In the 10th Century, Arabs from Baghdad captured western part of South Asia and founded Baghdad-ul-Jadid (New Baghdad). When more Muslims immigrants spilled through the fertile valley of the Indus River, the princely state of Bahawalpur was born.



Bahawalpur is neither just a tale nor a traveling account. It pertains to one of the interesting episodes of the history of the South Asia. The story tells how adventurous Abbasids, after the downfall of their empire at Baghdad got another lease of life on the South Asian soil. Baghdad to Bahawalpur is the life story of people who have for the past many centuries have been serving Islam and the Islamic values in the South Asia. The city was home to various nawabs (rules).



The city is known for its famous palaces such as the Noor Mahal, Sadiq Ghar Palace and Darbar Mahal, as well as the ancient fort of Derawar in the Cholistan Desert. It is located near the historical and ancient cities of Uch and Harappa, which were once a stronghold of the Delhi Sultanate and the Indus Valley Civilization. The city is home to one of the natural safari parks in Pakistan, Lal Suhanra National Park.



According to the Abbasid historians, the city of Bahawalpur was founded in 1748 by Nawab Muhammad Bahawal Khan Abbasi I, who ruled the area until the state joined Pakistan in 1947.



The state was spread over 451 kms and was ruled by Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V Bahadur, who decided to join Pakistan at the time of independence in 1947.



Places to visit Uch Sharif



Uch, 75 km from Bahawalpur, is believed to have existed even in 500 BC. Some historians believe that Uch was there even before the advent of Bikrmajit when Jains and Buddhists ruled over South Asia. At the time of the invasion by Alexander the Great, Uch was under Hindu rule. Alexander came to Uch after conquering northern parts of South Asia and spent over a fortnight in the city and renamed it Alexandria. Some historians have mentioned Uch by the name of Sikandara or Iskalanda. They have described it as the most flourishing and beautiful town perched upon the plateau near the confluence of the Chenab and Ravi rivers. Famous shirnes existing at Uch include those of Hazrat Bahwal Haleem, Hazrat Jalaluddin Surkh Bukhari, Mahkdoom Jahanian Jehangasht, Bibi Jawandi and Shaikh Saifuddin Ghazrooni.



Uch also has distinction in socio-religious more of the Sufis and shrines. The exceptional architecture of this 15th century shrine needs to be conserved, not only for the thousands of devotees who visit every year at the time of the Urs, but for future generations.



Cholistan



Cholistan is locally known as Rohi. This famous desert is 30 km from Bahawalpur and comprises an area of 16,000 sq.km. which extends upto the Thar Desert extending over to Sindh. The word Cholistan is derived from ‘Cholna’ which means moving. The people of Cholistan lead a semi-nomadic life, moving from one place to another in search of water and fodder for their animals.



Derawar Fort



Derawar Fort is located 48 km from Dera Nawab Shaib. It is still in a good condition. The rampart walls are intact and still guarded by the personal guard of the Amir Bahawalpur. The tombs of the ex-rulers of Bahawalpur and their families are located in his fort. The tombs have nice glazed blue tile work.



Shrine of Channan Pir



The Shrine of Channan Pir is located 45 km from Drawar Fort, Channan Pir was a disciple of Makhdoom Jahanian Jahangasht. The annual Urs is held at the beginning of March. A colourful fair known as ‘Mela Channan Pir’ is held here.



Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally



Here all classes also have their own style of recreation. This is the most interesting event held annually in March in the Cholistan Desert. It is generally organized near Drawer Fort and vehicles cover the distance of about 250 km around this fort.



Noor Mahal (House of the Royal Family)



Noor Mahal, the Italian style place of the fifth ruler of Bahawalpur State, Nawab Sir Muhammad Sadiq, is the latest monument in Punjab to be notified under the Antiquities Act. Completed in 1875, it is one of the most exquisite buildings in the state, and was meant for the residence of the nawab.