CULTURAL HERITAGE OF PAKISTAN
The land of Pakistan has been the seat of the world’s ancient civilizations. Pakistan’s heritage is spread over centuries, starting from pre-historic times to the present.
Indus Valley Civilization [3000-1500 BC]
The first urban civilization of South Asia developed along the lower reaches of River Indus and its upper tributaries.The earliest settlement excavated is over 6000 years old near Mehargarh in Balochistan.
Gradually other localities were established such as Kot Diji and Rahman Dheri,which later led to the development of the famous cities of Moenjodaro and Harappa that flourished over four thousand years ago and are important examples of Indus Valley Civilzation.
Indus Valley Civilization primarily drew its sustenance from the irrigated agricultural lands. At the mature stages of its development,it later established trade contacts with Persia, Mesopotamia and Egypt.
Moenjodaro is said to be one of the world’s oldest planned cities,in which the streets ran parallel to each other with intersections cutting at right angles. Wheeled carriages moved about these streets which had closely aligned brick houses. The city had, public baths, a dependable drainage system and the inhabitants were known for their style and cleanliness.
As has been the case with all great civilizations, Indus Valley Civilization saw its fall, some say due to a widespread plague, others attribute it to massive floods.
Today’s Harappa is located close to Lahore and Moenjodaro can be reached after a five hour drive from Karachi.There is a small airport near Meonjodaro with air link to Karachi to facilitate tourism.
Gandhara Civilization [2nd Century B.C.-10th Century A.D.]
With the invasion of Alexander in 326 B.C., the Greek influence came to this part of the globe. It was here that Buddhism flourished for over a thousand years [2nd century B.C.-10th century A.D.].
Taxila, Swat and Charsaddah (Pushkalavati) rose as three prominent centres of trade, learning and culture. From Taxila, Buddhism was spread to China, Central Asia and other parts of the world.
Numerous monasteries and stupas were constructed in and around Taxila. It was from these centres that a unique art of sculpture originated which is known as Gandhara Art. Today, Gandhara sculptures occupy a prominent place in the museums in the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and India.
The most impressive example of the Gandhara art is the ’Fasting Buddha’ at the Lahore Museum and relics in Taxila and other places in Pakistan.
Islamic Period [712 A.D.-]
Islam came to the subcontinent with the preachings by the Muslim saints. The new religion replaced the early way of life and introduced a new philosophy of faith in one God.
With Islam,came a new culture from Arabia,Iran and Central Asia. A new style of architecture matured in this land for over a thousand years. The direct influence of the Muslim rulers was not only confined to architecture;their food added a variety of new dishes in the cuisine besides changes in language and dress of the local populace.Tombs of Sufi saints in Multan and its vicinity and Makali nacropolis in Thatta near Karachi show distinction Islamic structure and patterns.
Shalamar Gardens, Badshahi Mosque and the Fort,all in the city of Lahore, besides other structures in the country, reflect the Mughal style of architecture.
Sikh Period [1762-1849 A.D.]
Sikhs established their stronghold in the Punjab after the demise of Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707.At its height,the Sikh rule under Maharaja Ranjit Singh in early 19th century extended from the banks of Jamuna to the Khyber Pass and from Kashmir to Multan. After his death in 1840, the Sikh kingdom was divided into small principalities.
Punjab Province where Sikhism was born has many holy places of Sikh religion and famous Gurdwaras,a place of Sikh worship,including at Nankana Sahib and Punja Sahib.
British Period [1857 – 1947]
The British consolidated their rule in the Punjab in the middle of the 19th century. Amongst their legacy, is a new colonial architecture,which is mainly a blend of local and Western style of construction,visible especially in churches.
Examples of this architecture can be seen in the major cities of Pakistan including the Freer Hall,Karachi;churches;and Punjab University’s Old Campus and Muslim buildings in Lahore.[Also see Provinces in Section on Tourism].