What You Never Knew About Punjab

Punjab is the second largest province of Pakistan with a geographical area of 79,284 square miles and accommodating 56% of the country’s population. Here are a few interesting facts about Punjab that you might not be aware of and will be fond of knowing them.

The origin of word “Punjab”

It is the same region which was known as Pentapotamia (the region of five rivers) to the Greeks. In the early 17th century, the Turkic conquerors named it Punjab which is a combination of two Persian words “panj” and “ab”. ‘Panj’ meaning ‘five’ and ‘ab’ meaning ‘water’ makes Punjab the “land of five waters”. This refers to the five rivers, Indus, Chenab,  Jhelum, Ravi and Sutlej that flow through this area. 

Jhelum has the Highest Literacy Rate

As compared to other provinces, Punjab has the highest literacy rate with the city of Jhelum on the top of the list. The government of Punjab focuses a lot on the education sector and suggested to approve a national education policy to increase the expenditure on education up to 7% of GDP.

Faisalabad is the centre of Pakistan Textile Industry

Faisalabad lies in the northwest of Punjab at a height of 184 metres above the sea level. It is the third largest city of Pakistan and being the textile hub contributes a lot to the overall economy of the country. Faisalabad is also known as Manchester of Pakistan.  

Bahawalpur City has many Historic Sites

Punjab is well known for its historical sites including Shalimar Gardens and Bahshahi mosque. But did you know the Bahawalpur City alone has many historic places?  The Darbar Mahal made out of red bricks, Abbassi Mosque that resembles the MotiMosque of Delhi, Lal Sohanra National Park one of the largest national parks in South Asia, majestic Derawar fort and close to it the graveyard where Nawabs of Bahawalpur lay buried , the Noor Mahal, Bibi Jawindi Tomb, and Gulzar Mehal are some of the names worth mentioning. 

Punjab represents its Historic Diversity of Various Religions

Vedic Civilization had flourished in the ancient city of Taxila. It used to be a major center of Buddhism and their archeological excavations can be found in the Taxila museum. The Katas Raj temples represent Hindu mythology and Multan remained a significant Hindu Pilgrimage center. The founder of Sikh faith, Guru Nanak was also born in Punjab, in a town called Nankana Sahib near Lahore. This region has always been the center of Muslim Sufism. Many great Sufi Shrines are also found in Punjab. 

I hope I was able to show you things you would not otherwise encounter to break up your every day routine.  Thanks to those who support my blogs!

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Bath House

Rowing

Textiles

Derawar Fort

Katas Raj Temple