History of Multan

 

Multan is an ancient city located in the province of Punjab in modern-day Pakistan. It has a rich history that spans over thousands of years and has been inhabited by various civilizations and religions. The city is renowned for its vibrant culture, historic sites, and religious significance.

The earliest known reference to Multan dates back to the 6th century BCE when it was ruled by the Persian empire. The city was then known as Mulastan and was an important center of trade and commerce. During this time, the city was a hub for the production of textiles, leather goods, and precious metals, which were traded with other civilizations in the region.

In 326 BCE, the city was conquered by Alexander the Great during his invasion of the Indian subcontinent. After the death of Alexander, the city came under the rule of the Mauryan Empire. During this time, the city became an important center of Buddhism and several Buddhist monasteries were established in the city.

In the 7th century CE, the city came under the rule of the Arab conqueror Muhammad Bin Qasim. The city was converted to Islam and became an important center for Islamic education and religion. During this time, the city was known for its thriving Muslim community and was a hub for the production of textiles and other goods.

In the 11th century, the city was conquered by the Ghaznavid Empire. During this time, the city became an important center for the production of textiles and was renowned for its vibrant culture and intellectual scene.

In the 12th century, the city was conquered by the Ghurid dynasty and became an important center of learning. During this time, several madrasas (Islamic schools) were established in the city and it became a hub for Islamic education and learning.

In the 13th century, the city was conquered by the Mongol Empire and became part of their empire for several centuries. During this time, the city was known for its vibrant culture and was a center for trade and commerce.

In the 15th century, the city came under the rule of the Mughal Empire. During this time, the city became an important center for the production of textiles and was renowned for its vibrant culture and intellectual scene. The Mughal emperor Akbar built a fort in the city, which still stands today and is a major tourist attraction.

In the 18th century, the city came under the rule of the Afghan king Ahmad Shah Durrani. During this time, the city was known for its vibrant culture and was a hub for the production of textiles and other goods.

In the 19th century, the city became part of the British Empire and was an important center of trade and commerce. During this time, the city was known for its vibrant culture and was a hub for the production of textiles and other goods.

After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, Multan became part of the newly formed country. The city has since developed into an important industrial and commercial center, with a thriving textile industry, agriculture, and tourism sector. The city is also an important religious center for the Sufi community and is home to several historic shrines and religious sites, including the shrine of Baha-ud-din Zakariya, one of the most famous Sufi saints in South Asia.

In conclusion, Multan has a rich and diverse history that spans over thousands of years. The city has been inhabited by various civilizations and religions and has been an important center of trade, commerce, education, and religion throughout its history. Today, Multan is an important commercial and industrial center, with a thriving textile industry, agriculture, and tourism sector. The city is also an