History of Pakistan

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History of Pakistan

Pakistan is a land that not only claims to have one of the oldest civilizations in the world, but also has an abundance of sites and relics. There are whole cities excavated from layers of earth. Every empire has left its mark on the land that is now Pakistan.

The Indus Valley Civilization:

Pakistan traces its history back to at least 2500 years BC, when a highly developed civilization flourished in the Indus Valley. It can be found in the ruins of Moenjodaro and Harrapa. Moenjodaro is considered as one of most spectacular ancient cities of the world. It is north of Karachi. It had mud baked bricks buildings, and an elaborate covered drainage system. The Indus civilization’s city of Harrapa is about 150 km from Multan. It was discovered in 20th century.

The ancient site at Kot Diji was the forerunner of the Indus Civilization. The people of this site lived about 3000B.C. Its culture is marked by well-made pottery and houses built of mud bricks and stone foundations.

History of Pakistan

The Gandhara Civilization:

The Gandhara region was the hallowed center of Budhism and had once been the cradle of the world famous Gandhara art, culture and knowledge. The archeological remains found in Taxila, Peshawar, Charsadda, Takht Bahi, Swat and rock carvings along the ancient Silk Road gives the evidences of the history of  Gandhara.Buddhism  was adopted as the state religion which flourished and prevailed here for over 1000 years. During this time Taxila, Peshawar, Swat and Charsadda became the important centers for culture, trade and learning.

Alexander the Great:

Around 327 BC, Alexander entered Pakistan from the northern route at Swat. He was extended a glorious welcome at Taxila where he stayed for some time and held discussions with the learned people of the city. The Kalash tribe in the north are said to be descendants of Alexander’s men. Alexander of Macedonia is a legend personality in Pakistan. Even today, he is regarded both as a wise philosopher and a fearless conqueror.

Arrival of the Aryans:

History of Pakistan

The prosperous and flourishing civilization of Indus Valley was brought to an end by the savage invasions of the Aryans about 1500 BC. After the Aryans, the Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire. In this dynasty, Ashoka emerged as a great ruler of sub-continent. He was the son of Bindusara Maurya and a grandson of Ghandragupta Maurya. With the decline of Mauryan dynasty, the Indo-Greeks under Alaxender conquered this region. In 320 B.C, Alaxender went back and died. With the departure of the Indo-Greeks, the Sycathians began to rule sub-continent. Sycathians were subsequently succeeded by the Partians, Kushans, White Hans, Turku Shahis,and Hindu Shahis.

During the rule of all these dynasties, Taxila, Ghandhara, Peshawar (Purushupura) and Charsada (Pushkalavati) became the important centers of knowledge and philosophy.

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