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
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