Cultural Heritage of Pakistan
INTRODUCTION
In the development of any nation. Its
cultural heritage and its glorious past plays a vital role and serves as a
source of inspiration and pride for t=its people. Our country Pakistan is
accordingly proud of its cultural heritage.
DEFINITION OF
CULTURE
Culture may be defined as behavior
peculiar to human beings, together with material objects used. Culture consists
of language, ideas, beliefs, customs, codes, institution, tools, techniques, works
of arts, ceremonies and so on. According to Allama Iqbal:
“Culture encompasses all the mental, spiritual and physical activities
of a nation. It includes the basic beliefs and faith, values and literature, art
and architecture, music and mode of dress, manners and customs prevalent in a
given society.”
PAKISTANI
CULTURE IS A ISLAMIC CULTURE
Pakistan is an Ideological Islamic
State. Its very existence is due to Islam, so the Pakistani culture is
primarily based on the Islamic way of life. All other ingredients of culture
are inspired by Islam. Pakistani culture is highlighted by its grandeur, simplicity,
firm convictions and noble deeds and ideas.
ARCHAELOGICAL
HERITAGE
Pakistan has been the cradle of
civilization that dates back more than five millennium. Over the centuries, through
successive waves of migrations from the North West, as well as by internal
migrations across the Sub Continent, Aryans, Persians, Greeks, Arabs and
Mughals came and settled in the region and have left behind the archaeological
sites in Pakistan which is now being preserved. A brief review of the different
civilizations which flourished and then perished with the passage of time is as
under:
Moen- jo-
Daro
Moen-jo-Daro is situated at a
distance of some kilometers from Larkana. A civilization fourished there some
4000 years ago. It was discovered by Sir John Marshall in 1922.Moen Jo Daro
stands as most spectacular of all the excavate cities of the Indus valley
civilization. It is strange that at its glory, it was a beautiful city with
brick walled houses, pillared halls, markets, baths, lanes, streets and public
places. Every house had walls, drains and bathrooms inside it.
Harappa
Harappa is situated in the city o
Sahiwal. Scientist and archaeologists believe that Harappa also belongs to the
Indus valley civilization. Remains of this city were excavated in the 1920.
Gandhara
It is comparatively a new
civilization, the regions comprising Northern Punjab, Peshawar valley and
Eastern Afghanistan was known as Gandhara. For a long time it remained the
meeting place of various ancient cultures, as it was rule by many rulers. A
distinctive art which is known as Gandhara Art took place from here and
flourished during the 2nd and 3rd century of Christian era. Thousand monasteries
and stupas were widely built here Buddha’s figures, shapes and monasteries all
made prominent features of Gandhara Arts.
Buddhist
Remains
The Buddhist era ushered in some 500
years B.C. The Buddhist monastery Takht-i-Bahi is in N.W.F.P .It dates 2-5
century old. Some mounds were also found near Peshawar which represent
Kanishka’s mighty Pakistan. An impressive complex of Chapels, Stupas, quadrangles
and monk’s cells are also found. The great Buddhist civilization now forming
the heritage of the present Pakistan culture.
Taxila
It was excavated in recent times near
Rawalpindi. Taxila is the most popular name in history. It came into prominence
during the Persian occupation. At its zenith, the city was the nucleus of
religious and cultural activities.
Thatta
The main town of Thatta is famous for
specimens of Indo-Muslim architecture in the Sub Continent. Noteable among them
is the great mosque built by Shah-Jahan. The principle monuments of Thatta are
located on the Makli Hill.
ARCHITECTURAL
HERITAGE
Lahore Fort
It is also known as Shahi Qila.It was
built by Akbar. The main structure inside the fort are the Moti Masjid, Diwan-e-Aam,
Maktab Khana,the Shish Mahal and Nawlakha. The Hathi and Alamgir gates are also
remarkable constructions.
Badshahi
Mosque
It was built by Aurangzeb. Its
architecture is similar to the Jamia Masjid Delhi. The mosque has been built
with red stones while the domes are in marble.
Jahangir Tomb
This tomb wasbuiltby Shsh Jahan. It
is known as a fine building of Lahore.
Shalimar
Garden
It is situated on the Grand Trunk
Road and is a magnificent remnant of Mughal Grandeur. The garden constitutes of
three terraces, one above the other. Besides there is an elaborate and
beautiful reservoir, water channels and
fountains.
Masjid Wazir
Khan
It 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 a very beautiful
piece of architecture.
Mahabat Khan Mosque
This Mosque was built by a Government
of Peshawar. Mahabat Khan, during Shah Jahan’s region. It has affine massive
structured with lofty minarets.
The Fort of Bala Hasar
This fort was built on raised platform
92 feet from the ground level. There are two gardens near the fort.
HERITAGE IN
FINE ARTS
Paintings
The art of painting has developed
slowly in the Muslim of South Asia. In the beginning decorative paintings and
embroidery were made on the walls and ceilings of buildings. The Mughal rulers
were very fond of paintings. The traditional art of painting occupies a prominent
place in the people of Pakistan. Abdul Rehman Chughtai, Haji Mohammad Sharif, Jamil
Nagshare are the most distinguished painters.
Calligraphy
The Muslim took a keen interest in
the promotion of calligraphy. Its main reason is their deep love with Holy
Quran. During this period many kinds of calligraphy progressed. The mosques
constructed during early and medieval periods of Islam were decorated with
masterpieces of calligraphy.
Music
The Mughal contributed a great deal
to the promotion of music and Pakistan has inherited musical traditions that go
far back in history. Ameer Khusro and Tansain are famous musicians of the
historical era.
Architecture and Sculpture
The Muslim art of architecture was
unique in every aspects. The architecture and all the miniature arts including
carving, sculpture, mosaic works, tile works and paintings were called upon to
build new mosques and places.
CONCLUSION
In the development of Pakistan
society, its cultural heritage has played a vital role. Pakistani nation is justly
proud of the historical period which brings with nearly 4th century B.C and
continued with the advent of Islam in Sub Continent in 8th century A.D.
“Our cultural heritage expresses courage, patients and hard life. They
all are in connection with life which is a fundamental part of Islamic
teachings.”
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