🕌📚 Multan: The Confluence of Civilizations and a Living Page of History
Multan, with its history spanning nearly 5,000 years, stands as a cradle of civilizations, a city where spirituality, art, and pivotal global events converged to shape the destiny of the subcontinent. It is rightly known as "The City of Saints" and "The Land of the Sun."
I. A History of Global Footprints
The significance of Multan is underscored by the presence of great figures who traversed or conquered this ancient land:
Personality Era/Century Historical Significance
Alexander the Great 326 BCE The Greek conqueror faced fierce resistance here, proving the city’s early military importance.
Ibn Battuta 14th Century The great Muslim traveler mentioned Multan in his Rihla (travelogue) as a vital commercial and spiritual hub.
Avicenna (Bu Ali Sina) Historical Accounts Though debated, traditions suggest that Multan was a major center for medicine and learning, attracting scholars like the great Persian polymath.
II. Tales of Rise and Fall: The Rulers Who Governed Multan
Multan has witnessed the rise and fall of empires. Its strategic position consistently made it a crucial frontier for the throne of Delhi and beyond:
Sultan Iltutmish & Razia Sultana: During the Delhi Sultanate, Sultan Iltutmish secured control of Multan, and his daughter, Razia Sultana, the first female ruler of the subcontinent, maintained its crucial administrative and military status.
Ahmad Shah Abdali (Durrani Empire): In the 18th century, the Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali repeatedly attacked and annexed Multan, making it a vital province that deeply influenced the local culture and architecture.
Educational Center: Historical evidence confirms that Multan was a significant center of learning in the medieval ages, housing major Universities (Jami'at) where various Islamic and secular sciences were taught.
III. Harmony and Conflict: The Coexistence of Temple and Shrine
Multan offers a unique example of religious harmony, where ancient Hindu and Jain places of worship stood alongside revered Sufi shrines.
Prahladpuri Temple: This temple, historically located adjacent to the shrine of Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya, exemplified centuries of religious coexistence. Tradition holds that the origin of the major Hindu festival of colors, Holi, is linked to this very spot, where devotee Prahlad was saved.
Tragic Historical Note: It is a painful historical fact that, during religious turmoil, a section of this ancient temple was unfortunately damaged in retaliation following the demolition of the Babri Mosque in India.
Suraj Kund Temple: Another vital historical religious site was the Suraj Kund Temple, dedicated to the Sun God, proving that Multan was a central location for ancient Hindu rituals.
Jain Temples: Traces of Jain temples, some over 600 years old, further illustrate that Multan was an open and safe sanctuary for various faiths.
IV. The Eternal Charm That Captivates Tourists
No visit to Multan is complete without experiencing its rich sensory offerings:
Culinary Delights
Mango Paradise: Multan is the home of some of the world’s finest mango varieties, including the intensely sweet Chaunsa and Anwar Ratol. Visiting in the summer offers the opportunity to taste this royal fruit at its best.
Sohan Halwa: The city is internationally renowned for its specialty sweet, Multani Sohan Halwa, a dense, delicious, and nutrient-rich delicacy made from a recipe perfected over centuries.
Art and Craftsmanship
Khussa and Embroidery: The beautifully embroidered leather footwear known as the Khussa is a cultural icon. The intricate, geometric, and floral Multani Embroidery on textiles and shawls showcases the incredible skill and dedication of local artisans.
Blue Pottery (Kashi Kari): The dazzling turquoise and cobalt blue ceramics, known as Kashi Kari, have been a hallmark of Multan for centuries, blending Persian, Central Asian, and local artistry.
Embark on this journey with me! My mystical city awaits you.
Your Host, Honey Bin Tariq
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