Lahore

 By Farhan Umer;

With a population of over 13 million, Lahore is the second most populous city in Pakistan after Karachi and the 26th most populous city in the world. It is the largest city and the capital of the Punjabi province. With an estimated GDP (PPP) of $84 billion as of 2019, Lahore is one of Pakistan's key industrial and economic hubs. It is one among Pakistan's most socially liberal, progressive, and cosmopolitan towns and serves as the historical capital, cultural hub, and major metropolis of the larger Punjab province. It is located in the northeast of the nation, not far from the Indian border.

The settlement's history before the emergence of Islam is little understood. According to Hindu mythology, Lava, also known as Loh, the son of Rama, is credited with constructing Lahore, for whom Lohawar is said to have been named. Lahore might have been the "Labokla" city referenced in Ptolemy's second-century Handbook to Geography.

The history of Lahore dates back to antiquity. At least two millennia have passed since the city was first populated, while the 10th century saw its greatest acclaim. Over its history, Lahore served as the capital of several empires, including the Hindu Shahis, the Ghaznavids, and the Delhi Sultanate. From 1163 to 1186, it served as the Ghaznavid dynasty's capital. Between the late 16th and early 18th centuries, when Lahore was the Mughal Empire's capital city, it was at its most beautiful. In 1739, the soldiers of Afsharid monarch Nader Shah took control of the city. The Mughal power was restored, but between 1748 and 1798, a period of decline occurred as it was contested by Afghans and Sikhs. In the early 19th century, Lahore eventually became the seat of the Sikh Empire, recovering some of its former splendor. In 1849, Lahore became a part of the British Raj and the administrative centre of British Punjab. Both the proclamation of Indian Independence and the resolution calling for the foundation of Pakistan were made in the city of Lahore, which served as the epicenter of both the Indian and Pakistani independence movements. In the years leading up to Pakistan's independence, during the Partition, it saw some of the worst rioting. Lahore became the capital of Pakistan's Punjab province in 1947 when the Pakistan Movement was successful and British India was subsequently partitioned.

Pakistan is strongly influenced culturally by Lahore. Lahore, a UNESCO City of Books and a significant hub for Pakistan's publishing sector, continues to be the country's primary literary hub. Some of Pakistan's top universities are located in the city, which is also a significant educational hub. Lollywood, Pakistan's film industry was long based in Lahore, but recently, most production has moved to Karachi. A significant hub for Qawwali music is Lahore. Several of Pakistan's tourist attractions are located in this city, including the Walled City, the well-known Badshahi and Wazir Khan Mosques, as well as numerous Sikh and Sufi shrines. In addition, Lahore is home to the Shalimar Gardens and Lahore Fort, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Etymology

It's uncertain where Lahore's name came from. Early Muslim historians reported the name of the city alternately as Luhawar, Lūhār, and Rahwar. While the poet Amir Khusrow, who lived during the Delhi Sultanate period, recorded the city's name as Lāhanūr, the Persian polymath and geographer Abu Rayhan Al-Biruni referred to the city as Luhāwar in his work, Qanun, from the 11th century. Yaqut al-Hamawi mentions that the city was formerly known as Lawhūr while referring to it by the name Lawhūr. The city is referred to as Alahwar in the book of Persian historian Firishta, with al-Ahwar being a different spelling.

One explanation contends that the name Lahore is a distortion of the word Ravāwar because R to L shifts is frequent in Sanskrit-derived languages. The name Iravatyāwar, which may have been derived from the Ravi River, also known as the Iravati River in the Vedas, is pronounced as Ravāwar. According to another version, the word Lohar, which means "blacksmith," may have been the source of the city's name. Oral history states that Lahore was initially given its name after one of Lord Rama's sons. The name Lahore comes from Lavpur or Lavapuri, which means "City of Lav." It is believed that Prince Lav, the son of Sita and Rama, established the city. The same account credits his twin brother Kusha with building the nearby city of Kasur.

Geography

Lahore is located in northeastern Pakistan, between 31°15′ and 31°45′ N and 74°01′ and 74°39′ E. The Sheikhupura District, Wagah, and Kasur Districts all form the northern, western, and eastern boundaries of the city. On Lahore's northern border, the Ravi River runs. 404 square kilometres is the total land area occupied by Lahore city (156 sq. mi)?

Climate

Lahore's climate is semi-arid (Köppen climatic classification BSh), lacking sufficient precipitation to support a humid subtropical climate. June is the hottest month, with average highs exceeding 45 °C (113 °F). The monsoon season begins in late July, and July and August are the wettest months with torrential downpours, nighttime thunderstorms, and the potential for cloudbursts and flash floods. January is the coolest month and has a lot of fog. On June 5, 2003, the city had a high temperature record of 50.4 °C (122.7 °F). On June 10, 2007, a temperature of 48 °C (118 °F) was recorded; nevertheless, the meteorological office that recorded the number reported a heat index of 55 °C (131 °F) in full sun. The highest 24-hour rainfall total was 221 millimetres (8.7 in), which was observed on August 13, 2008.

Demographics

Population

Lahore's population was estimated by the 2017 Census to be 11,126,285 people, an increase of 4.07% each year since 1998. 52.35% of people are male, 47.64% are female, and 0.01% is transgender, according to gender statistics. With more than 40% of its population under the age of 15, Lahore is a young city in terms of demographics.

Ethnic groups

The population of Lahore is made up of 80.9% Punjabis, 12.6% Urdu speakers, 2.7% Pashtuns, 1.02% Saraikis, and 2.78% individuals of other ethnicities, according to the official census numbers.

Religion

The vast majority of people in Lahore (94.7%), who closely matched the percentage from the 1998 Census and increased from 60% in 1941, are Muslims, according to the 2017 Census. Christians (5.14%, slightly less than 5.80% in 1998; while the 1998 Census indicated that they made up over 9.0% of the rural population) and minor numbers of Ahmadis, Bahá's, Hindus, Parsis, and Sikhs are among the other major religions. A modest yet well-established Zoroastrian community is also present. Lahore is a popular destination for Sikh pilgrims because it is home to several of Sikhism's holiest shrines. The original church in Lahore was constructed in the late 16th century under the rule of Emperor Akbar, but Shah Jahan destroyed it in 1632. The Shri Krishna Mandir and the Valmiki Mandir are the only two operating Hindu temples in Lahore because there are so few Hindu residents there.

Languages

According to the 2017 Census, 80% of Lahore residents identify the Punjabi language as their mother tongue, making it the native language that is most extensively spoken in the city. The largest city in the world where Punjabi is spoken is Lahore.

Both Urdu and English are utilized as official languages, as well as for governance of the media. Nonetheless, Lahore-based theatre, movies, and newspapers all utilize Punjabi, which is also taught at the graduate level. The Punjabi language should be made the official language of the Punjab Assembly in Lahore, according to a number of notable educational leaders, scholars, and social commentators who are based in Lahore.

Tourism

In Pakistan, Lahore is still a popular tourist destination. UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be found in the Walled City of Lahore, which underwent renovation in 2014. The Lahore Fort, which is close to the Walled City and has the Sheesh Mahal, the Alamgiri Gate, the Naulakha pavilion, and the Moti Masjid, is among the most well-known sights. Since 1981, the fort and the nearby Shalimar Gardens have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Many historic religious sites can be found in the city, including two well-known Hindu temples: the Krishna Temple and the Valmiki Mandir. The remains of the Sikh king Maharaja Ranjit Singh are kept in the Samadhi of Ranjit Singh, which is situated close to the Walled City. The Badshahi Mosque, which was built in 1673 and once the largest mosque in the world, is the most notable place of worship. The Wazir Khan Mosque built in 1635 and renowned for its enormous faience tile work, is another well-known attraction.

Wazir Khan Mosque

 

This majestic mosque from the 17th century is located in Lahore's Walled City and was completed in 1642. I firmly believe that it belongs on every Pakistan traveler's agenda. It is painted in vibrant hues and has wonderful frescoes that, despite restoration efforts, have managed to stay in immaculate condition.

Shah Jahan, the same Mughal Emperor who ordered the construction of the Taj Mahal, was the one who ordered the construction of Wazir Khan Mosque. I suppose that illustrates its splendor!

Wazir Khan was one of the most stunning mosques I've seen in Pakistan thus far, yet every time I went there, it was mostly deserted. Don't miss it, even though it might not be the biggest mosque in the city. It's nevertheless one of the top attractions in Lahore.

🕓 Visiting hours: 5 AM-8 PM Daily

💵 Entrance fee: Free

 

Walled City of Lahore

 

The Walled City of Lahore is a dynamic, breathing reminder of the past and the present, rather than a solitary monument. The Walled City has existed since 1000 BCE and has seen a great number of kings and periods. 13 gates were used to grant admission in its heyday, but only 6 are still in use.

Each of the remaining 6 gates is worthwhile a visit, even though the Delhi Gate, which is closest to the Wazir Khan Mosque, is one of the most famous. Do not feel pressured to see them all in a single day, though!

Whilst you can make it a point to seek out the Walled City of Lahore's well-known tourist attractions, the best way to discover the Walls' allure is to wander aimlessly within them.

Enter through any gate, take a morning (or an afternoon), and follow the hours wherever they lead. You can expect to encounter unmarked restaurants, famed Havelis, all kinds of confined spaces, and unidentified shrines.

There aren't many locations in Lahore that are as picturesque as this, so photographers take note!

🕓 Visiting hours: Literally whenever, though it’s best to wander before dark

💵 Entrance fee: Free

 

Lahore Fort

 

The Lahore Fort is possibly the most well-known of all the sights in Lahore, but even though it isn't very unique, a trip there is nevertheless worthwhile. Despite being rather old, the stronghold and its surroundings have been kept in amazingly good condition; a visit will undoubtedly transport you back in time.

Emperor Akbar ordered the construction of the fort in 1566, and successive emperors modified it. It's challenging to find a location in Lahore that emanates more raw antiquity than here, complete with steps made for elephant feet, impeccable gardens, antique paintings, and views of the Badshahi Mosque and Minar e Pakistan!

Avoid visiting on weekends and on well-known school holidays if you want to avoid crowds (duh). Due to the scorching 40 C temperatures, the month of August is also a particularly unpleasant time to enjoy the grounds.

🕓 Visiting hours: 8:30 AM- 5:00 PM daily

💵 Entrance fee: 30 rupees for locals, 500 rupees for foreigners

 

Badshahi Mosque

It makes logical to observe them together given that the Badshahi Mosque is situated directly next to the Lahore Fort. Wonderful and enormous is the Badshahi Mosque.

This masjid from the Mughal era, which was finished in 1673, features minarets that are over 176 feet (53 meters) high and can accommodate up to 100,000 people. The enormity of this beauty is no joke; if you're in the correct place, you can see it from miles away.

The mosque's interior is ornamented with intricately carved marble, while the building's exterior is made of red sandstone, which gives it its distinct and distinctive hue.

I went at night, which is good for peace and quiet, but a day trip is recommended for truly appreciating all of Badshahi's intricate details.

The busiest days to visit are Fridays (Jummah Prayer), Saturdays, and Sundays. Since most visitors arrive in the mornings, afternoons and nights are the finest times to visit.

🕓 Visiting hours: 8 AM-8 PM daily

💵 Entrance fee: Free

 

Kamran’s Baradari

Want to venture a little farther beyond the typical tourist attractions in Lahore? The journey to Kamran's Baradari should be made! The oldest Mughal building still standing in the city is thought to be the baradari (summer palace), which was constructed around 1540.

In the outskirts of Lahore, a short boat ride across the Ravi River will get you to the palace. In contrast to other potential attractions, there weren't many visitors even on a nice Sunday afternoon!

The palace has two floors and twelve air-letting doors, and it is situated on a small island across from the riverside.

This historical site in Lahore isn't guarded, and you can ascend the stairs to the roof at your leisure. The building is surrounded by a well-kept lawn, which is ideal for a picnic or even a game of cricket.

If you decide to travel here (approximately an hour from Lahore's "downtown"), I strongly suggest coming here at sunset since the cotton candy reflection on the Ravi River is simply breathtaking.

🕓 Visiting hours: Dawn- Dusk

💵 Entrance fee: Free

 

Anarkali Bazaar

One of the nicest places to go in Lahore is the Anarkali Bazar. Whether you go there to shop, eat, or just to observe the locals, there is always something fresh to see here.

Although the bazaar may not be as maze-like as the Walled City, it is nevertheless fairly simple to get lost among its bustling streets. The bazaar is located in the historic area of Anarkali.

Cool, huh? The market is also one of the oldest in South Asia. EVEN WITH being the location of a tomb with an interesting history.

A girl with the name Anarkali worked as an escort. Allegedly had a relationship with Crown Prince Jahangir, also known as the then-Mughal Emperor Akbar's son.

The ornate tomb of Anarkali must be visited in addition to exploring the bazaar's alleyways since she was interred nearby.

Foodie tip: The restaurant in the previous picture makes some of the best puris in Lahore, so I highly recommend stopping by for some chole bhature there.

Even though Anarkali is undoubtedly lively on weekends and holidays, motorbikes that persist on slicing past groups of pedestrians can be annoying (in my opinion that is.)

If you wish to stroll around more pleasantly, avoid rush hour (4:00–7:00 PM) and come on a weekday.

🕓 Visiting hours: Most shops open around 6 AM and close by midnight

💵 Entrance fee: Free

 

Religious sites

Well-known religious sites in the city include:

·         Badshahi Mosque

·         Dai Anga Mosque

·         Darbar Madho Lal Hussain

·         Data Darbar Complex

·         Grand Jamia Mosque, Lahore

·          Gurdwara Dera Sahib

·         Gurdwara Janam Asthan Guru Ram Das

·         Krishna Mandir, Lahore

·         Lava Temple

Museums

·         Army Museum Lahore

·         Fakir Khana

·         Islamic Summit Minar

·         Javed Manzil

·         Lahore Museum

·         National History Museum

·         National Museum of Science and Technology

·         Shakir Ali Museum

·         Tollinton Market-Lahore City Heritage Museum

Tombs

·         Tomb of Ali Mardan Khan

·         Tomb of Allama Iqbal

·         Tomb of Anarkali

·         Tomb of Asif Khan

·         Tomb of Dai Anga

·         Tomb of Jani Khan

·         Tomb of Jahangir

·         Tomb of Nadira Begum

·         Tomb of Nur Jahan

·         Tomb of Dai Anga Buddhu's

·         Tomb Cypress

·         Tomb or Sarowala Maqbara

·         Tomb of Zeb-un-Nissa Begum

·         Tomb of Gul Begum

Education

·         With more colleges and institutions than any other city in Pakistan, Lahore is referred to be the country's educational hub. 74% of Lahore's population is literate. The city has Pakistan's only future hyper high-tech centre and produces the majority of the country's experts in the fields of science, technology, IT, law, engineering, medical, nuclear sciences, pharmacology, telecommunication, biotechnology, microelectronics, and nanotechnology.

·         The majority of excellent institutions are public; however the number of private universities has increased recently. Only one business school in Pakistan that has received AACSB accreditation is Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). Several of Pakistan's top and oldest educational institutions are located in Lahore, including:

·         Aitchison College, established in 1886

·         Beacon house National University, established in 2003

·         Central Model School, established in 1883

·         Crescent Model Higher Secondary School, established in 1968

·         College of Home Economics, established in 1955

·         College of Statistical and Actuarial Sciences, established in 1950

·         Convent of Jesus and Mary, established in 1867

·         Dayal Singh College, established in 1910

·         De'Montmorency College of Dentistry, established in 1929

·         Fatima Jinnah Medical University, established in 1948

·         Forman Christian College, established in 1864

·         Government College University, Lahore, established in 1864

·         Hailey College of Commerce, established in 1927

·         Islamia College, established in 1892

·         Jamia Ashrafia, established in 1947

·         King Edward Medical University, established in 1860