Sights and Sounds of Bhawalpur Part-1

Sights and Sounds of Bhawalpur Part-1

Southern Punjab of Punjab province of Pakistan has many a historical places that narrate the history of Pakistan, much before it emerged as an independent country in 1947. Of these besides the historical city of Multan that is considered to be the oldest
living city of the world, Bahawalpur is a major city in the southern Punjab that existed as an independent state for some 200 years (since 1748). The state was founded by Nawab Muhammad Bahawal Khan Abbasi I.

The state was spread over an area of 45,911 square kilometres (17,494 sq mi) and divided into three districts: Bahawalpur, Rahimyar Khan and Bahawalnagar. The state acceded to Pakistan on 7th October 1947 and was merged into the province of West Pakistan
on 14th October 1955 by Nawab Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V.

There are a number of royal palaces reminding the glory of the rulers of the state, the main palace "Noor Mehal" (above right) has now been converted into an officers’ mess for the Bahawalpur garrison.

Being an independent state, the Nawabs of Bahawalpur maintained their own army and an efficient economy with a firm grip on the affairs of the state. The army consisted of two battalions; 1st Bahwalpur Infantry (raised 1827), 2nd Bahwalpur Light Infantry
(raised 1827).

The state ruler was known as the "Farman rawai mumlukat khudadad Bahawalpur" (Ruler of the God-Gifted Kingdom of Bahawalpur". Pelican is the state mascot, which appears on its State arms seal and on all palaces.

Bahawalpur used the postage stamps of British India until 1945. On 1st January 1945, it issued its own stamps. On 1st December 1947 the state issued its first regular stamp, a commemorative stamp for the 200th anniversary of the ruling family, depicting
Mohammad Bahawal Khan I, and inscribed "BAHAWALPUR".

A series of 14 values appeared 1st April 1948, depicting various Nawabs and buildings. A handful of additional commemoratives ended with an October 1949 issue commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union. After this the state adopted
Pakistani stamps.

The city lies just south of the Sutlej River, and is the site of the Adam Wahan (Empress) Bridge, the only railway bridge over the Sutlej River in Pakistan. Today, Bahawalpur City is a thriving city of southern Punjab, famous for its white silver jewelry,
embroidered shoes and the pottery.

To be continued…

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=18416

Posted by Naveed A Bari on Apr 9 2012. Filed under Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry