Peshawar History: A Glimpse Into Pakistan's Ancient Past
Peshawar is the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan, and it is the second-largest city in the country. It has a long and rich history, and its strategic location at the crossroads of Central and South Asia has made it an important trade center since ancient times.
The earliest known settlement in the area dates back to the 6th century BC, when the city of Pushkalavati was founded by the Achaemenid Empire. The city was conquered by Alexander the Great in 327 BC, and it became part of the Mauryan Empire from 305 BC to 185 BC.
In the first century AD, the region was conquered by the Kushan Empire, and Peshawar became an important trade center on the Silk Road. During the reign of the Kushan Empire, the city was known as Purushapura, and it became a major center for Buddhism.
In the 8th century AD, Peshawar was conquered by the Arabs, and it became part of the Islamic Caliphate. During this period, the city was known as Bannu, and it became an important center for Islamic learning.
In the 11th century, the city was conquered by the Ghaznavids, and it became part of the Sultanate of Ghazni. During this period, the city was known as Peshawar, and it became a major center for arts and culture.
In the 16th century, Peshawar was conquered by the Mughals, and it became part of the Mughal Empire. During this period, the city was known as Farah, and it became an important center for trade and commerce.
In the 18th century, Peshawar was conquered by the Afghan Durrani Empire, and it became part of the Afghan Empire. During this period, the city was known as Qissa Khwani, and it became a major center for Afghan culture.
In the 19th century, Peshawar was conquered by the Sikhs, and it became part of the Sikh Empire. During this period, the city was known as Peshawer, and it became an important center for Sikh culture.
In 1947, Peshawar became part of the newly-created state of Pakistan, and it has remained an important city in the country ever since. Today, Peshawar is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, and it is known for its historic monuments, vibrant bazaars, and delicious cuisine.