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The Historical Symbiosis of Multan and the River Ravi
The history of the River Ravi in Multan is profoundly captivating, as for centuries, this river served as the guarantor of the city's civilization and defense. While the River Chenab currently flows near Multan, history bears witness that there was a time when the Ravi used to brush against the very walls of the Multan Fort.
1. The Ancient Course (Ravi Near Multan)
Historical evidence and ancient maps (such as the British maps of 1885) reveal that the Ravi once flowed adjacent to the ancient Fort and the city walls. In 1398, when Amir Timur attacked Multan, the river was still flowing towards the city.
2. The History of Meandering (Path Changes)
The rivers of Punjab are famous for shifting their courses over time. The Ravi has changed its direction several times:
Near Tulamba: Today, the Ravi flows near Tulamba and Abdul Hakeem, approximately 35 to 40 miles away from Multan.
Confluence with Chenab: In ancient times, the meeting point of the Ravi and Chenab was near Multan. Now, this confluence occurs at Head Sidhnai (Khanewal District), where the Ravi's water is diverted toward the Chenab via a link canal.
3. Historical Significance
Alexander the Great: It is said that when Alexander attacked Multan (the ancient Malli tribe), his forces utilized the ancient paths of the Ravi.
Arrival of Sufis: During the era of great saints like Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya (R.A), the river was a major source of prosperity and trade, as boats traveled to other cities through this waterway.
The Ravi and the Grandeur of Multan Fort
Historians describe ancient Multan as an island surrounded by water. The river provided a natural strategic advantage:
The Fort’s Ramparts: The Ravi flowed to the North and West of the Qasim Fort. The height of the fort combined with the flowing river made it nearly impregnable.
The "Damdama" View: The "Damdama" (the high watchtower) on the fort was a vantage point from which the river could be seen for miles. During the Mughal era, royalty and governors would watch the boat traffic from this spot.
Archaeological Evidence: Even today, the deep depressions and ditches (Moats) around the fort—now converted into parks—are remnants of the old river bed.
The Connection Between the Ancient Gates and the River
The six historical gates of Multan were not just entry points; their locations were determined by the river’s flow and trade requirements:
Bohar Gate: This was the most important gateway to the river. It was the point where commercial boats would anchor. The name "Bohar" likely comes from the dense Banyan trees where sailors rested.
Lohari Gate: Situated near an ancient creek, this area housed blacksmiths who crafted anchors and iron tools for boats.
Daulat Gate: Located at the junction of the Fort and the river’s path, this was the "Royal Entrance" for guests arriving via the water.
Haram & Pak Gates: Located on higher ground to protect against floods, these gates overlooked fertile lands irrigated by the river’s shifting branches.
The Blue Dome: A Lighthouse on the Ravi
The shrine of Hazrat Shah Rukn-e-Alam (R.A), with its iconic blue dome, served as a "Lighthouse" (Minaret-e-Noor) in ancient times.
Reflection in Water: At sunset, the blue tiles would reflect in the Ravi, creating a mesmerizing blue hue across the water.
Navigation: For sailors and traders navigating the river at night or in fog, the high dome (situated 150 feet above the ground level) served as a guiding landmark.
The Sound of Waves: It is said that in the era of Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya (R.A), the waves of the Ravi would strike the foundations of the fort, a sound that could be heard within the shrine's courtyard.
Reference
Abul Fazl. Ain-i-Akbari. Translated by H. Blochmann, Baptist Mission Press, 1873.
Cunningham, Alexander. The Ancient Geography of India: The Buddhist Period, Including the Campaigns of Alexander, and the Travels of Hwen-Thsang. Trübner and Co., 1871.
Gazetteer of the Multan District. Punjab Government, Civil and Military Gazette Press, 1923-24.
Naz, Neelum. "The Built Heritage of Multan Fort: A Study of Its Historical Transformations." Journal of Research in Architecture and Planning, vol. 10, no. 1, 2011, pp. 1-14.
Siddiqui, Iqtidar Husain. The City of Multan: Its Ancient and Medieval History. Kanishka Publishers, 1986.
Timur, Amir. Malfuzat-i-Timuri: The Autobiography of Timur. Translated by H.M. Elliot, Islamic Book Service, 2006.
Historical References (حوالہ جات)
1. Primary Historical Sources (قدیم مآخذ):
Chachnama (Sindh's Chronicle): Provides the earliest accounts of Multan as a river-bound city and its strategic position between the Ravi and Chenab.
Ain-i-Akbari (Abul Fazl, 16th Century): Mentions Multan as a major port in the Mughal Empire where large boats (Zohra) were built and the Ravi's proximity to the city walls.
Malfuzat-i-Timuri (Autobiography of Amir Timur): Details the 1398 invasion, describing how his forces crossed the Ravi to reach the gates of Multan.
2. British Colonial Records & Gazetteers:
Imperial Gazetteer of India (1908): Records the hydrological shifts of the Punjab rivers and the specific instance of Ravi moving away from the Multan Fort.
District Gazetteer of Multan (1883-84 & 1923-24): These provide the most technical evidence of the "Old Bed of Ravi" (Dhand) and its impact on the city's gates (specifically Bohar and Daulat Gate).
Cunningham, Alexander (1871) - "The Ancient Geography of India": General Cunningham (Founder of Archaeological Survey of India) provides a detailed map and analysis of Multan’s Fort and its relation to the Ravi’s ancient course.
3. Modern Academic Research:
Naz, N. (2011) - "Historical Forts of Pakistan": Discusses the defensive architecture of Multan Fort and the use of Ravi's water in its moats (Khandaq).
Siddiqui, I.H. (1986) - "The City of Multan: Its Ancient and Medieval History": A comprehensive look at the socio-economic impact of the river on the city's Sufi shrines and trade.
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