Exploring the Roots of Pakistan’s Ancient Civilizations
Pakistan, as a country, is not as old as one might initially think, having only gained its independence in 1947. However, the region that now makes up Pakistan has a rich and diverse history that dates back several thousand years, deeply rooted in the grand history of India.
Indus Valley Civilization
The Indus Valley Civilization, one of the oldest and most advanced civilizations in the world, flourished in the region that now spans parts of Pakistan and India from around 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE. This ancient civilization is renowned for its well-planned cities, sophisticated systems of trade, writing, and irrigation, and its rich artistic and cultural heritage.
Prehistoric evidence of human habitation dates back to the Neolithic era, around 7000–4300 BCE, with sites like Mehrgarh in Pakistan. This site, one of the earliest known agricultural communities in South Asia, has provided invaluable insights into the lifestyle and practices of early settlers. The Indus Valley Civilization sites, such as Mohenjo Daro and Harappa, showcase the advanced urban planning and social structures of this ancient society.
Historical Inclusion in Ancient India
Ancient India, a broad term that encompassed the entire South Asian subcontinent, is a term that includes what is now Pakistan and Bangladesh. The early inhabitants of this region developed agriculture and livestock farming before 7000 BCE, establishing a foundation for what would become a rich cultural tapestry.
The area where Pakistan now stands was inhabited by various cultures and empires over the centuries. The Mauryan Empire, for instance, extended its influence to the region, while the Mughal Empire brought about a period of great cultural and artistic flourishing. Even the colonial period, under British rule, played a significant role in shaping the modern nation of Pakistan.
Modern Nation: 76 Years Young
While Pakistan is indeed a relatively young nation, its history and cultural roots are deeply intertwined with those of India. The area now known as Pakistan was under various Hindu and Indian rulers for centuries. The Kandahar area, for example, was part of Gandhara, where Queen Gandhari, the wife of King Dhritarashtra from the epic Mahabharata, hailed from.
The great Takshila University, an ancient center of learning, was also located in what is now part of Pakistan. This indicates the strong intellectual and cultural connections that existed in the region even before the emergence of modern nation-states.
Buddhist influence, further underscores the enduring cultural and religious ties. Under the patronage of Indian rulers, Buddhism spread to regions beyond modern-day Pakistan, including Afghanistan, as evidenced by the ancient Bamiyan Buddha statues, which were later destroyed by the Taliban.
The Indissoluble Bond with Indian Civilization
Despite the territorial divisions that occurred in 1947, the roots of Pakistan's civilization lie firmly within the broader Indian civilization. There is no question that the modern nation of Pakistan is a continuation of the ancient cultures and histories that have flourished in the region for millennia.
In conclusion, while Pakistan as a modern nation is only 76 years old, the roots of its civilization go back thousands of years, deeply embedded in the rich tapestry of Indian civilization.