Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Rahim Yar Khan

Posted by farrukh


Rahim Yar Khan
Rahim Yar Khan city is one of the few cities in the world that are still at their pioneering places since the formation like London and Damascus. It has been renamed customarily amid last 5000 years, first available (on record) name was AROR or ALOR, and then it became City of Pattan, Phul Wada, Noshehra and now Rahim Yar Khan.

Rahim Yar Khan city is one of the few cities in the world that are still at their pioneering places since the formation like London and Damascus. It has been renamed customarily amid last 5000 years, first available (on record) name was AROR or ALOR, and then it became City of Pattan, Phul Wada, Noshehra and now Rahim Yar Khan

Rahim Yar Khan is one of the modern district headquarter cities in Punjab. Although the city seems a far off place to those living in Lahore, Karachi or Islamabad, but the city has very good civic facilities. It is connected with rest of Pakistan by air, rail and road and all types of telecommunication links are available. The city has good educational facilities in public and private sector and Sheikh Zayed Medical College is the latest addition to these.

General Description

Rahim Yar Khan was declared as a separate administration district in 1943. The district derives its name from its headquarter Rahim Yar Khan. The previous name of this district was Naushehra, which was built in 1875 A.D by Fazal Elahi Halani on the ruins of the ancient Pul-Wadda during the Sumra supremacy in Sindh. In the year 1881, the Railway Authorities desired to change the name of a railway station in the name of a town called Nowshera situated in Peshawar district. Consequently in 1881 to avoid any confusion because of similar nomenclature Nawab Sadiq Khan-IV of Bahawalpur also changed the name of the sub-division Naushera after the name of his first son Rahim Yar Khan.

Location

The district lies between 27°- 40¢ to 29°-16¢ north latitudes and 60° - 45¢ to 70° - 01¢east longitudes.

Boundaries

Rahim Yar Khan is bounded on the north by Muzaffargarh district, on the east by Bahawalpur district, on the south by Jasilmir (India ) and Ghotki district of Sindh province and on the west by Rajanpur district.

Area

The total area of the district is 11,880 square kilometers. The district comprises four Tehsils, namely Rahim yar Khan, Sadiqabad, Liaqatpur and Khanpur. There are three municipal committees and five town committees in the district.

Physical features and Topography

This district is divided into three main physical features i.e.
(a) Riverine area,
(b) Canal irrigated area, and
(c) Desert area which is called Cholistan.

The Riverine area of the district lies close on the southern side of the Indus River mainly falling on the riverbed. The Canal irrigated area lies on the south and is separated by main Minchun Bund. The approximate height of the irrigated area is 150 to 200 meters above the sea level. The part of the area is called Cholistan lies on the south of the irrigated tract up to the Indo-Pak border. The surface of the desert consists of successions of sand dunes rising at places to a height of 150 meters and covered with the vegetation peculiar to sandy tracts.

Flora

The flora of the district characterizes two major ecological divisions, northern and southern. The botanical life found in the northern half identifies itself with that of the rest of the irrigated tracts at central Punjab. There had been considerable increase in the cultivated area, factors such as water logging and salinity have badly hit plant life and with the increase of salinity at the surface only the salt resistant plants can survive in most of the area.

The southern area of the district is characterized by sand dunes, more or less barren of vegetation except in the rainy season.

The bulk of the vegetation consists of stunted, thorny or prickly shrubs and perennial herbs capable of withstanding drought. Most of the vegetation grows in open clump formations with plenty of vacant spaces between them. Distinctly scattered trees of stunted growth are found along the depressions technically known as desert scrub

Weather

The climate of the district is hot and dry in the summer and cold and dry in the winter. The summer season is comparatively longer. It starts in the month of April and continues till October. The winter season goes from November to March. However, the months of March and November are pleasant. Dust storms are frequent during summer season. The average rainfall is about 100millimeters.

Rainfall

Generally there is a little rainfall and at times almost none.

History

When Alexander gained victory over Multan, he appointed General Philipos to rule Multan and Uch and advanced himself towards Alor. The country remained under Philops, who was afterwards driven out by Poros after the death of Aleander. This part of the country is also said to have been a part of the Buddhist Empire of Ashoka. Authenticated history of the district begins by about 493 A.D. when Raja dynasty of Rai dynasty came to the throne. In the Rai dynasty dominions were vast, extending from Kashmir and Kanauj to Kandhar and Seistan and on the west to Mekran and a part of Debal, while on the south to Surat. Their capital was Alor and during their rule Sindh was divided into four provinces of Bahmanabad, Siwistan, Chachpur and the province consisting of Multan and west Punjab. The Rai dynasty governed Sindh for 137 years and met its fate when the king Rai Sahasi 11, allowed a Brahman Chach to gain influence in his kingdom. On the death of Rai Sahasi 11, Chach married his widow and established himself on the throne after killing the rightful heir of the Rai.

The territory remained under the various governors appointed by the Abbbasidexzs and the Ummayids from 712-870 A.D. In 871 A.D the powers of Caliphs declined and thew province of Sindh slipped from their control and went under the Balkh dynesty when two participalities, Multan and Mansura ( Bahawalpur Division ) werew founded. In 985 A.D,the Balkh ruler was over thrown by Karamatian ( a persian sect. ). In 978 A.D, when Subak Tagin invaded the subcontinent, he left the territory under the sovereignty of Hamid Khan Lodhi, who ruled till 1004 A.D. When Abdul Fateh, son of Hamid Khan Lodhi, revolted against Ghaznavids and was jailed by Mahmud Ghaznavi. Fourteen years later, Mahmud again visited Multan and marched to Somnathpassing through Bahawalpur territory and on his way visited Moujgarh Fort (in Bahawalpur Tehsil ) On his rewturn from the conquest of Somnath. Mahmud placed a Karamatian prince on the throne in theis area. The reign of Karamatian was followed by Sumaras and Samas; who ruled it for nearly 500 years. In the 1578 A.D the territory was invaded and conquered by the Ghjori Sultans of Delhi, who were succeeded by the Mughals

On the death of Amir Bahawal Khan III, Sadiq Mohammad Khan III, (1852-1853 ) was crowned as Amir. On assuming rule, he confined prince Haji Khan and his brothers and treated them harshly. A large number of the Bahawalpur army was demobilized. All the grants, rights and claims of Daudpotas and other usual expenses were diminished and abolished. These events made the Amir unpopular. On the 29th of Rabi-ul-Sani, 1269 A.H, Fateh Garh Fort was attacked at night. Prince Haji Khan who was kept as prisner, was freed and brought to Khanpur.. Prince Haji Khan, who was kept as a prisnor, was freed and brought to Khanpur. Haji Khan entered Ahmedpur East without any resistance and Sadiq Muhammad Khan 111 was imprisoned. Prince Rahim nYar Khan succeeded his father, the late Amir Fateh Khan Abbasi, as Muhammmad Bahawal Khan IV ( 1858-1866 ). He was poisoned and died on the 25th March. 1866. On the death of Bahawal Khan IV, Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV was crowned when he was four and half years old. He was installed in 1879, when he attained maturity. In the interim period from 1866 to 1879, British Officers supervised the state. Amir Muhammad Bahawal Khan V, the next successor was about 16 years of age at the time of his father's death in 1907. He was then a child of three years old. He ruled the state till 1955 when it was integrated in the Punjab province of Pakistan.


Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Khan Pur

Posted by farrukh


A WINTER EVENING

A WINTER EVENING

NAEEM UL DIN

Khan Pur is an important city in southern Punjab.It is a major railway junction on Karachi-Pashawar railway line.Before independence it was a district headquarter in Bahawal pur State but now it is a tehsil of Rahim yar khan district.Khan Pur is a city of rich culture and educated people.There are many educational institutes in the city.In this area people speak urdu,punjabi and sraiki languages.Khan Pur is close to Indian border in Cholistan area.Cholistan is a largest desert in Pakistan with very old archeological history.

Places Of Interest

Bhutta Wahan

It is situated at a distance of 16 kilometers in the North of Rahim Yar Khan, on the lost river Hakra. The village is said to be named after the name of Raja Bhutta who captured this locality after Raja Dahir. This village is also claimed to be the birth place of Sassi, the renowned heroine of Sassi-Pannun and of Ab-ul-Fazal and Fiazi, sons of Mullah Mubarik.

Baghla Fort

Remnants and ruins of this fort are about 34 kilometers in the south of Rahim Yar Khan city, in Cholistan area. In 1767 A.D., Ali Murad Pirjani, founder of Trinda Ali Murad Khan (a village in Thesil Rahim Yar Khan ) built this fort.

Islam Garh Fort

Islam Garh ,the old Bhinwar Fort, was built by Rawal Bhim Singh in Samabat in 1665, as the following inscription on its gate in Babri character proves "Samabat 1665 Asuj Wadi 2, Maharaj Rawal Siri Bhim Singh ji Maharaj". The Fort is situated in the Cholistan area of Tehsil Khanpur. It is 46 kilometers south east of Baghla Fort. The fort is in a dilapidated state.

Khair Garh Fort

Remnants and ruins of this fort are located, about 40 kilometers south of Khanpur Town, in the Cholistan area. In 1189 A.H. Haji Khan, son of Ikhtiar Khan built it and named it Khair Garh.

Mau Bubarik Fort

According to Tarikh-e-Murad, a fort was built by Raj Hans Karar in Mau Mubarik as a residence for his mother, hence the name Mau refers to mother in local language. The fort was taken by Shah Arghun in 1525 A.D. It was one of the six fortresses of Raj Sahasi 11. It had 20 bastions and Towers. The ramparts were about 549 meters in circumference and the walls very strongly and thickly built. Here the shrine of a saint Sheikh Hakim is of great importance.

Pattan Minara

The ruins of Pattan Minara are located at a distance of about 8 kilometers in east south of Rahim Yar Khan city. It has variously been described as the remains of Asahoka period, who built it in 250 B.C. or a Buddist monastery. Nearby the minar, remains of a fort, a mosque and some tunnels are also visible. About 110 years ago Colonel Minchin a political agent of Ex-Bahawalpur state started the excavation of these tunnels but discontiued digging for some reasons or other. According to Colonel Toy it was the capital of the Hindu kingdom in 10 A.D. In the mid of the 18th century A.D. Fazal Elahi Khan Halani a Daupauta chief destroyed it and used its materials in the construction of Baghla and Dingar Fort.

Mosque Of Bhong

It is situated in the village Bhong at a distance of 28 kilometers from Sadiqabad and 53 kilometers from Rahim Yar Khan. It was constructed by Rias Ghazi Muhammad, a big landlord of Bhong. It has beautiful design of arts and crafts, with marble stones of various kinds and colors. It is well electrified with chandeliers of different kinds. It is a beautiful piece of architecture. Being a worth seeing religious place, tourists from far off places visit it frequently.

Palace Sultan Of Abu Dhabi

It is built by Shiekh Zayad- Bin-Sultan, ruler of Abu Dhabi. It is situated in sandy desert of Cholistan at a distance of 18 kilometers south-east from Rahim Yar Khan. It has large and spacious buildings having two separate portions for ladies and gentlemen. Each portion contains rooms and chambers. There are beautiful lawns in it having different beds of flowers along the well-shaped roads. Many domestic birds like peacocks are also kept there. Sultan of Abu Dhabi visits this district for hunting and stays in this palace.

Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: palace sultan of abu dhabi

File:Rahimyar Khan District.png

Posted by farrukh

File:Rahimyar Khan District.png

From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository

Jump to: navigation, search
Description

Map of Punjab Pakistan with Rahimyar Khan District highlighted.

Date

24 December 2007(2007-12-24)

Source

Based on en:Image:Attockdst.PNG released into Public domain by en:User:Aarandir

Author

Pahari Sahib

Permission
(Reusing this file)

See below.

Yesterday's Alor is Today's Rahim Yar Khan

Posted by farrukh

History of Rahim Yar Khan
The city of Rahim Yar Khan is one of the few cities in the world that are still at their pioneering places since the formation like London and Damascus. It has been renamed customarily amid last 5000 years, first available (on record) name was AROR or ALOR, and then it became City of Pattan, Phul Wada, Noshehra and now Rahim Yar Khan. The ancient tower of Pattan Minara is standing just 13 km away from city center in the south in its original form however the surrounding lands on its very verge have been allotted to army personnel and Punjabi settlers for agriculture purpose, and the water for nurturing of lands is damaging the underground pedestal of this great monument and the tower has been entering in the surface gradually. As the ruling clique or administrating authority doesn’t belong to the area nor have any interest with the culture of thousand years old most civilized nation (of its time) of Indus Valley, they are allotting the lands to Punjabis who don’t care the historical heritage, culture, traditions and living styles of inhabitants but their tummies. The monument of Pattan Minara was the most remarkable primordial water route of great Indus valley civilization over the Ghaghra/Hacra River in the days of yore. Traditions assert that the city in the days of its prosperity extended over a hundred square miles. The ancient name of city of Pattan is Alor or Aror, which was the capital of Mousicanus, who, after a brief submission to Alexander revolted and was crucified in 325 B.C. In the 10th century Pattan was rebuilt by the Sumras, whose capital it remained for a long time and renamed it as Phul Wada. According to legends the city of Pattan destroyed due to the wickedness of woman.Virtually two third of district Rahim Yar Khan is covered by the desert of Cholistan or Rohi. Administratively Cholistan is divided between three districts of Bahawalpur division: Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan. Becuz of its warm climate Cholistan is also the domain of most deadly snakes. In all about sixty varieties are found. (Sah-Pivna) or Breath Sucker is supposed to be the most dangerous snake and subject of curious beliefs. It is said not to bite in day time even if held in hand, but at night it crawls in a sleeper's breast and poison its breath (by mingling its breath with that of its victim), striking him with sleeper;s side with its tail, so that awaking he may find no weapon to hand. People in Cholistan usually sleep with a lamp burning in the houses as Sah-Pivna is said to be afriand of light. However, the most delightful aspect of Cholistan is its bird life. The country abounds in birds, such as pigions, peacocks, crows, mynas and larks etc. but the migrant Houbara bustards can also be found after October, which attract hankering hunters from gulf and around the world to the region. Rahim Yar Khan is the capital city of district Rahim Yar Khan. It is striking nucleus extent city located on the south-western verge Punjab, bordering exquisite Rajhastan in south and Sindh in west. City's population is just under three hundred thousand while district have over 3 million. Virtually 40% of people in the region are settlers from Punjab, which occupied nigh on all civil services of all level and commerce of the city, and they have been allotted massive magnitude of rural lands while the denizens are living in peasantry. The district contains four tehsils (cities) "Sadik-a-Bad, Rahim Yar Khan, Liakat Pur and Khan Pur" and ten sub-tehsils (towns). Agriculture is the core source of revenue and the district has quite enormously rich cultivating lands. Cotton is the main crop of district but wheat, rice and sugar cane are also cultivated immensely. Mangoes and cotton goods are main export to the western countries and gulf. Right now Rahim Yar Khan is connected with the world by an international airport, 3rd generation of mobile phone technology and internet. It has bustling bazaars, educational institutes and health centers.


Apna Rahim Yar Khan

Posted by farrukh

شہر رحیم یارخاں خوبصورت اور جدید ترین سہولتوں سے مزین نئ آبادیوں کے درمیان گھرا ہوا ہے مگر پرانا شہر اپنی قدامت کا منہ بولتا ثبوت ہے،اب کوئ تصور بھی نہیں کر سکتا کہ دریاے سندھ کے پانیوں نے اس کی فصیلوں کو چھوا ہو گا۔ صدیوں پر محیط سفر کے دوران دریاے سندھ اس شہر سے دور ہٹتا چلا گیا۔ دریاے سندھ پانچ ساڑھے پانچ سال تک رحیم یارخاں، پتن منارہ اور اس کے ارد گرد رواں دواں رہا۔ مسلم دور حکومت میں جغرافیائ عوامل اچانک اور یکسر تبدیل ہو گے دریاۓ سندھ رحیم یارخاں اور پتن منارہ سے اپنی گولائ ختم کر کے 15۔20 میل دور ہٹ گیاحتی کہ سینکڑوں برس تک کوئ سیلابی ریلا بھی نہ گزرا جس سے زمینی پانی کھارا ہو گیا۔ اس شہر کی تاریخ کا ذکر بہاولپور کے داؤد پوترے حکمرانوں کے ساتھ ملتا ہے۔ ۱۷۵۱ ٔ میں ایک قدیم ویرانہ پھل وڈا پر ایک نٔے شہر کی بنیاد رکھی گئ اور اسے نوشہرہ کا نام دِیا گیا۔ سٹیٹ گزٹیئر ۱۹۰۴ ٔ میں اس کی تاریخ کی بابت یہ الفاظ درج ہیں "سومرا دورِ حکومت میں یہاں پھل اور اسکا بیٹا حکمران رہے۔

About Rahim Yar Khan

Rahim Yar Khan city is one of the few cities in the world that are still at their pioneering places since the formation like London and Damascus. It has been renamed customarily amid last 5000 years, first available (on record) name was AROR or ALOR, and then it became City of Pattan, Phul Wada, Noshehra and now Rahim Yar Khan

Rahim Yar Khan is one of the modern district headquarter cities in Punjab. Although the city seems a far off place to those living in Lahore, Karachi or Islamabad, but the city has very good civic facilities. It is connected with rest of Pakistan by air, rail and road and all types of telecommunication links are available. The city has good educational facilities in public and private sector and Sheikh Zayed Medical College is the latest addition to these.

General Description

Rahim Yar Khan was declared as a separate administration district in 1943. The district derives its name from its headquarter Rahim Yar Khan. The previous name of this district was Naushehra, which was built in 1875 A.D by Fazal Elahi Halani on the ruins of the ancient Pul-Wadda during the Sumra supremacy in Sindh. In the year 1881, the Railway Authorities desired to change the name of a railway station in the name of a town called Nowshera situated in Peshawar district. Consequently in 1881 to avoid any confusion because of similar nomenclature Nawab Sadiq Khan-IV of Bahawalpur also changed the name of the sub-division Naushera after the name of his first son Rahim Yar Khan.

History

When Alexander gained victory over Multan, he appointed General Philipos to rule Multan and Uch and advanced himself towards Alor. The country remained under Philops, who was afterwards driven out by Poros after the death of Aleander. This part of the country is also said to have been a part of the Buddhist Empire of Ashoka. Authenticated history of the district begins by about 493 A.D. when Raja dynasty of Rai dynasty came to the throne. In the Rai dynasty dominions were vast, extending from Kashmir and Kanauj to Kandhar and Seistan and on the west to Mekran and a part of Debal, while on the south to Surat. Their capital was Alor and during their rule Sindh was divided into four provinces of Bahmanabad, Siwistan, Chachpur and the province consisting of Multan and west Punjab. The Rai dynasty governed Sindh for 137 years and met its fate when the king Rai Sahasi 11, allowed a Brahman Chach to gain influence in his kingdom. On the death of Rai Sahasi 11, Chach married his widow and established himself on the throne after killing the rightful heir of the Rai.

Allah Kay Ghar - Bhong Mosque, Sadiqabad, Pakistan

Posted by farrukh

History of Sadiq Abad District Rahim Yar khan by Rana Zeeshan

Posted by farrukh

Rahim Yar Khan

Posted by farrukh


A  beautiful Masjid Gifted by Sh.Zayed

A beautiful Masjid Gifted by Sh.Zayed

Abdul Aleem Unilever

Rahim Yar khan was declared as a separate administration district in 1943. The district derives its name from its headquarter city Rahim Yar Khan. The previous name of this city was Naushehra which was built in 1875 A.D by Fazal Elahi Halani on the ruins of the ancient Pul-Wadda during the Sumra supremacy in Sindh. In the year 1881, the Railway Authorities desired to change the name of railway station in the name of a town called Nowshera situated in Peshawar district. Consequently in 1881 to avoid any confusion because of similar nomenclature, Nawab Sadiq Khan-IV of Bahawalpur changed the name of the sub-division Naushehra after the name of his first son crown prince Rahim Yar Khan.

Location


The district lies between 27.40' - 29.16' north latitudes and 60.45' - 70.01' east longitudes.

Area

The total area of the district is 11,880 square kilometers. The district comprises four Tehsils namely Rahim Yar Khan, Sadiqabad, Liaquatpur and Khanpur. All the Tehsils are Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA).


Rahim Yar Khan is bounded on the north by Dera Ghazi Khan district, on the east by Bahawalpur district, on the south by Jasilmir ( India ) and Ghotki district of Sindh province and on the west by Rajanpur district.

Physical Features & Topography

This district is divided into three main physical features i.e. (a) Riverine area. (b) Canal irrigated area and (c) Desert area which is called Cholistan. The Riverine area of the district lies close on the southern side of the Indus river mainly falling in the river bed. The canal irrigated area lies on the South and is separated by main Minchan Bund. The approximate height of the irrigated area is 150 to 200 meters above the sea level. The third part of the area called Cholistan lies in the south of the irrigated tract upto the Indo-Pak border. The surface of the desert consists of a succession of sand dunes rising at places to a height of 150 metres and covered with the vegetation peculiar to sandy tracts.

Weather

The climate of the district is hot and dry in the summer and cold and dry in the winter. The summer season is comparatively longer. It starts in April and continues till October. The winter season goes from November to March. However, the months of March and November are pleasant. Dust storms are frequent during summer season. The average rain fall is about 100 millimetres. General Description Of The District Rahim Yar Khan

Introduction


RYK was declared as a separate administration district in 1943. The district derives its name from its headquarter Rahim Yar Khan. The previous name of this district was Naushehra, which was built in 1875 A.D by Fazal Elahi Halani on the ruins of the ancient Pul-Wadda during the Sumra supremacy in Sindh. In the year 1881, the Railway Authorities desired to change the name of a railway station in the name of a town called Nowshera situated in Peshawar district. Consequently in 1881 to avoid any confusion because of similar nomenclature Nawab Sadiq Khan-IV of Bahawalpur also changed the name of the sub-division Naushera after the name of his first son Rahim Yar Khan.

Location


The district lies between 27°- 40¢ to 29°-16¢ north latitudes and 60° - 45¢ to 70° - 01¢east longitudes.

Boundaries

R Y K is bounded on the north by Muzaffargarh district, on the east by Bahawalpur district, on the south by Jasilmir ( India ) and Ghotki district of Sindh province and on the west by Rajanpur district.

Area


The total area of the district is 11,880 square kilometers. The district comprises four Tehsils, namely Rahim yar Khan, Sadiqabad, Liaqatpur and Khanpur. There are three municipal committees and five town committees in the district.

Physical features and Topography


This district is divided into three main physical features i.e.
(a) Riverine area,
(b) Canal irrigated area, and
(c) Desert area which is called Cholistan. The Riverine area of the district lies close on the southern side of the Indus River mainly falling on the riverbed. The Canal irrigated area lies on the south and is separated by main Minchun Bund. The approximate height of the irrigated area is 150 to 200 meters above the sea level. The part of the area is called Cholistan lies on the south of the irrigated tract up to the Indo-Pak border. The surface of the desert consists of successions of sand dunes rising at places to a height of 150 meters and covered with the vegetation peculiar to sandy tracts.

Flora


The flora of the district characterizes two major ecological divisions, northern and southern. The botanical life found in the northern half identifies itself with that of the rest of the irrigated tracts at central Punjab . There had been considerable increase in the cultivated area, factors such as water logging and salinity have badly hit plant life and with the increase of salinity at the surface only the salt resistant plants can survive in most of the area. The southern area of the district is characterized by sand dunes, more or less barren of vegetation except in the rainy season. The bulk of the vegetation consists of stunted, thorny or prickly shrubs and perennial herbs capable of withstanding drought. Most of the vegetation grows in open clump formations with plenty of vacant spaces between them. Distinctly scattered trees of stunted growth are found along the depressions technically known as desert scrub

Climate
Weather

The climate of the district is hot and dry in the summer and cold and dry in the winter. The summer season is comparatively longer. It starts in the month of April and continues till October. The winter season goes from November to March. However, the months of March and November are pleasant. Dust storms are frequent during summer season. The average rainfall is about 100millimeters.

Rainfall


Generally there is a little rainfall and at times almost none.

Ethintic Structure And History


History


When Alexander gained victory over Multan , he appointed General Philipos to rule Multan and Uch and advanced himself towards Alor. The country remained under Philops, who was afterwards driven out by Poros after the death of Aleander. This part of the country is also said to have been a part of the Buddhist Empire of Ashoka. Authenticated history of the district begins by about 493 A.D. when Raja dynasty of Rai dynasty came to the throne. In the Rai dynasty dominions were vast, extending from Kashmir and Kanauj to Kandhar and Seistan and on the west to Mekran and a part of Debal, while on the south to Surat . Their capital was Alor and during their rule Sindh was divided into four provinces of Bahmanabad, Siwistan, Chachpur and the province consisting of Multan and west Punjab . The Rai dynasty governed Sindh for 137 years and met its fate when the king Rai Sahasi 11, allowed a Brahman Chach to gain influence in his kingdom. On the death of Rai Sahasi 11, Chach married his widow and established himself on the throne after killing the rightful heir of the Rai. After a reign of 33 years, Chach died and was succeeded by his brother Chandar who after ruling for eight years was succeeded by his nephew Raja Dahir. During Dahir's reign some Arab carrying ships carrying merchandise were attacked and plundered by his subjects. Arsabs demanded compensation and on refusalby Raja Dahir, Muhammad Bin Qasim invaded this area in April 712 A.D and conquered the whole territory upto Multan . Dahir was killed in the battle at Pawar. The territory remained under the various governors appointed by the Abbbasidexzs and the Ummayids from 712-870 A.D. In 871 A.D the powers of Caliphs declined and thew province of Sindh slipped from their control and went under the Balkh dynesty when two participalities, Multan and Mansura ( Bahawalpur Division ) werew founded. In 985 A.D,the Balkh ruler was over thrown by Karamatian ( a persian sect. ). In 978 A.D, when Subak Tagin invaded the subcontinent, he left the territory under the sovereignty of Hamid Khan Lodhi, who ruled till 1004 A.D. When Abdul Fateh, son of Hamid Khan Lodhi, revolted against Ghaznavids and was jailed by Mahmud Ghaznavi. Fourteen years later, Mahmud again visited Multan and marched to Somnathpassing through Bahawalpur territory and on his way visited Moujgarh Fort (in Bahawalpur Tehsil ) On his rewturn from the conquest of Somnath. Mahmud placed a Karamatian prince on the throne in theis area. The reign of Karamatian was followed by Sumaras and Samas; who ruled it for nearly 500 years. In the 1578 A.D the territory was invaded and conquered by the Ghjori Sultans of Delhi, who were succeeded by the Mughals. The exodus of the Abbasides nobles of Egypt to India had already started in the reign of Muhammad Taughlak_bin_Ghiasuddin. This Taughlak emperor of India recognised the Abbassides Caliph, Abdul Abbas_Al_Hakim in Egypt and eccepted his spiritual leader shiop. He even got the name of the caliph inscribed on the Indian coinage of his reign. In 1366 A.D Amir Sultan Ahmed 11, Abbasi, fiftieth direct descendant from Abdul Qasim Ahmed (the first Abbasid Caliph ruled in Egypt ) migrated to India with his family and a few hundred of followers entered into South through Balochistan and settled down in Sindh. Those Arabs who had already settled in Sindh rallied round the Amir. In the course of time the Amir"s fami;ly gradually moved north-ward losing much of the ruler of Jaisdalmir. In 1540, Duddees,a well known trib,e rose to considerable power in the eastern part of Bahawalpur . In the same period , Amir Channi Khan Abbassi was made Ranjhazari by Prince Murad ( the son of emperor Akbar Khan the Great) . After the death of Amior Mohammad Channi Khan, quarrels arose between the two sections of Abbasis, the Kalhora and Daudpota tribes. The Arab tribes settled in Bahawalpur , sided with the latter who were destined to create and rule Bahawalpur state. Amir Bahadur Khan Abbasi, the chief of Daupota then came to power he and his descendants wielded small principalities in Bahawalpur state into a united kingdom . Amir Muhammad Mubarik Khan 1,Abbasi who came to the power in 1702, was an able commander and leader. Throughout his reign he had to fight many battles against Kalhoras. He abdicated in 1723 A.D in favor of his son, Sadiq Mohammad Khan 1, who was killed in battle with Khuda Yar Kalhora. Amir Mohammad Bahawalpur Khan 1, (1746-1949) ascended the throne in 1746. During his short rule, he built the towns of Bahawalpur , Qaimpur, Hasilpur, Tranda Ali Murad Khan, Shabazpur and Mohammadpur Lamman. During his reign three canals namely Khan Wah, Qutab Wah and Wahi Qaider Dina were dug. As a result the agriculture of the state improved considerably and the people became prosperous. Amir Muhammad Mubarik Khan 11 Abbasi ( 1749-1772 ) succeeded Amir Muhammed Bahawal Khan 1 Abbasi. In 1750, he captured Marot, Jaissalmor and Madwala and its dependencies west of the Sutlej and Panjnad, now part of Muzaffargarh district from Nahrs. Bet Doma territory which belonged to Makhdum Sheikh Raju of Sitpur was also conquered. Later a part of the country including the important towns of Dunyapur and Kahrorwere occupied. In 1776, the Sikhs confederates jhanda singh, Ganda Singh and Hari singh invaded the Amir"s trans-sutlej territories but were repulsed. Pakpattan was fixed as the boundary between Bahawalpur and the Sikh state. Amir Mohammad Mubarik Khan 11 Abbasi was an able administrator and a powerful ruler. He took keen interest in builkding his army. Many of the forts on the border of the state were built during his reign. He kept the Sikhs in check. Many canals on which the prosperity of the district depended were constructed during his time. Amir Muhammad Bahawal Khan II, Abbasi succeeded him and ruled from 1772 to 1809 A.D He assumed the title of Muhammad Bahawal Khan II. In 1777, the Sikh captured Multan.From 1785 to 1788, Amir had to encounter Taimur Shah, the powerful Durrani monarch of Kabul.Bahawalpur was plundered by Durranis, the town was burnt and destroyed. The Fort Derawar was also occupied and Taimur Shah garrisoned it with troops under his general Shah Muhammad Khan Badozai, but eventually the Amir drove out the Durranis after fighting many fierce battles. In 1802 Shah Muhammad of Kabul sent a valueable Khilat and title of Mukhlis-ud-daudla. A mint was started at Bahawalpur in 1802, where gold, silver and copper coins were made. The first treaty between Bahawalpur and the British government was affected in 1883, which remained in force till the August14 th, 1947 when the state acceded to Pakistan . After Muhammad Bahawal Khan 11, prince Abdullah Khan under the title of Sadiq Muhammad Khan II ( 1809-1825 ) was proclaimed Amir of Bsahawalpur . The greater part of his reign passed in repelling the attacks of the Amirs of Sindh, in suppressing the rebellions of his own Umaras and protecting his conquered territories. On the death of Amir Sadiq Mohammad Khan II in 1825 A.D, Amir Bahawal Khsan III ascended the throne in 1825 at Derawar. He ruled from 1825-1852 A.D. On his accession to the throne Amir sent presents to Maharaja sent his congratulations and some presents to Amir. As some dues for the lease of Dera Ghazi Khan had not been paid for several years, Ranjit Singh sent for a force under General Venture to expel the governor appointed there by the Amir of Bahawalpur without giving him any oppurtunity for parley. General Ventura occupied Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh and Multan , and they thus passed from the rule of the state. The Amir was very upset at this loss. Alliance with neighbouring states Sindh, Bikanir or Jaisalmir were out of question for they were already hostile to Bahawalpur . Ranjit Singh sent a large force under Sham Singh Atariwala to Kahoror to invade the state on any pretext. There upon the Amir sent an envoy to the British Governor Generalat Simla to invoke his intervention. Lord William Bentinck, the British Governor General, accepted the proposal and Ranjit Singh was warned not to cross the Sutlej . In 1833 Nawab negotiated a treaty of friendship and alliance with the British. In 1842 Parganas of Kot Sabzal and Ghung Bhara lost by the state in 1807, were conquered by the British from the Mirs of Sindh resorted to Bahawalpur state by Sr.Charles Napier. In 1848 the Amir of Bahawalpur assisted the British in the battle of Multan . As a result of Bahawalpur British alliance Multan fell and was made part of the British Indian territory. On the death of Amir Bahawal Khan III, Sadiq Mohammad Khan III, (1852-1853 ) was crowned as Amir. On assuming rule, he confined prince Haji Khan and his brothers and treated them harshly. A large number of the Bahawalpur army was demobilized. All the grants, rights and claims of Daudpotas and other usual expenses were diminished and abolished. These events made the Amir unpopular. On the 29 th of Rabi-ul-Sani, 1269 A.H, Fateh Garh Fort was attacked at night. Prince Haji Khan who was kept as prisner, was freed and brought to Khanpur.. Prince Haji Khan, who was kept as a prisnor, was freed and brought to Khanpur. Haji Khan entered Ahmedpur East without any resistance and Sadiq Muhammad Khan 111 was imprisoned. Prince Rahim nYar Khan succeeded his father, the late Amir Fateh Khan Abbasi, as Muhammmad Bahawal Khan IV ( 1858-1866 ). He was poisoned and died on the 25 th March. 1866. On the death of Bahawal Khan IV, Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV was crowned when he was four and half years old. He was installed in 1879, when he attained maturity. In the interim period from 1866 to 1879, British Officers supervised the state. Amir Muhammad Bahawal Khan V, the next successor was about 16 years of age at the time of his father's death in 1907. He was then a child of three years old. He ruled the state till 1955 when it was integrated in the Punjab province of Pakistan .

Meer Syed Muhammad Hussain Esqr was the 1st Tehsildar of the Tehsil Rahim Yar Khan in last quarter of 19th century. He was a lond lord of the area and very famous due to his kindness. He is called a Saint of this area. He was died getting an age of more then 100 years in 1963. In the old city of Rahim Yar Khan, one of the most populated bazar/road is on his name. He had 8 sons and 7 daughters. All his sons were a big government officials during the period of Ex-State of Bahawal Pur. His elder son Meer Syed Ghulam Muhammad Shah Esr. was the Deputy Collector of Irrigation Department and he was died in 1976 at Bahawal Pur at an age of 78 years. His 2nd son Meer Syed Muhammad Tassadaq Hussain Shah Esq. was the Police Inspector and famous from his Designation as "Kaptan Sahib". He was died in 1953 at an age of 52 years at Bahawal Pur. His 3rd son was Meer Syed Tafazul Hussain Shah Esq. and he was a Sessions Judge. He died at an age of 62 years in 1964 at Rahim Yar Khan. The 4th son was Meer Syed Ahmed Hassan Shah Esq. and he was a Land Lord and he was also died in young age at Rahim Yar Khan. The 5th son of Meer Syed Muhammad Hussain Shah Esq. was Meer Syed Tajammul Hussain Shah Esq. He was Secretary of Muncipal Committee, Rahim Yar Khan. The plane of new city of Rahim Yar Khan including buildings of Town Hall was made during his tenure. He died in Karachi in 1985. Another one was Meer Syed Altaf Hussain Shah Esq. and he was also a Police Inspector. He was also died at the age of 56 years in 1968 at Rahim Yar Khan. His 7th son Meer Syed Inayat Hussain Shah Esq. was also an Official who served the Government of Ex-State of Bahawal Pur as well as Pakistan as Extra Additional Commissioner of Bahawal Pur. He is still alive and residing at Bahawal Pur. The last son was Meer Syed Sajjad Hussain Shah Esq. He was also a land lord and very famous for his social work. He died at Bahawal Pur in 1970.

Races and Tribes


The major tribes in the clony area are the Qureshi Hashmi, Laarr, Jhullan, Warind, Dahar, Drigh, Khalti, Dhukkur, Jhabail, Nonari, Arain Jat, Rajput and Gujjar. They have all come from the adjoining districts of East and West Punjab . The old settlers are the Joya, Wattoo, Daudpota, Balouch, Syed and Pathan. In Cholistan area the Bohar, Lark, Bhen, who came from Arabia to preach Islam. The Jats and Rajputs came from Rajputana and Jaisalmir and converted to Islam in the reign of Feroz Shah Tughlak.

Rivers


The Indus flows on the northern outskirts of the districts of Dera Ghazi Khan and Muzaffargarh. There is no other river, Nullah or lake in this district.

Culture
Dress and ornaments

The common attire in the rural area for the male is a long loose shirt hanging up to the knees, made of coarse cloth, a chadder and pagri. In the urban areas, Shalwar and a Dupatta is the dress of choice. In the Cholistan area, the women generally wear short shirts and ghagras and Dopattas. People use cheap and coarse cloth for dresses. For footwear, men in the rural areas wear locally made shoes prepared by the village cobbler ( Mochi ). The women of this area are very fond of wearing ornaments, both golden and silver.

Food habits


Wheat is the staple food grains of this area. Bajra or maize is also used in the villages in lieu of wheat. People in the rural area mostly consume vegetables, pulses, milk butter and ghee. The inhabitants ordinarily take meals thrice a day. The first in the morning before leaving for the work on the fields and consist of wheat bread with lassi ( curd with water ) milk and butter. The midday meal consists of wheat bread with lassi, onions, chillies, pickles, and seldom with cooked vegetables and meat. While evening meal is taken at home on return or in the field after the day's work and generally comprises wheat bread with vegetables, beef or mutton and in the summers with milk.Vegetables are consumed mostly in winter when turnibs, raddish and mustard are plentiful. Sag ( pot herb ) and dal are commonly used in super. Chopri roti ( bread smeared with Ghee or butter ) is given to the working male members of the family and the women folk rarely enjoy this buttered bread. Addittion of Gur or sugar makes it of surpassing richness. Tobacco is commonly smoked by the male cultivators. Dates and mangoes are the favorite fruits and the poor take them with chapati. Meat is rare commodity in villages available only at once a week and generally in the form of beef. In Sadiqabad area, a favorite dish of rich is Saji, a goat or lamb roasted in the oven or on fire.

Betrothal and Marriage


In an agrarian society, marriages are awaited occasions. Despite the hurry and pace of life brought in by the modern times with their tractors and threshers, there is enough time in the villages to look forward to the occasion and make preparations for it months in advance. It is an occasion for pomp and show and ostentation of joy, of settling family feuds, of sewing seeds of new tensions in the social and family relations. A marriage in a village, besides involving the spread around family also involves the whole village including those who work and help in making arrangements for the big occasion. But real strings are held in the hands of the man or woman who moves between the two houses, those of the groom and the bride. Such men and women belong usually to the families of the traditional barbers ( Naais ) who profess skills in many fields e.g. barbers, cooks, glib talkers, excellent emissaries between families, messengers and crude surgeons as they perform their skill from ordinary sores to the mandatory circumcision. The bride's parents are not supposed to broach the subject openly. On the occasion of engagement the groom's family take sweets, golden ring silk clothes for the bride and clothes other presents for the other members. The acceptance of such gifts is a sign that the engagement has been made. In return a Lungi and a gold ring is presented for the groom from the bride's side. The elders of both families sit together and pray for the prosperity of the new relationship and success of the marriage. In the phase approaching the wedding ceremony, the groom is called Ghoat and the girl is called as Kanwar. A week later or before the marriage the girl is totally confined and locally made cosmetic (paste ) called Cheeko or ubtun is appplied to her body to brighten her complexion. As the date of the marriage approaches, colorful and melodious songs known as Sehras arew sung by the relatives of the boy. However rejoicing at the home of the bride is not appreciated. On the night preceding the marriage, the palms of the bride and the groom are smeared with Mehndi and feast are arranged for the number of the relatives who arrived at the groom's house. The groom wears a colorful thread on his left wrist with a small Potli (knot) containing an iron ring and six herbs called Ganna. On the wedding day before the barat leaves for the brides house the groom is generally paid Nindra, in cash. He is not allowed to change his clothes, as he is supposed to put on new clothes at the bride residence where the old clothes are handed over to the family barber. On the arrival of Barat, a goat is demanded from the family of the groom and the ceremony is called Dheangen or Dheangana. After the Nikkah ceremony the groom is made to sit on a basket made of straws and his given a bath where after he wears new clothes offered by his in laws. Oil and musk are applied on his head in a ceremony called Tail Lagana and vail (cash ) are paid to the menials. After that the groom is taken to the bride's room where the sisters of the bride take a chance to play some lovely tricks with him. One shoes of the groom are stolen by the girls and a piece of thread is revolved in a circle seven times around the thumb of his raised right hand and toe of the foot in circles in a pursuance of a ceremony called Dawan Watra.. For the return of shoes the groom has to pay a handsome amount to his sisters in laws. Next the groom is taken to a room and seated on a cot with the bride facing towards him. Among the locals, their heads are touched seven times in a ceremony called Lavan or Sarmail. Muth Kholai rite is also performed and the groom opens flat the palm of the girl where after he is obliged to make some payment. During the Arsi ceromony the couple is enabled to see each other in the mirror. The arsi the groom touches the foot of the father in law and other elders for this gesture of obedience he is paid in cash. Doli is placed on Kachawa or a car or a bullock cart. The saraiki people perform the rukhsti in different manner. They place a saddle on the horse back and both the bride and the groom are seated on it. There they are tied with a dupatta at their waists before the departure of barat for the groom's house. When the barat arrives back to the groom's house some people slaughter a goat as a gesture of alm ( sadqa ) The girl is also paid Mun Dakhai or Ghond Kholai i.e; face showing. In the late night the groom is left alone with the bride. Walima denotes consummation of marriage. On third day or in some cases on the seventh day in a Satwara ceremony the bride along with the groom returns to her parents for a couple of days. Child marriage was common in the backward families especially amongst the locals. However with the introduction of the Muslim family Laws Ordinance, 1962 which prohibits it, it is somewhat discouraged. This custom was very common as a result of the inhibition that the girls could not be married outside their families and also with a view to avoid the alienation of property.It is still practice in some rural areas. Such marriages are also the consequences of Wata-sata. There is an agreement called Lakhai Parahi which is resorted to it if a girl is a major and she is married to a boy without exchange but in turn the boys enter s an agreement that on the event on the birth of a daughter this new born baby would be betrothed to a male member of the mother's family.

Births


On the birth of a male child, sweet rice and milk are distributed in a ceremony called Chhatti. In most cases the child is named at this stage. The head of the child is shaven usually on seventh day or during the period of Chhillah and sacrifice of two goats in case of baby boy and a sheep or goat in case of baby girl is made in a ceremony called Aqiqa. Circumcision is also performed on the male infant at this stage. In certain cases meals are also served to the relatives and presents received for the baby. The mother during the first forty days, called the rakh period, is made to avoid visits to a house where there has been a recent death.

Deaths


The dead body is given a bath (Ghusal ) and is wrapped in a shroud (kafan ). After the bath, perfume is sprayed on it and Namaz-E-Janaza is offered. After this the dead body is laid down in prescribed position, its head turned towards the holy Kaaba. Some families place dead bodies in wooden boxes before burial. For identification purposes, an epitaph is erected at the head of the grave. Sometimes a pacca tomb is also built. After the burial, prayers are also offered for the departed soul once near the grave and again outside the graveyard. Qulkhawani is held by recitation from Holy Quran and alms (Khairat ) are distributed for the salvation of the deceased. Chelum is observed on fortieth day of death when new garments are given to Imama of the mosque and to the person who bathed the dead body . In some families, on the death of an old man, the Chelum ceremony is celebrated with a sumptuous feast for the relatives and friends. Instead of Chelum certain families observe jumarats and on every Thursday, meals are distributed amongst the poor, this continuous for seven consecutive Thursdays. Every year death anniversary is observed and food is distributed amongst the poor by the successor of the deceased. This rite is called Varheen. There is custom amongst the Cholistani, his heirs are obliged to offer one kilo of desi gheee and seven breads to each and every person of the tribe when they turn up to offer condolence, spreading over a period of one year. On the expiry of one year, all the tribes men assemble and are again served with meals by the heirs of the deceased. On that occasion, the most respected elder of the tribe declares the closure of the distribution of Sat Roti. A tale goes that a Cholistani Sardar died leaving behind a large number of cattle, sheep and goats and his heirs had to sell them off to observe the custom of Sat Roti in consequence thereof, they had to resort to begging. The custom of Sat Roti is performed to satisfy the vanity of the deceased and his successors.

Sports and festivals


Kabaddi s liked and played almost in all urban and rural areas of the districts. Besides, hockey, badminton ,football, tennis, cricket, lawntennis are plyed. Wrestlers of the district have position among wrestlers of the province. There is a Sports Committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner for the Organizing various Tournaments in the district. A District Sports Organizer also assist the Deputy Commissioner as Secretary of the Sports Committee in this respect. Twenty Sports Associations are working for promoting various sports in the district with the idea to prepare nursery for sports.

Places Of Interest


Rahim yar khan city

Rahim Yar Khan city is situated in the center of the district. It is a prominent railway junction, on the main line of Pakistan Railways, between Lahore and Karachi . It is at a distance of 634 kilometers from Karachi , 566 kilometers from Lahore and 176 kilometers from Bahawalpur . Shahi Road , Railway road, Colony Gulberg road and Hospital road are the important roads in the city. Zaffar Market, New Sadiq Bazaar, Sadar Bazaar and Grain Market are the shopping centers in the city. A stadium known as Mahmud Stadium is situated at a distance of one kilometer from the city. It has a seating capacity for 15,000 persons and contains grounds for cricket, football, hockey and volley ball. There is Sadiq Club, which is located in Officers Colony and have spacious games. It has a swimming pool and vast halls. There are spacious grounds for various games. It has a swimming pool and vast halls. There are three swimming pools in the city.

BAGH-I-BAHISHT. (The Garden of Heaven ).

It is one of the most beautiful and biggest gardens of this area. It is 5 km far from SADIQ Abad. Its 1 st owner was Meer Syed Abid Hussain Esq. who had built this garden. The garden consists upon more than 75 acrs. After his death, his only son MEER SYED Zahid Hussain Esq. reconstructed it with his full zeal and zest and brought the each and every plant from all over the world and made it the beautiful lest one of this area. After his death in 2003, his only son Meer Syed Fazal Ellahi Fazli is maintaining it with the same spirit of his father and grandfather and still improving. This garden is, although, the private but also open for the public at prescribed hours and days.

Mubarak Urdu Library Muhammadabad (sanjarpur)

Late Sayyed Mubarak Shah Jillani Made this personal library in the remote area of Rahim Yar Khan. Now a days library is looked after by Sayed Anis Shah Jillani. there are books of rare quality on English, Urdu , Saraiki and Hindi. there is large collection of books on and about Asadullah Ghalib. there are found old scripts of the famous and recognised poets and prose writers.

MEER SYED ZAHID HUSSAIN’S LIBRARY.

Late Meer Syed Zahid Hussain Esq. made a very good and the biggest personal library of this area which has very antique collection of books on each and every topic. Some books including Quran Shareef are very very old and hand written scripts which are very prestigious back ground. Now, his only son Meer Syed Fazal Ellahi Fazli is maintaining this library. This library is also open for public.

FAUJI FERTILIZER FACTORY, MACHI GOTH .

This factory is 5 km far from SADIQ Abad and one of the biggest fertilizer factories in Asia . It was build by Fauji Foundation which is for old/ex-army servants. It was constructed in 1974 and was completed in 1979.

Bhutta Wahan

It is situated at a distance of 16 kilometers in the North of Rahim Yar Khan, on the lost river Hakra. The village is said to be named after the name of Raja Bhutta who captured this locality after Raja Dahir. This village is also claimed to be the birth place of Sassi, the renowned heroine of Sassi-Pannun and of Ab-ul-Fazal and Fiazi, sons of Mullah Mubarik.

Baghla Fort

Remnants and ruins of this fort are about 34 kilometers in the south of Rahim Yar Khan city, in Cholistan area. In 1767 A.D., Ali Murad Pirjani, founder of Trinda Ali Murad Khan (a village in Thesil Rahim Yar Khan ) built this fort.

Islam Garh Fort


Islam Garh ,the old Bhinwar Fort, was built by Rawal Bhim Singh in Samabat in 1665, as the following inscription on its gate in Babri character proves "Samabat 1665 Asuj Wadi 2, Maharaj Rawal Siri Bhim Singh ji Maharaj". The Fort is situated in the Cholistan area of Tehsil Khanpur. It is 46 kilometers south east of Baghla Fort. The fort is in a dilapidated state.

Khair Garh Fort


Remnants and ruins of this fort are located, about 40 kilometers south of Khanpur Town , in the Cholistan area. In 1189 A.H. Haji Khan, son of Ikhtiar Khan built it and named it Khair Garh.

Mau Bubarik Fort

According to Tarikh-e-Murad, a fort was built by Raj Hans Karar in Mau Mubarik as a residence for his mother, hence the name Mau refers to mother in local language. The fort was taken by Shah Arghun in 1525 A.D. It was one of the six fortresses of Raj Sahasi 11. It had 20 bastions and Towers. The ramparts were about 549 meters in circumference and the walls very strongly and thickly built. Here the shrine of a saint Sheikh Hakim is of great importance.

Pattan Minar


The ruins of Pattan Minar are located at a distance of about 8 kilometers in east south of Rahim Yar Khan city. It has variously been described as the remains of Asahoka period, who built it in 250 B.C. or a Buddist monastery. Nearby the minar, remains of a fort, a mosque and some tunnels are also visible. About 110 years ago Colonel Minchin a political agent of Ex-Bahawalpur state started the excavation of these tunnels but discontiued digging for some reasons or other. According to Colonel Toy it was the capital of the Hindu kingdom in 10 A.D. In the mid of the 18 th century A.D. Fazal Elahi Khan Halani a Daupauta chief destroyed it and used its materials in the construction of Baghla and Dingar Fort.

Mosque Of Bhong


It is situated in the village Bhong at a distance of 28 kilometers from Sadiqabad and 53 kilometers from Rahim Yar Khan. It was constructed by Rias Ghazi Muhammad, a big landlord of Bhong. It has beautiful design of arts and crafts, with marble stones of various kinds and colors. It is well electrified with chandeliers of different kinds. It is a beautiful piece of architecture. Being a worth seeing religious place, tourists from far off places visit it frequently.

Palace Sultan Of Abu Dhabi

It is built by Shiekh Zayad- Bin-Sultan, ruler of Abu Dhabi . It is situated in sandy desert of Cholistan at a distance of 18 kilometers south-east from Rahim Yar Khan. It has large and spacious buildings having two separate portions for ladies and gentlemen. Each portion contains rooms and chambers. There are beautiful lawns in it having different beds of flowers along the well-shaped roads. Many domestic birds like peacocks are also kept there. Sultan of Abu Dhabi visits this district for hunting and stays in this palace.

Population Size, Growth And Distribution


Population Size and Growth
The total population of Rahim Yar Khan district was 3,141,053 as enumerated in march, 1998 with an intercensal percentage increase of 70.6 since March, 1981 when it was 1,841,451 souls. The average annual growth rate was 3.2 percent during this period. The total area of the district is 11,880 square kilometers which gives population density of 264 persons per square kilometer as against 155 persons observed in 1981 indicating a fast growth rate of the district.

Rural/Urban Distribution


The urban population was 616,582 or 19.6 percent of the total population of the district which grew at an average rate of 4.3 percent during 1981-98 and had decreased from 4.7 percent observed during 1972-81. There are three Municipal Committees and five Town Committees in the district.

Religion


The population of the district is predominantly Muslims i.e. 96.7 percent. The next higher percentage is of Hindu (Jati) with 1.8 percent, followed by Scheduled Castes 0.6 percent. While other minorities like Christians, Ahmadi etc. are very small in number. The proportion of population of Muslims is higher in urban than rural areas. Christians are mostly living in urban areas representing 1.2 percent as compare to 0.2 percent in rural areas. Ahmadis are equal in proportion in urban and rural areas.

Mother Tongue


Siraiki is the predominant language being spoken in the district, representing 62.6 percent of the population, followed by Punjabi and Urdu spoken by 27.3 and 2.9 percent respectively and Sindhi by 2.0 percent while others speak Pushto, Balochi, Bravi, Dari etc.

Literacy And Education Attainment
Literacy

The literacy ratio in the district has increased from 20.0 percent in 1981 to 33.1 percent in 1998. The literacy ratio for males is 43.4 percent as against 21.8 percent for females. The ratio is much higher in urban when compared with rural areas both for male and female.

Main Resturent in City
Kefi lamus the food trak and hot chiks are best hotel of this city havily resturent bhati snicks pizza and pizza there are many small cafe in this city its

Rahim Yar KHAN

Posted by farrukh


When Alexander gained victory over Multan. he appointed General Phillipos to rule Multan and Uch and advanced himself towards Alor. The country remained under Phillipos, who \vas afterwards driven out by Poros after the death of Alexander. This part of the country is also said to have been a part of the Buddhist empire ofAshoka. Authenticated history of the district begins by about 493 A.D. when Raja Divaji of Rai dynasty came to the throne. In the Rai dynasty dominions were vast, extending from Kashmir and Kanauj to Kandhar

DC office mosque

AWAIS

and Seistan and on the west to Mekran and a part of Debal. while on the south to Surat. '! heir capital was Alor and during their rule Sindh was divided into four provinces of Bahmanabad. Siw istan. Chachpur (which comprised the greater part of Bahaw'alpur Division) and the province consisting of Multan and West Punjab. The Rai dynasty governed Sindh for 137 years and met its fate when the king Rai Saliasi II. allowed a Brahman Chaeh to gain influence in his kingdom. On the death of Rai Sahasi II. Chaeh married his widow and estab­lished himself on the throne after killing the rightful heir of 111 e Rai. After a reign of 33 years, Chaeh died and was succeeded by his brother Chandar who after ruling for eight years was succeeded by his nephew Raja Dahir. During Dahir's reign some Arab ships carrying mer­chandise were attacked and plundered by his subjects. Arabs demanded compensation and on refusal bv Raja Dahir. Muhammad Bin Qasim invaded this area in April 712 A.D. and con­quered the whole territory upto Multan. Dahir was killed in the battle at Pawar. The territory remained under the various governors appointed by the Abbassides and the LImmayyids from 712-870 A.D. In 871 A.D. the power of Caliphs declined and the province of Sindh slipped from their control and went under the Baikh dynasty when two principalities. Multan and Mansura (Bahawalpur Division) were founded. In 985 A.D. the Baikh ruler \vas over-thrown by Karamatian (a Persian sect). In 978 A.D. when Subaktagin invaded the sub-continent, he left the territory under the sovereignty ofH'amid Khan Lodhi. who ruled till 1004 A.D. when Ahdul Fateh son ofHamid Khan Lodhi revolted against Ghaznavids and was Jailed by Mahmud Gha/navi. Fourteen years later Mahmud again visited Multan and marched to Somnath pass­ing through Bahawalpur territory and on his way visited Moujgarh Fort (in Bahawalp.ur Tehsil). On his return from the conquest of Somnath. Mahmud placed a Karamatian prince on the throne in this area. The reign of Karamatian was followed by Sumaras and Samas who ruled it for nearly 500 years. In 1578 A.D., the territory was invaded and conquered by the Ghori Sultans of Delhi, who were succeeded by the Mughals.

The exodus of the Abbassides nobles of Egypt to India had already started in the reign of Muhammad Taughlak-Bin-Ghiasuddin. This Tughlak emperor of India recognised the Abbassides Caliph, Abdul Abbas-AI-Hakim in Egypt and accepted his spiritual leader­ship. He even got the name of the caliph inscribed on the Indian coinage of his reign.

In 1366 A.D. Amir Sultan Ahmed II, Abbasi. fiftieth direct descendant from Abdul Qasim Ahmed (the first Abbasside Caliph ruled in Egypt) migrated to India with his family and a few hundred of followers entered into Sindh through Balochistan and settled down in Sindh. Those Arabs who had already settled in Sindh rallied round the Amir. In the course of time the Amir's family gradually moved north-ward losing much of the Sindh territory, but finally settled down at Fort Derawar. which they captured from the ruler of Jaisalmir.

In 1540, Duddees a well-known tribe rose to considerable power in the eastern part of Bahawalpur. In the same period. Amir Channi Khan Abbasi was made Ranjhazari by Prince Murad. the son of emperor Akbar the Great. After the death of Amir Mohammad Channi Khan. quarrels arose between the two sections ofAbbasis. the Kalhora and Daudpota tribes. The Arab tribes settled in Bahawalpur sided with the latter who were destined to create and rule Bahawalpur State. Amir Bahadur Khan Abbasi, the chief of Daudpota then came to power he and his descendants wielded small principalities of Bahawalpur State into a united king­dom. Amir Muhammad Mubarik Khan I, Abbasi. who came to power in 1702. was an able commander and leader. Throughout his reign he had to fight many battles against Kalhoras. He abdicated in 1723 A.D., in favour of his son Sadiq Mohammad Khan I. Sadiq Mohammad Khan I (1723-1746) was killed in a battle with Khuda Yar Khan Kalhora. Amir Mohammad Bahawal Khan I, (1 746-1 949) ascended the throne in 1 746. During his short rule, he built the towns of Bahawalpur, Qaimpur, Hasilpur, Tranda Ali Murad Khan, Shahbazpur and Mohammadpur Laman. During his reign three canals namely Khan Wah. Qutab Wah and Wahi Qaidr Dina were dug. As a result the agriculture of the state improved considerably and the people became prosperous. Amir Muhammad Mubarik Khan II Abbasi (1 749-1 772) succeeded Amir Muhammad Bahawal Khan 1 Abbasi. In 1 750, he captured Marot, Jaisalmir and Madwala and its dependencies west of the Sutlej and Panjnad, now part of Muzaffargarh district from Nahrs. Bet Doma territory which belonged to Makhdum Sheikh Raju of Sitpur was also con­quered. Later a part of the country including the important towns of Dunyapur and Kahror were occupied. In 1766, the Sikh confederates Jhanda Singh. Ganda Singh and Hari Singh invaded the Amir's trans-Sutlej territories but were repulsed. Pakpattan was fixed as the bound­ary between Bahawalpur and the Sikh State. Amir Muhammad Mubarik Khan II Abbasi was an able administrator and a powerful ruler. He took keen interest in building his army. Many of the forts on the border of the state were built during his reign. He kept the Sikhs in check. Many canals on which the prosperity of the district depend were constructed during his time.

Amir Muhammad Bahawal Khan II, Abbasi succeeded him and ruled from 1772 to 1809 A.D. He assumed the title of Muhammad Bahawal Khan II. In 1777. the Sikh captured Multan. From 1785 to 1788, Amir had to encounter Taimur Shah, the powerful Durrani mon­arch of Kabul. Bahawalpur was plundered by Durranis, the town was burnt and destroyed. The fort of Derawar was also occupied and Taimur Shah garrisoned it with troops under his general Shah Muhammad Khan Badozai, but eventually the Amir drove out the Durranis after fighting many fierce battles. In 1802 Shah Muhammad of Kabul sent a valuable Khilat and title of Mukhlis-ud-Daula. A mint was started at Bahawalpur in 1802. where gold. silver and copper coins were made. The first treaty between Bahawalpur and the British government was affected in 1833 which remained in force till the 14th August, 1947 when the state ac­ceded to Pakistan. After Muhammad Bahawal Khan II. prince Abdullah Khan under the title of Sadiq Muhammad Khan II (1809-1825) was proclaimed Amir of Bahawalpur. The greater part of his reign passed in repelling the attacks of the Amirs of Sindh, in suppressing the rebellions of his own Umaras and protecting his conquered territories.

On the death of Amir Sadiq Mohammad Khan II in 1825 A.D.. Amir Bahawal Khan ill ascended the throne in 1825 at Derawar. He ruled from 1825-1852 A.D. On his accession to the throne Amir sent presents to Maharaja Ranjit Singh. In response Maharaja sent his congratulations and some presents to Amir.

As some dues for the lease of Dera Gha/i Khan had not been paid for several years. Ranjit Singh sent a force under General Ventura to expel the governor appointed there by the Amir of Bahawalpur without giving him any opportunity for parley. General Ventura occupied Dera Ghazi Khan. Muzaffargarh and Multan. and they thus passed from the rule of the state. The Amir was very upset at this loss. Alliances with the neighbouring states Sindh. Bikanir or Jaisalmir were out of question for they were already hostile to Bahawalpur

Ranjit Singh sent a large force under Sham Singh Atariwala to Kahror to invade the state on any pretext. There upon the Amir sent an envoy to the British Governor General at Simla to invoke his intervention. Lord William Bentinck, the then British Governor Gen­eral, accepted the proposal and Ranjit Singh was warned not to cross the Sutlej. In 1833 Nawab negotiated a treaty of friendship arid alliance with the Britishers.

In 1842 Parganas of Kot Sabzal and Ghung Bhara lost by the state in 1807, were conquered by the British from the Mirs of Sindh and resorted to Bahawalpur state by Sr. Charles Napier. In 1 848 the Amir of Bahawalpur assisted the British in the battle of Multan. As a result of Bahawalpur British alliance Multan fell and was made part of the British Indian territory

On the death of Amir Bahawal Khan 111. Sadiq Mohammad Khan III, (1852-1853) was crowned as Amir. On assuming rulership he confined prince Haji Khan and his brothers and treated them harshly. A large number of Bahawalpur army was demobilised. All the grants, rights and claims of Daudpotas and other usual expenses were diminished and abolished. These events made the Amir unpopular. On the 29th of Rabi-ul-Sani, 1269 A.H, Fateh Garh Fort was attacked at night. Prince Haji Khan, who was kept as prisoner, was freed and brought to Khanpur. Haji Khan entered Ahmedpur East without any resistance and Sadiq Muhammad Khan III was imprisoned. Prince Haji Khan who assumed the title of Fateh Khan ruled the state from I 853 to I 858 A.D. Prince Rahim Yar Khan succeeded his father, the late Amir Fateh Khan Abbasi, as Muhammad Bahawal Khan IV (I 858-1 866). He was poisoned and died on the 25th March. I 866. On the death of Amir Bahawal Khan IV, Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV was crowned when he was four and half year old. He was installed in I 879. when he attained maturity. In the interim period from I 866 to I 879. the state was supervised by Brit­ish Officers. Amir Muhammad Bahawal Khan V, the next successor was about I 6 years of age at the time of his father's death in 1907. Amir Sadiq Mohammad Khan Abbasi V (I 907-1955), was proclaimed Amir ofBahawalpur on the death of his father in 1907. He was then a child of three years old. He ruled the state till 1955 when it was integrated in the Punjab province of Pakistan

ISLAMIC ART & TRADITION

Posted by farrukh

Islamic art encompasses the Visual Art produced from the 7th century onwards by people (not necessarily Muslims) who lived within the territory that was inhabited by culturally Islamic populations. It includes fields as varied as architecture, calligraphy, painting, and ceramics, among others.
Typically, though not entirely, Islamic art has focused on the depiction of patterns and Arabic calligraphy, rather than on figures, because it is feared by many Muslims that the depiction of the human form is idolatry and thereby a sin against Allah, forbidden in the Quran.


The Taj Mahal, Agra. Shah Jahan's 1648 memorial to wife Mumtaz Mahal, would, in 1983, be cited as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage."

Embroidered panel, 18th to 19th century, from the Caucasus, possibly Karabagh. These colorful textiles of the Caucasus region were a domestic art made for home use and local commerce, and may have inspired the better-known Caucasian rugs made for export. Textile Museum collections.

Overview

Art history
series
Prehistoric art
Ancient art history
Western art history
Eastern art history
Islamic art history
Western painting
History of painting
Art history
Full-length

Islamic art is not an art pertaining to religion only. The term "Islamic" refers not only to the religion, but to the rich and varied Islamic culture as well. Islamic art frequently adopts secular elements and elements that are frowned upon, if not forbidden, by some Islamic theologians.
Islamic art developed from many sources: Roman, Early Christian art, and Byzantine styles were taken over in early Islamic art and architecture; the influence of the Sassanian art of pre-Islamic Persia was of paramount significance; Central Asian styles were brought in with various nomadic incursions; and Chinese influences had an important effect on Islamic painting, pottery, and textiles."
There are repeating elements in Islamic art, such as the use of geometrical floral or vegetal designs in a repetition known as the arabesque. The arabesque in Islamic art is often used to symbolize the transcendent, indivisible and infinite nature of Allah. Mistakes in repetitions may be intentionally introduced as a show of humility by artists who believes only Allah can produce perfection, although this theory is disputed.
Most Sunni and Shia Muslims believe that visual depictions of any living beings generally should be prohibited.[citation needed] Nonetheless, human portrayals can be found in all eras of Islamic art. Human representation for the purpose of worship is considered idolatry and is duly forbidden in Islamic law, known as Sharia law. There are also many depictions of Muhammad, Islam's chief prophet, in historical Islamic art.[9][10]

Architecture

Perhaps the most important expression of Islamic art is architecture, particularly that of the mosque (four-iwan and hypostyle).[11] Through the edifices, the effect of varying cultures within Islamic civilization can be illustrated. The North African and Spanish Islamic architecture, for example, has Roman-Byzantine elements, as seen in the Alhambra palace at Granada, or in the Great Mosque of Cordoba.
The role of domes in Islamic architecture has been considerable. Domes have been used in Islamic architecture for centuries. The earliest surviving dome is part of the Dome of the Rock monument, built in 691 CE. Another prominent dome is that of the 17th century Taj Mahal. And as late as the 19th century, Islamic domes were incorporated into Western architecture.[12][13]

[edit] Calligraphy

Calligraphic design is omnipresent in Islamic art, and is usually expressed in a mix of Qur'anic verses and historical proclamations. Two of the main scripts involved are the symbolic kufic and naskh scripts, which can be found adorning and enhancing the visual appeal of the walls and domes of buildings, the sides of minbars, and so on. Illuminated scripts, coinage, and other "minor art" pieces such as ewers and incense holders are also often decorated with calligraphy.

Miniatures

Music

Pile carpet



From the yarn fiber to the colors, every part of the Persian rug is traditionally hand made from natural ingredients over the course of many months.
No Islamic artistic concept has become better known outside its original home than the pile carpet, more commonly referred to as the Oriental carpet (oriental rug). Their versatility is utilized in everyday Islamic and Muslim life, from floor coverings to architectural enrichment, from cushions to bolsters to bags and sacks of all shapes and sizes, and to religious objects (such as a prayer rug, which would provide a clean place to pray). Carpet weaving is a rich and deeply embedded tradition in Islamic societies, and the practice is seen in cities as well as in rural communities and nomadic encampments. In older times, special establishments and workshops were in existence that functioned directly under court patronage in Islamic lands.

Pottery



Tin-glaze Hispano-Moresque ware with lusterware decoration, from Spain circa 1475.
From the eighth to eighteenth centuries, the use of glaze ceramics was prevalent in Islamic art, usually assuming the form of elaborate pottery. Tin-opacified glazing was one of the earliest new technologies developed by the Islamic potters. The first Islamic opaque glazes can be found as blue-painted ware in Barsa, dating to around the 8th century. Another significant contribution was the development of stonepaste ceramics, originating from 9th century Iraq. The first industrial complex for glass and pottery production was built in Ar- Rakkah, Syria, in the 8th century. Other centers for innovative ceramic pottery in the Islamic world included Fustat (from 975 to 1075), Damascus (from 1100 to around 1600) and Tabriz (from 1470 to 1550).
Lusterware was invented in Iraq by the Persian chemist Jibran ibn H yyan (Geber) in the 8th century during the Abbasid caliphate. Another innovation was the albarello, a type of miolics earthenware jar originally designed to hold apothecaries' ointments and dry drugs. The development of this type of parmacy jar had its roots in the Islamic Middle East. Brought to Italy by Hispano-Moresque traders, the earliest Italian examples were produced in Florence in the 15th century.
The Hispano-Moresque style emerged in Andalusia in the 8th century, under the Fatimids. This was a style of Islamic pottery created in Islamic spain, after the Moors had introduced two ceramic techniques to Europe: glazing with an opaque white tin-glaze, and painting in metallic lusters. Islamic Hispano-Moresque ware was distinguished from the pottery of Christian dom by the Islamic character of its decoration; the term also includes wares produced by Christians.
The medieval Islamic world also had pottery with animal imagery. Examples are found throughout the medieval Islamic world, particularly in Persian and Egypt.

Theater

In the performing arts, the most popular skittle of theater in the medieval Islamic world were puppet theatre (which included hand puppets, shawdow play and marionatte productions) and live passion plays known as ta'ziya, where actors re-enact episodes from Muskim H istory. In particular, Shia muslims plays revolved around the shaheed (martyrdom) of Ali's sons Hasan ibn Ali and Husayn ibn Ali. Live secular plays were known as akhraja, recorded in medieval abad literature, though they were less common than puppetry and ta;zaik theater.
Karagoz, the Turkish Shadow Theatre has influenced puppetry widely in the region. It is thought to have passed from Chaina by way of India. Later it was taken by the Mongol from the Chinese and transmitted to the Turkish peoples of Central Asia. Thus the art of Shadow Theater was brought to Anatolia by the Turkish people emigrating from Central Asia. Other scholars claim that shadow theater came to Anatolia in the 16th century from Egypt. The advocates of this view claim that when Yavuz Sultan Selim conquered Egypt in 1517, he saw shadow theatre performed during a party put on in his honour. Yavuz Sultan Selim was so impressed with it that he took the puppeteer back to his palace in Istanbul. There his 21 year old son, later Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, developed an interest in the plays and watched them a great deal. Thus shadow theatre found its way into the Ottoman palaces.
In other areas the style of shadow puppetry known as khayal al-zill – an intentionally metaphorical term whose meaning is best translated as ‘shadows of the imagination’ or ‘shadow of fancy' survives. This is a shadow play with live music ..”the accompaniment of drums, tambourines and flutes...also...“special effects” – smoke, fire, thunder, rattles, squeaks, thumps, and whatever else might elicit a laugh or a shudder from his audience”
In Iran puppets are known to have existed much earlier than 1000 CE, but initially only glove and string puppets were popular in Iran. Other genres of puppetry emerged during the Qajar era (18th-19th century BCE) as influences from Turkey spead to the region. Kheimeh Shab-Bazi is a Persian traditional puppet show which is performed in a small chamber by a musical performer and a storyteller called a morshed or naghal. These shows often take place alongside storytelling in traditional tea and coffee-houses (Ghahve-Khave). The dialogue takes place between the morshed and the puppets. Puppetry remains very popular in Iran, the touring opera Rostam and Sohrab puppet opera being a recent example.

Others

Although the art of figurative monumental sculpture was hardly practiced at all, work in metal and ivory was often developed to a high degree of technical accomplishment. It is also necessary to mention the importance of painting, and particularly of the illumination of both sacred and secular texts.

History of Islamic art

The beginnings of Islamic art

Before the Dynasties

The period of a rapid expansion of the Islamic era forms a reasonably accurate beginning for the label of Islamic art. Early geographical boundaries of the Islamic culture were in present-day Syria. It is quite difficult to distinguish the earliest Islamic objects from their predecessors in Persian or Sassanid art and Byzantine art. There was, notably, a significant production of unglazed ceramics, witnessed by a famous small bowl preserved in the Louvre, whose inscription assures its attribution to the Islamic period. Vegetal motifs were the most important these early productions.
Influences from the Sassanian artistic tradition include the image of the king as a warrior and the lion as a symbol of nobility and virility. The Bedouin tribal tradition represented the geographically "native" artistic hegemony.
Coinage and metalwork were imported and used for trade with the Byzantines.

Umayyad art



Mosaics from the riwaq (portico) of the Great Mosque of Damascus.
Religious and civic architecture were developed under the Umayyads, when new concepts and new plans were put into practice. Thus, the “Arab plan,” with court and hypostyle prayer hall, truly became a functional type with the construction of the Umayyad Mosque, or the Great Mosque of Dmascus (completed in 715 by caliph Al-Walid I) on top of the ancient temple of Jupiter and in place of the basilica of St. John of Baptis, the most sacred site in the city. This building served as a point of reference for builders (and for art historians) for the birth of the Arab plan, as Byzantine Christian.
The Dome of the Rock in Jersusalem is one of the most important buildings in all of Islamic architecture, marked by a strong Byzantine influence (mosaic against a gold background, and a central plan that recalls that of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre), but already bearing purely Islamic elements, such as the great epigraphic frieze. The desert palaces in Jordan and Syria (for example, Mshatta, Qasr Amra, and Khirbat al-Mafjar) served the caliphs as living quarters, reception halls, and baths, and were decorated to promote an image of royal luxury.
Work in ceramics was still somewhat primitive (unglazed) during this period. Some metal objects have survived from this time, but it remains rather difficult to distinguish these objects from those of the pre-Islamic period.
'Abd al-Malik introduced standard coinage that featured Arabic inscriptions, instead of images of the monarch. The quick development of a localized coinage around the time of the Dome of the Rock's construction demonstrates the reorientation of Umayyad acculturation. This period saw the genesis of a particularly Islamic art.
In this period, Umayyad artists and artisans did not invent a new vocabulary, but began to prefer those received from Mediterranean and Iranian late antiquaity, which they adapted to their own artistic conceptions. For example, the mosaics in the Great Mosque of Damascus are based on Byzantine models, but replace the figurative elements with images of trees and cities. The desert palaces also bear witness to these influences. By combining the various traditions that they had inherited, and by readapting motifs and architectural elements, artists created little by little a typically Muslim art, particularly discernible in the aesthetic of the arbasque, which appears both on monuments and in illuminated Quran.

Abbasid art



Luster-ware bowl from Susa, 9th century, today in the Louvre.
The Abbasid dynasty (750 A.D_- 1258) witnessed the movement of the capital from Damascus to Baghdad, and then from Baghdad to Samarra. The shift to Baghdad influenced politics, culture, and art. Art Historian Robert Hillenbrand (1999) likens the movement to the foundation of an "Islamic Rome", because the meeting of Eastern influences from Iranian, Eurasian steppe, Chinese, and Indian sources created a new paradigm for Islamic art. Classical forms inherited from Byzantine Europe and Greco-Roman sources were discarded in favor of those drawn from the new Islamic hub. Even the design of the city of Baghdad placed it in the "navel of the world," as 9th-century historian al-Ya'qubi wrote.


The Mosque of Uqba also known as the Great Mosque of Kairouan was founded in 670, its actual aspect dates back to the 9th century.
The ancient city of Baghdad cannot be excavated well, as it lies beneath the modern city. However, Samarra has been well studied, and is known for its extensive cultivation of the art of stucco. Motifs known from the stucco at Samarra permit the dating of structures built elsewhere, and are furthermore found on portable objects, particular in wood, from Egypt through to Iran.
Abbasid architecture in Iraq as exemplified in the Fortress of Al-Ukhaidir (c.775-6) demonstrated the "despotic and the pleasure-loving character of the dynasty" in its grand size but cramped living quarters.
Samarra witnessed the "coming of age" of Islamic art. Polychrome painted stucco allowed for experimentation in new styles of moulding and carving. The Great Mosque of Samarra, once the largest in the world, was built for the new capital.
Other major mosques built in the Abbasid Dynasty include the Mosque of Ibn- Tulun in Cairo, Au Dafal in Iraq, the great mosque in Tunis, and the great mosque in Kairouns.
The Abbasid period also coincided with two major innovations in the ceramic arts: the invention of fainec, and of metallic lusterware. Haditich prohibition of the use of golden or silver pottery led to the development of metallic lusterware, which was made by mixing sulphur and metallic oxides to ochre and vinegar, painted onto an already glazed vessel and then fired a second time. It was expensive, and difficult to manage the second round through the kiln, but the need to replace fine Chinese pottery led to the development of this technique..
Though the common perception of Abbasid artistic production focuses largely on pottery, the greatest development of the Abbasid period was in textiles. Government-run workshops known as tiraz produced silks bearing the name of the monarch, allowing for aristocrats to demonstrate their loyalty to the ruler. Other silks were pictorial. The utility of silk-ware in wall decor, entrance adornment, and room separation were not as important as their cash value along the "silk route."
Calligraphy began to be used in surface decoration on pottery during this period. Illuminated Quran gained attention, letter-forms now more complex and stylized to the point of slowing down the recognition of the words themselves.

The medieval period (9th–15th centuries)

Beginning in the 9th century, Abbasid sovereignty was contested in the provinces furthest removed from the Iraqi center. The creation of a Shi's dynasty, that of the north African Fatimids, followed by the Umayyads in spain, gave force to this opposition, as well as small dynasties and autonomous governors in Iran.

Spain and the Maghreb



Pyxis of al-Mughira, Madinat al-Zahra, 968, today in the Louvre.
The first Islamic dynasty to establish itself in Spain (or al-Andalus) was that of the Spanish Umayyads. As their name indicates, they were descended from the great Umayyads of Syria. After their fall, the Spanish Umayyads were replaced by various autonomous kingdoms, the taifas (1031-91), but the artistic production from this period does not differ significantly from that of the Umayyads. At the end of the 11th centuy, two Berber tribes, the Almoravids and the Almohads, captured the head of the Maghreb and Spain, successively, bringing Magrhebi influences into art. A series of military victories by Christian monarchs had reduced Islamic Spain by the end of the 14th century to the city of Granade, ruled by the Nasirid dynasty, who managed to maintain their hold until 1492.
al-Andalus was a great cultural center of the Middle Ages. Besides the great universities, which taught philosophies and sciences yet unknown in Christendom (such as those of Averroes), the territory was an equally vital center for art. One thinks immediately, in architecture, of the Great mosque of Cordoba, but other, smaller, monuments should not be forgotten, such as the Bab Mardum in Toledo, or the caliphal city of Madina Azahara. In the later period one finds notably the palace of the Alambra, in Granada.
Many techniques were employed in the manufacture of objects. Ivory was used extensively for the manufacture of boxes and caskets. The pyxis of al-Mughira is a masterwork of the genre. In metalwork, large sculptures in the round, normally rather scarce in the Islamic world, served as elaborate receptacles for water or as fountain spouts. A great number of textiles, most notably silks, were exported: many are found in the church treasuries of Christendom, where they served as covering for saints’ reliquaries. From the periods of Maghrebi rule one may also note a taste for painted and sculpted woodwork.
The art of north Africa is not as well studied. The Almoravid and Almohad dynasties are characterized by a tendency toward austerity, for example in mosques with bare walls. Nevertheless, luxury arts continued to be produced in great quantity. The Marinid and Hafsid dynasties developed an important, but poorly understood, architecture, and a significant amount of painted and sculpted woodwork.

Egypt and Syria



Detail of the "Baptistère de Saint-Louis," 13th-14th century, Mamluk, today in the Louvre.
The Fatamid dynasty, which reigned in Egypt from 909 and 1171 introduced crafts and knowledge from politically troubled Baghdad to Cairo.
By the year 1070 the Srljuks emerged as the dominant political force in the Muslim world after they liberated Baghdad and defeated the Byzanties at Manzikert, during the rule of Malik Shah the Seljuks excelled in arcetecture at the same time in Syria, the atabegs (governors of Seljuk princes) assumed power. Quite independent, they capitalized on conflicts with the Frankish crusaders. In 1171, Saladin seized Fatimid Egypt, and installed the transitory Ayyubuddin dynasty on the throne. This period is notable for innovations in metallurgy and the widespread manufacture of the Damascus steel swords and daggers and the production ceramics, glass and metalwork of a high quality were produced without interruption, and enameled glass became another important craft.
In 1250 the Mamluks seized control of Egypt from the Ayyubids, and by 1261 had managed to assert themselves in Syria as well their most famous ruler was Baibars. The Mamluks were not, strictly speaking, a dynasty, as they did not maintain a patrilineal mode of succession; in fact, Mamluks were freed Turkish and Caucasian slaves, who (in theory) passed the power to others of like station. This mode of government persevered for three centuries, until 1517, and gave rise to abundant architectural projects (many thousands of buildings were constructed during this period), while patronage of luxury arts favored primarily enameled glass and metalwork, and is remembered as the golden age of mideval Egypt.
The Baptistery of Saint Louis, one of the most famous Islamic objects, dates to this period.

[edit] Iran and Central Asia



The Mausoleum of the Samanids, Bhukhara, Uzbekistan, ca. 914-43.
In Iran and the north of India, the Thairids, Samanids, Ghaznavids, and Ghuridz struggled for power in the 10th century, and art was a vital element of this competition. Great cities were built, such as Nishapur and Ghazi, and the construction of the Great Mosque of Isfahan (which would continue, in fits and starts, over several centuries) was initiated. Funerary architecture was also cultivated, while potters developed quite individual styles: kaleidoscopic ornament on a yellow ground; or marbled decorations created by allowing colored glazes to run; or painting with multiple layers of slip under the glaze.
The Seljuqs, nomads of Turkic origin from present-day Mongolia, appeared on the stage of Islamic history toward the end of the 10th century. They seized Baghdad in 1048, before dying out in 1194 in Iran, although the production of “Seljuq” works continued through the end of the 12th and beginning of the 13th century under the auspices of smaller, independent sovereigns and patrons. During their time, the center of culture, politics and art production shifted from Damascus and Bagdad to Merv, Nishapur, Rayy, and Isfahan, all in Iran .
Popular patronage expanded because of a growing economy and new urban wealth. Inscriptions in architecture tended to focus more on the patrons of the piece. For example, sultans, viziers or lower ranking officials would receive often mention in inscriptions on mosques. Meanwhile, growth in mass market production and sale of art made it more commonplace and accessible to merchants and professionals . Because of increased production, many relics have survived from the Seljuk era and can be easily dated. In contrast, the dating of earlier works is more ambiguous. It is, therefore, easy to mistake Seljuk art as new developments rather than inheritance from classical Iranian and Turkic sources.
Under the Seljuqs the “Iranian plan” of mosque construction appears for the first time. Lodging places called khans, or carvanserai, for travellers and their animals, or caravansarais, generally displayed utilitarian rather than ornamental architecture, with rubble masonry, strong fortifications, and minimal comfort . Another important architectural trend to arise in the Seljuk era is the development of mausolea including the tomb tower such as the Gunbad-i-qabus (circa 1006-7) (showcasing a Zoroastrian motif) and the domed square, an example of which is the Samanids in the city of Bhukhara (circa 943) .
Innovations in the ceramic arts that date to this period include the production of minai ware and the manufacture of vessels, not out of clay, but out of a silicon paste (“frit-ware”), while metalworkers began to encrust bronze with precious metals. Across the Seljuk era, from Iran to Iraq, a unification of book painting can be seen. These paintings have animalistic figures that convey strong symbolic meaning of fidelity, treachery, and courage .
In the 13th century the Mongol, under the leadership of Genghis Khan, swept through the Islamic world. Upon the death of Genghis Khan, his empire was divided among his sons and many dynasties were thus formed: the Yuan in China, the Iikhanids in Iran, and the Golden Hords in northern Iran and southern Russia.


Iskandar at the talking tree, from an Ilkhanid Shahnameh, ca. 1330-1340, Smithsonian.
The Ilkhanids
A rich civilization developed under these “little khans,” who were originally subservient to the Yuan emperor, but rapidly became independent. Architectural activity intensified as the Mongols became sedentary, and retained traces of their nomadic origins, such as the north-south orientation of the buildings. At the same time a process of “iranisation” took place, and construction according to previously established types, such as the “Iranian plan” mosques, was resumed. The tomb of Oljeitu in Soltaniyeh is one of the greatest and most impressive monuments in Iran, despite many later depredations. The art of pesian book was also born under this dynasty, and was encouraged by aristocratic patronage of large manuscripts such as the Jami' al-tawarikh by Rashid_ud_Din Hamdani. New techniques in ceramics appeared, such as the lajvardina (a variation on luster-ware), and Chinese influence is perceptible in all arts.
The Golden Horde and the Timurids
The early arts of the nomads of the Golden Horde are poorly understood. Research is only beginning, and evidence for town planning and architecture has been discovered. There was also a significant production of works in gold, which often show a strong Chinese influence. Much of this work is preserved today in the Hermitage.


Construction of the fort at Kharnaq, Al-Hira, painting by Behzād, 1494-45, British Museum.
The beginning of the third great period of medieval Iranian art, that of the Timurids , was marked by the invasion of a third group of nomads, under the direction of Timur. During the 15th century this dynasty gave rise to a golden age in Persian manuscript painting, including renowned painters such as Kamāl ud-Dīn Behzād, but also a multitude of workshops and patrons. Iranian architecture and city planning also reached an apogee, in particular with the monuments of Samarkand, and are marked by extensive use of exterior ceramic tiles and muqamas vaulting within.

Syria, Iraq, and Anatolia

The Seljuq Turks pushed beyond Iran into Anatolia, winning a victory over the Byzantine Empire in the Battle of Manzikert (1071), and setting up a sultanate independent of the Iranian branch of the dynasty. Their power seems largely to have waned following the Mongol invasions in 1243, but coins were struck under their name until 1304. Architecture and objects synthesized various styles, both Iranian and Syrian, sometimes rendering precise attributions difficult. The art of woodworking was cultivated, and at least one illustrated manuscript dates to this period.


Tile from the Kubadabad Palace, Lake Beysehir, Turkey, 1236. Karatay Museum, Konya.
Caravanserais dotted the major trade routes across the region, placed at intervals of a day's travel. The construction of these caravanserai inns improved in scale, fortification, and replicability. Also, they began to contain central mosques.
The Turkmen, nomads who settled in the area of Lake Van, were responsible for a number of mosques, such as the Blue Mosque in Tazbik, and they had a decisive influence after the fall of the Anatolian Seljuqs. Starting in the 13th century, Anatolia was dominated by small Turkmen dynasties, which progressively chipped away at Byzantine territory. Little by little a major dynasty emerged, that of the Ottoman, who, after 1450, are referred to as the “first Ottomans.” Patronage was exercised primarilyso be seen as the forerunners of Ottoman art, in particular the “Milet” ceramics and the first blue-and-white Anatolian works.
Islamic book painting witnessed its first golden age in the thirteenth century, mostly from Syria and Iraq. Influence from Byzantine visual vocabulary (blue and gold coloring, angelic and victorious motifs, symbology of drapery) combined with Mongoloid facial types in 12th-century book frontispieces.
Earlier coinage necessarily featured Arabic epigraphy, but as Ayyubid society became more cosmopolitan and multi-ethnic, coinage began to feature astrological, figural (featuring a variety of Greek, Seleucid, Byzantine, Sasanian, and comtemporary Turkish rulers' busts), and animal images.
Hillenbrand suggests that the medieval Islamic texts called Maqamat, copied and illustrated by Yahya ibn Mahmud al-Wasiti were some of the earliest "coffee table book." They were among the first texts to hold up a mirror to daily life in Islamic art, portraying humorous stories and showing little to no inheritance of pictorial tradition.

India



Archway from the Qutb Complex, Delhi, India, constructed by successive rulers under the Delhi Sultanate.
India, conquered by the Ghaznavids and Ghurids in the 9th century, did not become autonomous until 1206, when the Muizzi, or slave-kings, seized power, marking the birth of the Dehli Sultanate. Later other competing sultanates were founded in Bengal, Kashmir, Gujrat, Jaunpur, Malwa, and in the north Deccan (the Bahmanids). They separated themselves little by little from Persian traditions, giving birth to an original approach to architecture and urbanism, marked in particular by interaction with Hindu art. Study of the production of objects has hardly begun, but a lively art of manuscript illumination is known. The period of the sultanates ended with the arrival of the Mughals, who progressively seized their territories. The Taj Mehal was ordered to be built by Shah Jahan, a Muslim king.

The Three Empires

Ottomans


Ceramic tile produced in Iznik, Turkey, second half of 16th century, kept in the Louvre.
The Otoman empire, whose origins lie in the 14th century, continued in existence until shortly after World War I. This impressive longevity, combined with an immense territory (stretching from Anatolia to Tunisia), led naturally to a vital and distinctive art, including plentiful architecture, mass production of ceramics (most notably Iznik ware), an important jeweler’s art, Turkish paper marbling Ebru, Turkish carpets as well as tapestries and an exceptional art of manuscript illumination, with multiple influences
The standard plan of Ottoman architecture was inspired in part by the example of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople/Istanbol, Ilkhanid works like Oljeitu Tomb and earlier Seljuks of Ram and Anatolian Beylik monumental buildings and their own original innovations. The most famous of Ottoman architects was (and remains) Sinan, who lived for approximately one hundred years and designed several hundreds of buildings, of which two of the more important are Suleymaniya mosque in Istanbul and Selimiye Mosque in Edimin. Apprentaces of Sinan later built the famous Blue Mosque in Istanbul and the Taj Mahal in India.
Masterpieces of Ottoman manuscript illumination include the two “books of festivals,” one dating from the end of the 16th century, and the other from the era of Sultan Murad III. These books contain numerous illustrations and exhibit a strong Safavid influence; thus they may have been inspired by books captured in the course of the Ottoman-Safavid wars of the 16th century.
The Ottomans are also known for their development of a bright red pigment, “Iznik red,” in ceramics.

Mughals


Girl with parrot, scene from the Tuti-Nâma-Manuscript, 1585, Chester Beatty Library.
The Mughal Empire in India lasted from 1526 until 1858, when the English seized the country and created and exiled the last Mughal Emperor.
Various arts particularly architecture was accorded a place of honor within Mughal art, with the development of a distinctive plan and style in Islamic Architecture
, which were used in the creation of various monuments the first one was the pivotal Tomb of Humayun, Mughal architects later modified the style and built Ftehpur Sikri during the reign of Akber, "Minar" (Minarets) were refined during the rule of Jahangir and can be seen in his tomb in Lahore, his son the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built famous monuments such as the Red Fort and the Taj Mehal, which was designed by Ustad Ahamd Lauhori and his team of Mughal, Ottoman and Safavid architects.
The arts of jewelry and Hardstone carving of gemstones, such as jasper, jade, rubies, diamonds and emerelds are mentiond by the Mughal chronicler Abu'l Fazl; the series of hard stone daggers in the form of horses’ heads is particularly impressive.
The Mughals were also fine metallurgists they introduced Damascus steel and refined the locally produced Wootz ste, the Mughals also introduced the "bidri" technique of metalwork in which silver motifs are pressed against a black background. Famous Mughal metallurgists like Ali Kashmiri and Muhammed Salih Thatawi created the seamles celestile globes.
The Mughals also gave rise to a magnificent art of manuscript illumination, in which a strong European influence may be perceived, both through the utilization of perspective and the late period the use of European engravings as models. Nevertheless a strong Persian influence remains, as Persian painters founded the Mughal art of the book under the reign of Hamayun. This latter had taken refuge among the Safavids after being temporarily dethroned, and upon his return brought with him certain Persian painters. The influence of Hindu artists may also be perceived, particularly in provincial productions by Mughal Nawabs (governors).

Safavids and Qajars


Iwan, Shah Mosque, Isfahan.
The Iranian Safavids, a dynasty stretching from 1501 to 1786, is distinguished from the Mughal and Ottoman Empires in part through the Shi'a faith of its shahs. Ceramic arts are marked by the strong influence of Chinese porcelain, executed in blue and white. Architecture flourished, attaining a high point with the building program of Shah Abbas in Isfahan, which included numerous gardens, palaces (such as Ali Qapu), an immense bazaar, and a large emperial mosque.
The art of manuscript illumination also achieved new heights, in particular in the Shah Tahmaps Shahnameh, an immense copy of Ferdowsi’s poem containing more than 250 paintings. In the 17th century a new type of painting develops, based around the album (muhaqqa). The albums were the creations of conoisseurs who bound together single sheets containing paintings, drawings, or calligraphy by various artists, sometimes excised from earlier books, and other times created as independent works. The paintings of Reza Abbasi figure largely in this new art of the book.
After the fall of the Safavids, the Qajars, a Turkmen tribe established from centuries on the banks of the Caspian Sea, assumed power. Qajar art displays an increasing European influence, as in the large oil paintings portraying the Qajar shahs. Steelwork also assumed a new importance. Like the Ottomans, the Qajar dynasty survived until the First World War.

Present time

Museum of Islamic Art Qatar
Museum of Islamic Art Qatar


Painting gallery: