Multan is one of the most ancient cities in South Asia. Known as the “City of Saints,” it is not just famous for its historical monuments but also for its deep-rooted spiritual legacy. But what is the story behind this remarkable city? Let’s explore the rich history, cultural significance, and the fascinating biography of Multan.
Multan’s Ancient Origins
The city of Multan is believed to be over 5,000 years old, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Multan has witnessed the rise and fall of various empires, each leaving its mark on the city. From the Indus Valley Civilization to the Persian, Greek, and Arab invasions, Multan has been a center of power, culture, and trade for millennia.
In the ancient texts, Multan is referred to as “Mulasthana,” which means the “place of origin” in Sanskrit. This shows that the city had a significant religious and cultural role even in ancient times. During the times of Alexander the Great, Multan was a thriving metropolis that the Greeks called “Maii-us.”
The City of Saints
Multan’s fame is largely attributed to the presence of numerous saints and Sufi scholars who made the city their home. The spread of Islam in South Asia owes much to these Sufi saints. Multan became a spiritual hub, attracting seekers from far and wide.
One of the most famous saints in Multan is Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya, whose shrine still attracts thousands of pilgrims. His contributions to the spiritual development of the city are unparalleled. Other notable saints include Hazrat Shah Rukn-e-Alam and Sheikh Yousuf Gardezi. These saints preached messages of love, tolerance, and peace, shaping the culture of Multan into one that values spiritual enlightenment.
A City of Resilience: Surviving Invasions
Throughout history, Multan has been a target for invaders due to its strategic location. The city sits at the crossroads of South Asia and Central Asia, making it a valuable asset for anyone looking to expand their empire.
Multan was invaded by Alexander the Great, who left his mark on the city’s history. Later, the city saw invasions by the Arabs, particularly Muhammad bin Qasim, who conquered Multan in 712 AD, bringing Islam to the region. His conquest transformed the religious landscape of the city and made it a part of the early Muslim empire in the Indian subcontinent.
Despite numerous invasions, Multan continued to flourish. The people of the city have always shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, rebuilding the city after every attack. Today, the monuments and ancient structures stand as a testament to the city’s ability to survive through the ages.
Multan’s Role in Trade and Economy
Historically, Multan has been a significant trading center. Due to its position along the Silk Road, the city was an important hub for trade between South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. The city was known for its production of silk, spices, and cotton, which were highly valued in international markets.
The bazaars of Multan were always bustling with activity, and traders from various parts of the world would converge in the city to do business. Even today, Multan is famous for its hand-woven carpets, textiles, and its unique type of pottery called “Multani pottery,” which features intricate designs and vibrant colors.
Personal Experience: A Visit to Multan
I had the opportunity to visit Multan a few years ago, and the experience was nothing short of magical. Walking through the narrow, winding streets of the old city, I could feel the weight of history around me. The ancient architecture, with its magnificent domes and intricate carvings, was awe-inspiring.
What struck me the most, however, was the warmth of the people. The locals, deeply rooted in their traditions, are incredibly welcoming and proud of their heritage. Visiting the shrines of the saints, I could sense the spirituality that still lingers in the air. The city has a certain aura that makes you feel connected to something much larger than yourself.
The Cultural Heritage of Multan
Multan’s cultural heritage is incredibly rich. The city is a melting pot of traditions, with influences from Persian, Arab, and local South Asian cultures. Its festivals, such as Urs celebrations of the saints, are filled with music, dance, and poetry.
Sufi music, in particular, plays a huge role in the cultural fabric of Multan. Qawwali, a form of Sufi devotional music, is deeply cherished by the locals and is often performed during religious festivals. Multan is also home to some of the finest craftsmen in Pakistan, with their expertise passed down through generations. Whether it’s pottery, embroidery, or carpet weaving, the artisans of Multan are masters in their craft.
Multan’s Monuments: Architectural Marvels
Multan’s architectural wonders are a significant part of its biography. The shrines of the saints, with their blue-tiled domes, are among the most iconic symbols of the city. The shrine of Shah Rukn-e-Alam, for example, is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. The intricate patterns and detailed tile work on the walls of the shrines reflect the grandeur of the Mughal Empire.
Another notable structure is the Multan Fort, which once stood as a massive fortress protecting the city. Though much of it has been destroyed over time, the remnants of the fort walls still stand tall, narrating the story of the city’s resilience.
Multan’s Religious Diversity
Multan is a city of diverse religious practices. While it is predominantly a Muslim city, it has been home to other religions as well. In ancient times, Multan was a significant center for Hinduism and Buddhism. The Sun Temple of Multan was once a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus, attracting worshippers from far and wide.
The city has also seen periods of religious tolerance and co-existence. The saints of Multan preached messages that transcended religious boundaries, focusing on love, compassion, and unity among all people.
Multan Today: A Blend of Old and New
While Multan has a rich historical and cultural past, it is also a modern city in many ways. The city’s economy is still heavily based on agriculture, but it is also a growing center for education and industry. The streets of Multan are now lined with modern buildings, but the old city remains intact, preserving its ancient charm.
Education is flourishing in Multan with many universities and research institutions making their mark. The city is a hub for intellectual growth and continues to contribute to Pakistan’s development.
Conclusion: Multan’s Everlasting Legacy
Multan is not just a city; it’s a story that spans centuries. Its spiritual significance, cultural heritage, and architectural wonders make it a city like no other. Despite the many challenges it has faced throughout history, Multan continues to stand tall as a symbol of resilience and grace. Visiting Multan feels like stepping back in time, where every corner tells a story of the past.
For those who are curious about history, spirituality, and culture, Multan is a place that should be on the top of your list.
FAQs:
- Why is Multan called the City of Saints?
Multan is home to many Sufi saints and shrines, which is why it’s known as the City of Saints. - How old is Multan?
Multan is over 5,000 years old, making it one of the oldest cities in South Asia. - What are the main attractions in Multan?
Key attractions include the shrines of Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya, Shah Rukn-e-Alam, and the remnants of Multan Fort. - Is Multan important for trade?
Yes, historically Multan was a major trade hub due to its strategic location along the Silk Road. - What is Multani pottery?
Multani pottery is a traditional form of ceramic art known for its intricate designs and vibrant colors.
Quiz:
1. What is Multan commonly known as?
a) City of Dreams
b) City of Kings
c) City of Saints
d) City of Warriors
2. How old is the city of Multan?
a) 2,000 years
b) Over 5,000 years
c) 1,000 years
d) 3,500 years
3. Which ancient name was given to Multan?
a) Mulasthana
b) Mulama
c) Malayan
d) Multina
4. Which empire did Alexander the Great conquer Multan during?
a) Roman Empire
b) Persian Empire
c) Greek Empire
d) Ottoman Empire
5. Who brought Islam to Multan?
a) Alexander the Great
b) Emperor Ashoka
c) Muhammad bin Qasim
d) Babur
6. Which saint’s shrine is one of the most famous in Multan?
a) Shah Abdul Latif
b) Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya
c) Hazrat Data Ganj Baksh
d) Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
7. Multan played a significant role in which ancient trade route?
a) Amber Road
b) Silk Road
c) Spice Route
d) Tea Route
8. What type of music is commonly associated with Multan’s cultural heritage?
a) Qawwali
b) Ghazal
c) Pop
d) Jazz
9. Which type of pottery is Multan famous for?
a) Persian pottery
b) Kashmiri pottery
c) Punjabi pottery
d) Multani pottery
10. What does the word “Mulasthana” mean in Sanskrit?
a) Place of origin
b) Land of the brave
c) City of kings
d) Fortress of warriors
11. Which saint is also famously buried in Multan, besides Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya?
a) Shah Rukn-e-Alam
b) Lal Shahbaz Qalandar
c) Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya
d) Baba Farid
12. What is the most prominent architectural feature of the shrines in Multan?
a) Golden arches
b) Marble floors
c) Blue-tiled domes
d) Red-brick walls
13. Which group of people were known to frequently visit Multan for trade in ancient times?
a) The Chinese
b) The Persians
c) The Egyptians
d) The Mongols
14. What significant role did Muhammad bin Qasim’s conquest play in Multan?
a) Spread of Hinduism
b) Industrialization of the city
c) Introduction of Islam
d) Start of the Mughal Empire
15. In ancient times, Multan was known for the worship of which deity?
a) Shiva
b) Sun God
c) Krishna
d) Ganesha
16. What was one of the key items traded in Multan in ancient times?
a) Gold
b) Silk
c) Oil
d) Glass
17. The shrine of Shah Rukn-e-Alam in Multan is an example of which architectural style?
a) Persian
b) Gothic
c) Mughal
d) Byzantine
18. What was one of the main reasons for Multan being targeted by invaders throughout history?
a) Its religious importance
b) Its strategic location
c) Its population size
d) Its wealth in gold
19. Which famous road or route passed through Multan, making it an economic hub?
a) Grand Trunk Road
b) Highway to China
c) Silk Road
d) Roman Road
20. What is the best time to visit Multan?
a) June to September
b) May to August
c) April to June
d) November to March
