Bahawalpur

Infobox City Pakistan
official_name = Bahawalpur
بہاولپور


emblem =
province = Punjab
city_

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n1 = 29
n2 = 59
n3 = 00
e1 = 73
e2 = 19
e3 = 00

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mapsize = 150px
map_caption = Bahawalpur Division
area_total_km2 =
census_year= 2007
estimate_year= 2007
census_pop= 54,5103
estimate_pop= 600,457cite web| url=http://www.world-gazetteer.com/wg.php?x=&men=gpro&lng=en&dat=32&geo=-172&srt=pnan&col=aohdq&pt=c&va=&geo=413520701| title="Bahawlpur"| first=World Gazetteer| last=Stefan Helders| accessdate=2006-04-17]
population_density_km2 =
code =
towns =
uc =
nazim = Tariq Basheer Cheemah (district_
naib nazim =
footnotes= [http://203.215.180.58/portal/portal/media-type/html/group/304?page_name=Bahawalpur$d_home&group_type=dist&group_id=304&group_name=Bahawalpur&js_pane=P-1004ba76975-10000&pview=true Bahawal Pur District Government Website]

Bahawalpur (also Bhawalpur or Bhawulpore) ( _ur. بہاولپور) is the capital city of Bahawalpur District located in , Punjab Pakistan. The population according to the 1998 census was 403,408, Saraiki is the local language of the area while Urdu and English are also spoken. Bahawalpur is located south of the Sutlej River and it lies in the Cholistan region. It is situated 90 km from Multan, 420 km from Lahore and about 700 km from the national capital Islamabad. It was the capital of the former princely state of Bahawalpur. The weather is hot and dry. Summer temperatures reach high forties degrees Celsius during the day and the nights are bit pleasant. Fact|date=October 2007 There is very little rainfall.

History

The city was founded in 1748 by Nawab Muhammad Bahawal Khan Abbasi I, whose descendants ruled the area until it joined Pakistan in 1947. The Bahawalpur (princely state) was one of the largest states of British India, more than 450 kilometres long, and was ruled by Nawab Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V Bahadur,cite web| url=http://www.4dw.net/royalark/Pakistan/bahawal5.htm| title=Bahawalpur: The Abbasi Dynasty| author=Christopher Buyers, Royal Ark website| accessdate=2007-10-13] who decided to join Pakistan at the time of independence in 1947.

The Royal House of Bahawalpur is said to be of Arabic originFact|date=October 2007 and claim descent from Abbas, progenitor of the Abbasid Caliphs of Baghdad and Cairo. Fact|date=October 2007 Sultan Ahmad II, son of Shah Muzammil of Egypt left that country and arrived in Sind with a large following of Arabs ca. 1370. Fact|date=October 2007 He married a daughter of Raja Rai Dhorang Sahta, receiving a third of the country as a dowry. Amir Fathu'llah Khan Abbasi, is the recognized ancestor of the dynasty. Fact|date=October 2007 He conquered the Bhangar territory from Raja Dallu, of Alor and Bahmanabad, renaming it Qahir Bela. Amir Muhammad Chani Khan Abbasi entered the imperial service and gained appointment as a Panchhazari in 1583. At his death, the leadership of the tribe was contested between two branches of the family, the Daudputras and the Kalhoras. Amir Bahadur Khan Abbasi abandoned Tarai and settled near Bhakkar, founding the town of Shikarpur in 1690. Daud Khan, the first of his family to rule Bahawalpur, originated from Sind where he had opposed the Afghan Governor of that province and was forced to flee.Fact|date=October 2007 The Nawab entered into Treaty relations with the HEIC, 22nd February 1833. The state acceded to the Dominion of Pakistan on 7th October 1947 and was merged into the province of West Pakistan on 14th October 1955.Faisal Malik, an Electronics Engineer, is well serving Pakistan through his tremendous technical services across the country

Economy

Bahawalpur has only one railway bridge, the Adamwahan (Empress) Bridge, over the Sutlej River, and also has rail links with Peshawar, the capital of North-West Frontier Province and Karachi, the capital of Sindh (which is 899km from Bahawalpur), making it an important rail centre. The surrounding area is mostly agricultural, which allows agricultural exports to many parts of the world. There is also a large market town for mangoes, dates, wheat, sugarcane, and cotton that bring in continuous demand all year round. In addition, it has soap making and cotton spinning factories, as well as enterprises producing silk and cotton textiles, carpets, and pottery. Bahwalpur has also sugar mill near a drive of 40 mins.

Punjab is Pakistan's most fertile province, rich in both agriculture and ancient history. It's also one of the more stable of the country's regions. The prosperous and hospitable town of Bahawalpur is a gentle introduction to the area. From here you can journey into Cholistan - a sandy wasteland dotted with nomadic communities and wind-swept forts - or the Lal Suhanra National Park, an important wildlife reserve. Further north is Harappa which is, after Moenjodaro, the second most important site of the Indus Valley civilisation. Bahawalpur is the most southerly town in the Punjab. There are daily flights from Islamabad about 555km (344mi) away. Most of the major destinations in the Punjab can be reached by bus, mini bus, and train.

Education

[http://www.iub.edu.pk The Islamia University of Bahawalpur] is biggest University of Rohi Cholistan.It also boasts a number of reputable educational establishments namely [http://www.iub.edu.pk The Islamia University of Bahawalpur] , Quaid-e-Azam Medical College and the Sadiq Public School, Bahawalpur, which is one of the largest and premier boarding schools in Pakistan.

There are many colleges some are given below;Government Sadiq Egertin College, Moon system of education,Millat College Post Grduate College Baghdad Road, Technology College, vocational colleges, four Degree Colleges, Commerece College, Tebiya College, Four Elementary colleges for teaching training Wildlife

Languages

Siraiki is main language of this city and District. Urdu is next to it. Famous Siraiki linguists Zami Bahawalpuri and Dilshad Kalanchvi were from this city. Khurum Bahawalpuri was a famous Siraiki poet and Shahab Dhelvi was a scholar of this city.

The Cholistan Desert

East of Bahawalpur is the Cholistan Desert which covers an area of about 15,000 km² and extends into the Thar Desert of India. The region was once watered by the Hakra River, known as the Saravati in vedic times. At one time there were 400 forts in the area and archaeological finds around the Darawar Fort, the only place with a perennial waterhole, indicate that it was contemporaneous with the Indus Valley Civilisation. The average annual rainfall is only 12 cm, and the little cultivation there is, is made possible by underground wells, drawn up by the camels. The water is stored in troughs, built by the tribes, between sandhills and din waterholes called tobas. The people are racially similar to those in Rajasthan - tall, with sharp features. They live in large, round, mud and grass huts, usually built on the top of sandhills. On the whole, they are pastoral and nomadic. The main tribes are the Chachar, Mehr, Lar, Paryar, Channar, Chandani and Bohar. The forts here were built at 29 km intervals, which probably served as guard posts for the camel caravan routes. There were three rows of these forts. the first line of forts began from Phulra and ended in Lera, the second from Rukhanpur to Islamgarh, and the third from Bilcaner to Kapoo. They are all in ruins now, and you can see that they were built with double walls of gypsum blocks and mud. Some of them date back to 1000 BC, and were destroyed and rebuilt many times.

Wildlife

One of the few zoos in Pakistan is located in Bahawalpur. Located over an area of several acres inside the city, it contains a variety of animal species including Asiatic lions, Bengal tigers, hyenas, leopards, and peacocks alongside a variety of other animals. Located near the city is the Lal Sohara National Park, one of the few safaris in the country housing large animals including lions and rhinoceros.

Sites of interest

* General
** Noor Mahal (House of the Royal Family)
** Gulzar Mahal (House of the Royal Family)
** Darbar Mahal (Royal Palace for operational controls of the state)
** Farid Gate
** Bahawalpur Museum
** Bahawalpur National Library
** Bahawalpur Zoo
** National Wildlife Park, Lal Sohanra
* Mausoleums
** Channen Peer Tomb Yazman
** Mausoleums of Haugha Sahib

Environs

The old fort of Munde Shahid, 50 km from Bahawalpur and Marot Fort are considered to be antiquities. A place outside the Marot Fort is known as 'Baithak Maula Ali'. The tomb of Naugaza is located in the Munde Sharif Fort.

The famous fort of Derawar is located near the city, being the private fort of the former royal family who continue to be major political playersFact|date=October 2007 in Pakistan.

Architectural monuments include the former royal family's palaces namely Darbar Mahal, Gulzar Mahal and Noor Mahal. All Mahals are now under military control. Fact|date=October 2007

Economy

Bahawalpur has only one railroad bridge over the Sutlej River, making it an important rail centre. The surrounding area is mostly agricultural, which allows agricultural exports to many parts of the world. There is also a large market town for mangoes, dates, wheat, sugarcane, and cotton that bring in continuous demand all year round. In addition, it has soap making and cotton spinning factories, as well as enterprises producing silk and cotton textiles, carpets, and pottery. Bahawalpur has also sugar mill nearby.

Specialities of Bahawalpur

Bahawalpur is known for its cotton, silk, embroidery, carpets, and extraordinarily delicate pottery, which is produced here.

The Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) has established a Craft Development Center for Cholistan area, outside Farid Gate, Bahawalpur from where handicrafts manufactured in Cholistan can be purchased.

* Flassi - It is a piece of 4-ft * 7-ftsize, made of camel hair and cotton yarn. It is used for wall hanging, as a decoration piece and a carpet. Fact|date=October 2007

* Gindi or Rilli - It is made of small pieces of many colors of cotton cloth and needlework. It can be used as wall hangings, bed covers, carpets and blankets. Fact|date=October 2007

* Changaries - Like big plaques, these are made of palm leaves in different bright colours with beautiful patterns and geometric designs. These are used for keeping the 'chapattis' and also as a wall decoration. Fact|date=October 2007

* Khalti - It is like a purse embroidered on top with multi coloured threads. Fact|date=October 2007

* Artwork - It is an attractive type of embroidery done on dupatta, kurta and chaddar etc.

Yazman Gateway to Cholistan

Yazman is primarily called as a Gateway to the Great Desert of Cholistan. It is the largest Tehsil of Bahawalpur District, it has a unique history following decolonisation and the end of the state of Bahawalpur - it was named after a city of “Yazman” in a Syrian region of Balkh.

*It is situated at a starting point of Cholistan, at a distance of 32 kilometres from Bahawalpur (The capital of the ex-state of Bahawalpur and a commissionerate and divisional Headquarter after its merger into Pakistan)

*The colonization as a result of the completion of Satluj Valley Project canal system.

*An important station of the Cholistan or Colony Railway Line laid down from Samma Satta, Bahawalpur to Fort Abbas via Yazman.

Yazman came in to being because of an administrative unit was required in the colony area of Cholistan.

Cholistan RAILWAYS PROJECT

Keeping in view to provide an effective infrastructural facility in the form of state controlled communication, a 124 miles project of a railway line from Samma Satta to Bahawal Nagar via Fort Abbas was started in November 1926.In the first phase railway line was laid down from Bahawal Nagar to Doga Bonga and was inaugurated in 1928.It was extended to Fort Abbas during the next two years. The project of remaining 80 miles from Fort Abbas to Samma Satta with the prominent stations of Mansoora, Quresh, Yazman and Qattal Ammara was completed during the period of next four to five years. This railway line could be utilized only for five years as on the request of the British Indian Government (A patron of the Bahawalpur state) all the infrastructure of railway line was given to the old patron to meet the urgent requirements of the Second World War at Indian Fronts.

The Nawab of Bahawalpur sanctioned the removal of 80 of the 124 miles railway track on 12 December 1940.It was lifted with a hope and plan to be re-laid after war. But that hope was never fulfilled and as a consequence the then required level of development in the colony area of Fort Abbas, Fort Marot and Yazman suffered a great setback in the days to come.

In 1943 Yazman was conferred upon the status of Notified Area Committee (NAC or Sub Tahsil) along with its neighbouring cities of Hasilpur, For Abbas and others like Bahawal Nagar, Sadiq Abad, Chishtian and Haroon Abad with a subsequent extension up to 31 Marh 1947 and a Naib tahsildar was posted who was also ex-officio chairman of the Committee. In order to facilitate the agro based economy, the State had a norm to alleviate some of the cities to the level of Mandi. Yazman was given the status of non-permanent Mandi in 1943-44 and was upgraded to the level of Permanent Mandi in 1949. The construction work of the Yazman City was started through auction of plots for commercial and residential purpose by the state administration. A brick kiln was approved for the promotion of construction work.

One dispensary was established in 1942-43.The figures of the income and expenditure of Yazman committee as Rs.1621,Rs.2531 and Rs.1016,Rs.1364 are available in the administrative reports for the years 1942-43 and 1943-44.In the same year there was a police station with a staff of one Sub inspector, one hawaldar and 18 constables. The state administration report for the year 1946-47 reflects that “the construction of water courses in Yazman is given due importance. Yazman is indicating a permanent low profile of development due to poor situation of the communication.” the provision of communication facilities was a major motive in this area .Apart from the railway line ( discarded after only five years ), lorry service was started between Bahawalpur to Fort Abbas and Yazman on the non metaled road which continued up to the merger of the state in Pakistan till 1955. When the 32 kilometres road between Bahawalpur and Yazman was converted in to metalled road, the transport service and its quality became better and comfortable.

After 1955 the coming years heralded a new era of development and progress and its infrastructure was enhanced to the maximum extent. With effect from 1 July 1984 Yazman gained the status of Tehsil with a high profile socio-economic and agrarian progress.

Tehsil level offices of all important departments i.e Police, Agriculture, Social Welfare, Education, Food, Forest, sports, irrigation, electricity, telephone and branches of all the national banks are operational here. Special focus on the development of Cholistan has been a special phenomenon. After devolution many development projects of education, irrigation, communication, public health engineering and electricity have so far been carried out.

The Important Sites

Cholistan

The desert area which comprises one third of the total area of the Bahawalpur District is called “Cholistan” or “Rohi”.In local dialect the word “Cholistan” which means desert without water and grass. The Cholistan can be divided in to two parts : VIZ Smaller Cholistan and Greater Cholistan. Smaller Cholistan is situated along with the irrigated area while Greater Cholistan lies further south. Some parts of Cholistan are open plain spaces, locally called “ Dahars” where soil is alluvial and suitable for cultivation. The other parts consists of sand dunes, called “ Tibas” rising at some places up to 100 meters with vegetation peculiar to sandy tracts.

Cholistan was under regular irrigated cultivation till 1200 B.C and under seasonal regular irrigated cultivation till about 600 B.C With the drying up of River Hakra the area was deserted with passage of time. There are more than 400 archaeological sites which were once populated as per survey report of Dr. Rafique Mughal which was carried out in the winter of 1978 and published in an international magazine .Cholistan is also called as valley of Hakra.

Average rain fall in Cholistan is 7.5 to 12.5 centimeters and sub soil water is brackish. Density population in Cholistan is only 09 persons per square kilometers. Animal population is around 1,200,000 which comprises camels, goats, sheep and cows. Cholistan is home of wildlife. Main source of drinking water both for human beings and animals, is rain water which is stored in “ Tobas” and “ Kunds” (water reservoir). Cholistanis constantly move in search of water. The desert on south was once habitable and forts of Derawar, Din Garh, Mauj Garh and Marot were situated at the bank of the dried up river called Sarswati, Hakra or Chughra. With the passage of time, its feeder Channels changed route thus the vast tract of irrigated land converted in to desert now called Cholistan.

The population of Cholistan consists of Muslims and Non Muslims with culture and language of their own .Cholistani clans migrate to the plains of the district in summer with their animals when rain and water is scarce. The current major clans of Cholistan include Jats Rajputs and Balochis. Their sub-clans include Chatta, Cheema, Warraich, Janjua, Rathore, Bhatti, Leghari, Lashari, and Dashti. Though these clans are unique because of their historical past and maintenance of their tribal traditions. The crafts and folktales are very much recognized.

Abbas Nagar

Abbas Nagar is an important Qasba(Village)of Bahawalpur. it is located 23km away from Bahawalpur south of River Satluj(at Bahawalpur-Bahawal Nagar road). Main Crops include wheat, cotton and dates. The Village has the famous PEER MAKHDOOM TOMB near in the west cemetery. The Shrine of Channan Pir

A few kilometers from Yazman at the start of Cholistan, the Shrine of Channan Pir is situated. It is an exclusive centre of the spiritual and cultural heritage of Yazman and Cholistan. Cultural activities are observed to be at the peak when Urs or Fair of Channan Pir is held on the consecutive seven Thursdays starting in the month of March every year. The visitors throw tabbaruk ( The sacred sweet) and the persons who pick and taste this tabarruk are supposed to be fortunate in achieving their worldly pursuits. It is told that some time in the Seventh Century Hijri

(The Islamic calendar ) a well known spiritual celebrity of great stature at Uch Sharif Hazrat Makhdum Jalal-ud-Din Surkh Bukhari while traveling on route to Jasalmir a Hindu cult area, claimed that there was a Muslim residing in the area. He was replied in negative. He was told that the wife of the ruler (raja ) of this area was expecting a baby. He predicted that he would be a staunch Muslim. The Raja became scared of the forecast of the saint and the new born baby was laid alive in a cradle made of sandal wood and was thrown in the desert to vanish away. The supernatural phenomena protected and brought up the to be saint. He entered in the circle of Makhdum Jalal-ud-Din Surkh Bukhariand and became famous with the title of Channan Pir. He converted many Non Muslims. The individuals of almost all the cults and sexes are devotees of Channan Pir and pay respects to him on the occasion of his death anniversary (Urs).The passionate devotees from all over the area pay homage to the saint as a token of acknowledgement of fulfillment of their desires for which they make vows. The Ruler Nawab of Bahawalpur paid a visit to the shrine along with the state Prime Minister Mr. Krafton and his spouse on March 14, 1943.

Derawar Fort

The most visited ancient site is Fort Derawar which is situated in the middle and on the interlinked old communication network of the Great Desert of Cholistan. Its distance from Ahmad Pur East and Bahawalpur is equal i.e 50 K.M.

The historians tell that Derawar Fort was constructed by the Raja of Bhatti tribes in 757 A.D. It is constructed in Hindu style of architecture. The first Nawab of Bahawalpur State Sadiq Muhammad Khan I while expanding the territory of the state attacked and got hold of the fort from Sardar Aghi Sing.

The tale of its construction is very interesting. Raja Jajja from a Bhatti tribe was the ruler of Khanpur and Ahmadpur. Another Raja Diwa Sing sought permission from his maternal uncle Sardar Jajja Sing to construct the fort at a bank of Hakra in Cholistan which was granted and its erection started in 837A.D.Due to the unknown reasons Raja Jajja ordered to suspend the process of construction. On the request of his sister, the mother of Diwa Sing) he again permitted to restart its construction. After its completion it was named as “Dewar Awal” which became Derwar by the passage of time.

In 1825 Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan III got constructed a splendid mosque in front of it on the true model of Jamia Masjid Dheli. Marble of very fine quality has been used in the mosque of Derawar. It is a unique monument which was constructed with a material which was brought there from the remote areas to that area of poor communication. The family graveyard of the Nawabs Half km from the mosque is also worth seeing because of its style and architecture.

SOCIAL SETUP

The main ingredients of the social set up of Yazman are dominantly agrarian. The city gives a passive look on account of Socio- Economic conditions. Economic activity totally depends on the favorable climate and better agricultural yield. Its population consists mainly of lower middle class and low paid communities. The area is relatively backward and is conspicuous for lack of industry. The literacy rate is very poor. As the city of Yazman is situated very close to its district headquarter Bahawalpur so the residents of the city of Yazman prefer to avail the educational facilities at Bahawalpur.

Bazaars of Bahawalpur

The main shopping centers of Bahawalpur are Shahi Bazaar, Machli Bazaar, Farid Gate and the Mall. Commercial area in Satellite Town is a newly developed center that is gaining popularity rapidly. A few shopping malls including Bobby Plaza, Takbeer Shopping mall, Time, Prince etc cater for all kinds of needs.

* Bahawalpur (princely state)
* Noor Mahal
* Bahawalpur Airport
* Sadiq Public School
* The Islamia University of Bahawalpur
* Quaid-e-Azam Medical College
* Johiya
* Nawab

External links

*
* [http://www.pakwheels.com/forumreply_az_TopicID!54437~ForumID!29~pw.html Pictures - Bahawalpur Zoo]
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/junaidrashid/sets/1280120/ A photographic set dedicated to Bahawalpur]
* [http://www.pakbanners.com/pakistan/Bahawalpur.html About Bahawalpur]
* [http://visit.pakistanway.com/bahawalpur.aspx District Bahawalpur - 1998 census]
* [http://www.softronix.pk Softronix Red Planet Center Bahawalpur - The only software company of Bahawalpur]

References