Bahawalpur

Bahawalpur is a major city located in the Punjab province of Pakistan.

It serves as the capital of the Bahawalpur Division. The city is a significant urban center in the region. It is the 13th most populous city in Pakistan. It is also the 8th most populous city in Punjab. Geographically, the city sits at the edge of the Cholistan Desert. This location makes it a gateway to the Lal Suhanra National Park. The local climate is classified as semi-arid under the Köppen-Geiger system.

The history of Bahawalpur began in 1748. The Daudpotra family from Sindh founded the city. Nawab Bahawal Khan I established the settlement after migrating from Shikarpur. The city eventually replaced Derawar as the capital for the clan. In its early years, Bahawalpur functioned as a vital trading post. It sat on trade routes connecting Afghanistan to central India. The city later became the capital of a princely state. This state was ruled by the Nawabs of Bahawalpur until 1955.

Conflict and diplomacy shaped the city's development over many centuries. In 1785, the Durrani commander Sirdar Khan attacked the city. This attack destroyed many buildings in Bahawalpur. The ruling family and nobles took refuge in the Derawar Fort. They successfully repulsed further attacks from the Durrani forces. Later, the Sikh Empire posed a threat to the region. In 1833, Nawab Mohammad Bahawal Khan III signed a treaty with the British. This treaty guaranteed the independence of the Nawab. It also ensured the autonomy of Bahawalpur as a princely state.

Bahawalpur experienced economic shifts during the 19th century. By the 1830s, some trade routes had moved away from the city. British visitors noted empty shops in the local bazaar during this time. The population was estimated at 20,000, consisting mainly of Hindus. However, the opening of the Sutlej and Indus Rivers to navigation changed things. In 1845, new trade routes to Delhi helped the city grow again. By the late 1800s, it was a major commercial center. The city became famous for producing high-quality silk, cotton, and lungis.

The architectural legacy of the Nawabs remains a central feature of the city. They built many grand monuments that still stand today. The Noor Mahal is a famous palace completed in 1875. Nawab Bahawal Khan V built the Darbar Mahal in 1905. He built this palace specifically for his wife.

The Darbar Mahal mosque is also known for its exuberant style.

The city also contains a central library from the princely state period.

These structures reflect the wealth and culture of the ruling Abbasi family.

Modern Bahawalpur is a diverse and growing urban area. The population rose from 408,395 in 1998 to 762,111 in 2017. Most residents speak the Saraiki language, which accounts for 59% of the population. Punjabi is the second most spoken language at 22%. Urdu is spoken by 17% of the people. The city is also a center for various industries. It produces goods like caustic soda, flour, and textile products. Agriculture is also important to the local economy. Farmers grow cotton, sugarcane, wheat, and rice in the alluvial plains.

Cultural heritage and education continue to define the region. The Bahawalpur Museum was established in 1976 to protect local history. It features eight different galleries, including an archaeological gallery. The Bahawalpur Zoo was started in 1942 and is quite large. It is the fourth largest zoo in Pakistan. The city is also known for its traditional handicrafts. These items are often made in the nearby Cholistan area. Examples include Flassi, which is made from camel hair. People also make Gindi, which is colorful cotton cloth with needlework. These crafts represent the enduring skill of local artisans.