History of Lahore:
Lahore was founded by Loh the son of Rama Chandra. However the accorded history of Lahore dates back to 850AD. Conquered by Mahmood Gaznavi in 1021AD, it was made the capital of the Ghaznavid east of Indus and later captital of entire Ghaznavid Empire by Masud, son of Mahmood. It was then that Lahore became the centre of social, cultural and educational activities reaching the pinnacle of its glory under the Mughals who gave it its famous architecture including the magnificent fort, gardens, tombs, mosques and pavilions.
Lahore owes much to the Mughal Princes, for it was here that Shah Jehan made the Shalimar Gardens, Aurangzeb constructed the World famous Badshahi Mosque, and it is here that the emperor Jehangir and his beloved wife Nur Jehan are buried. The massively fortified walls of Lahore fort speak eloquently of the days gone by. Its origin is not known. However, Mughal Emperor Akber gave it a face lift and made it one of the most splendid forts in the sub continent. One can almost envision the royal Princes and Princesses moving within the calm splendour of its magnificent walls. The famous Anarkali Bazaar (named after the legendary Anarkali) is almost adjacent to the historical Lahore Museum, whose collection of coins and crafts unveil the secrets of centuries.
The British during their reign (1849~1947) combined Mughal, Gothic and Colonial architecture with Victorian style and made many historical buildings like the High Court, Government College, the Central Museum, National College of Arts, Montgomery Hall, Tollinton Market, Punjab University and the Provincial Assembly.
Much change have been made to the old Lahore after the independence of Pakistan. It has become the capital of Punjab Province and Culture Capital of Pakistan.
Old Names of Lahore:
- Laha-war
- Laha-noor
- Loh-pur
- Mahmood-pur
- Labokla
- Samandpal Nagiri
- Lohar-pur
Time Line:
|
Date |
Description |
|
1000BC |
Foundation of Lahore by Prince Loh, Son of Rama Chandra |
|
630AD |
A Great Brahmanb City according to Hieun Tsang |
|
800~900AD |
Under Brahmanb rule |
|
975AD |
Subuktgin, father of Mahmood Ghaznavi of Ghazni invades Lahore and defeats Raja Jaipal |
|
1021AD |
Mahmood Ghaznavi Captures the City |
|
1043AD |
Hindu Rajas of Northern India besiege Lahore for seven months |
|
1039~1099AD |
Golden Rule of Ghaznavids under Zahir-ud-Din Ibrahim |
|
1157~1186AD |
Capital of Ghaznavids under twelfth Ghaznavid Emperor |
|
1186~1206AD |
Shahab-ud-Din Ghauri conquers Lahore and brings it under the Ghorid Empire |
|
1241~1310AD |
The Mongols ransack Lahore several times |
|
1398AD |
Tamerlane plunders Lahore |
|
1236~1526AD |
Lahore plays almost no role. The Khilji, Tughlaq, Syed and Lodhi dynasties succeed one another in Delhi till Babur captures it in 1524 and lays foundations of the Moghul Empire |
|
1524AD |
Babur captures Lahore |
|
1554AD |
Babar's son Humayun returns in triumph after 14 years of exile |
|
1606AD |
Emperor Jehangir besieges Lahore |
|
1622AD |
Jehangir fixes his court in Lahore |
|
1629AD |
Shahjehan proclaimed emperor at Lahore |
|
1629~1658AD |
Lahore enjoys peace and prosperity under Ali Mardan and Wazir Khan, Governors of Emperor Shahjehan |
|
1659AD |
Emperor Aurangzeb enters Lahore |
|
1712AD |
Aurangzeb's death at Lahore |
|
1739AD |
Nadir Shah Durrani, the King of Persia captures Lahore |
|
1748~1767AD |
Nadir's successor, Ahmad Shah Abdali invades Lahore eight times |
|
1764~1794AD |
Three Sikh Chiefs Lahna Singh, Sobha Singh and Gujjer Singh occupy Lahore |
|
1799~1839AD |
Lahore under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the Sikh ruler of the Punjab |
|
1839~1848AD |
Successors of Ranjit Singh |
|
1849AD |
Annexation of the Punjab by the British brings Lahore under their control |
|
1857AD |
East India Company transfers its powers to the British crown and Lahore becomes part of the British Empire |
|
1857~1947AD |
British rule |
|
1947AD |
Creation of Pakistan |
Old Images of Lahore:
