Medieval history of Pakistan

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History of Pakistan
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Ancient Palaeolithic Soanian culture, c. 500,000 – 250,000 BCE Neolithic Mehrgarh, c. 7000 – c. 3000 BCE Bronze Age Indus Valley Civilisation, c. 3300 – c. 1700 BCE Gandhara Civilization, c. 1500 BCE – c. 1000 CE Vedic Civilization, c. 1500 – c. 500 BCE Achaemenid Empire, c. 550 – c. 330 BCE Gedrosia, c. 542 – c. 330 BCE Gandhara, c. 518 – c. 330 BCE Arachosia, c. 518 – c. 330 BCE Hindush, c. 517 – c. 330 BCE Sattagydia, c. 516 – c. 330 BCE Ror dynasty, c. 489 – c. 450 BCE Macedonian Empire, c. 329 – c. 323 BCE Arachosia, c. 323 – c. 312 BCE Gedrosia, c. 323 – c. 312 BCE Paropamisadae, c. 323 – c. 312 BCE Porus, c. 323 – c. 312 BCE Taxiles, c. 323 – c. 312 BCE Mauryan Empire, c. 322 – c. 200 BCE Seleucid Empire, c. 312 – c. 63 BCE Greco-Bactrian Kingdom, c. 190 – c. 140 BCE Indo-Greek Kingdom, c. 170 – c. 50 BCE Indo-Scythian Kingdom, c. 110 BCE – c. 95 CE Apracharajas, c. 25 BCE – c. 50 CE Paratarajas, c. 120 – c. 300 CE
Classical Parthian Empire, c. 90 BCE – c. 25 CE Indo-Parthian Kingdom, c. 25 – c. 80 CE Kushan Empire, c. 60 – 345 CE Sasanian Empire, c. 250 – 655 CE Indo-Sasanians, c. 240 – 410 CE Kushano-Sasanian Kingdom, c. 240 – 410 CE Gupta Empire, c. 345 – c. 455 CE Rai dynasty, c. 415 – 644 CE Hephthalite Empire, c. 450 – 560 CE Brahman dynasty, c. 641 – 725 CE Zhangzhung, c. 500 BCE - 624 CE Patola Shahis, c. 6th - 8th centuries CE Tibetan empire, c. 618 - 842 CE
Medieval Caliphate, c. 643 – 860 CE Rashidun Caliphate, c. 643 – 661 CE Umayyad Caliphate, c. 670 – 860 CE Habbari dynasty, c. 841 – 1024 CE Hindu Shahi, c. 870 – 1010 CE Samanid Empire, c. 905 – 999 CE Ghaznavids, c. 999 – 1186 CE Soomra dynasty, c. 1024 – 1351 CE Ghurid dynasty, c. 1170 – 1215 CE Makpon Empire, c. 1190 - c. 1840 CE Delhi Sultanate, c. 1206 – c. 1526 CE Mamluk dynasty, c. 1206 – c. 1290 CE Khalji dynasty, c. 1290 – c. 1320 CE Tugluq dynasty, c. 1320 – c. 1413 CE Sayyid dynasty, c. 1414 – c. 1451 CE Lodhi dynasty, c. 1451 – c. 1526 CE Mongol Empire, c. 1221 – c. 1327 CE Chagatai Khanate, c. 1225 – c. 1485 CE Ilkhanate, c. 1256 – c. 1353 CE Raees dynasty, c. 1320 – 1620 CE Katoor dynasty, c. 1570 – c. 1947 CE Samma dynasty, c. 1351 – c. 1524 CE Yabgo dynasty, before c. 1500 - 1972 CE Arghun dynasty, c. 1520 – c. 1554 CE Mughal Empire, c. 1526 – c. 1707 CE Bombay Presidency, c. 1618 – c. 1947 CE Suri dynasty, c. 1540 – c. 1556 CE Tarkhan dynasty, c. 1554 – 1591 CE
Early modern Durrani Empire, c. 1747 – c. 1826 CE Las Bela, c. 1802 – c. 1947 CE Misl, c. 1716 – c. 1799 CE Maratha Empire, c. 1758 – c. 1760 CE Sikh Empire, c. 1799 – c. 1849 CE British Raj, c. 1858 – c. 1947 CE Independence Movement
Modern Pakistan, c. 1947 CE – present Dominion of Pakistan, c. 1947 – 1956 CE Islamic Republic, c. 1956 CE – present
History of provinces Azad Kashmir Balochistan East Pakistan Gilgit-Baltistan Islamabad Capital Territory Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Punjab Sindh
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Medieval history of Pakistan encompasses a significant era in the history of Pakistan or the greater Indus region, bridging the "ancient period" and the "modern period."^[1] This era is generally considered to span from the advent of Islam in the 6th century CE to the early modern period, marked by the rise of the Mughal Empire in 1526. However, some historians may adjust these dates based on specific regional developments and historical perspectives. The medieval period is further divided into the early medieval and late medieval eras.^[2]

In the early medieval period, the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent was home to over 40 distinct states, each characterized by diverse cultures, languages, writing systems, and religions.^[3] Buddhism was predominant at the beginning of this era, with significant institutions and influence by the end of this period much of the region embraced Islam and it became the dominant religion in the region.^[4][5]

The late medieval period saw a consolidation of Islamic power in the region. Many local rulers converted to Islam, leading to the establishment of prominent Islamic dynasties, including the Delhi Sultanate, which dominated the region until the early 16th century.^[6] Buddhism declined during this period, but Hinduism persisted and strengthened in areas under Muslim control. The turn of the 16th century marked a significant shift with the introduction of gunpowder and the rise of the Mughal Empire. The Mughals, alongside the Ottoman Empire and Safavid Persia, were one of the major Islamic gunpowder empires.^[7][8][9] The ensuing cultural and technological advancements during the Mughal era transformed society, transitioning the region from the medieval to the early modern period.

The medieval period in Pakistan is generally defined as spanning from the 6th century CE^[10] to the 16th century CE.^[11][12] This timeframe aligns with the broader Middle Ages in European history, though exact dates can vary depending on specific historical perspectives. The period is typically divided into two sub-eras:

• Early Medieval Period: This spans from the 6th to the 13th century, a time marked by diverse regional powers and the early spread of Islamic influence.^[10]
• Late Medieval Period: Covering the 13th to the 16th century, this era saw the consolidation of Islamic rule, the decline of Buddhism, and the rise of the Mughal Empire.^[13]

Some historians suggest alternative periodizations. For instance, the medieval period might be considered to start around 1000 CE or the 12th century.^[14] The end of the medieval period might be extended to the 18th century, encompassing the transition from Muslim rule to British colonial dominance.^[15][16]

The term "medieval" has faced scrutiny in the context of South Asian history.^[17] Critics argue that the European concept of the medieval period, characterized by distinct shifts and developments, does not align perfectly with South Asian historical changes.^[18] Burton Stein, among others, used the concept to describe the era from the Guptas to the Mughals. However, contemporary historians, particularly those from South Asia, often specify the periods they cover more precisely to avoid the ambiguities associated with the term.^[19]

Mughal era Pakistan

Royal Shalimar Gardens at Lahore^[20]

The Alamgiri Gate of the Lahore Fort was built during the reign of Aurangzeb.^[20]

Diwan-i-Khas at Lahore Fort was built during the reign of Shah Jahan.

The Badshahi Mosque, built by Aurangzeb, is one of the largest mosques in Pakistan.

Wazir Khan Mosque at Lahore, richly decorated with Mughal frescoes.

The Akbari Sarai features a monumental gateway that leads to the Tomb of Emperor Jahangir.

Following is a timeline of medieval Pakistan, highlighting the various dynasties that ruled from the Early Medieval to the Late Medieval and Early Modern periods:

• Rashidun Caliphate (632–661 CE): Early Islamic influence in Sindh, with military expeditions establishing initial footholds.^[21]
• Umayyad Caliphate (711–750 CE): Established Islamic rule in Sindh, laying the groundwork for future Muslim governance in the region.^[22]
• Abbasid Caliphate (750–1258 CE): Nominal influence in the region through trade and cultural exchange, with governors administering various areas.^[23]
• Habbari dynasty (854–1011 CE): Arab dynasty that ruled much of Sindh, as a semi-independent emirate from 854 to 1024. The region became semi-independent from the Abbasid Caliphate in 861, while continuing to nominally pledge allegiance to the Abbasid Caliph in Baghdad.^[24]

• Ghaznavid Empire (971–1186 CE): Founded by Mahmud of Ghazni, this empire exerted significant influence over parts of modern-day Pakistan, promoting Islamic culture and architecture.^[25]
• Soomra dynasty (1026–1440): A medieval Ismaili dynasty of Sindh ruled by the Soomro tribe. Ruled much of Sindh until 1351, but continued in exile until 1440 in Umerkot.^[26]
• Rajput Kingdoms (6th–11th centuries CE): Various local states in the northwestern regions, interacting with both Islamic and non-Islamic powers.
• Hindu Shahi Dynasty (850–1021 CE): Ruled over much of northwesten Pakistan, particularly in the northwestern regions, resisting Islamic expansion.^[27]
• Chach Dynasty (6th–7th centuries CE): Preceded the Islamic period in Sindh, notable for its resistance against early Muslim incursions.^[28]
• Alchon Huns (4th–5th centuries CE): A branch of the Huns, they ruled parts of the northwestern regions, including Pakistan, before the rise of the more prominent Huns.^[29]
• Nezak Huns (5th–7th centuries CE): Successors of the Alchons, they controlled parts of the region, influencing local politics and culture during their reign.^[30]
• Takka (7th century CE): A lesser-known dynasty in the region of Punjab, part of the complex political landscape of early medieval Pakistan.^[31]
• Second Gonanda Dynasty (circa 2nd century CE): Known for its rule in the region around Taxila and Kashmir, this dynasty is part of the broader historical context of the region.^[31]

• Ghurid Dynasty (1148–1215 CE): Played a crucial role in the transition to the Delhi Sultanate, with significant military and political influence in the region.
• Makpon dynasty (1190–1840): A Balti Tibetan dynasty that ruled northeastern regions of Pakistan. The most prosperous period started with Ali Senge Anchan, who united Baltistan and expanded his rule from Chitral to the Mansarowar Valley in Western Tibet. Makpon empire under Ali Senge Anchan is regarded as the "Golden age" of Baltiyul.^[32]
• Delhi Sultanate (1206–1526 CE):
  • Mamluk Dynasty (1206–1290 CE): Established by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, marking the beginning of Muslim rule in the Indian subcontinent.
  • Khilji Dynasty (1290–1320 CE): Known for its expansion and administrative reforms under rulers like Alauddin Khilji.
  • Tughlaq Dynasty (1320–1414 CE): Notable for its architectural achievements and administrative innovations under rulers like Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
  • Sayyid Dynasty (1414–1451 CE): Short-lived but influential in maintaining the Delhi Sultanate's presence.
  • Lodi Dynasty (1451–1526 CE): The last dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, leading up to the Mughal conquest.

• Mughal Empire (1526–1857 CE): Founded by Babur, the Mughals established a significant and enduring empire that transformed the region through cultural, architectural, and administrative advancements.
• Rajput Kingdoms and States (continued influence): Various regional powers that interacted with both the Mughal Empire and the larger political landscape.
• Kalhora Dynasty (1701–1783 CE): Rulers of Sindh, known for their administration and resistance against the encroaching British influence.
• Early Sikh States/Misls (late 16th–early 17th centuries CE): Emergence of Sikh political entities in Punjab, which later coalesced into the Sikh Empire.
• Sikh Empire (1799–1849 CE): Founded by Ranjit Singh, this empire controlled a significant portion of the northwestern region before falling to British rule.

• History of Pakistan
• Ancient Pakistan