Old Lahore is one of the popular tourist attractions in Lahore which attracts a lot of tourists worldwide every year. Lahore has a rich historical background and has evidenced a lot of changes from ancient times. Old Lahore was known as the Kacha Kot. This ancient city has some of the major tourist attractions in Pakistan.
The history of Lahore dates back to times immemorial. It is a popular belief that the city was founded by the epic hero Rama and was named after his son Lava. The origin of Lahore can be traced back in 982 with the discovery of various documents written during this period. The oldest document was supposedly written in 982 and was called Hudid-i- Alam. This particular document refers Lahore as a small 'shahr' which had a number of dwellings and shops.
There were various regimes who captured and ruled Lahore. The earliest of the rulers who is supposed to reign Lahore was Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni. In 1021 this city was declared the capital of Ghaznavid Empire. During his regime a lot of architectural modifications were brought about. The city gates were built during this period. Forts were constructed to protect the city from foreign invaders.
After the fall of the Ghaznavid Empire the city went to the control of the muslim dynasties which included the Khiljis, Tughlaqs, Sayyid, Lodhis and the Suris. Later on in 1524 the old city of Lahore went to the control of the Mughal Empire. It was during this time that the city reached its zenith and underwent a lot of architectural changes. Many of these architectural marvels still exist today. John Milton the famous English poet was greatly fascinated by the architectural wonders of Old Lahore.
The Royal Fort was one of the significant monuments built during this period. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Lahore constructed in 1556 AD by Akbar. It was built on the site where once existed a mud fort in 1021. The fort was rectangular in shape and had gates along the western and eastern walls. Various other Mughal Emperors contributed to the construction work. Jehangir extended the gardens; Shah Jehan constructed the Diwan-e-Khas and the Moti Masjid inside the fort premises.
The old city of Lahore was often invaded by the Afghans and in the later stages of Mughal Empire the city went to the control of the Afghan Empire. In the year 1779 the Sikhs under Maharaja Ranjit Singh captured Lahore and made it the royal capital.
After the second Anglo Sikh war Lahore was included in British Empire. During this time there was a change in the architectural style. The English architecture was a blend of Mughal, Gothic and Victorian style. Many buildings were constructed which includes the National College of Arts, Government College University, Tollinton Market etc.
Today Lahore is considered as one of the major cities in Pakistan and serves as the cultural hub of Pakistan.
There are still remains of Old Lahore which reflects the glorified past of this ancient city.
If you want to get more information on Old Lahore you can browse through travel.mapsofworld.com
For more information on Lahore Tours visit the following links:
| 
