Pakistan's Historic and Rich Architecture.

[Omar1984]

 

[moha199]

Mashah Allah

 

[ghazi52]

Gurdwara Panja Shaib Hassanabdal

 

[Omar1984]

 

[FreekiN]

Gurdwara Panja Shaib Hassanabdal

Where in Pakistan is this?

 

[Omar1984]

Where in Pakistan is this?

Its in the most Northern area of Punjab province of Pakistan.

Hasan Abdal (Pashto: حسن ابدال, Urdu: حسن ابدا&#1604 is an historic town in Northern Punjab, Pakistan. It is located where the Grand Trunk Road meets the Karakoram Highway near the North-West Frontier Province province, northwest of Wah. It is 40 km northwest of Rawalpindi. It has a population of about over 50,000. It is famous for Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib, one of the most sacred places of Sikhism. Thousands of Sikhs visit the Gurudwara on the eve of Besakhi every year. The other historical place is a tomb erroneously called Lala Rukh Tomb. There is a grave inside a square walled Garden and a fresh water fish pond near the tomb. On the nearby hill there is a meditation chamber attributed to a saint Baba Hasan Abdal also known as Baba Wali Kandhari with local folks. The city is named after this saint.

Administratively the city is a part of Attock District, formerly known as Campbell Pur. Hasan Abdal is one of the five tehsils of the District Attock. The former town committee was renamed as tehsil municipal administration in the Musharraf era. The tehsil municipal administration is divided into two union councils.

Punjab province of Pakistan (The dark red area shows Attock district):

 

[SABRE]

Anarkali's Tomb, Lahore

This used to be my Nana's office lol

The British had converted the Tomb into a secretariat office and Pakistan continued to use it for the official purposes for a long time.

 

[SABRE]

The tomb of Jam Nido at Makli Hills, Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan

Nawab Isa Khan's Tomb

Dabgir Mosque

A little History of Thatta

Thatta was once the Capital of Sindh and the Empire of Sindhu (Sindhu = Sindh+Punjab+Balochistan+Parts of NWFP, Rajhistan, and Gujrat). The ruling dynasty was the local Sindhi Samma clan. Thatta reached its heights during the rule of 2nd last ruler of Samma Dynsty Jam Nizamuddin -II or as he was called by his respectable nick name Jam Nindo.

Thatta was once one of the largest city in the world. Once the largest Metropolis it is now largest Necropolis. British Archeological Survey in 1890s in its report wrote that the city during its height (under Jam Nizamuddin - II) was the size of London (London of 1890s) with over 50, 000 houses, while commercial buildings remain unaccounted. Each house was of 3 to 4 floors with large verandas.

As long as Jam Nizamuddin ruled from Thatta, the foreigners (Afghans, Persians, Turks and Babur) were unable to hold grown in Sindhu or dislodge Jam Nizamuddin - II. At one point the Afghans took Sibi from the Sammas but the 2nd expedition of Samma army defeated them back into Kandhar.

With the death of Jam Nizamuddin - II the Foreigners started series of invasions on Sindhu.

The Arghun Turks occupied the Thatta when they were thrown out of Kabul and Kandhar by Babur. Battles following Arghan takeover inflicted heavy damages to this city. Shah Hussain Arghan had a battle with Humayon who lost. In a civil war against Isa Khan Tarkhan Shah Hussain lost the empire. Isa Khan had invited the Portuguese for help who arrived late. By the time Portuguese arrived Isa Khan had won and when the Portuguese asked him for payment for services (which arrived late and came to no use) Isa Khan refused. In response just "700" Portuguese destroyed much of the city under Isa Khan (under Nizamuddin - II they would have been slaughtered like chickens). After the Portuguese left Isa Khan did little to rebuild the city. His greatest achievement was his own tomb which he constructed in his life time. He also cut off the hands of the builders so no other king could have similar tomb.

Although Jam Nizamuddin - II's tomb is smaller then Isa Khan's, it is viewed with great respect and love by the people of region due to his devotion for Sindhu (not just Sindhi) nation.

Anyways; what was left of Sindhu Empire was just Sindh which was later occupied by Mughals under Akbar who defeated last Tarkhan ruler. All Mughals added was a Shah Jahan Mosque.

Today the dead of city speak of their past when you look at their tombs.

 

[Omar1984]

 

[Omar1984]

 

[Omar1984]

 

[Hammy007]

if we post some modern structures in our country it will be much appreciated

"but its historical overview"

 

[Omar1984]

Bahawalpur, Punjab Province of Pakistan.

Darbar Mahal Palace

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The Noor Mahal is a palace built in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. It was built in 1872 like an Italian chateau on neoclassical lines, at a time when modernism had set in.

There are various stories regarding its construction. According to one belief, Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV had the palace made for his wife. However, she was there for one night, only as she happened to see the adjoining graveyard from her balcony, and refused to spend another night there and so it remained unused during his reign.

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[pakistanheritage]

Steeped in history and blended in culture, historical sites in Pakistan reflect the tradition and way of life of the era gone by. There are a number of historical sites in Pakistan that make an excellent tour. The most interesting of them all are the Harappa and Mohenjodra. Harappa is the major centre of the Indus Valley Civilization that was discovered in the 1920s. Mohenjodra, discovered in 1922 on the west bank of the river Indus is one of the earliest and most developed civilizations of ancient world.

There are other historical places of tourist importance in Pakistan. Some of them are Taxila, Kot Diji, Rohtas Fort and Uch Sharif. All these places are in one or the other way have great historical significance. Historical places in Pakistan are of special interest to archaeologists and history students.

Mohenjo-Daro
Harappa
Harappa (2nd Article)
Taxila
Satghara
Thar
Hindu and Buddhist Architectural Heritage of Pakistan – Vedic period
Tantirimale – as old as Buddhist Lanka
Khojak
Lansdowne Bridge, Sukkur
Rohtas Fort
Northern Areas (Pakistan)
Tomb of Jahangir
Kot Diji Fort
Buddhas of Bamyan
Samadh of Maharaja Ranjit Singhs son in Lahore vandalised

Pakistan Historical Places

 

[pakistanheritage]

Rohtas Fort

Rohtas Fort is a garrison fort built by the great Afghan king Sher Shah Suri. This fort is about 4 km in circumference and the first example of the successful amalgamation of Pukhtun and Hindu architecture in the sub-continent.

Name of fort

Sher Shah Suri named Qila Rohtas after the famous Rohtasgarh Fort in Shahabad district near Baharkunda, Bihar which he captured from the Raja of Rohtas Hari Krishan Rai in 1539. Rohtasgarh is situated on the upper course of the river Son, 20 37’ N and 85 33’E. It was built by Harish Chandra of the Solar dynasty and was named after his son Rohitasva after whom the fort (Rohtasgarh) was named.

Reasons of construction

Sher Shah constructed Qila Rohtas to block Emperor Humayun’s return to India after defeating him in the Battle of Kanauj. This fort lies on the old GT road between the North (Afghanistan) to the Plains of Punjab. It blocked the way from Peshawar to Lahore. The other reason was to suppress the local tribes of this region Potohar called Gakhars who were allies of Humayun and refused their allegiance to Sher Shah Suri. The Gakhars made a feeble retort by building some fortifications near the village of Sultanpur, which still remain today.

Sher Shah constructed Qila Rohtas to block Emperor Humayun’s return to India after defeating him in the Battle of Kanauj. This fort lies on the old GT road between the North (Afghanistan) to the Plains of Punjab. It blocked the way from Peshawar to Lahore. The other reason was to suppress the local tribes of this region Potohar called Gakhars who were allies of Humayun and refused their allegiance to Sher Shah Suri. The Gakhars made a feeble retort by building some fortifications near the village of Sultanpur, which still remain today.

The gatesThe height of the outer wall varies between 10 and 18 meters. Its thickness varies between 10 and 13 meters. The wall has 2 or 3 terraces and varies in thickness, the maximum being 13 meters near the Mori Gate. The terraces are linked by staircases. The topmost terrace has merlon-shaped battlements. Muskets can be fired from these battlements. Soldiers could also pour molten lead over the walls.

The wall is built in sandstone laid in lime mortar mixed with brick. The gates are in grey ashlar masonry. Some portions have been built using burnt brick.

Sohail Gate

Sohail GateThis gate is the best example of masonry in use in the time of Sher Shah. It derives its name from a Saint names Sohail Bukhari buried in the south-western bastion of the gate. Others say that it was names after the Sohail Star which rises on this side of the fort.

It is a double gate rectangular in shape. It is 21.34 meters (70 feet) high, 20.73 meters (68 feet) wide and 15 meters (50 feet) deep. The central archway is 4.72 meters (15 feet) wide. It has an inner and an outer arch which is decorated with beautiful and simple motifs of sunflower. This decoration is repeated in all parts of the Qila.
Sohail GateThere are balconies on either side of the central arch. These balconies have a small dome and their sides and bottom are also decorated. Unlike other parts of the Qila which has been built in Afghan-Persian style, the balcony is an example of Hindu architecture. These same balconies can be seen in Haveli Man Singh. There is a small window in the middle of the outer arch. This window is different from the two balconies to either side of the outer arch. It is much simpler that these two balconies.

There are seven merlons on this gate. The bastions are with battlements which have loopholes. These bastions have three levels on the inside. These can be seen if one zooms in the Sohail Gate picture.
Sohail Gate BalconyThe inner side of the gate mirrors the outside but has less decoration. There are no battlements towards the inside and no balconies either. The rooms in the upper storey of this gate have windows that open towards the inside of the Qila. Like the outer arch there is a small window in the middle of the inner arch. The gate now houses a Visitors information center and a Museum set up by the Himalayan Wildlife Foundation.

Shah Chandwali Gate

Shah Chand Wali GateThis gate links the citadel to the main fort. It is named after a Saint Shah Chandwali who refused to get his wages for working on this gate. The saint died while still on work and was buried near the gate. His shrine still stands to this day.

This gate is also a double gate. The outer gate, the entrance of which is from the citadel is 13.3 meters wide and 8.23 meters deep. The inner gate is a simple archway which is 3.66 meters wide.

Kabuli Gate

Kabuli GateThis gate opens to the west and is named “Kabuli” because it faces Kabul. It is a double gate and its opening is 3.15 meters (10 feet) wide. It has two bastions on each side. The gate has 5 battlements on top and has stairs leading up to it from the outside. On the southern side of the gate is the Shahi (Royal) Mosque because of which many people also call it Shahi (Royal) Darwaza (Gate or Door). There is a Baoli near this gate.

The gate derives its name from the beautiful glazed tiles used to decorate its outer arch. These tiles are the earliest examples of this technique which was later refined in Lahore. These tiles are blue in color.

An inscription on the left side of the gate gives the date of construction of the fort. The inscription is in Persian and is translated as follows

In the Hijri Year 948 came the exalted
At that time constructed the great fort
The emperor is Sher, with long life
There is no match to his good fortune
It was completed by Shahu Sultan

The Hijri year 948 is 1541 AD.

Mori or Kashmiri Gate

Entrance, Khwas Khani GateThe gate opens to the north and faces Kashmir. This gate opens into one chamber which opens into another.This gate is named after one of Sher Shah Suri’s greatest general, Khwas Khan. This was the original entrance to the Qila (Fort) because outside the gate lies the old GT Road.

It is a double gate. The outer gate is 12.8 meter wide (42 feet) and 8 meter (26 feet) deep. This gate has a bastion and a defensive wall on each side. On the bastions canons could be deployed. The inner and outer gates are almost mirror images of each other. The top of the gate has five battlements. All of these have loopholes as well as machicolation. Unlike other gates of this Qila, the inner side of the gate has five battlements.

The inner and outer arches have sunflower motifs like the Sohail Gate. The gate also has a room which has windows opening to the inside and the outside.

It is pertinent to mention here that when the Gakhars refused their allegiance to Sher Shah Suri, he launched an expedition to punish them. This resulted in the capture of the Gakhar chief Sarang Khan and his daughter. Sarang Khan was then killed. His daughter was then married to Sher Shah’s favourite general Khwas Khan.