Multan is a city in the Punjab Province of Pakistan and the capital of the Multan District. It is located in the southern part of the province and is steeped in history. It has a population of over 3.8 million (according to the 1998 census), making it the sixth largest city in Pakistan. It is built just east of the Chenab River, more or less in the country’s geographic centre and about 966 km from Karachi. Multan is known as the ‘City of Pirs and Shrines’ and is a prosperous city of bazaars, mosques and superbly designed tombs. The Multan International Airport connects flights to major cities in Pakistan and to cities in the Persian Gulf. The city’s industries include metalworking, flour, sugar, oil milling, textiles manufacturing, fertilizer, soap, and glass. Multan is also known for its handicrafts, especially pottery and enamel work. One of the subcontinent’s oldest cities, Multan derives its name from an idol in the temple of the sun god, a shrine of the pre-Muslim period. The city was conquered (c.326 BC) by Alexander the Great, visited (AD 641) by the Chinese Buddhist scholar Hsüan-Tsang, taken (8th cent.) by the Arabs, and captured by Muslim Turkish conqueror Mahmud of Ghazna in 1005 and by Timur in 1398. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Multan enjoyed peace under the rule of Mughal emperors. In 1818, the city was seized by Ranjit Singh, leader of the Sikhs. The British held it from 1848 until Pakistan achieved independence in 1947. Landmarks include an old fort containing the 14th-century tombs of two Muslim saints. The ancient name of Multan was Kashep Puri. Raja Kashep built the town. After Hurnakas, his son Prahalad succeeded the throne, and the town was then named after him as Prahalad Puri. The current name Multan was given due to the Mali people who were defeated by Alexander the Great. Multan is famous for its large number of Sufi shrines, including the unique rectangular tomb of Shah Gardez that dates from the 1150s and is covered in blue enamelled tiles typical of Multan. The shrine of Shamsuddin Sabzwari dates from 1330 and has a unique green dome.
Places to Visit
Shah Rukn E Alam Tomb
Multan Qila is the location of the Tomb. Sheikh Rukn-ud-Din Abul Fateh, a Sufi saint, is buried here. Between 1320 and 1324 AD, Ghiyas-ud-din, the Tughluq king of Delhi, built this mausoleum. It’s octagonal, with a 15-meter internal diameter.
Monument of Van Agnew (Qasim Bagh)
The Vans Agnew monument can be found within Qasim Bagh, which is within Kohna Fort Multan. He was a British civil official. He was killed by Sikh Govt and then the British occupied Multan after a bloody battle and he was buried in Fort Kohna Multan a monument was made alongside.
Chaman e Zar Askari Park
Chaman zar is an amazing place for families to see in Multan. It is locally known as Jheel because It contains a small lake in which you can ride a speed boat or cycle boat. Chaman zar is located near Yadgar e Shuhada in Multan Cantonment. This park also contains many rides including Dragon and train rides.
Damdama
This is an art gallery located inside Qila in Multan. It contains a photo gallery of various historical events. its second floor is very famous among the locals as it gives the view of the whole Multan.
Garrison Public Library
This is a great place to study peacefully in Multan. It contains a wide range of books. This library is situated in Multan Cantonment Area.
Multan Art Gallery
This is a great place to see in Multan. It contains a photo gallery of various historical events of Multan. This gallery contains pictures of various invaders such as Alexander the Great, Muhammad bin Qasim, Sher Shah Suri, and various British emperors. Entry into this art gallery is free. This art gallery is located near MDA Square Multan.
Park of Shah Shams Multan
On Eidgah Road, near Shah Shams’ mausoleum, Shah Shams Park can be found. Shah Shams Tabriz, a well-known Sufi saint, is honoured in this lovely garden. Flowers, fountains, grass courts, and other attractions abound at Shah Shams Park. They also feature a play area with a small lake and a variety of rides for kids and families to enjoy.
Yadgar e Shuhada
Yadgar e Shuhada is located in Multan’s Cantonment neighbourhood, on Shershah Road. The most beautiful place in Multan is the Yadgar-e-Shuhada (Martyrs’ Memorial), which is composed entirely of white marble. This memorial was constructed in honour of the troops who died in the Pakistan-India war.
Khuni Burj (Blood Bastion)
The Khuni Burj was named after a notable incident in Multan. Many battles were fought here. They say that alexander the great died of an arrow, he got here. In addition, the British troops and the Sikhs fought a deadly fight against this stronghold. The bastion is very important for these two reasons.
Fort Kohna (Multan Fort)
Fort Kohna is a 2600-year-old fort. The structure is approximately 7,000 feet long and 40 feet broad. The structure was constructed to protect Multan’s city against attackers from the west and north. This fort may be found in the heart of Multan.
Bahauddin Zakariya Shrine
The Bahauddin Zakariya Shrine was built in the 13th century. Bahuddin Zakiriya was also Rukn-e Alam’s grandfather, a well-known saint buried 500 meters southwest on a splendid mausoleum. During his youth, Zakariya travelled across the Islamic world after the death of his father at the age of 12 and visited Khurasan, Bukhara, and Medina.
Clock Tower Multan
Multan’s Clock Tower is a historical site and a popular tourist destination in Multan. It was constructed under the British Raj around 1884 AD. Multan’s clock tower took nearly four years to complete. Taking an auto-rickshaw to Ghanta Ghar is the most convenient method to get about. The Clock Tower is also close to Multan’s Fort Kohna Qasim Bagh.
