Lahore Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / November 10, 2024
Lahore Then
Lahore, the second-largest city in Pakistan and the capital of the Punjab province has a rich and diverse history, and its name has various proposed origins.
Historical records show different versions of its name, with early Muslim historians referencing it as Luhawar, Lūhār, and Rahwar.
The renowned Persian scholar Abu Rayhan Al-Biruni referred to it as Luhāwar in his 11th-century work, while the famous poet Amir Khusrow used the term Lāhanūr.
Other historical sources, such as Yaqut al-Hamawi, mention it as Lawhūr, noting its more common name as Lahāwar.
One prevailing theory is that the city’s name is a variation of the ancient term “Ravāwar,” potentially linked to the Ravi River, a significant feature in the region’s history, derived from the Sanskrit name Iravatyāwar.
Another possibility is that Lahore’s name is connected to the word “Lohar,” meaning “blacksmith,” which could reflect the city’s traditional industries.
A popular legend suggests that Lahore was named after Prince Lava, the son of the Hindu gods Sita and Rama, with the city possibly being founded by him and named Lavpur, meaning “City of Lava.”
This myth ties Lahore to ancient Indian epics, although the historical establishment of the city occurred long after the time of these figures.
These diverse interpretations reflect Lahore’s deep cultural and historical significance, blending mythology with the reality of its ancient and evolving identity.
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Lahore History
Lahore, one of Pakistan’s most historically and culturally significant cities, has played a central role in the region’s history for centuries.
Located in the province of Punjab, Lahore has been a key city in the subcontinent, serving as a political, cultural, and economic hub throughout various periods of history.
Lahore’s origins date back to ancient times, and it is believed to have been established by the Hindu Rajputs.
It rose to prominence under Muslim rule during the Mughal Empire, which expanded its influence across the subcontinent in the 16th and 17th centuries. Lahore was a major Mughal city and served as the capital of the empire during the reign of Emperor Akbar.
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During this time, the city became a center of art, culture, and learning, with the construction of grand architectural marvels such as the Lahore Fort and the Shalimar Gardens.
Following the decline of the Mughal Empire, Lahore was captured by the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century.
Under Sikh rule, the city continued to thrive as a center of commerce and culture.
However, the British East India Company took control of the region in the mid-19th century, and Lahore became an important city in British India, both strategically and administratively.
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In the years leading up to Pakistan’s independence in 1947, Lahore was at the heart of political movements calling for the creation of a separate Muslim state.
The All-India Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, held significant meetings in Lahore, including the historic Lahore Resolution in 1940.
The Lahore Resolution, also known as the Pakistan Resolution, was a turning point in the struggle for an independent Muslim state, marking the formal call for the creation of Pakistan.
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When Pakistan was established in 1947, Lahore became part of the newly created country, and its historical significance continued to grow.
It has since become a major center for education, industry, and cultural development in Pakistan.
Today, Lahore remains one of Pakistan’s most vibrant cities, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively cultural scene, making it a symbol of Pakistan’s past and its future.
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Lahore Now
Lahore, the capital and largest city of Pakistan’s Punjab province holds a prominent place in the nation’s history and culture.
With a population exceeding 13 million, it is the second-largest city in Pakistan and the 26th-largest in the world.
Strategically located along the River Ravi in central-eastern Punjab, Lahore is not only a bustling metropolis but also the largest Punjabi-speaking city globally.
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As a major industrial, educational, and economic hub, the city plays a key role in shaping Pakistan’s national landscape.
Historically, Lahore has been the cultural and political heart of the Punjab region, influencing the wider subcontinent.
It has long been a center of literature, art, and intellectual discourse, earning it the designation of a UNESCO City of Literature.
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The city houses many of Pakistan’s most prominent educational institutions, making it an essential player in the nation’s academic development.
In addition, Lahore is home to the Punjabi film industry, contributing significantly to the country’s entertainment scene.
The city’s rich musical heritage, particularly in Qawwali, also enhances its cultural identity.
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Lahore’s significance extends beyond its intellectual and cultural contributions.
The city is a major center for tourism, attracting visitors with its historical landmarks, such as the Walled City, the majestic Badshahi and Wazir Khan mosques, and several revered Sikh and Sufi shrines.
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Among its most renowned sites are the Lahore Fort and the Shalimar Gardens, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites that reflect the city’s deep historical roots.
Lahore’s unique blend of history, culture, and modernity makes it one of the most socially liberal, progressive, and cosmopolitan cities in Pakistan.
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FAQs
Lahore is famous in India due to its historical significance, cultural ties, and shared history during the time of British India. It was an important center of culture, education, and politics.
After the partition in 1947, it became part of Pakistan, but the cultural connections, shared language (Punjabi), and historical memories continue to link it to India.
The old name of Lahore was Lavapuri (meaning “City of Lava”), which is believed to have been named after Lava, the son of the Hindu god Lord Rama.
However, the city’s more common historical name in ancient times was Lahawar.
The second largest city of Pakistan is Lahore, after Karachi, which is the largest city.
Lahore is famous for its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks like the Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, and Shalimar Gardens.
It’s also known for its vibrant food culture, traditional festivals, and being the heart of Punjab’s arts, music, and literature. Lahore is often referred to as the cultural capital of Pakistan.