Carry, Mr Cod, Porsche, and Rolls Royce.[citation needed]
The economy is also enhanced by Lahore's historic and cultural importance, even though, unlike other smaller cities, its industrial estates are far fewer and smaller. Being the capital of the largest province in Pakistan brings the city the biggest development budget in the country. As of 2005, the city's gross domestic product (GDP) by purchasing power parity (PPP) is estimated at $28 billion with an average growth rate of 5.9 percent, [1]ranked 122nd in the world.[2]
[edit] Culture
One of the horses on display at the annual horse and cattle showLahore's culture is unique. Known as the cultural capital or Heart of Pakistan, the city has been the seat of the Mughal Empire and the Sikh Empire as well as the capital of Punjab in Mahmud Ghaznavi's 11th century empire and in the British Empire.
Lahore played an important role in Pakistani history, as it was in this city where the independence declaration for Pakistan was made. The city was the only known major city of the British Empire that would come into the new Muslims state.[citation needed] It was the largest city in the newly formed Pakistan at the time of independence and provided the easiest access to India, with its porous border near the Indian city of Amritsar only 30 miles to the east. Large numbers of Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims lived closely in Lahore in the pre-Partition era, and the city suffered many revolts and demonstrations, as well as bloodshed and mobs, at the time of independence.[citation needed] Lahore was also wanted by the Sikhs since it used to be their capital before the British. Initially, Lahore was planned to be made the capital of the newly-formed Pakistan, but the idea was dropped due to the city's close proximity to India; Karachi was chosen instead.[citation needed] Lahore's culture -- its history, institutions, food, clothing, films, music, fashion, and liberal community lifestyle -- attract people from all over the country.
Kites for sale on the streets of Lahore on the eve of the Basant festivalLahore is an extremely festive city. The people of Lahore celebrate many festivals and events throughout the year, blending Mughal, Western, and current trends. Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha are celebrated. Many people decorate their houses and light candles to illuminate the streets and houses; roads and businesses are lit for days during these public holidays.[citation needed]
{Basant is a Punjabi festival marking the coming of spring. Basant celebrations in Pakistan are centered in Lahore, and people from all over the country as well as abroad come to the city for the annual festivities. Kite-flying competitions traditionally take place on city rooftops during Basant. Courts have banned the kite-flying because of casualties and power installation losses. The ban was lifted for two days in 2007, then immediately reimposed when 11 people were killed by celebratory gunfire, sharpened kite-strings, electrocution, and falls related to the competition.[22]
The Festival of Lamps, or Mela Chiraghan, is an important and popular event in Lahore. This is celebrated at the same time as Basant, every spring on the last Friday of March, outside the Shalimar Gardens.
The National Horse and Cattle Show is one of the most famous annual festivals, held in spring in the Fortress Stadium. The week-long activities include a livestock display, horse and camel dances, tent pegging, colourful folk dances from all regions of Pakistan, mass-band displays, and tattoo shows in the evenings.
On August 14, the people of Pakistan celebrate the day Pakistan gained its independence from the British Raj. There are lots of celebrations in Lahore, the streets are full of people singing and dancing. Parades of the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force are held early in the morning. Concerts are held with many pop and classical singers.
The World Performing Arts Festival is held every autumn (usually in November) at the Alhambra cultural complex, a large venue consisting of several theatres and amphitheatres. This ten-day festival consists of musicals, theatre, concerts, dance, solo, mime, and puppetry shows. The festival has an international character with nearly 80 percent of the shows performed by international performers. On average 15-20 different shows are performed every day of the festival.[23]
[edit] Sports
The Imran Khan enclosure gate at Gaddafi StadiumGaddafi Stadium is a Test cricket ground in Lahore. Designed by Pakistani architect Nayyar Ali Dada, it was completed in 1959 and is one of the biggest cricket stadiums in Asia. After its renovation for the 1996 Cricket World Cup, the stadium had a capacity of over 60,000 spectators for high-profile matches or events. Nearby is an athletics stadium, a basketball pitch, an Al Hamra open-air hall similar in design to the coliseum, and the world's largest field hockey stadium, all of these in a single huge complex.
The Lahore Marathon is part of an annual package of six international marathons being sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The Lahore race carries prize money of approximately US$100,000. More than 20,000 athletes from Pakistan and all over the world participate in this event. It was first held on January 30, 2005, and again on January 29, 2006. More than 22,000 people participated in the 2006 race. The third marathon was held on January 14, 2007.[24].
Plans exist to build Pakistan's first sports city in Lahore, on the bank of the river Ravi.[citation needed]
Eddy Gonsalvez of Gulberg, Lahore, is a famous amateur boxer who won many titles. He is famous for introducing boxing to the youth of Lahore.[citation needed]
[edit] Gallery
The Alamgiri Gate, photographed in 1870.
George Craddock, 1880s, Railway Station at Lahore, Pakistan.
Street scene of Lahore, 1890s.
Government College of Lahore, 1880s.
Tolinton Market, 1864.
[edit] Sister cities
Lahore has several sister cities including:
Chicago, U.S.
Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Kortrijk, Belgium
Belgrade, Serbia (2007)
Krakow, Poland
Coimbra, Portugal
Glasgow, Scotland[25]
Córdoba, Spain[26]
Istanbul, Turkey
Xian, China
Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Buchara, Uzbekistan
Fes, Morocco
Hounslow, England, twinned with Cantt[27]
Sariwon, North Korea
Isfahan, Iran
Mashad, Iran
In the 1970s, Istanbul was the first city to be twinned with Lahore, followed by Sariwon.
The latest cities were twinned in early 2007: Belgrade, Chicago, Córdoba, Krakow, Kortrijk, Mashad and Isfahan.
[edit] Lahore in literature
Muhammad Iqbal, scholor, thinker, and poet in Urdu and Persian.
Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri, Islamic hadith compiler, poet and author.
Faiz Ahmed Faiz, poet in Urdu
Saadat Hasan Manto, short story writer in Urdu
Rudyard Kipling, novelist in English, author of Kim
Bapsi Sidhwa, novelist in English, author of Cracking India and The Crow Eaters
Mohsin Hamid, novelist in English, author of Moth Smoke and The Reluctant Fundamentalist
Shauna Singh Baldwin, novelist, author of What the Body Remembers
Pran Nevile, author of Lahore - A Sentimental Journey
Sukkur
Sukkur (Urdu: سکھر, Sindhi:سکر) is the third largest city of Sindh province, situated on the west bank of Indus River (Pakistan) in Sukkur District. Sukkur (read as Suck-khar, or sometime Sukhar) is a local variant of Arabic word Saqar which means intense. In the 10th century AD when Arabs invaded Sukkur (Sindh), they found extreme (hot and cold) climate, and called it saqar. Sukkur is given a title of Darya Dino درياءَ ڏنو (means the gift of river), as without the Indus this would be like Egypt deprived of Nile. Sukkur is the central city of Sindh province in Pakistan.
Contents [hide]
1 Geography & climate
2 History
3 Demography
4 Education
5 Sukkur Barrage
6 Economy
6.1 Industry
6.2 Agriculture
7 Sites of interest
8 References
9 See also
10 External links
[edit] Geography & climate
A Satellite Image of River Indus near Sukkur by NASAThe district of Sukkur (whose name is derived from its head quarter Sukkur city) covers an area of 5,165 square kilometres. Geographically it is spanned from 27°05' to 28°02' north latitudes and from 68°47' to 69°43' east longitudes. The city of Sukkur is located at an altitude of 220 feet (67 m) from sea level, having terrestrial coordinates 68°52' east and 27°42' north. It is also the narrowest point of the lower Indus course.
Sukkur district shares northern border with Shikarpur and (recently constituted) Kashmore districts. Ghotki is located on the north-eastern side while Khairpur on the south. Sukkur also shares its border with India (Jaisalmir, Rajasthan). Sukkur is also connected by road air with all major cities of Pakistan.
The climate of the Sukkur is characterized by hot and hazy weather during summer days while dry and cold in winter. During January, temperature ranges from 7 to 22 °C (44 to 71 °F). The summer (month of June before monsoon) temperature averages 35 °C (95 °F) though it often reaches up to 52°C (107 °F). Generally the summer season commences in March - April and ends before October. The average rainfall of the district is 88 mm, (ranges from 0.59 mm to 25.62 mm) per annum.
[edit] History
Sukkur on the west bank of the River IndusSukkur has been an important strategic centre and trading route from time immemorial. Alor (present Aror, Sukkur) held the status of capital under the reign of Musikanos, when Alexander invaded India in 326 BCE. The ruins of this ancient town still exist, 8 km east of Rohri, in Sukkur district. In 711 CE, the Arabs invaded Sindh, led by 17 years old Muhammad bin Qasim, and Sukkur (including all of Sindh and lower Punjab) became part of the Umayyad Caliphate. Later Mughals and many semi-autonomous tribes ruled over Sukkur. The city was ceded to Mirs of Khairpur between 1809 and 1824. In 1833, Shah Shuja (a warlord of Kandahar, Afghanistan) defeated the Talpurs near Sukkur and later made a solemn treaty with the Talpur ruler, by which he relinquished all claims on Sindh. In 1843, the British (General Charles James Napier) defeated the Talpurs at the battles of Miani and Dubbo near Hyderabad , Sukkur along with the rest of Sindh was under British rule until the independence of Pakistan in 1947. The (current) district of Sukkur was constituted in 1901 out of part of Shikarpur District, the remainder of which was formed into the Larkana District. Sukkur saw a significant socio-economic uplift after the 1930s, when the British built the world largest barrage here on te Indus River. After independence of Pakistan, thousands of Muslim immigrants arrived in Sukkur while a much larger number of Hindus left for India.
[edit] Demography
A historic image of Rohri - SukkurAt the time of Pakistan's independence in 1947, Sukkur district was comprised approximately 200,000 habitants, mostly engaged in agricultural pursuits and fishing industry. Over time, Sukkur has seen a moderate rise in population (2 to 2.5% per annum) as compare to Pakistan's, except in late 60s and early 70s when population growth rate reached 4.43% (1972 census) due to internal migration and establishment of some large bridges on river Indus. According to official census of 1998, Sukkur has 908370 habitants and density of 175.9 persons per square kilometre. The current estimate (on the basis of 2.88% annual growth) shows that Sukkur population has surpassed 1 million.
+Sukkur Population Growth since 1951
Census year → 1951 1961 1972 1981 1998
Population 218,320 272,270 451,290 560,570 908,370
Annual growth (%) 2.25 4.43 2.60 2.88
Sukkur is chiefly dominated by Muslims that constitute 96% of the total population. But it also has relatively greater proportion of Hindus and [[Christians] than the rest of the country, Hindus, mostly settled in urban areas and engaged in trade and services sector. Ethnically Sindhis share the biggest segment of population (74%), followed by Muhajirs (13%). Sukkur is also domicile of many Baloch tribes, including, Rindh, Chandio, Gabol, Khoso and Laghari. Amongst others like Syed, Mangrio, Phulpoto and many more. There are Memon, Punjabi and Siraiki sections. Traditionally Memons were associated with trade and retail business but during last two decades they have ascended as an active social and economic front.
[edit] Education
Sukkur has many renowned colleges and academic institutions, some of important names include;
Virtual University of Pakistan, Sukkur Campus
Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Sukkur
G.M Mahar Medical College
College of Management Science & Information technology Sukkur (Affiliated with Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur)
SiSTech Sukkur (Affiliated with University of Sindh, Jamshoro)
Government Islamia Science College Sukkur
Government Degree College and Post Graduate Studies Centre
Government Girls College Sukkur
Government Degree Science College Pano Akil
Government College of Physical Education Sukkur
Government Islamia Arts/Commerce College Sukkur
Government College of Education Sukku
Government M,P,L Boys high School old sukkur
Agha Nizamuddin Girls Degree College
Sayed Atta Hussain Shah Musavi Degree College Rohri
Government Polytechnic Institute Sukkur
Saint Mary's Church And High School
Government Double Section High School Sukkur
Government High School Sukkur
Government Compresive High School Sukkur
Army public school and college sukkur (federal board)
Public School Sukkur
[edit] Sukkur Barrage
The Sukkur barrage (formally called Lloyd Barrage), built under British Raj on the Indus river, controls one of the largest irrigation systems in the world. The work for the bridge was started in 1923 and completed in January 1932. The 5000 feet long barrage is made of yellow stone and steel and can water nearly 10 million acres (40,000 km²) of farmland through its large seven canals. Some of the canals are larger than the Suez Canal.
In November 2004, the government of Pakistan initiated a rehabilitation project to revitalize its water storage capacity and distribution efficiency. The project completed in July 2005, (with less than the allocated amount of Rs. 887 million). Experts believe that the rehabilitation of the barrage has enhanced its efficiency for another 60 to 70 years.
[edit] Economy
[edit] Industry
Sukkur is a hub of many small and large scale industries. Among important industries are cotton textiles, cement, leather, tobacco, paint and varnish, pharmaceuticals, agriculture implements, hand pumps, lock making, rice-husking, and sugar. Small-scale cottage industries comprise hosiery, boat making, fishing accessories, thread ball spooling, trunk making brass-wares, cutlery and ceramics.
[edit] Agriculture
Sukkur had a large fertile and cultivable land till few decades ago, when the Indus river was not as barren as today. Now its agricultural productivity has much reduced. It could not achieve reasonable yield per unit area over time, on account of continuous shortage of water and ignorance of modern irrigation system. Despite lack of water, during kharif, rice, bajra, cotton tomatoes and peas are cultivated whereas during rabi main crops are wheat, barley, gram and melons. Sukkur is famous world over, for its delicious dates. Sukkur also holds a large number of Riveraine forest on the course of Indus. These tropical forests are found within the protective embankments on either side of Indus. During 1997-98 the total area under forests was 510 km² which yielded 55,000 cubic feet (1600 m³) of timber and 27000 cubic feet (760 m³) of firewood besides other miner products.
[edit] Sites of interest
Sadh Belo ساڌ ٻيلو Temple on river IndusRohri
Aror (ruines of historical city)
Tomb of Shah khairuddin jillani GEA SHAH
Tomb of the Seven Maidens Sateen Jo Aastan
Tomb of Abdul Baqi Purani, Ex-Governor of Bukkur.
Bukkur Island
Minaret of Masum Shah
Sadh Belo Temple on River Indus
Thermal Power Station Sukkur
Lansdowne Bridge Rohri
Sukkur (Lloyd) Barrage
Jafry Manzil (on Miani Road)
Lansdowne Bridge
Shahi Bazaar, Frere Road
Ayub Gate
Ladies and Children Hill Park
Labe Mehran
Looks Parak/Qasim Park
Barrage colony
Purana Sukkur (Old Sukkur)
Sheikh Shaheen Road Sukkur
late shaikh Abdul Razzak Raz(poet and founder of azad nazam inshindhi)
Abdul Hafeez Pirzada {the famoious law maker)
Massomi family old sukkur
Musvi family of old sukkur
(Late) Ghulam Shabir Shah (Politician)
(late) Mohammad Ibrahim Khan Mughal (Ist Mechanical Engg.in Sindh)
Sayed Ajmal Hussain Shah Musavi (Politician)
Bhagat Kanwarram (Sufi Singer)
* Aftab Ahmed Soomro (Mobile Specialist)
Allaudin Jafry (Philanthropist)
Asadullah Bhutto (MNA) (Politician)
Dr nasrullah Baloch (MPA)
Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah (MNA) (Politician)
Ayaz Gul(poet)
Prof.Adal Somroo. poet and scholar. work children literature
Mumtaz Bukhari Novelist, story writer, TV drama writer, translator, columnist and journalist.
Dr. Mumtaz Memon (ex Ameer Jamaat e islami sindh)
Syed Nasir Hussain Shah (Politician)
Ziaur Rahman Zia -Famous poet, columnist, journalist' editor, publisher.
Contents [hide]
1 Geography & climate
2 History
3 Demography
4 Education
5 Sukkur Barrage
6 Economy
6.1 Industry
6.2 Agriculture
7 Sites of interest
8 References
9 See also
10 External links
[edit] Geography & climate
A Satellite Image of River Indus near Sukkur by NASAThe district of Sukkur (whose name is derived from its head quarter Sukkur city) covers an area of 5,165 square kilometres. Geographically it is spanned from 27°05' to 28°02' north latitudes and from 68°47' to 69°43' east longitudes. The city of Sukkur is located at an altitude of 220 feet (67 m) from sea level, having terrestrial coordinates 68°52' east and 27°42' north. It is also the narrowest point of the lower Indus course.
Sukkur district shares northern border with Shikarpur and (recently constituted) Kashmore districts. Ghotki is located on the north-eastern side while Khairpur on the south. Sukkur also shares its border with India (Jaisalmir, Rajasthan). Sukkur is also connected by road air with all major cities of Pakistan.
The climate of the Sukkur is characterized by hot and hazy weather during summer days while dry and cold in winter. During January, temperature ranges from 7 to 22 °C (44 to 71 °F). The summer (month of June before monsoon) temperature averages 35 °C (95 °F) though it often reaches up to 52°C (107 °F). Generally the summer season commences in March - April and ends before October. The average rainfall of the district is 88 mm, (ranges from 0.59 mm to 25.62 mm) per annum.
[edit] History
Sukkur on the west bank of the River IndusSukkur has been an important strategic centre and trading route from time immemorial. Alor (present Aror, Sukkur) held the status of capital under the reign of Musikanos, when Alexander invaded India in 326 BCE. The ruins of this ancient town still exist, 8 km east of Rohri, in Sukkur district. In 711 CE, the Arabs invaded Sindh, led by 17 years old Muhammad bin Qasim, and Sukkur (including all of Sindh and lower Punjab) became part of the Umayyad Caliphate. Later Mughals and many semi-autonomous tribes ruled over Sukkur. The city was ceded to Mirs of Khairpur between 1809 and 1824. In 1833, Shah Shuja (a warlord of Kandahar, Afghanistan) defeated the Talpurs near Sukkur and later made a solemn treaty with the Talpur ruler, by which he relinquished all claims on Sindh. In 1843, the British (General Charles James Napier) defeated the Talpurs at the battles of Miani and Dubbo near Hyderabad , Sukkur along with the rest of Sindh was under British rule until the independence of Pakistan in 1947. The (current) district of Sukkur was constituted in 1901 out of part of Shikarpur District, the remainder of which was formed into the Larkana District. Sukkur saw a significant socio-economic uplift after the 1930s, when the British built the world largest barrage here on te Indus River. After independence of Pakistan, thousands of Muslim immigrants arrived in Sukkur while a much larger number of Hindus left for India.
[edit] Demography
A historic image of Rohri - SukkurAt the time of Pakistan's independence in 1947, Sukkur district was comprised approximately 200,000 habitants, mostly engaged in agricultural pursuits and fishing industry. Over time, Sukkur has seen a moderate rise in population (2 to 2.5% per annum) as compare to Pakistan's, except in late 60s and early 70s when population growth rate reached 4.43% (1972 census) due to internal migration and establishment of some large bridges on river Indus. According to official census of 1998, Sukkur has 908370 habitants and density of 175.9 persons per square kilometre. The current estimate (on the basis of 2.88% annual growth) shows that Sukkur population has surpassed 1 million.
+Sukkur Population Growth since 1951
Census year → 1951 1961 1972 1981 1998
Population 218,320 272,270 451,290 560,570 908,370
Annual growth (%) 2.25 4.43 2.60 2.88
Sukkur is chiefly dominated by Muslims that constitute 96% of the total population. But it also has relatively greater proportion of Hindus and [[Christians] than the rest of the country, Hindus, mostly settled in urban areas and engaged in trade and services sector. Ethnically Sindhis share the biggest segment of population (74%), followed by Muhajirs (13%). Sukkur is also domicile of many Baloch tribes, including, Rindh, Chandio, Gabol, Khoso and Laghari. Amongst others like Syed, Mangrio, Phulpoto and many more. There are Memon, Punjabi and Siraiki sections. Traditionally Memons were associated with trade and retail business but during last two decades they have ascended as an active social and economic front.
[edit] Education
Sukkur has many renowned colleges and academic institutions, some of important names include;
Virtual University of Pakistan, Sukkur Campus
Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Sukkur
G.M Mahar Medical College
College of Management Science & Information technology Sukkur (Affiliated with Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur)
SiSTech Sukkur (Affiliated with University of Sindh, Jamshoro)
Government Islamia Science College Sukkur
Government Degree College and Post Graduate Studies Centre
Government Girls College Sukkur
Government Degree Science College Pano Akil
Government College of Physical Education Sukkur
Government Islamia Arts/Commerce College Sukkur
Government College of Education Sukku
Government M,P,L Boys high School old sukkur
Agha Nizamuddin Girls Degree College
Sayed Atta Hussain Shah Musavi Degree College Rohri
Government Polytechnic Institute Sukkur
Saint Mary's Church And High School
Government Double Section High School Sukkur
Government High School Sukkur
Government Compresive High School Sukkur
Army public school and college sukkur (federal board)
Public School Sukkur
[edit] Sukkur Barrage
The Sukkur barrage (formally called Lloyd Barrage), built under British Raj on the Indus river, controls one of the largest irrigation systems in the world. The work for the bridge was started in 1923 and completed in January 1932. The 5000 feet long barrage is made of yellow stone and steel and can water nearly 10 million acres (40,000 km²) of farmland through its large seven canals. Some of the canals are larger than the Suez Canal.
In November 2004, the government of Pakistan initiated a rehabilitation project to revitalize its water storage capacity and distribution efficiency. The project completed in July 2005, (with less than the allocated amount of Rs. 887 million). Experts believe that the rehabilitation of the barrage has enhanced its efficiency for another 60 to 70 years.
[edit] Economy
[edit] Industry
Sukkur is a hub of many small and large scale industries. Among important industries are cotton textiles, cement, leather, tobacco, paint and varnish, pharmaceuticals, agriculture implements, hand pumps, lock making, rice-husking, and sugar. Small-scale cottage industries comprise hosiery, boat making, fishing accessories, thread ball spooling, trunk making brass-wares, cutlery and ceramics.
[edit] Agriculture
Sukkur had a large fertile and cultivable land till few decades ago, when the Indus river was not as barren as today. Now its agricultural productivity has much reduced. It could not achieve reasonable yield per unit area over time, on account of continuous shortage of water and ignorance of modern irrigation system. Despite lack of water, during kharif, rice, bajra, cotton tomatoes and peas are cultivated whereas during rabi main crops are wheat, barley, gram and melons. Sukkur is famous world over, for its delicious dates. Sukkur also holds a large number of Riveraine forest on the course of Indus. These tropical forests are found within the protective embankments on either side of Indus. During 1997-98 the total area under forests was 510 km² which yielded 55,000 cubic feet (1600 m³) of timber and 27000 cubic feet (760 m³) of firewood besides other miner products.
[edit] Sites of interest
Sadh Belo ساڌ ٻيلو Temple on river IndusRohri
Aror (ruines of historical city)
Tomb of Shah khairuddin jillani GEA SHAH
Tomb of the Seven Maidens Sateen Jo Aastan
Tomb of Abdul Baqi Purani, Ex-Governor of Bukkur.
Bukkur Island
Minaret of Masum Shah
Sadh Belo Temple on River Indus
Thermal Power Station Sukkur
Lansdowne Bridge Rohri
Sukkur (Lloyd) Barrage
Jafry Manzil (on Miani Road)
Lansdowne Bridge
Shahi Bazaar, Frere Road
Ayub Gate
Ladies and Children Hill Park
Labe Mehran
Looks Parak/Qasim Park
Barrage colony
Purana Sukkur (Old Sukkur)
Sheikh Shaheen Road Sukkur
late shaikh Abdul Razzak Raz(poet and founder of azad nazam inshindhi)
Abdul Hafeez Pirzada {the famoious law maker)
Massomi family old sukkur
Musvi family of old sukkur
(Late) Ghulam Shabir Shah (Politician)
(late) Mohammad Ibrahim Khan Mughal (Ist Mechanical Engg.in Sindh)
Sayed Ajmal Hussain Shah Musavi (Politician)
Bhagat Kanwarram (Sufi Singer)
* Aftab Ahmed Soomro (Mobile Specialist)
Allaudin Jafry (Philanthropist)
Asadullah Bhutto (MNA) (Politician)
Dr nasrullah Baloch (MPA)
Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah (MNA) (Politician)
Ayaz Gul(poet)
Prof.Adal Somroo. poet and scholar. work children literature
Mumtaz Bukhari Novelist, story writer, TV drama writer, translator, columnist and journalist.
Dr. Mumtaz Memon (ex Ameer Jamaat e islami sindh)
Syed Nasir Hussain Shah (Politician)
Ziaur Rahman Zia -Famous poet, columnist, journalist' editor, publisher.
Sindh
Sindh (Sindhī: سنڌ, Urdū: سندھ) is one of the four provinces of Pakistan and historically is home to the Sindhis. Different cultural and ethnic groups also reside in Sindh including Urdu speaking people who migrated from India at the time of independence and partition as well as the people migrated from other provinces after independence. Neighbouring regions are Balochistan to the west and north, Punjab in the north, Rajasthan and Gujarat (India) to the east, and the Arabian Sea to the south. The main languages are Sindhi and Urdu. In Sanskrit, the province was dubbed Sindhu meaning "ocean". The Assyrians (as early as the seventh century BCE) knew the region as Sinda, the Persians Abisind, the Greeks Sinthus, the Romans Sindus, the Chinese Sintow, while the Arabs dubbed it Sind. It is mentioned to be a part of Abhirrdesh (Abhira Kingdom) in Srimad Bhagavatam [2]. Sindh was the first place where Islam spread in South Asia. As a result, it is often referred to as "Bab-al-Islam" (Gate of Islam).
Contents [hide]
1 Geography
2 Climate
3 Demographics and society
4 History
5 Pakistan Resolution in the Sindh Assembly
6 Government
7 Districts
8 Major cities
9 Economy
10 Vegetation
11 Flora and fauna
12 Education
13 Arts and Crafts
14 Cultural heritage
15 Major Attractions
16 Places of Historical Interest:
16.1 Gorakh Hill
16.2 Ranikot
16.3 Bhambore
16.4 Chaukundi Tombs
16.5 Thatta
16.6 Keenjhar Lake
16.7 Makli Tombs
16.8 Kirthar National Park
16.9 Hyderabad
16.10 Mir Shahdad jo Qubo
16.11 Hala
16.12 Bhitshah
16.13 Sehwan
16.14 Manchar Lake
16.15 Daraza Sharif
16.16 Kot Deji
16.17 Moen-jo-Daro
16.18 Other Places
17 Famous people
18 References
19 See also
20 External links
[edit] Geography
Sindh is located on the western corner of South Asia, bordering the Iranian plateau in the west. Geographically it is the third largest province of Pakistan, stretching about 579 km from north to south and 442 km (extreme) or 281 km (average) from east to west, with an area of 54,407 square miles or 140,915 km² of Pakistani territory. Sindh is bounded by the Thar Desert to the east, the Kirthar Mountains to the west, and the Arabian Sea in the south. In the centre is a fertile plain around the Indus river. The devastating floods of the river Indus are now controlled by irrigation techniques.
Karachi became capital of Sindh in 1936, in place of the traditional capitals of Hyderabad and Thatta. Other important cities include Sanghar, Sukkur, Shahdadkot, Kamber Khan, Sehwan, Mirpukhas, Larkano,Nawabshah, Shikarpur, Khairpur, Nawabshah, Kashmor, Dadu, Umerkot, Thar, Jacobabad, Ghotki, Ranipur, Gambat, Sobhodero, Hingorja, Noshairo Feroz, Moro, Qazi Ahmed and Sehtharja.
[edit] Climate
Aerial view of KarachiA subtropical region, Sindh is hot in the summer and cold in winter. Temperatures frequently rise above 46 °C (115 °F) between May and August, and the minimum average temperature of 2 °C (36 °F) occurs during December and January. The annual rainfall averages about seven inches, falling mainly during July and August. The Southwest Monsoon wind begins to blow in mid-February and continues until the end of September, whereas the cool northerly wind blows during the winter months from October to January.
Sindh lies between the two monsoons - the southwest monsoon from the Indian Ocean and the northeast or retreating monsoon, deflected towards it by Himalayan mountains — and escapes the influence of both. The average rainfall in Sindh is only 15 to 18 cm per year, but the loss during the two seasons is compensated by the Indus, in the form of inundation, caused twice a year by the spring and summer melting of Himalayan snow and by rainfall in the monsoon season. These natural patterns have changed somewhat with the construction of dams and barrages on the Indus.
Climatically, Sindh is divided in three sections - Siro (upper section centered on Jacobabad), Wicholo (middle section centered on Hyderabad), and Lar (lower section centered on Karachi). In upper Sindh[3], the thermal equator passes through Sindh. The highest temperature ever recorded was 53 °C (127 °F in 1919. The air is generally very dry. In winter frost is common.
In central Sindh, average monsoon wind speed is 18 km/hour in June. The temperature is lower than upper Sindh but higher than lower Sindh. Dry hot days and cool nights are summer characteristics. Maximum temperature reaches 43-44° C (110-112° F). Lower Sindh has a damper and humid maritime climate affected by the south-western winds in summer and north-eastern winds in winter and with lower rainfall than central Sindh. The maximum temperature reaches about 35-38° C (95-100° F). In the Kirthar range at 1,800 m7 and higher on the Gorakhnath and other peaks in Dadu District, temperatures near freezing have been recorded and brief snow fall is received in winters. And Badin Is District Of syed's
[edit] Demographics and society
Main article: Sindhi people
Sindh Demographic Indicators
Indicator Statistic
Urban population 48.75%
Rural population 51.25%
Population growth rate 2.80%
Gender ratio (male per 100 female) 112.24
Economically active population 22.75%
The 1998 Census of Pakistan indicated a population 42.4 million, the current population can be estimated to be in the range of 50 to 54 million using a compound growth in the range of 2% to 2.8% since then. With just under half being urban dwellers, mainly found in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas, Ubauro and Larkana. Sindhi is the sole official language of Sindh since the 19th century. The British required all officers posted to Sindh to become fluent in Sindhi upon posting to Sindh. In 1972, the first elected Sindh assembly since the dissolution of the province restored this status but successive governments have failed to implement the law and many officials in the Sindh government cannot speak, read or write the language. Large sections of the population speak Sindhi and Urdu languages with other languages spoken including Siraiki, Kutchi (both dialects of Sindhi), Balochi, Brahui, Punjabi, Pashto, Rajasthani, Persian/Dari, Khowar and Gujarati. The urban areas of Sindh are dominated by Muhajir Urdu as well as by migrant workers from peripheral provinces; and the rural areas consisting of predominantly Sindhi people. Due to this ethnic composition, Sindh has become a highly polarized province. It is estimated that Urdu speaking Muhajirs make up 15% and native Sindhis make up only 60% of the total population of Sindh, and Balochis, Pashtuns and Panjabis a significant part of the rest. The chief tribes of Sindh are Jats and Rajputs, while Balochis and Urdu-speaking Muhajirs are more recent immigrants. Both Balochi Sindhi and natives speak Sindhi language as their mother tongue. By language, Sindhi speakers make up 50% and Urdu speakers make up 13%, while 20% of the total population of Sindh speaks Pashto, Panjabi, Balochi, Seraiki, Thari, Persian, Kutchi, Gujarati, and Bengali. The Punjabis and Pashtuns form the third and fourth biggest community in Sindh after the Sindhis and the Muhajirs.
Historical populations
Census Population Urban
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1951 6,047,748 29.23%
1961 8,367,065 37.85%
1972 14,155,909 40.44%
1981 19,028,666 43.31%
1998 30,439,893 48.75%
2007 ~37,000,000
Sindh's population is predominantly Muslim, but Sindh is also home to nearly all of Pakistan's Hindus, numbering roughly 1.8 million. However, most Sindhi Hindus migrated to India at the time of the Partition. Smaller groups of Christians, Parsis or Zoroastrians, Ahmadis, and a tiny Jewish community (of around 500) can also be found in the province.
The Sindhis as a whole are composed of original descendants of an ancient population known as Sammaat, various sub-groups related to the Siraiki or Baloch origin are found in interior Sindh. Sindhis of Balochi origin make up about 30% of the total population of Sindh, while immigrant Urdu speaking Muhajirs make up 15% of the total population of the province. Also found in the province is a small group claiming descent from early Muslim settlers including Arabs, Turks, Jews, Afghans and Persians. Most of the urban population of Sindh living in Karachi, Hyderabad etc. are descendants of people who migrated to Pakistan in 1947. [citation needed] and are called Muhajirs or Urdu-speaking people.
[edit] History
Main article: History of Sindh
Indus Valley seal with a seated figureIn ancient times, the territory of the modern Sindh province was sometimes known as Sovira (or Souveera) and also as Sindhudesh, Sindhu being the original name for Indus River and the suffix 'desh' roughly corresponding to country or territory.
The first known village settlements date as far back as 7000 BCE. Permanent settlements at Mehrgarh to the west expanded into Sindh. The original inhabitants of ancient Sindh, and other regions of Pakistan, were the aborigine tribes speaking languages related to Munda languages.
The Aryans invaded from the Iranian plateau and settled in the Indus valley around 4000 BCE. This Aryan culture blossomed over the centuries and gave rise to the Indus Valley Civilization around 3000 BCE.[citation needed]
The Indus Valley Civilization rivaled the contemporary civilizations of Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia in both size and scope numbering nearly half a million inhabitants at its height with well-planned grid cities and sewer systems. It is known that the Indus Valley Civilization traded with ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt via established shipping lanes. In ancient Egypt, the word for cotton was Sindh denoting that the bulk of that civilizations cotton was predominantly imported from the Indus Valley Civilization.
A branch of these tribes, called the Indo-Aryans are believed to have founded the Vedic Civilization that existed between Sarasvati River and Ganges River around 1500 BCE and also influenced Indus Valley Civilization. This civilization helped shape subsequent cultures in South Asia. The Aryan invaders instituted the caste system to enslave the native population and the aborigine tribes.[citation needed]
Sindh was conquered by the Persian Achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BCE, and became part of the Persian satrapy (province) of Hindush centered in the Punjab to the north. Persian speech had a tendency to replace 'S' with an 'H' resulting in 'Sindu' being pronounced and written as 'Hindu'. They introduced the Kharoshti script and links to the west in the region.
Subsequently conquered by Greeks led by Alexander the Great, the region came under loose Greek control for a few decades. After Alexander's death, there was a brief period of Seleucid rule. Sindh was then conquered by the Mauryans led by Chandragupta in 305 BCE.
Later, during the reign of the Buddhist king Ashoka the region would solidly become a Buddhist domain. Following a century of Mauryan rule which ended by 232 BCE, the region came under the Greco-Bactrians based in what is today Afghanistan. These rulers also converted to Buddhism and spread it in the region.
The Scythians shattered the Greco-Bactrians fledgling empire. Subsequently, the Tocharian Kushan Empire annexed Sindh by the 1st century CE. Though the Kushans were Zoroastrian, they were tolerant of the local Buddhist tradition and sponsored many building projects for local beliefs.
The Huns and remnants of the Kushans, Scythians, and the Sassanid Persians all exercised some degree of control in Sindh until the coming of the Muslim Arabs in 711 CE.
A historic image of Rohri - SukkurDuring the reign of Rashidun Caliph Umar, an expedition was sent to conquer Makran, this was first time when Muslim armies entered Sindh. Islamic army defeated the Hindu king of Sindh Raja Rasil on the western bank of river Indus, the armies of Raja accordingly retreated to interior Sindh. Caliph Umar, on getting the information about the miserable conditions of Sindh stopped his armies from crossing river Indus and ordered them to consolidate there position in Makran and Baluchistan. Caliph Umar's successor Uthman also send his agent to investigate the matters of Sindh, on getting the same information of unfavourable geographical conditions and miserable life style of people, he forbade his armies from entering Sindh. During Rashidun Caliphate only the south western part of sindh around the western bank of river Indus, and some northern parts near the frontiers of Baluchistan remianed under the rule of Islamic empire.[2] It was finally Conquered by Syrian Arabs led by Muhammad bin Qasim, Sindh became the easternmost province of the Umayyad Caliphate. Referred to as Al-Sindh on Arab maps with lands further east known as Hind ironically depicting the current border between the two nations of Pakistan and India. The defeat of the Brahmin ruler Raja Dahir was made easier due to the tension between the Buddhist majority and the ruling Brahmins' fragile base of control.
The Arabs redefined the region and adopted the term budd to refer to the numerous Buddhist idols they encountered, a word that remains in use today. The city of Mansura was established as a regional misr or capital. Arab rule lasted for nearly three centuries, and a fusion of cultures produced much of what is today modern Sindhi society. Arab geographers, historians and travelers also sometimes used the name "Sindh" for the entire area from the Arabian Sea to the Hindu Kush. The meaning of the word Sindhu being water (or ocean) appears to refer to the Indus river.
In addition, there is a mythological belief among Muslims that four rivers had sprung from Heaven: Neel (Nile), Furat (Euphrates), Jehoon (Jaxartes) and Sehoon (Sindh or in modern times the Indus).[citation needed]Arab rule ended with the ascension of the Soomro dynasty, who were local Sindhi Muslims, and who controlled the province directly and as vassals from 1058 to 1249. Turkic invaders conquered the area by 977 CE and the region loosely became part of the Ghaznavid Empire and then the Delhi Sultanate which lasted until 1524.
The Mughals seized the region and their rule lasted for another two centuries, while another local Sindhi Muslim group, the Samma, challenged Mughal rule from their base at Thatta. The Muslim Sufi played a pivotal role in converting the millions of native people to Islam.
Though part of larger empires, Sindh continued to enjoy certain autonomy as a loyal Muslim domain and came under the rule of the Arghun Dynasty and the Tarkhan Dynasty from 1519 to 1625.
Sindh became a vassal-state of the Afghan Durrani Empire by 1747. It was then ruled by Kalhora rulers and later the Balochi Talpurs[3] from 1783.
British forces under General Charles Napier arrived in Sindh in the 19th century and conquered it in 1843. It is said that he sent back to the Governor General a one-word message, "Peccavi" – Latin for "I have sinned". In actual fact, this pun first appeared as a cartoon in Punch magazine. The first Aga Khan helped the British in the conquest of Sindh and was granted a pension as a result.[citation needed].
After 1853, Sindh was divided into provinces, each being assigned a Zamindar or 'Wadara' to collect taxes for the British (a system already used under the Mughals). In a highly controversial move, Sindh was later made part of British India's Bombay Presidency much to the surprise of the local population who found the decision illogical, shortly afterwards, the decision was reversed and became a separate province in 1935. The British ruled the area for a century and Sindh was home to many prominent Muslim leaders including Muhammad Ali Jinnah who agitated for greater Muslim autonomy.
In 1947 when the British left. Pakistan was created from the partitioning of British India. All of Sindh was alloted to Pakistan. In 1947, 25 per cent of the population of Sindh was Hindu Sindhi. Most of the Hindu Sindhis were city dwellers and were largely occupied with trade and commerce. They were responsible for export of products made in Sindh and contributed significantly to the economy of Sindh. When Partition of British India occurred Hindus Sindhi expected to remain in Sindh. Generally, there was good relation between Hindu Sindhis and Muslims Sindhis. When large waves of Mohajirs started to pour into Sindh, violence erupted on the streets. The Hindu Sindhis were forced to flee Sindh leaving everything behind. Popati Hirandani who was a Sindhi Hindu tells in her autobiography that the Police were merely onlookers when violence erupted and they did not protect the Hindus community [4]. Many Hindu Sindhis wanted to return to their native Sindh, when the violence settled down, but this was not possible. Property belonging to the Hindus was appropriated by the Mohajirs. Hindu Sindhis are scattered throughout the world and feel like a stateless people. They still, however, regard Sindh as their homeland. It should be noted, that many Sindhi Hindus still reside in the province of Sindh and relations have considerably improved.
In later years, Sindh has been the destination of a continuous stream of illegal immigration from India, other South Asian countries, and Afghanistan, including Pashtun and Punjabi immigrants to Karachi. Many native Sindhis resent this influx. Nonetheless, traditional Sindhi families remain prominent in Pakistani politics, especially the Bhutto dynasty.
In recent years Sindhi dissatisfaction has grown over issues such as illegal immigration, control of natural resources of gas, petrol and coal, the construction of large dams, perceived discrimination in military/government jobs, provincial autonomy, admission to educational institutes, and overall revenue shares.
[edit] Pakistan Resolution in the Sindh Assembly
The Sindh assembly was the first Indian legislature to pass the resolution in favour of Pakistan. G. M. Syed , an influential Sindhi activist, revolutionary and Sufi and one of the important leaders to the forefront of the provincial autonomy movement joined the Muslim League in 1938 and presented the Pakistan resolution in the Sindh Assembly(G. M. Syed can rightly be considered as the founder of Sindhi nationalism)
[edit] Government
Main article: Government of Sindh
The Provincial Assembly of Sindh is unicameral and consists of 168 seats of which 5% are reserved for non-Muslims and 17% for women.
[edit] Districts
The mausoleum of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Mazar-e-Quaid.
Flag-e-House, colonial styled building built during the British Raj.There are 23 districts in Sindh, Pakistan.
Karachi
Larkano
Jacobabad
Shikarpur
Qamber Shahdakot
Sukkur
Ghutki
Kashmor
Khairpur
Noushehro Feroz
Dadu
Nawabshah
Jamshoro
Sanghar
Matyari
Hyderabad
Tando Muhammad Khan
Tando Allah Yaar
Badin
Thatta
Mirpurkhas
Umerkot
Tharparker
[edit] Major cities
Main article: List of cities in Sindh
Karachi
Hyderabad
Sukkur
Mirpurkhas
Larkana
Thatta
Khairpur
Shikarpur
Badin
Umerkot
Daharki
Ghotki
Ubauro
[edit] Economy
A view of Karachi downtown, the capital of Sindh provinceEndowed with coastal access, Sindh is the backbone of Pakistan's economy. It generates almost 30% of the total national tax revenue [5] (26.8% in the last two years). The federal government, however, spends just 23% of the financial divisible pool there. The Sindh government considers the formula of financial resource distribution (theNFC award) to be unjust and solely population-denominated. But the fact remains that most business is done through Karachi - a major sea port and major revenue collection and banking centre. Because Karachi is a business hub, actual Sindh tax revenue is much higher than its official tax revenue.
Sindh is a major centre of economic activity in Pakistan and has a highly diversified economy ranging from heavy industry and finance centered in and around Karachi to a substantial agricultural base along the Indus. Pakistan's rapidly growing information technology sector (IT) is also centered in Karachi and manufacturing includes machine products, cement, plastics, and various other goods.
Agriculture is very important in Sindh with cotton, rice, wheat, sugar cane, bananas, and mangoes as the most important crops. Sindh is the richest province in natural resources of gas, petrol, and coal.
[edit] Vegetation
The province is mostly arid with scant vegetation except for the irrigated Indus Valley. The dwarf palm, Acacia Rupestris (kher), and Tecomella undulata (lohirro) trees are typical of the western hill region. In the Indus valley, the Acacia nilotica (babul) (babbur) is the most dominant and occurs in thick forests along the Indus banks. The Azadirachta indica (neem) (nim), Zizyphys vulgaris (bir) (ber), Tamarix orientalis (jujuba lai) and Capparis aphylla (kirir) are among the more common trees.
Mango, date palms, and the more recently introduced banana, guava, orange, and chiku are the typical fruit-bearing trees. The coastal strip and the creeks abound in semi-aquatic and aquatic plants, and the inshore Indus deltaic islands have forests of Avicennia tomentosa (timmer) and Ceriops candolleana (chaunir) trees. Water lilies grow in abundance in the numerous lake and ponds, particularly in the lower Sindh region.
[edit] Flora and fauna
Among the wild animals, the Sindh ibex (sareh), wild sheep (urial or gadh) and black bear are found in the western rocky range, where the leopard is now rare. The pirrang (large tiger cat or fishing cat) of the eastern desert region is also disappearing. Deer occur in the lower rocky plains and in the eastern region, as do the striped hyena (charakh),jackal, fox, porcupine, common gray mongoose, and hedgehog. The Sindhi phekari, ped lynx or Caracal cat, is found in some areas.
Phartho (hog deer) and wild bear occur particularly in the central inundation belt. There are a variety of bats, lizards, and reptiles, including the cobra, lundi (viper), and the mysterious Sindh krait of the Thar region, which is supposed to suck the victim's breath in his sleep. Crocodiles are rare and inhabit only the backwaters of the Indus and the eastern Nara channel. Besides a large variety of marine fish, the plumbeous dolphin, the beaked dolphin, rorqual or blue whale, and a variety of skates frequent the seas along the Sind coast. The pallo (sable fish), though a marine fish, ascends the Indus annually from February to April to spawn.
[edit] Education
The Narayan Jagannath High School at Karachi was the first government school established in Sindh. It was opened in October 1855. The province has a high literacy rate compared to other parts of Pakistan, mainly due to the importance of Karachi. The major academic institutions of Sindh include the Aga Khan University, Bahria University, University of Karachi, Sindh University, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Institute of Business Administration (Karachi), Dow University of Health Sciences, National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (Jamshoro), Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (M.U.E.T), Quaid e Awam University of Engineering and Technology Nawabshah(Q.U.E.S.T), Isra University Hyderabad, Hamdard University Karachi, Baqai Medical University Karachi, Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur (SALU), Chandka Medical College, Peoples' Medical College Nawabshah, Sindh Madarastul Islam Karachi, D. J. Sindh Government Science College, and the Indus Valley Institute of Art and Architecture, Shaheed Z. A. Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology Karachi, Sindh Agricultural University Tandojam, and the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology.
This is a chart of the education market of Sindh estimated by the government in 1998. Also see [6]
Qualification Urban Rural Total Enrollment Ratio (%)
— 14,839,862 15,600,031 30,439,893 —
Below Primary 1,984,089 3,332,166 5,316,255 100.00
Primary 3,503,691 5,687,771 9,191,462 82.53
Middle 3,073,335 2,369,644 5,442,979 52.33
Matriculation 2,847,769 2,227,684 5,075,453 34.45
Intermediate 1,473,598 1,018,682 2,492,280 17.78
BA, BSc… degrees 106,847 53,040 159,887 9.59
MA, MSc… degrees 1,320,747 552,241 1,872,988 9.07
Diploma, Certificate… 440,743 280,800 721,543 2.91
Other qualifications 89,043 78,003 167,046 0.54
There are six Cadet Colleges also. Admission to state run educational institutions in Pakistan is based on the provincial level. The other three provinces have a merit-based intraprovincial admission policy. Sindh is an exception to this general rule, where admissions are allowed on district domiciles of the candidates and their parents. This arrangement discriminates against meritorious students of Sindhi ethnic background, denying them admission to educational institutes and courses of their choice. Currently there is a lot of resentment of this admission policy. Sindhis are demanding intraprovincial merit-based admissions to state run educational institutes, similar to the one existing in other provinces. This will provide equal opportunities to all students of Sindh. Furthermore, the armed forces have also entered the education sector. They are funded by government and operate like private costly education providers.
[edit] Arts and Crafts
The skill of the Sindhi craftsman continues to exhibit the 5000-year-old artistic tradition. The long span of time, punctuated by fresh and incessant waves of invaders and settlers, provided various exotic modes of arts which, with the passage of time, got naturalized on the soil. The perfected surface decorations of objects of everyday use - clay, metal, wood, stone or fabrics, with the floral and geometrical designs - can be traced back to the Muslim influence.
Though chiefly an agricultural and pastoral province, Sindh has a reputation for 'Ajrak', pottery, leatherwork, carpets, textiles, and silk cloth which, in design and finish, are matchless. The chief articles produced are blankets, coarse cotton cloth (soosi) camel fittings, metalwork, lacquered work, enamel, gold and silver embroidery. Hala is famous for pottery and tiles; Boobak for carpets; Nasirpur, Gambat and Thatta for cotton lungees and Khes. The earthenware of Johi, metal vessels of Shikarpur, relli, embroidery, and leather articles of Tharparkar, and lacquered work of Kandhkot are some of the other popular crafts.
The pre-historic finds from different archaeological sites such as Mohenjo-daro, engravings in various graveyards, and the architectural designs of Makli and other tombs provide ample evidence of the people in their literary and musical traditions.
Modern painting and calligraphy have also developed in recent times and some young trained men have taken up commercial art collections.
[edit] Cultural heritage
Mohenjo-daro was the center of the Indus Valley Civilization 3000 BCE-1700 BCESindh has a rich heritage of traditional handicraft that has evolved over the centuries. Perhaps the most professed exposition of Sindhi culture is in the handicrafts of Hala, a town some 30 kilometres from Hyderabad. Hala’s artisans are manufacturing high quality and impressively priced wooden handicrafts, textiles, paintings, handmade paper products, blue pottery, etc. Lacquered wood works known as Jandi, painting on wood, tiles, and pottery known as Kashi, hand woven textiles including Khadi, Susi, and Ajrak are synonymous with Sindhi culture preserved in Hala’s handicraft.
The artisans of Hala rarely get the justified price of their labour. The middlemen have been exploiting the artisans for decades selling the handicrafts at exorbitant profit margins at tourist hot spots of Karachi Lahore and Islamabad and even abroad. There is a dire need of patronizing the handicraft cluster of Hala, provide the artisans a platform to sell their products in cities and export markets so as to enable them earn handsome amount of their produced goods.
The Small and Medium Enterprises Authority (SMEDA) is planning to set up an organization of artisans to empower the community. SMEDA is also publishing a directory of the artisans so that exporters can directly contact them. Hala is the home of a remarkable variety of traditional crafts and traditional handicrafts that carry with them centuries of skill that has woven magic into the motifs and designs used.
The diverse Sindhi cultures, lifestyles, traditions as well as geographical conditions have influenced Sindhi art, and for over a century handicrafts have been a source of pride and a livelihood for the people of Hala. Kashi woodwork and other products made by the artisan community of Hala have established a position in the domestic and international markets. Jandi woodwork of Hala gives a glimpse of the richness of Pakistani culture and tradition has been followed through generations.
Sindh is known the world over for its various handicrafts and arts. The work of Sindhi artisans was sold in ancient markets of Armenia, Baghdad, Basra, Istanbul, Cairo and Samarkand. Referring to the lacquer work on wood locally known as Jandi, T. Posten an English traveller who visited Sindh in early 19th century said, the articles of Hala could be compared with exquisite specimens of China.
Jandi is famous all over the world due to its delicacy, durability and the natural beauty of the wood. Jandi is rendered on lamps, candle stands, flower vases, jewelry boxes, cigarette boxes, ash trays, pots, swings, cots, dressing tables, chairs & tables, bedroom sets, sofa sets, and telephone stands. The Jandi work also has its drawbacks. The persons associated with the business said that lacquer furniture and items have a long life but acid, alcohol, and oil will damage the colour. Moreover, direct sunshine and water can destroy the life of the products. Hala has also preserved the extraordinary traditional ceramic techniques.
The village potters known as kumhaar across the Indian sub continent are still producing exquisite earthenware in Hala. In Pakistan the finest examples of Kashi work are in the Sindh province. Kashi work consisted of two kinds: (a) Enamel-faced tiles and bricks of strongly fired red earthenware, or terracotta; (b) Enamel faced tiles and tesserae of lightly fired lime-mortar, or sandstone. Some authorities describe tile-mosaic work as the true Kashi.
Hala’s apparel tradition is one of the world’s oldest with handlooms and power looms dating back to the Indus valley civilization. The hand-spun and hand-woven cloth called "Khadi" was being exported to various countries since time immemorial.
Since Khadi deals in natural fibres viz. cotton, silk and wool only, spun and woven in natural environment, it can boast of being 100 percent natural, unlike handloom and mills which receive cotton yarn, blended with some regenerated cellulose fibres. Khadi cloth has found its place in haute couture and on the ramps of most eminent fashion devas.
Over a period of time cotton was mixed with silk to create Mashru, a double layered material with a thick cotton base and a silken warp woven in satin weave, a purely Indian innovation. It was woven specially for the ladies. In the Susi weave the cotton weft lay against the skin; hence it was permissible to wear it. In the Ain-i-Akbari, it is mentioned that Susi, a reputed silken fabric from Shush, a town in Persia, was originally brought to the Deccan via Alexandria during the 11th century. Susi lost its silken character somewhere along the line and reappeared as a cotton fabric in Lahore in the 1620’s. Susi later became synonymous with Sindh, the primary production centres being Hala and Hyderabad.
Technological improvements were gradually introduced such as the spinning wheel [charkha] and treadle [pai-chah] in the weavers’ loom, to increase refinement in designing, dyeing and printing by block. Painting process amounted for a much higher volume of output. The refined, lightweight, colourful, washable fabrics from Hala became a luxury for people used to only woollens and linens of the age.
Ajrak has been in Sindh since the birth of its civilization. Blue colour is dominantly used in Ajrak. Also, Sindh was traditionally a large producer of indigo and cotton cloth and both used to be exported to the Middle East. Ajrak is a mark of respect when it is given to an honoured quest, friend or woman. In Sindh, it is most commonly given as a gift at Eid, at weddings, or on other special occasions - like homecoming.
Along with Ajrak the Rilli or patchwork sheet, is another Sindhi icon and part of the heritage and culture. Every Sindhi home will have set of Rillis - one for each member of the family and few spare for guests. Rilli is made with different small pieces of different geometrical shapes of cloths sewn together to create intricate designs.
Rilhi is also given as a gift to friends and visitors. It is used as a bedspread as well as a blanket. A beautifully sewn Rilli can also become part of a bride or grooms gifts. Rural women in Sindh are skilful in producing Sindhi caps.
Sindhi caps are manufactured commercially on a small scale at New Saeedabad and Hala New. These are in demand with visitors from Karachi and other places and these manufacturing units have very limited production due to lack of marketing facilities.
[edit] Major Attractions
Ranikot Fort
Gorakh Hill Top (By Rakaposhi Hiking Club Nawabshah )Sindh has numerous tourist sites with the most prominent being the ruins of Mohenjo-daro near the city of Larkana. Islamic architecture is quite prominent in the province with the Jama Masjid in Thatta built by the Mughal emperor Shahjahan and numerous mausoleums dot the province including the very old Shahbaz Qalander mausoleum dedicated to the Iranian-born Sufi and the beautiful mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah known as the Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi.
Shrine of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai @ Bhit Shah.
Shrine of Shahbaz Qalander @ Sehwan.
Ruins of Mohenjo-daro & Museum near Larkana.
Ranikot Fort near Sann.
Aror (ruins of historical city) near Sukkur.
Mazar-e-Quaid Karachi.
Kahu-Jo-Darro near Mirpurkhas.
Sadhu Bele Temple near Sukkur.
Minaret of Masum Shah @ Sukkur.
Mohatta Palace Museum @ Karachi.
Gorakh Hill near Dadu.
Jama Masjid Thatta @ Thatta.
Makli Graveyard, Asia's Biggest @ Makli, Thatta.
Rani Bagh @ Hyderabad.
Sukkur Barrage @ Sukkur.
Kotri Barrage near Hyderabad.
Talpurs' Faiz Mahal Palace, Khayrpur (princely state).
Talpur Forts @ Kot Diji
Forts at Hyderabad. and Umarkot
[edit] Places of Historical Interest:
Khanwal Pass By Rakaposhi
[edit] Gorakh Hill
The Gorakh Hill is Highest Hill Point In Sidh among the Kerthar Mountains Range. Gorkah Hill Is located in North-west of District Dadu along with Balochistan Border. Gorakh Hill is under Develop Project. You reach Gorkah Hill Top from Dadu City with 4x4 Vehicles, which are available from Dadu and Johi. Gorakh Hill Top is 93Km From Dadu City, at the milestone of 17Km you reach the small city of Johi which is the Taluka of District Dadu, and Starting Point Of kacho Area and the milestone of 41Km you reach the last small town Before Gorakh Hill Wahi pandi which is the settled in the lap of Kerthar Mountain Range. After Wahi Pandi the Road is Towered Slowly at the milestone of 53Km you are Enter in Yaroo Pass (Yaroo Sain Jo Luck) after Crossing Yaroo Pass 2500ft Above See Laval and the journey continue in Mountains and at the milestone of 76Km you reach the Base camp of another Highest Pass of Kerthar Mountain Range it is Khanwal Pass the base camp is on elevation of 3000ft and the Top of Khanwal pass on the Elevation of 5000ft Above See Level. The Distance Between Khanwal Pass Base Camp To Khanwal Pass Top Is 4Km. The 4Km Journey is too zigzag. After reach the Top of Khanwal Pass Drive continue to Gorakh Hill Top which is the 13Km. At the Top Of Gorakh Hill you can stay in Rest House or Camping at top Because the Gorakh Hill Is Under Development sindh Govt. have some project Like Hotel, Restaurants, and a chair lift at Top.
[edit] Ranikot
It is the largest fort of its kind in the region and maybe in the world, It is situated in the of the Kirthar Range about 30 km southwest of Sann, Jamshoro district of Sindh, approximately 90 km north of Hyderabad, in Pakistan. It has an approximate diameter of 9 km. Its walls are on the average 6 meters high and are made of gypsum and lime cut sandstone and its total circumference is about 29 km of which 8 km walls are man-made. While originally constructed for bow and arrow warfare it was later expanded to withstand firearms.
[edit] Bhambore
About 64 km east of Karachi, on the National Highway, is an interesting archaeological site, Bhambore, originally the sea-port of Debal where the young Arab warrior Mohammad Bin Qasim landed his armies in 711 AD. Three different periods in Sindh history coincide here: the Scytho-Parthians, the Hindu-Buddhist and the early Islamic. There is a museum and a rest house at the site.
[edit] Chaukundi Tombs
These tombs are attributed to Jokhio and Baloch tribes and were build between 15th and 18th centuries. It is situated 20km east of Karachi.
[edit] Thatta
Once a famous center of learning, arts and commerce and provisional capital for about four centuries in the past, Thatta is situated 98 km east of Karachi. Today, it is notable for the Jamia Masjid built by the Moghal Emperor Shah Jehan, and the Makli Tombs (15th - 17th centuries), a vast necropolis spread over 15.5 km², depicting exquisite specimens of architecture, stone carvings and glazed tile decorations.
[edit] Keenjhar Lake
Some 24 km north of Thatta, is the large man-made Keenjhar Lake, which is 30 km long and 10 km wide. The lake has facilities for angling and boating. PTDC motels offer food and accommodation.
[edit] Makli Tombs
One of the largest necropolises in the world, with a diameter of approximately 8 kilometers, it is supposed to be the burial place of some 125,000 Sufi saints. It is located on the outskirts of Thatta, the capital of lower Sind until the seventeenth century, in what is the southeastern province of present-day Pakistan.
[edit] Kirthar National Park
Located about 48 km from Karachi in the midst of the barren rocks of the Kirthar Range in Dadu district, near Thano Boola Khan is Kirthar National Park. Designed and planned with the help of the research and planning group of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, the park is approved and recognized by international wildlife bodies. It is the last bastion of a wide variety of the region's wildlife that includes Sindh ibex, urial, deer, leopard, gray partridges and Houbara bustard. The Sindh Wildlife Management Board plans tours and provides transport from Karachi.
[edit] Hyderabad
Situated at about 164 km northeast of Karachi, Hyderabad was the capital of Sindh during the reign of the Talpur Mirs in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, it is known for Sindh University, Jamshoro; the provincial museum; the Institute of Sindhology and the Sindhi Adabi Board and also for colourful handicrafts such as glass bangles, glazed tiles, lacquered wood furniture, handloom cloth called 'soosi', block-printed 'Ajrak', leather shoes, etc. Historic monuments include old Mud Fort, Sheikh Makai Fort, Kalhoro Monuments, Talpur Monuments and Miani Forest.
[edit] Mir Shahdad jo Qubo
Tomb of Mir Shahdad Talpur (who is regarded as one of the finest military commanders of Sindh) one of the historical heritages of Sindh is at Shahpur Chakar Distt: Sanghar. This is a graveyard of the family members of Mir Shahdad Talpur. Shahdadpur a big city of Province Sindh is named behind Mir Shahdad Talpur, whereas Shahpur Chakar is named behind his son Mir Chakar Talpur.yes
[edit] Hala
Hala is famous for its glazed pottery and enameled wood work. Situated on the National Highway about 56 km from Hyderabad, it is frequently visited by hundreds of devotees of Hazrat Makhdoom Noah (10th century Hijra), a contemporary of Mughal Emperor Akbar and a religious divine, who converted a large number of people of Islam and also translated the Quran into Persian which is one of its earliest Persian translations in South Asia.
[edit] Bhitshah
Situated at about 56 km from Hyderabad on the National Highway, Bhitshah is the resting place of Sindh's renowned saint and mystic poet Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai (1689 - 1752). He is remembered for the compendium of his poetry called 'Risalo', a treasure house of wisdom as well as romantic folklore and fine pottery. He also founded a musical tradition of his own which is still popular. Devotees sing with fervor and frenzy his love-intoxicated Kafis to the strains of ek-tara (single string instrument) mainly on the occasion of his "Urs" held every year between 13th and 15th of Safar, the second Islamic lunar month.
[edit] Sehwan
Situated on the right bank of River Indus at a distance of 135 km from Hyderabad, Sehwan is an old town of pre-Islamic period. Here are the remains of Kafir-Qila, a fort reported to have been constructed by Alexander the Great. Sehwan is famous for the resting place of the great mystic poet, saint and scholar Shaikh Usman Marvandvi (1117 - 1274), popularly known as Shahbaz Qalandar whose mausoleum is visited by thousands of the devotees throughout the year. During the Urs celebrations (18th Shahban - the eighth Islamic lunar month), devotees dance rhythmically and with total abandon to the beat of drums (Naqqara Dhamal), finally ending in a spiritual trance.
[edit] Manchar Lake
About 16 km from Sehwan, Manchar, the largest fresh water lake in Asia, is as old as the Indus River. Spread over 254 km², it is a perfect spot for relaxing and the best location for duck-shooting during winter.
[edit] Daraza Sharif
Daraza Sharif, a small village, some 52 km from Khairpur, is known for the tomb of Sachal Sarmast who was a great master of Islamic learning, lived a pious life and composed poetry in Sindhi, Seraiki, Persian and Urdu. Sachal Sarmast's Urs is celebrated on 14th of Ramzan (9th month of Islamic lunar calendar).
[edit] Kot Deji
Kot Deji is regarded as one of the world's most important archaeological sites, dating back to 3000 BC, older than Moen-jo-daro and Harappa. Excavations made in 1955 unearthed an astoundingly well-organized city with a citadel that testifies to its being the finest fortified town in South Asian subcontinent.
[edit] Moen-jo-Daro
About 563 km from Karachi off the Indus Highway lie the world-famous ruins of Moen-jo-Daro (the Mound of the Dead), now being preserved with UNESCO's help. The museum at Moen-jo-Daro is unique and a visit takes you back centuries back when the location was a civilized city and a busy river Port. Air and train services from Karachi and an air-conditioned rest house have been built there.
[edit] Other Places
Among other historical sites are Amri, Umerkot (the birthplace of Emperor Akbar) and the legendary Arab city of Mansura near Shahdadpur in Sanghar district. Other interesting places include Matiari, town of old beautiful mosques and one of the centers of 'Ajrak'. On its outskirts lie the ruins of a Buddhist stupa. Nasarpur is famous for 'Khes', exquisite embroidery, decorative pottery, and wood work. It is also a holy place for the Hindu community.
[edit] Famous people
There are many famous people from Sindh. The following table gives some of them. Note: Regarding those personalities who were born before 1947 and lived until after independence, the criteria used for judging which list to put them under is when did this person first make a name for themselves eg. Mohammad Ali Jinnah before 1947.
Historical Personalities
Raja Dahar
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai
Sachal Sarmast
Sami
Mir Sher Muhammad Talpur
Hoshu Sheedi
Khan Bahadur Sheikh Sadiq Ali Ansari
Grohiri, Mangrio
Pre-Independence (pre-1947)
Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Fatima Jinnah
G.M.Syed
Pir Pagaro
Aga Khan III
Seth Edulji Dinshaw
Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto
Allama I. I. Kazi
Elsa Kazi
Khan Bahadur Ghulam Nabi Kazi
Khan Bahadur Muhmmad Ayub Khuhro
Sir Abdullah Haroon
Shamsul Ulema Dr U M Daudpota
Pir Illahi Bakhsh
Sir Ghulam Hussain Hidayatullah
Allah Bux Soomro
Abdul Sattar Pirzada
Nana Ghulam Ally
Jamshed Nusserwanjee
Nadirshaw Edulji Dinshaw
Khan Bahadur Allah Bux Gabole
Habib Ibrahim Rahimtoola
Sayed Miran Muhammad Shah
Post-Independence (post-1947)
G.M.Syed
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto
Yusuf Haroon
Altaf Hussain
Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi
Sardar Mumtaz Bhutto
Muhammad Khan Junejo
Benazir Bhutto
Shaikh Ayaz
Pervez Musharraf
Shaukat Aziz
N M Uquaili
Abdul Hafeez Pirzada
A G N Kazi
Muzaffar Hussain
A K Brohi
Justice Tufail Ali Abdul Rehman
Justice Abdul Kadir Sheikh
Justice Sajjad Ali Shah
Justice Mamoon Kazi
Aftab Shaaban Mirani
Ahmed Hussain A Kazi
Justice Fakhruddin G Ebrahim
Justice Abdul Hafeez Memon
Air Marshal M Azim Daudpota
Mohammedmian Soomro
Dr Mutawakkil Kazi
Shamshad Akhtar
Altaf Hussain
Contents [hide]
1 Geography
2 Climate
3 Demographics and society
4 History
5 Pakistan Resolution in the Sindh Assembly
6 Government
7 Districts
8 Major cities
9 Economy
10 Vegetation
11 Flora and fauna
12 Education
13 Arts and Crafts
14 Cultural heritage
15 Major Attractions
16 Places of Historical Interest:
16.1 Gorakh Hill
16.2 Ranikot
16.3 Bhambore
16.4 Chaukundi Tombs
16.5 Thatta
16.6 Keenjhar Lake
16.7 Makli Tombs
16.8 Kirthar National Park
16.9 Hyderabad
16.10 Mir Shahdad jo Qubo
16.11 Hala
16.12 Bhitshah
16.13 Sehwan
16.14 Manchar Lake
16.15 Daraza Sharif
16.16 Kot Deji
16.17 Moen-jo-Daro
16.18 Other Places
17 Famous people
18 References
19 See also
20 External links
[edit] Geography
Sindh is located on the western corner of South Asia, bordering the Iranian plateau in the west. Geographically it is the third largest province of Pakistan, stretching about 579 km from north to south and 442 km (extreme) or 281 km (average) from east to west, with an area of 54,407 square miles or 140,915 km² of Pakistani territory. Sindh is bounded by the Thar Desert to the east, the Kirthar Mountains to the west, and the Arabian Sea in the south. In the centre is a fertile plain around the Indus river. The devastating floods of the river Indus are now controlled by irrigation techniques.
Karachi became capital of Sindh in 1936, in place of the traditional capitals of Hyderabad and Thatta. Other important cities include Sanghar, Sukkur, Shahdadkot, Kamber Khan, Sehwan, Mirpukhas, Larkano,Nawabshah, Shikarpur, Khairpur, Nawabshah, Kashmor, Dadu, Umerkot, Thar, Jacobabad, Ghotki, Ranipur, Gambat, Sobhodero, Hingorja, Noshairo Feroz, Moro, Qazi Ahmed and Sehtharja.
[edit] Climate
Aerial view of KarachiA subtropical region, Sindh is hot in the summer and cold in winter. Temperatures frequently rise above 46 °C (115 °F) between May and August, and the minimum average temperature of 2 °C (36 °F) occurs during December and January. The annual rainfall averages about seven inches, falling mainly during July and August. The Southwest Monsoon wind begins to blow in mid-February and continues until the end of September, whereas the cool northerly wind blows during the winter months from October to January.
Sindh lies between the two monsoons - the southwest monsoon from the Indian Ocean and the northeast or retreating monsoon, deflected towards it by Himalayan mountains — and escapes the influence of both. The average rainfall in Sindh is only 15 to 18 cm per year, but the loss during the two seasons is compensated by the Indus, in the form of inundation, caused twice a year by the spring and summer melting of Himalayan snow and by rainfall in the monsoon season. These natural patterns have changed somewhat with the construction of dams and barrages on the Indus.
Climatically, Sindh is divided in three sections - Siro (upper section centered on Jacobabad), Wicholo (middle section centered on Hyderabad), and Lar (lower section centered on Karachi). In upper Sindh[3], the thermal equator passes through Sindh. The highest temperature ever recorded was 53 °C (127 °F in 1919. The air is generally very dry. In winter frost is common.
In central Sindh, average monsoon wind speed is 18 km/hour in June. The temperature is lower than upper Sindh but higher than lower Sindh. Dry hot days and cool nights are summer characteristics. Maximum temperature reaches 43-44° C (110-112° F). Lower Sindh has a damper and humid maritime climate affected by the south-western winds in summer and north-eastern winds in winter and with lower rainfall than central Sindh. The maximum temperature reaches about 35-38° C (95-100° F). In the Kirthar range at 1,800 m7 and higher on the Gorakhnath and other peaks in Dadu District, temperatures near freezing have been recorded and brief snow fall is received in winters. And Badin Is District Of syed's
[edit] Demographics and society
Main article: Sindhi people
Sindh Demographic Indicators
Indicator Statistic
Urban population 48.75%
Rural population 51.25%
Population growth rate 2.80%
Gender ratio (male per 100 female) 112.24
Economically active population 22.75%
The 1998 Census of Pakistan indicated a population 42.4 million, the current population can be estimated to be in the range of 50 to 54 million using a compound growth in the range of 2% to 2.8% since then. With just under half being urban dwellers, mainly found in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas, Ubauro and Larkana. Sindhi is the sole official language of Sindh since the 19th century. The British required all officers posted to Sindh to become fluent in Sindhi upon posting to Sindh. In 1972, the first elected Sindh assembly since the dissolution of the province restored this status but successive governments have failed to implement the law and many officials in the Sindh government cannot speak, read or write the language. Large sections of the population speak Sindhi and Urdu languages with other languages spoken including Siraiki, Kutchi (both dialects of Sindhi), Balochi, Brahui, Punjabi, Pashto, Rajasthani, Persian/Dari, Khowar and Gujarati. The urban areas of Sindh are dominated by Muhajir Urdu as well as by migrant workers from peripheral provinces; and the rural areas consisting of predominantly Sindhi people. Due to this ethnic composition, Sindh has become a highly polarized province. It is estimated that Urdu speaking Muhajirs make up 15% and native Sindhis make up only 60% of the total population of Sindh, and Balochis, Pashtuns and Panjabis a significant part of the rest. The chief tribes of Sindh are Jats and Rajputs, while Balochis and Urdu-speaking Muhajirs are more recent immigrants. Both Balochi Sindhi and natives speak Sindhi language as their mother tongue. By language, Sindhi speakers make up 50% and Urdu speakers make up 13%, while 20% of the total population of Sindh speaks Pashto, Panjabi, Balochi, Seraiki, Thari, Persian, Kutchi, Gujarati, and Bengali. The Punjabis and Pashtuns form the third and fourth biggest community in Sindh after the Sindhis and the Muhajirs.
Historical populations
Census Population Urban
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1951 6,047,748 29.23%
1961 8,367,065 37.85%
1972 14,155,909 40.44%
1981 19,028,666 43.31%
1998 30,439,893 48.75%
2007 ~37,000,000
Sindh's population is predominantly Muslim, but Sindh is also home to nearly all of Pakistan's Hindus, numbering roughly 1.8 million. However, most Sindhi Hindus migrated to India at the time of the Partition. Smaller groups of Christians, Parsis or Zoroastrians, Ahmadis, and a tiny Jewish community (of around 500) can also be found in the province.
The Sindhis as a whole are composed of original descendants of an ancient population known as Sammaat, various sub-groups related to the Siraiki or Baloch origin are found in interior Sindh. Sindhis of Balochi origin make up about 30% of the total population of Sindh, while immigrant Urdu speaking Muhajirs make up 15% of the total population of the province. Also found in the province is a small group claiming descent from early Muslim settlers including Arabs, Turks, Jews, Afghans and Persians. Most of the urban population of Sindh living in Karachi, Hyderabad etc. are descendants of people who migrated to Pakistan in 1947. [citation needed] and are called Muhajirs or Urdu-speaking people.
[edit] History
Main article: History of Sindh
Indus Valley seal with a seated figureIn ancient times, the territory of the modern Sindh province was sometimes known as Sovira (or Souveera) and also as Sindhudesh, Sindhu being the original name for Indus River and the suffix 'desh' roughly corresponding to country or territory.
The first known village settlements date as far back as 7000 BCE. Permanent settlements at Mehrgarh to the west expanded into Sindh. The original inhabitants of ancient Sindh, and other regions of Pakistan, were the aborigine tribes speaking languages related to Munda languages.
The Aryans invaded from the Iranian plateau and settled in the Indus valley around 4000 BCE. This Aryan culture blossomed over the centuries and gave rise to the Indus Valley Civilization around 3000 BCE.[citation needed]
The Indus Valley Civilization rivaled the contemporary civilizations of Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia in both size and scope numbering nearly half a million inhabitants at its height with well-planned grid cities and sewer systems. It is known that the Indus Valley Civilization traded with ancient Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt via established shipping lanes. In ancient Egypt, the word for cotton was Sindh denoting that the bulk of that civilizations cotton was predominantly imported from the Indus Valley Civilization.
A branch of these tribes, called the Indo-Aryans are believed to have founded the Vedic Civilization that existed between Sarasvati River and Ganges River around 1500 BCE and also influenced Indus Valley Civilization. This civilization helped shape subsequent cultures in South Asia. The Aryan invaders instituted the caste system to enslave the native population and the aborigine tribes.[citation needed]
Sindh was conquered by the Persian Achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BCE, and became part of the Persian satrapy (province) of Hindush centered in the Punjab to the north. Persian speech had a tendency to replace 'S' with an 'H' resulting in 'Sindu' being pronounced and written as 'Hindu'. They introduced the Kharoshti script and links to the west in the region.
Subsequently conquered by Greeks led by Alexander the Great, the region came under loose Greek control for a few decades. After Alexander's death, there was a brief period of Seleucid rule. Sindh was then conquered by the Mauryans led by Chandragupta in 305 BCE.
Later, during the reign of the Buddhist king Ashoka the region would solidly become a Buddhist domain. Following a century of Mauryan rule which ended by 232 BCE, the region came under the Greco-Bactrians based in what is today Afghanistan. These rulers also converted to Buddhism and spread it in the region.
The Scythians shattered the Greco-Bactrians fledgling empire. Subsequently, the Tocharian Kushan Empire annexed Sindh by the 1st century CE. Though the Kushans were Zoroastrian, they were tolerant of the local Buddhist tradition and sponsored many building projects for local beliefs.
The Huns and remnants of the Kushans, Scythians, and the Sassanid Persians all exercised some degree of control in Sindh until the coming of the Muslim Arabs in 711 CE.
A historic image of Rohri - SukkurDuring the reign of Rashidun Caliph Umar, an expedition was sent to conquer Makran, this was first time when Muslim armies entered Sindh. Islamic army defeated the Hindu king of Sindh Raja Rasil on the western bank of river Indus, the armies of Raja accordingly retreated to interior Sindh. Caliph Umar, on getting the information about the miserable conditions of Sindh stopped his armies from crossing river Indus and ordered them to consolidate there position in Makran and Baluchistan. Caliph Umar's successor Uthman also send his agent to investigate the matters of Sindh, on getting the same information of unfavourable geographical conditions and miserable life style of people, he forbade his armies from entering Sindh. During Rashidun Caliphate only the south western part of sindh around the western bank of river Indus, and some northern parts near the frontiers of Baluchistan remianed under the rule of Islamic empire.[2] It was finally Conquered by Syrian Arabs led by Muhammad bin Qasim, Sindh became the easternmost province of the Umayyad Caliphate. Referred to as Al-Sindh on Arab maps with lands further east known as Hind ironically depicting the current border between the two nations of Pakistan and India. The defeat of the Brahmin ruler Raja Dahir was made easier due to the tension between the Buddhist majority and the ruling Brahmins' fragile base of control.
The Arabs redefined the region and adopted the term budd to refer to the numerous Buddhist idols they encountered, a word that remains in use today. The city of Mansura was established as a regional misr or capital. Arab rule lasted for nearly three centuries, and a fusion of cultures produced much of what is today modern Sindhi society. Arab geographers, historians and travelers also sometimes used the name "Sindh" for the entire area from the Arabian Sea to the Hindu Kush. The meaning of the word Sindhu being water (or ocean) appears to refer to the Indus river.
In addition, there is a mythological belief among Muslims that four rivers had sprung from Heaven: Neel (Nile), Furat (Euphrates), Jehoon (Jaxartes) and Sehoon (Sindh or in modern times the Indus).[citation needed]Arab rule ended with the ascension of the Soomro dynasty, who were local Sindhi Muslims, and who controlled the province directly and as vassals from 1058 to 1249. Turkic invaders conquered the area by 977 CE and the region loosely became part of the Ghaznavid Empire and then the Delhi Sultanate which lasted until 1524.
The Mughals seized the region and their rule lasted for another two centuries, while another local Sindhi Muslim group, the Samma, challenged Mughal rule from their base at Thatta. The Muslim Sufi played a pivotal role in converting the millions of native people to Islam.
Though part of larger empires, Sindh continued to enjoy certain autonomy as a loyal Muslim domain and came under the rule of the Arghun Dynasty and the Tarkhan Dynasty from 1519 to 1625.
Sindh became a vassal-state of the Afghan Durrani Empire by 1747. It was then ruled by Kalhora rulers and later the Balochi Talpurs[3] from 1783.
British forces under General Charles Napier arrived in Sindh in the 19th century and conquered it in 1843. It is said that he sent back to the Governor General a one-word message, "Peccavi" – Latin for "I have sinned". In actual fact, this pun first appeared as a cartoon in Punch magazine. The first Aga Khan helped the British in the conquest of Sindh and was granted a pension as a result.[citation needed].
After 1853, Sindh was divided into provinces, each being assigned a Zamindar or 'Wadara' to collect taxes for the British (a system already used under the Mughals). In a highly controversial move, Sindh was later made part of British India's Bombay Presidency much to the surprise of the local population who found the decision illogical, shortly afterwards, the decision was reversed and became a separate province in 1935. The British ruled the area for a century and Sindh was home to many prominent Muslim leaders including Muhammad Ali Jinnah who agitated for greater Muslim autonomy.
In 1947 when the British left. Pakistan was created from the partitioning of British India. All of Sindh was alloted to Pakistan. In 1947, 25 per cent of the population of Sindh was Hindu Sindhi. Most of the Hindu Sindhis were city dwellers and were largely occupied with trade and commerce. They were responsible for export of products made in Sindh and contributed significantly to the economy of Sindh. When Partition of British India occurred Hindus Sindhi expected to remain in Sindh. Generally, there was good relation between Hindu Sindhis and Muslims Sindhis. When large waves of Mohajirs started to pour into Sindh, violence erupted on the streets. The Hindu Sindhis were forced to flee Sindh leaving everything behind. Popati Hirandani who was a Sindhi Hindu tells in her autobiography that the Police were merely onlookers when violence erupted and they did not protect the Hindus community [4]. Many Hindu Sindhis wanted to return to their native Sindh, when the violence settled down, but this was not possible. Property belonging to the Hindus was appropriated by the Mohajirs. Hindu Sindhis are scattered throughout the world and feel like a stateless people. They still, however, regard Sindh as their homeland. It should be noted, that many Sindhi Hindus still reside in the province of Sindh and relations have considerably improved.
In later years, Sindh has been the destination of a continuous stream of illegal immigration from India, other South Asian countries, and Afghanistan, including Pashtun and Punjabi immigrants to Karachi. Many native Sindhis resent this influx. Nonetheless, traditional Sindhi families remain prominent in Pakistani politics, especially the Bhutto dynasty.
In recent years Sindhi dissatisfaction has grown over issues such as illegal immigration, control of natural resources of gas, petrol and coal, the construction of large dams, perceived discrimination in military/government jobs, provincial autonomy, admission to educational institutes, and overall revenue shares.
[edit] Pakistan Resolution in the Sindh Assembly
The Sindh assembly was the first Indian legislature to pass the resolution in favour of Pakistan. G. M. Syed , an influential Sindhi activist, revolutionary and Sufi and one of the important leaders to the forefront of the provincial autonomy movement joined the Muslim League in 1938 and presented the Pakistan resolution in the Sindh Assembly(G. M. Syed can rightly be considered as the founder of Sindhi nationalism)
[edit] Government
Main article: Government of Sindh
The Provincial Assembly of Sindh is unicameral and consists of 168 seats of which 5% are reserved for non-Muslims and 17% for women.
[edit] Districts
The mausoleum of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Mazar-e-Quaid.
Flag-e-House, colonial styled building built during the British Raj.There are 23 districts in Sindh, Pakistan.
Karachi
Larkano
Jacobabad
Shikarpur
Qamber Shahdakot
Sukkur
Ghutki
Kashmor
Khairpur
Noushehro Feroz
Dadu
Nawabshah
Jamshoro
Sanghar
Matyari
Hyderabad
Tando Muhammad Khan
Tando Allah Yaar
Badin
Thatta
Mirpurkhas
Umerkot
Tharparker
[edit] Major cities
Main article: List of cities in Sindh
Karachi
Hyderabad
Sukkur
Mirpurkhas
Larkana
Thatta
Khairpur
Shikarpur
Badin
Umerkot
Daharki
Ghotki
Ubauro
[edit] Economy
A view of Karachi downtown, the capital of Sindh provinceEndowed with coastal access, Sindh is the backbone of Pakistan's economy. It generates almost 30% of the total national tax revenue [5] (26.8% in the last two years). The federal government, however, spends just 23% of the financial divisible pool there. The Sindh government considers the formula of financial resource distribution (theNFC award) to be unjust and solely population-denominated. But the fact remains that most business is done through Karachi - a major sea port and major revenue collection and banking centre. Because Karachi is a business hub, actual Sindh tax revenue is much higher than its official tax revenue.
Sindh is a major centre of economic activity in Pakistan and has a highly diversified economy ranging from heavy industry and finance centered in and around Karachi to a substantial agricultural base along the Indus. Pakistan's rapidly growing information technology sector (IT) is also centered in Karachi and manufacturing includes machine products, cement, plastics, and various other goods.
Agriculture is very important in Sindh with cotton, rice, wheat, sugar cane, bananas, and mangoes as the most important crops. Sindh is the richest province in natural resources of gas, petrol, and coal.
[edit] Vegetation
The province is mostly arid with scant vegetation except for the irrigated Indus Valley. The dwarf palm, Acacia Rupestris (kher), and Tecomella undulata (lohirro) trees are typical of the western hill region. In the Indus valley, the Acacia nilotica (babul) (babbur) is the most dominant and occurs in thick forests along the Indus banks. The Azadirachta indica (neem) (nim), Zizyphys vulgaris (bir) (ber), Tamarix orientalis (jujuba lai) and Capparis aphylla (kirir) are among the more common trees.
Mango, date palms, and the more recently introduced banana, guava, orange, and chiku are the typical fruit-bearing trees. The coastal strip and the creeks abound in semi-aquatic and aquatic plants, and the inshore Indus deltaic islands have forests of Avicennia tomentosa (timmer) and Ceriops candolleana (chaunir) trees. Water lilies grow in abundance in the numerous lake and ponds, particularly in the lower Sindh region.
[edit] Flora and fauna
Among the wild animals, the Sindh ibex (sareh), wild sheep (urial or gadh) and black bear are found in the western rocky range, where the leopard is now rare. The pirrang (large tiger cat or fishing cat) of the eastern desert region is also disappearing. Deer occur in the lower rocky plains and in the eastern region, as do the striped hyena (charakh),jackal, fox, porcupine, common gray mongoose, and hedgehog. The Sindhi phekari, ped lynx or Caracal cat, is found in some areas.
Phartho (hog deer) and wild bear occur particularly in the central inundation belt. There are a variety of bats, lizards, and reptiles, including the cobra, lundi (viper), and the mysterious Sindh krait of the Thar region, which is supposed to suck the victim's breath in his sleep. Crocodiles are rare and inhabit only the backwaters of the Indus and the eastern Nara channel. Besides a large variety of marine fish, the plumbeous dolphin, the beaked dolphin, rorqual or blue whale, and a variety of skates frequent the seas along the Sind coast. The pallo (sable fish), though a marine fish, ascends the Indus annually from February to April to spawn.
[edit] Education
The Narayan Jagannath High School at Karachi was the first government school established in Sindh. It was opened in October 1855. The province has a high literacy rate compared to other parts of Pakistan, mainly due to the importance of Karachi. The major academic institutions of Sindh include the Aga Khan University, Bahria University, University of Karachi, Sindh University, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Institute of Business Administration (Karachi), Dow University of Health Sciences, National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (Jamshoro), Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (M.U.E.T), Quaid e Awam University of Engineering and Technology Nawabshah(Q.U.E.S.T), Isra University Hyderabad, Hamdard University Karachi, Baqai Medical University Karachi, Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur (SALU), Chandka Medical College, Peoples' Medical College Nawabshah, Sindh Madarastul Islam Karachi, D. J. Sindh Government Science College, and the Indus Valley Institute of Art and Architecture, Shaheed Z. A. Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology Karachi, Sindh Agricultural University Tandojam, and the Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology.
This is a chart of the education market of Sindh estimated by the government in 1998. Also see [6]
Qualification Urban Rural Total Enrollment Ratio (%)
— 14,839,862 15,600,031 30,439,893 —
Below Primary 1,984,089 3,332,166 5,316,255 100.00
Primary 3,503,691 5,687,771 9,191,462 82.53
Middle 3,073,335 2,369,644 5,442,979 52.33
Matriculation 2,847,769 2,227,684 5,075,453 34.45
Intermediate 1,473,598 1,018,682 2,492,280 17.78
BA, BSc… degrees 106,847 53,040 159,887 9.59
MA, MSc… degrees 1,320,747 552,241 1,872,988 9.07
Diploma, Certificate… 440,743 280,800 721,543 2.91
Other qualifications 89,043 78,003 167,046 0.54
There are six Cadet Colleges also. Admission to state run educational institutions in Pakistan is based on the provincial level. The other three provinces have a merit-based intraprovincial admission policy. Sindh is an exception to this general rule, where admissions are allowed on district domiciles of the candidates and their parents. This arrangement discriminates against meritorious students of Sindhi ethnic background, denying them admission to educational institutes and courses of their choice. Currently there is a lot of resentment of this admission policy. Sindhis are demanding intraprovincial merit-based admissions to state run educational institutes, similar to the one existing in other provinces. This will provide equal opportunities to all students of Sindh. Furthermore, the armed forces have also entered the education sector. They are funded by government and operate like private costly education providers.
[edit] Arts and Crafts
The skill of the Sindhi craftsman continues to exhibit the 5000-year-old artistic tradition. The long span of time, punctuated by fresh and incessant waves of invaders and settlers, provided various exotic modes of arts which, with the passage of time, got naturalized on the soil. The perfected surface decorations of objects of everyday use - clay, metal, wood, stone or fabrics, with the floral and geometrical designs - can be traced back to the Muslim influence.
Though chiefly an agricultural and pastoral province, Sindh has a reputation for 'Ajrak', pottery, leatherwork, carpets, textiles, and silk cloth which, in design and finish, are matchless. The chief articles produced are blankets, coarse cotton cloth (soosi) camel fittings, metalwork, lacquered work, enamel, gold and silver embroidery. Hala is famous for pottery and tiles; Boobak for carpets; Nasirpur, Gambat and Thatta for cotton lungees and Khes. The earthenware of Johi, metal vessels of Shikarpur, relli, embroidery, and leather articles of Tharparkar, and lacquered work of Kandhkot are some of the other popular crafts.
The pre-historic finds from different archaeological sites such as Mohenjo-daro, engravings in various graveyards, and the architectural designs of Makli and other tombs provide ample evidence of the people in their literary and musical traditions.
Modern painting and calligraphy have also developed in recent times and some young trained men have taken up commercial art collections.
[edit] Cultural heritage
Mohenjo-daro was the center of the Indus Valley Civilization 3000 BCE-1700 BCESindh has a rich heritage of traditional handicraft that has evolved over the centuries. Perhaps the most professed exposition of Sindhi culture is in the handicrafts of Hala, a town some 30 kilometres from Hyderabad. Hala’s artisans are manufacturing high quality and impressively priced wooden handicrafts, textiles, paintings, handmade paper products, blue pottery, etc. Lacquered wood works known as Jandi, painting on wood, tiles, and pottery known as Kashi, hand woven textiles including Khadi, Susi, and Ajrak are synonymous with Sindhi culture preserved in Hala’s handicraft.
The artisans of Hala rarely get the justified price of their labour. The middlemen have been exploiting the artisans for decades selling the handicrafts at exorbitant profit margins at tourist hot spots of Karachi Lahore and Islamabad and even abroad. There is a dire need of patronizing the handicraft cluster of Hala, provide the artisans a platform to sell their products in cities and export markets so as to enable them earn handsome amount of their produced goods.
The Small and Medium Enterprises Authority (SMEDA) is planning to set up an organization of artisans to empower the community. SMEDA is also publishing a directory of the artisans so that exporters can directly contact them. Hala is the home of a remarkable variety of traditional crafts and traditional handicrafts that carry with them centuries of skill that has woven magic into the motifs and designs used.
The diverse Sindhi cultures, lifestyles, traditions as well as geographical conditions have influenced Sindhi art, and for over a century handicrafts have been a source of pride and a livelihood for the people of Hala. Kashi woodwork and other products made by the artisan community of Hala have established a position in the domestic and international markets. Jandi woodwork of Hala gives a glimpse of the richness of Pakistani culture and tradition has been followed through generations.
Sindh is known the world over for its various handicrafts and arts. The work of Sindhi artisans was sold in ancient markets of Armenia, Baghdad, Basra, Istanbul, Cairo and Samarkand. Referring to the lacquer work on wood locally known as Jandi, T. Posten an English traveller who visited Sindh in early 19th century said, the articles of Hala could be compared with exquisite specimens of China.
Jandi is famous all over the world due to its delicacy, durability and the natural beauty of the wood. Jandi is rendered on lamps, candle stands, flower vases, jewelry boxes, cigarette boxes, ash trays, pots, swings, cots, dressing tables, chairs & tables, bedroom sets, sofa sets, and telephone stands. The Jandi work also has its drawbacks. The persons associated with the business said that lacquer furniture and items have a long life but acid, alcohol, and oil will damage the colour. Moreover, direct sunshine and water can destroy the life of the products. Hala has also preserved the extraordinary traditional ceramic techniques.
The village potters known as kumhaar across the Indian sub continent are still producing exquisite earthenware in Hala. In Pakistan the finest examples of Kashi work are in the Sindh province. Kashi work consisted of two kinds: (a) Enamel-faced tiles and bricks of strongly fired red earthenware, or terracotta; (b) Enamel faced tiles and tesserae of lightly fired lime-mortar, or sandstone. Some authorities describe tile-mosaic work as the true Kashi.
Hala’s apparel tradition is one of the world’s oldest with handlooms and power looms dating back to the Indus valley civilization. The hand-spun and hand-woven cloth called "Khadi" was being exported to various countries since time immemorial.
Since Khadi deals in natural fibres viz. cotton, silk and wool only, spun and woven in natural environment, it can boast of being 100 percent natural, unlike handloom and mills which receive cotton yarn, blended with some regenerated cellulose fibres. Khadi cloth has found its place in haute couture and on the ramps of most eminent fashion devas.
Over a period of time cotton was mixed with silk to create Mashru, a double layered material with a thick cotton base and a silken warp woven in satin weave, a purely Indian innovation. It was woven specially for the ladies. In the Susi weave the cotton weft lay against the skin; hence it was permissible to wear it. In the Ain-i-Akbari, it is mentioned that Susi, a reputed silken fabric from Shush, a town in Persia, was originally brought to the Deccan via Alexandria during the 11th century. Susi lost its silken character somewhere along the line and reappeared as a cotton fabric in Lahore in the 1620’s. Susi later became synonymous with Sindh, the primary production centres being Hala and Hyderabad.
Technological improvements were gradually introduced such as the spinning wheel [charkha] and treadle [pai-chah] in the weavers’ loom, to increase refinement in designing, dyeing and printing by block. Painting process amounted for a much higher volume of output. The refined, lightweight, colourful, washable fabrics from Hala became a luxury for people used to only woollens and linens of the age.
Ajrak has been in Sindh since the birth of its civilization. Blue colour is dominantly used in Ajrak. Also, Sindh was traditionally a large producer of indigo and cotton cloth and both used to be exported to the Middle East. Ajrak is a mark of respect when it is given to an honoured quest, friend or woman. In Sindh, it is most commonly given as a gift at Eid, at weddings, or on other special occasions - like homecoming.
Along with Ajrak the Rilli or patchwork sheet, is another Sindhi icon and part of the heritage and culture. Every Sindhi home will have set of Rillis - one for each member of the family and few spare for guests. Rilli is made with different small pieces of different geometrical shapes of cloths sewn together to create intricate designs.
Rilhi is also given as a gift to friends and visitors. It is used as a bedspread as well as a blanket. A beautifully sewn Rilli can also become part of a bride or grooms gifts. Rural women in Sindh are skilful in producing Sindhi caps.
Sindhi caps are manufactured commercially on a small scale at New Saeedabad and Hala New. These are in demand with visitors from Karachi and other places and these manufacturing units have very limited production due to lack of marketing facilities.
[edit] Major Attractions
Ranikot Fort
Gorakh Hill Top (By Rakaposhi Hiking Club Nawabshah )Sindh has numerous tourist sites with the most prominent being the ruins of Mohenjo-daro near the city of Larkana. Islamic architecture is quite prominent in the province with the Jama Masjid in Thatta built by the Mughal emperor Shahjahan and numerous mausoleums dot the province including the very old Shahbaz Qalander mausoleum dedicated to the Iranian-born Sufi and the beautiful mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah known as the Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi.
Shrine of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai @ Bhit Shah.
Shrine of Shahbaz Qalander @ Sehwan.
Ruins of Mohenjo-daro & Museum near Larkana.
Ranikot Fort near Sann.
Aror (ruins of historical city) near Sukkur.
Mazar-e-Quaid Karachi.
Kahu-Jo-Darro near Mirpurkhas.
Sadhu Bele Temple near Sukkur.
Minaret of Masum Shah @ Sukkur.
Mohatta Palace Museum @ Karachi.
Gorakh Hill near Dadu.
Jama Masjid Thatta @ Thatta.
Makli Graveyard, Asia's Biggest @ Makli, Thatta.
Rani Bagh @ Hyderabad.
Sukkur Barrage @ Sukkur.
Kotri Barrage near Hyderabad.
Talpurs' Faiz Mahal Palace, Khayrpur (princely state).
Talpur Forts @ Kot Diji
Forts at Hyderabad. and Umarkot
[edit] Places of Historical Interest:
Khanwal Pass By Rakaposhi
[edit] Gorakh Hill
The Gorakh Hill is Highest Hill Point In Sidh among the Kerthar Mountains Range. Gorkah Hill Is located in North-west of District Dadu along with Balochistan Border. Gorakh Hill is under Develop Project. You reach Gorkah Hill Top from Dadu City with 4x4 Vehicles, which are available from Dadu and Johi. Gorakh Hill Top is 93Km From Dadu City, at the milestone of 17Km you reach the small city of Johi which is the Taluka of District Dadu, and Starting Point Of kacho Area and the milestone of 41Km you reach the last small town Before Gorakh Hill Wahi pandi which is the settled in the lap of Kerthar Mountain Range. After Wahi Pandi the Road is Towered Slowly at the milestone of 53Km you are Enter in Yaroo Pass (Yaroo Sain Jo Luck) after Crossing Yaroo Pass 2500ft Above See Laval and the journey continue in Mountains and at the milestone of 76Km you reach the Base camp of another Highest Pass of Kerthar Mountain Range it is Khanwal Pass the base camp is on elevation of 3000ft and the Top of Khanwal pass on the Elevation of 5000ft Above See Level. The Distance Between Khanwal Pass Base Camp To Khanwal Pass Top Is 4Km. The 4Km Journey is too zigzag. After reach the Top of Khanwal Pass Drive continue to Gorakh Hill Top which is the 13Km. At the Top Of Gorakh Hill you can stay in Rest House or Camping at top Because the Gorakh Hill Is Under Development sindh Govt. have some project Like Hotel, Restaurants, and a chair lift at Top.
[edit] Ranikot
It is the largest fort of its kind in the region and maybe in the world, It is situated in the of the Kirthar Range about 30 km southwest of Sann, Jamshoro district of Sindh, approximately 90 km north of Hyderabad, in Pakistan. It has an approximate diameter of 9 km. Its walls are on the average 6 meters high and are made of gypsum and lime cut sandstone and its total circumference is about 29 km of which 8 km walls are man-made. While originally constructed for bow and arrow warfare it was later expanded to withstand firearms.
[edit] Bhambore
About 64 km east of Karachi, on the National Highway, is an interesting archaeological site, Bhambore, originally the sea-port of Debal where the young Arab warrior Mohammad Bin Qasim landed his armies in 711 AD. Three different periods in Sindh history coincide here: the Scytho-Parthians, the Hindu-Buddhist and the early Islamic. There is a museum and a rest house at the site.
[edit] Chaukundi Tombs
These tombs are attributed to Jokhio and Baloch tribes and were build between 15th and 18th centuries. It is situated 20km east of Karachi.
[edit] Thatta
Once a famous center of learning, arts and commerce and provisional capital for about four centuries in the past, Thatta is situated 98 km east of Karachi. Today, it is notable for the Jamia Masjid built by the Moghal Emperor Shah Jehan, and the Makli Tombs (15th - 17th centuries), a vast necropolis spread over 15.5 km², depicting exquisite specimens of architecture, stone carvings and glazed tile decorations.
[edit] Keenjhar Lake
Some 24 km north of Thatta, is the large man-made Keenjhar Lake, which is 30 km long and 10 km wide. The lake has facilities for angling and boating. PTDC motels offer food and accommodation.
[edit] Makli Tombs
One of the largest necropolises in the world, with a diameter of approximately 8 kilometers, it is supposed to be the burial place of some 125,000 Sufi saints. It is located on the outskirts of Thatta, the capital of lower Sind until the seventeenth century, in what is the southeastern province of present-day Pakistan.
[edit] Kirthar National Park
Located about 48 km from Karachi in the midst of the barren rocks of the Kirthar Range in Dadu district, near Thano Boola Khan is Kirthar National Park. Designed and planned with the help of the research and planning group of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, the park is approved and recognized by international wildlife bodies. It is the last bastion of a wide variety of the region's wildlife that includes Sindh ibex, urial, deer, leopard, gray partridges and Houbara bustard. The Sindh Wildlife Management Board plans tours and provides transport from Karachi.
[edit] Hyderabad
Situated at about 164 km northeast of Karachi, Hyderabad was the capital of Sindh during the reign of the Talpur Mirs in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, it is known for Sindh University, Jamshoro; the provincial museum; the Institute of Sindhology and the Sindhi Adabi Board and also for colourful handicrafts such as glass bangles, glazed tiles, lacquered wood furniture, handloom cloth called 'soosi', block-printed 'Ajrak', leather shoes, etc. Historic monuments include old Mud Fort, Sheikh Makai Fort, Kalhoro Monuments, Talpur Monuments and Miani Forest.
[edit] Mir Shahdad jo Qubo
Tomb of Mir Shahdad Talpur (who is regarded as one of the finest military commanders of Sindh) one of the historical heritages of Sindh is at Shahpur Chakar Distt: Sanghar. This is a graveyard of the family members of Mir Shahdad Talpur. Shahdadpur a big city of Province Sindh is named behind Mir Shahdad Talpur, whereas Shahpur Chakar is named behind his son Mir Chakar Talpur.yes
[edit] Hala
Hala is famous for its glazed pottery and enameled wood work. Situated on the National Highway about 56 km from Hyderabad, it is frequently visited by hundreds of devotees of Hazrat Makhdoom Noah (10th century Hijra), a contemporary of Mughal Emperor Akbar and a religious divine, who converted a large number of people of Islam and also translated the Quran into Persian which is one of its earliest Persian translations in South Asia.
[edit] Bhitshah
Situated at about 56 km from Hyderabad on the National Highway, Bhitshah is the resting place of Sindh's renowned saint and mystic poet Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai (1689 - 1752). He is remembered for the compendium of his poetry called 'Risalo', a treasure house of wisdom as well as romantic folklore and fine pottery. He also founded a musical tradition of his own which is still popular. Devotees sing with fervor and frenzy his love-intoxicated Kafis to the strains of ek-tara (single string instrument) mainly on the occasion of his "Urs" held every year between 13th and 15th of Safar, the second Islamic lunar month.
[edit] Sehwan
Situated on the right bank of River Indus at a distance of 135 km from Hyderabad, Sehwan is an old town of pre-Islamic period. Here are the remains of Kafir-Qila, a fort reported to have been constructed by Alexander the Great. Sehwan is famous for the resting place of the great mystic poet, saint and scholar Shaikh Usman Marvandvi (1117 - 1274), popularly known as Shahbaz Qalandar whose mausoleum is visited by thousands of the devotees throughout the year. During the Urs celebrations (18th Shahban - the eighth Islamic lunar month), devotees dance rhythmically and with total abandon to the beat of drums (Naqqara Dhamal), finally ending in a spiritual trance.
[edit] Manchar Lake
About 16 km from Sehwan, Manchar, the largest fresh water lake in Asia, is as old as the Indus River. Spread over 254 km², it is a perfect spot for relaxing and the best location for duck-shooting during winter.
[edit] Daraza Sharif
Daraza Sharif, a small village, some 52 km from Khairpur, is known for the tomb of Sachal Sarmast who was a great master of Islamic learning, lived a pious life and composed poetry in Sindhi, Seraiki, Persian and Urdu. Sachal Sarmast's Urs is celebrated on 14th of Ramzan (9th month of Islamic lunar calendar).
[edit] Kot Deji
Kot Deji is regarded as one of the world's most important archaeological sites, dating back to 3000 BC, older than Moen-jo-daro and Harappa. Excavations made in 1955 unearthed an astoundingly well-organized city with a citadel that testifies to its being the finest fortified town in South Asian subcontinent.
[edit] Moen-jo-Daro
About 563 km from Karachi off the Indus Highway lie the world-famous ruins of Moen-jo-Daro (the Mound of the Dead), now being preserved with UNESCO's help. The museum at Moen-jo-Daro is unique and a visit takes you back centuries back when the location was a civilized city and a busy river Port. Air and train services from Karachi and an air-conditioned rest house have been built there.
[edit] Other Places
Among other historical sites are Amri, Umerkot (the birthplace of Emperor Akbar) and the legendary Arab city of Mansura near Shahdadpur in Sanghar district. Other interesting places include Matiari, town of old beautiful mosques and one of the centers of 'Ajrak'. On its outskirts lie the ruins of a Buddhist stupa. Nasarpur is famous for 'Khes', exquisite embroidery, decorative pottery, and wood work. It is also a holy place for the Hindu community.
[edit] Famous people
There are many famous people from Sindh. The following table gives some of them. Note: Regarding those personalities who were born before 1947 and lived until after independence, the criteria used for judging which list to put them under is when did this person first make a name for themselves eg. Mohammad Ali Jinnah before 1947.
Historical Personalities
Raja Dahar
Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai
Sachal Sarmast
Sami
Mir Sher Muhammad Talpur
Hoshu Sheedi
Khan Bahadur Sheikh Sadiq Ali Ansari
Grohiri, Mangrio
Pre-Independence (pre-1947)
Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Fatima Jinnah
G.M.Syed
Pir Pagaro
Aga Khan III
Seth Edulji Dinshaw
Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto
Allama I. I. Kazi
Elsa Kazi
Khan Bahadur Ghulam Nabi Kazi
Khan Bahadur Muhmmad Ayub Khuhro
Sir Abdullah Haroon
Shamsul Ulema Dr U M Daudpota
Pir Illahi Bakhsh
Sir Ghulam Hussain Hidayatullah
Allah Bux Soomro
Abdul Sattar Pirzada
Nana Ghulam Ally
Jamshed Nusserwanjee
Nadirshaw Edulji Dinshaw
Khan Bahadur Allah Bux Gabole
Habib Ibrahim Rahimtoola
Sayed Miran Muhammad Shah
Post-Independence (post-1947)
G.M.Syed
Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto
Yusuf Haroon
Altaf Hussain
Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi
Sardar Mumtaz Bhutto
Muhammad Khan Junejo
Benazir Bhutto
Shaikh Ayaz
Pervez Musharraf
Shaukat Aziz
N M Uquaili
Abdul Hafeez Pirzada
A G N Kazi
Muzaffar Hussain
A K Brohi
Justice Tufail Ali Abdul Rehman
Justice Abdul Kadir Sheikh
Justice Sajjad Ali Shah
Justice Mamoon Kazi
Aftab Shaaban Mirani
Ahmed Hussain A Kazi
Justice Fakhruddin G Ebrahim
Justice Abdul Hafeez Memon
Air Marshal M Azim Daudpota
Mohammedmian Soomro
Dr Mutawakkil Kazi
Shamshad Akhtar
Altaf Hussain
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