1/ A thread on Bahawalpur.
I've lived in Bwp for some time, mostly during childhood, then went back last year for district attachment. I have unceasing admiration for this desert rose and here's what I find worth sharing about Bwp.
I've lived in Bwp for some time, mostly during childhood, then went back last year for district attachment. I have unceasing admiration for this desert rose and here's what I find worth sharing about Bwp.
2/ About state flag first:
Black is the colour of Baghdad's Abbasid Dynasty. Bahwalpur's nawabs were also exiled Abbasids who got settled in Sindh. Red is for bloodshed in Sindh which led to independent Bwp state. Yellow is for desert and Green is for Islam.
Black is the colour of Baghdad's Abbasid Dynasty. Bahwalpur's nawabs were also exiled Abbasids who got settled in Sindh. Red is for bloodshed in Sindh which led to independent Bwp state. Yellow is for desert and Green is for Islam.
2b/ Story of Pelican: Pelican defines Bwp. Army div stationed in Bwp is also called Pelican div. Nawab Sadiq liked Pelican because it is known to feed its own flesh to hungry baby birds if no food is available. Sadiq vowed he would sacrifice like a Pelican for his people
3/ Now palaces: Here's Sadiq Garh Palace in Dera Nawab near Ahmed Pur East. Though not well known, this is the palace where Nawab actually lived. This is still under poss. of nawab family. Guide told us 'It would take a week to explore whole palace complex.' It seemed correct
3b/ Darbar Mahal: my favourite and most well kept of all. Access is limited though. Son of Nawab Sadiq V who was brigadier in army donated this palace to Pak Army. It has beautiful gardens, viewing platforms and a museum.
3c/ Gulzar mahal along with Noor, Farrukh and Nishat Mahal were primarily used as Zanan khanas.
-Gulzar Mahal is distinguishable from others for its French architectural elements. It is also not open for public.
-Famous Noor mahal is open for all. It also has a museum.
-Gulzar Mahal is distinguishable from others for its French architectural elements. It is also not open for public.
-Famous Noor mahal is open for all. It also has a museum.
4/ Bahwalpur has many desert forts to prevent attacks from Sindh and Rajasthan.
Derawar Fort, which was originally built by Rai Jajja, was captured by Abbasis and became an imp strategic fort for them. It has hidden tunnels, which some believe were connected to palaces in city
Derawar Fort, which was originally built by Rai Jajja, was captured by Abbasis and became an imp strategic fort for them. It has hidden tunnels, which some believe were connected to palaces in city
4b/Adjacent to Derawar is Royal Cemetery where all Nawabs and their queens are buried. Ceiling of burial hall is gold plated and walls adorned with marble tiles.
Tombs of queens are built separatly, decorated with traditional blue tiles. Only family or dignitaries are allowed in
Tombs of queens are built separatly, decorated with traditional blue tiles. Only family or dignitaries are allowed in
5/Before Abbasis,Syeds of Uch ruled that area.When Abbasis were driven out of Sindh, Syeds gave them shelter.Many famous religious families of Pakistan, trace their origin to Uch Shareef known as the Capital of Saints.Tombs of Hazrat Surkh Posh, Bibi Jaiwandi are main attractions
5b/ Saadiq Mosque in Shahi Bazar Bahawalpur is one of the largest mosques in South Punjab. One unique feature of this mosque is that it is built entirely atop Bazar which is also visible from vents installed in floor.
6/ Culture: Bahwalpur has a unique culture that is visible in its architecture, folk music, desert life, pottery and embroidery.
Silver jewelry, traditional shawls and shirts having taarkishi are much valued across country.
Seven gates around old city should not be missed.
Silver jewelry, traditional shawls and shirts having taarkishi are much valued across country.
Seven gates around old city should not be missed.
7/ Welfare City: Bahawalpur has one of the best road, education and health infrastructure not only in S. Punjab but whole Punjab. Sadiq Dane, Sadiq Public Schools, Bahawal Victoria hospitals, Islamia University, etc are known institutions.
8/ Amenities: Bahwalpur has many modern facilities. Bahawal Club provides all sporting facilities. There's Drings Cricket Stadium where intl matches were played once. All night cafes, restaurants and modern shopping malls bring bwp at par with any metropolitan.
9/ Lal Suhanra national park -one of the biggest in South Asia- is known for its flourishing Black Buck and Cholistani antelope population.
Then there is a hidden hut resort RD 50 with pristine lawns and lakes. It was a favorite retreat for a former prime minister.
Then there is a hidden hut resort RD 50 with pristine lawns and lakes. It was a favorite retreat for a former prime minister.
10/ Quaidezam Solar park: we felt sudden rise in temp as we approached solar park situated in middle of nowhere. It was due to heat concentration around solar plates.
A mis-understood project which is working pretty well and meeting most of the targets. Seeing is believing.
A mis-understood project which is working pretty well and meeting most of the targets. Seeing is believing.
11/ Red number plates: No they are not diplomatic plates. Descendants of royal family are authorized to use red plates with template Abbasi XXX. You'll see them a lot in Bahawalpur on cars ranging from Mehrans to SUVs with titles like Shahzada/i written on rear windshields.
Thread is too little a space to cover all the splendor of Bahawalpur. Still, this way I have refreshed some of the precious memories and reaffirmed my eternal love for Bahawalpur. Till we meet again Pelican! 👋
