Cultural Heritage of Pakistan:

The land of Pakistan had the honor of being parallel with other ancient civilizations like Greece and Egypt. The early history of this region marks the traces of ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley Civilization.

Mohan jo daro, Harapa, Gandhara Art, Taxila, and Mehr Garh are the Civilizations that existed thousands of years ago in this region. These civilizations have greatly influenced the inhabitants of Pakistan.

The advent of Islamic Culture:

The advent of Muslims in 712 A.D., for the first time, brought an entirely new culture. The Muslims brought a clean and amazing Culture with them. Hindu society was deeply affected by this Islamic Culture and civilization. They adopted even the Islamic dress and Islamic manners. The Muslim civilization although adopted a new shape under the influence of already living people of the subcontinent.

The Pakistani Cultural heritage consists of Archeology, Arts, and crafts. Calligraphy, folk songs and tales, literature and languages, religious and spiritual values.

Architecture during the Muslim period:

The Muslim art of architecture was unique in every respect, Muslims brought with them the Greek and Eruption styles of architecture system in the subcontinent. Before the arrival of Islam in this region buildings were constructed without keeping in view the needs of the people. There were congested houses, no Gardens, and palaces. The buildings constructed by the Muslims were very vast and lighted. Muslims took great care during the construction of buildings, unnecessary decoration was avoided, and they tried to keep the whole building beautiful and good-looking. The famous buildings constructed during the Muslim period are Qutab Minar, Fort of Agra, Taj Mehal, Jamia Mosque of Delhi, Shahi Qilla Lahore, Shalimar Bagh Lahore, Masjid Mahabat Khan Peshawar, Badshahi Mosque Lahore, Masjid Wazir Khan Lahore, and Jamia Mosque Thatta.

Fine Arts:

The culture of Pakistan also includes amazing fine arts, whether it’s calligraphy, painting, or other parts of fine arts Pakistan holds a unique place in the world. Excavations at Harapa, Mohan jo Daro, and Taxila have revealed that the people of this land have achieved a level of excellence in the fields of architecture and fine arts. Muslims introduced decorative paintings and embroidery which were made on walls and ceilings of the palaces and Mosques. The Muslim rulers especially the Mughals were very fond of fine arts. Humayun brought famous artists Mir Syed Ali and Khwaja Abdul Samad from Iran with him. During the reign of Jahangir, the art of Painting reached its peak. Very beautiful pictures of flowers, plants, animals, and natural scenery were also made.

Calligraphy:

The Muslims for the first time brought with them the art of Calligraphy to the subcontinent, the Mixture of Islamic art and Indian traditional art gave birth to a new art called Indo-Islamic art. The art of Calligraphy shows their deep love for Holy Quran. Beautiful calligraphy was used in the mosques. During the Muslim period, many kinds of Calligraphy progressed.

Music During Muslim Period:

In the Subcontinent Music progressed to its peak during Muslim rule. Mughal rulers were very fond of Music. Muslim singers and musicians invented many Musical instruments. On the other hand Hindu art of music was also very old. Due to the contact of both types of music and musical instruments, new Raags were produced. Moreover the Muslim Sufi saints also took significant interest in popularizing this art, and Qawali became very popular. A famous musician from Gawaliar Tansain served as a musician in the Darbar of Akbar and he invented many kinds of Raags.

ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE

Lahore Fort:

This is also known as Shahi Qila and it was built by Akbar. The main structures inside the fort are the MotiMasjid, Diwan-e-Aam, Maktab Khana, Shish Mahal, and Nawlakha. The Hathi and Alamgir gates arealso remarkable constructions.

Badshahi Mosque

It was built by Aurangzeb. The architecture is similar to the Jamia Masjid Delhi and The mosque has been built with red stones while domes are in marble.

Jahangir Tomb:

This tomb was built by Shah Jahan. It is known as a fine building of Lahore.

Shalimar Garden:

This is located on the Grand Trunk Road and is a magnificent remnant of Mughal Grandeur. This garden consists of three terraces, one above the other. Besides, there is an elaborate and awesome reservoir, fountains, and water channels.

Masjid Wazir Khan:

This is situated in Kashmir Baazar inside the walls of the old city. It was built by Nawab Wazir Khan who was a viceroy of Punjab under Shah Jahan.

Golden Mosque:

It is situated near the Masjid Wazir Khan.It was built during the rule of Mohammad Shah and it is also very beautiful piece of architecture.

Mahabat Khan Mosque:

It was built by the Government of Peshawar. Mahabat Khan, during Shah Johan’s reign. It has a fine massive structure with lofty minarets.