Multan has its own charm, culture and crafts. Multan, one of the most ancient cities of Pakistan has the distinction of possessing an almost uninterrupted history of religio-political activities spread over a period of not less than five thousand years.

History

The history of Multan prior to the arrival of the Arabs in the 8th century A.D. is obscure. Alexander is said to have passed through the district in about 325-326 B.C. but his route cannot be traced. It is probable that Multan was the city of Mali which Alexander stormed and where he was wounded.

About 327 B.C. the Macedonians were ousted by Chandragupta and the maurya dynasty remained in power till the beginning of the second century A.D. From 30 B.C. to 470 A.D. The Kushan Dynasty ruled over the area, and from 470-550 A.D. the white huns are believed to have held sway.

Multan figures as the capital of an important province of the Kingdom of Sindh in the writings of the early Arab geographers. Multan was conquered by Arabs under Muhammad Bin Qasim in 712 A.D. after defeating Raja Dahir.

Thereafter, the town remained for three centuries the outpost of Islam in South Asia, under the Caliph of Baghdad. It remained nominally subject to the Lodhies, Ghaznavis and Mohammad Ghauri up to the end of the 12 century. From the beginning of the 13 century for the next three centuries, the history of Multan is practically the history of the incursions from Western and Central Asia.

Under the Mughal Emperors, Multan enjoyed a long period of peace between 1528-1748 and was known as Dar-ul-Aman (City of Peace).

In 1752 Multan became a province owing allegiance to Afghan Kings. It was then ruled by Pathan governors. After 1771, Multan witnessed continued warfare between Sikh and the Nawab of Multan. Between 1818 and 1845, it remained under the Sikhs rule and finally came under the British rule in 1849.

The City

Multan city has the distinction of being the birthplace of three distinguished men in history; Mohammad Tughlaq, Emperor Bahlol Lodhi and Ahmed Shah Abdali.

The city of Multan is bound on the north by the depression lying between it and the fort and on all other sides by a brick wall. It has six gates i.e. Lohari Gate, Pak Gate, Bohar Gate, Delhi Gate, Haram Gate, and Daulat Gate. The old city has narrow colorful bazaars full of local handicrafts and narrow winding lanes. There are many places of historical, cultural and recreational interest in the city.

Ancient Monuments : Ancient, old, modest, memorable, majestic, massive, magical, mysterious and all these adjectives still cannot fully describe Multan’s monuments.

Shrines
Mausoleum of Hazrat Bahauddin Zakria : Hazrat Bahauddin Zakria as a saint is respected throughout the country particularly in southern Punjab and Sind. The mausoleum is a square of 51 feet,9 inches measured internally. With intricate work on the walls.

Mausoleum of Rukn-i-Alam : The mausoleum of Rukn-i-Alam is the glory of Multan. The tomb was built by the emperor Ghiasud Din Tughlak. To the present day, it is well maintained and still visited by thousands of pilgrim. The dome of the mausoleum is considered the second largest in the world. The mausoleum is built entirely of red brick bounded with beams of Shisham wood. The bricks give a look of distinction and sanctity.

Mausoleum of Shah Shams Tabrez : About a quater of a mile to the east of the Fort on the high bank of old bed of River Ravi is the Mausoleum of Shah Shams Tabrez. The Shrine was built in 1330 AD. The tomb is square, 30 ft. in height surrounded by a hemispherical dome.

Multan Fort : Origins of Multan Fort are not known. It was built on a detached, rather high mound of earth separated from the city by the bed of an old branch of the River Ravi. There is no fort now as it was destroyed by the British. The fort now forms a part of the city because instead of the river it is now separated by a road which looks like a bazaar. The fort stands on the biggest part of the mound, on which the town is built. The walls of the fort are flanked by thirty towers and enclose numerous houses, mosques and shrines the beauty of which was damaged by the Guns of Ranjit Singh in 1818. A beautiful panoramic view of Multan city can be had from Damdama, the highest point in the Fort.

Mosques

• Sawi Mosque
• Lamia Mosque
• Ali Muhammad Khan Mosque
• The Eidgah Mosque

Festival, Fairs & Melas

Religious festivals in Multan are a peculiar mixture of devotion, festivity and celebration. Multan is famous for its shrines. Annual Urs is held on every shrine. Well know are the Urs of Shah Rukh-e-Alam, Bahadauddin Zakaria, Shah Shams Sabzwari, Shah Jamal, Sher Shah and Mela Ludden Pir.

What to Buy

Local Handicrafts : Multan is famous for its various types of handicrafts. Multani Khussa (shoes), embroidery work of all types, thread and ‘Aar’ work costumes for ladies, embroidered cloths, cholas or kurtas “for men” painted and glazed earthen pottery. Camel skin products, carpets and lacquered wooden products, are extremely attractive and sought after souvenirs.

Shopping Centres : Besides the old narrow colourful bazaars, the main shopping centres are Bazaar Hussain Agahi, Chowk Bazaar, Bohar Gate, Haram Gate, Delhi Gate Lohari Gate and Pak Gate Bazaars in the old city and the Cantonment shopping area.