Ancient Places in Pakistan

Ancient Places in Pakistan

Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan situated in South Asia. It is the 5^th most populous country in the world with an incredibly intriguing history, a blend of different cultures, and a strategic geographical location and with an abundance of natural beauty. Pakistan shares borders with Afghanistan, China, India, and Iran. Pakistan is the only Country in the world to have been created in the name of Islam. The word Pakistan means, “Land of the Pure”. The territory that makes up Pakistan was the site of several ancient civilizations and these civilizations have left their imprint on the land, the culture and its peoples. Today Pakistan has numerous ancient sites, some more famous than others, but all essentially depict and showcase very rich and vast history of the Civilization.

Below is the list of the most famous ancient places in the beautiful country of Pakistan

Mohenjo-Daro

Mohenjo-Daro is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the district of Larkana, in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. Mohenjo-Daro literally means “mound of the dead men” it was built around 2500 BCE. It is one of the most beautiful and world-famous archaeological sites. It is regarded as one of the world’s earliest major cities and as one of the largest settlements of ancient Indus-valley Civilization. Mohenjo-Daro was discovered in the year 1922 and it is nearly 5000 years old city which makes it the oldest civilization is known on earth after the Chinese Civilization. Thousands of people from all over the world visit this remarkable site to explore more about the history and just to witness its magnificence.

Lahore Fort and the Shalamar Gardens

The Lahore Fort and the Shalamar Gardens were built in the Mughal era by the order of the Mughal emperors. These places in Lahore are an example of the exquisite aesthetic sense and approach of the Mughal era and they depict the Mughal era’s approach towards art and architecture. Lahore Fort and the royal Shalamar Gardens attract the attention of tourists worldwide. The fort is located in the northwest part of Lahore City. The Shalamar Gardens are with beautiful lawns, exotic fountains and constructions, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the Year 1642. Ever since then they have been renovated several times.

 

Makli

Makli Necropolis is one of the world’s largest funerary sites. It is spread over an area of 10 square kilometers. Located near the city of Thatta, in the province of Sindh Pakistan. There are approximately 500,000 to 1 million tombs. All these tombs have been built over a period of 400 years. These tombs belong to numerous royals, Sufi-saints, and prestigious scholars. The monuments and mausoleums are built using glazed tiles, best quality stone, and bricks which represent the architecture of Sindh Civilization.

Takht-i-Bahi

The Takht-i-Bahi is located up a 152 m hill and it is about 16 km from Mardan City in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Takht-i-bahi means “spring throne”. It has four major parts; Stupas courts, the monastic complex, tantric complex, and a temple complex. This Buddhist monastery was founded in the 1^st century and was in use till the 7^th century. This archaeological site is regarded as being the most significant representative of the architecture of Buddhist monastic centers from its era.

Taxila

Taxila is a city located near the capital of Pakistan, Islamabad. It is the most approachable archaeological site because it is being very near to Islamabad. The history of this city dates back to the Gandhara period. Taxila now is home to the ruins of Gandhara Civilization. Hindus and Buddhists still have many sacred placed and temples in Taxila.

Minar-e-Pakistan

Minar-e-Pakistan’s construction was completed in the year 1968. It took 8 years for its completion. Minar-e-Pakistan means ‘tower of Pakistan’, is located in the city of Lahore, in the province of Punjab, Pakistan. It is important from a historical point of view because the ‘Lahore resolution” was passed at this location in the year 1940. This place reminds the efforts that were made by the people of Pakistan to gain freedom and independence. It also instills and renews the sense of patriotism in the individuals.

Rohtas Fort

The Rohtas Fort is situated near Jehlum, Punjab. It was constructed by the ruler Sher Shah Suri as a garrison. This fort depicts an amazing architecture with Islamic touch which makes it stands out among others. It is located on top of a hill, the location was chosen as a strategic plan so that the army could protect themselves better against the Ghakkars.

 

Badshahi Mosque

The Badshahi mosque is another living wonder of the amazing Mughal art. It was built in the Mughal era by Emperor Aurangzeb. It was built in the year 1671. It can accommodate approximately 100,000 worshippers which make it the second largest mosque in the country. It is constructed using red bricks which make it more aesthetically appealing.

 

Katas Raj Temples

These are several temples joined together by walkways. These temples surround a pond which is called Katas and it is regarded as a sacred pond by the Hindus. Kata’s Raj temples are located near the Town of Kalar Kahar, in the province of Punjab. The pond is said to be created from the tears of a Hindu god Shiva. Shiva cried forlornly after the death of his wife Sati, and his teardrops formed the pond Katas.

 

Above mentioned sites are only a few ancient sites among hundreds of others. Each site possesses its own beauty and history which makes is uniquely attractive in its own way. Pakistan is home to numerous ancient sites dripping with historical richness and fascinating history.

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