031. Khurd – Birthplace of Great Actor Sunil Dutt
I’m sure most of you know Sunil Dutt, yes, the father of Munna Bhai! But what many might not know is that he was born in a village in District Jhelum, Pakistan. While the list of Bollywood actors who trace their roots to present-day Pakistan is long and fascinating, Sunil Dutt is the only one whose…
030. Tomb of Sultan Shahab ud Din Mohammad Ghauri and the grave of Major General Nawabzada Muhammad Sher Ali Khan Pataudi
Sultan Shahabuddin Muhammad Ghauri is a well-known figure in South Asian history. While Muhammad bin Qasim and, three centuries later, Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni had opened the gates of India to Muslim conquests, their campaigns did not extend permanent rule beyond present-day Pakistan. The task of firmly establishing Muslim power in northern India ultimately fell…
029. Gogera Fort and Old Building of Gogera Courts
Gogera is an old town with a rich historical legacy. In the past, it held far greater importance in the region than it does today. Until the 1850s, it served as the district headquarters—covering areas that are now part of the present-day Okara and Sahiwal districts. I have already written about Gogera’s association with Rai…
028. Tomb of Rai Ahmad Khan Kharal and Grave of Lord Berkley
When the storm of the Indian Mutiny of 1857 broke out across northern India, the fate of the British Empire in the subcontinent hung in the balance for several months. Different regions and communities chose sides based on their own historical experiences, geography, social dynamics, and personal interests. Punjab, however, remained largely peaceful. Although a…
027. Tomb of Mirza and Sahiban & The Mosque in Kheiwa
Mirza Sahiban is one of the most famous love stories of Punjab and the Indian subcontinent. Mirza was a Kharal Rajput from Danabad village (31°12’51” N, 72°27’09” E) in Tehsil Jaranwala, District Faisalabad. Sahiban belonged to the Sial tribe and lived in Kheiwa (31°27’13” N, 72°27’32” E), a village about 20 kilometers north of Jhang….
026. Birthplace of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Pakistan
I hope many of you have heard the name of Shaheed Bhagat Singh—thanks to Bollywood movies, if nothing else. He is probably one of the most famous revolutionaries who fought against British rule in India. During my recent visit to Pakistan, visiting his ancestral village, Banga, was one of my top priorities. Despite all the…
025. Katas Temples
Katas is probably the most sacred site of the Hindu faith in Pakistan and certainly the most well-known. It is an ancient place, rich in Hindu history and mythology. According to the Mahabharata, the five Pandava brothers, heroes of that epic, lived here for four years. The temple complex is believed to have existed since…
024. Nandana Fort, Pakistan.
This short post is about the ancient city of Nandana, located in the Salt Range. Once an important city during the time of the Hindu Shahi dynasty, it went into decay after the invasions of Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni. Today, Nandana is an archaeological site of considerable significance. With proper excavation, it holds the potential…
023. Monument Of John Nicholson & GT Road Of Sher Shah Suri
The Rebellion of 1857 is a landmark event in the modern history of India. During this uprising, which began in that year, the British came dangerously close to losing their Indian Empire. However, due to a general lack of public interest in history, many remain unaware of the full scope and significance of this rebellion….
022. Dipalpur: A historical city lost in time and Gurdwara Chota Nanakiana
Dipalpur is a small city in District Okara, but it boasts an ancient history dating back to the Vedic period of the early Indo-Aryan civilization. During the era of the Delhi Sultanate, particularly in the 13th century, it rose to significant prominence. Dipalpur was not only the seat of the governor of Punjab, but also…