Rawalpindi History, Pakistan

Rawalpindi is a great historical city of Pakistan. Archeological and historical findings indicate that this area has been inhabited from a long time. The history of Rawalpindi expands over more than 3000 years. Indications of Buddhist establishments have also been found in this area. The Hun devastation resulted into the destruction of the city.

Rawalpindi was named after the village Rawal by a Gakkhar Chief in 1493. Gakkhar ruled Rawalpindi till Muqarrab Khan. Sikhs defeated Muqarrab Khan in 1765. Sikhs ruled the city for many years and invited traders from different parts of the world. Traders’ settlement led to the prosperity and the industrial growth of the city.

In 1818, Sikh leader raja Ranjit Singh took over Rawalpindi. Later the Sikh army was defeated in the battle of Gujarat.

In 1849, the British defeated the Sikhs and ruled over the city for many years. Rawalpindi became a permanent cantonment. Rawalpindi also served as a general headquarters of the British Army for many years. During the British rule, Rawalpindi witnessed great prosperity and growth. The first railway line was set in Rawalpindi in 1881. It connected Rawalpindi with different cities of Punjab and NWFP. The first train service in Rawalpindi was started in 1886.

Rawalpindi cantonment became the largest contentment in Asia. Being linked to the capital of Pakistan Islamabad, Rawalpindi has great political and geographical importance. After independence in 1947, Rawalpindi became the center of major political events. One of which is the political murder of the first elected Prime Minister of Pakistan Liaqat Ali Khan in Company Bagh.

Due to the political and the geographical importance of Rawalpindi, the Pakistan Army and the Pakistan Air Force have headquarters in this city.

Rawalpindi Museum features a large number of historical objects, antiques and collections. These objects reflect the history of the Rawalpindi region. It also features the objects of different historical cultures including Ghandara, Moen Ja Daro and Harappa.

The city is also a site for many historical ruins including Christian, Greek, Roman and Greco-Bactrian eras.