Peshawar

The history of Peshawar, located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, is rich and storied, dating back thousands of years. It has been a strategic and cultural hub due to its location at the crossroads of Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

Ancient Peshawar was known as Purushapura, founded around 539 BCE by the Persian King Darius I. It later became a major center of Buddhism under the Maurya Empire. The city flourished as part of the Gandhara civilization, known for its exquisite Buddhist art and architecture.

Over the centuries, Peshawar saw the rise and fall of various empires, including the Kushan, Hephthalite, and Gupta dynasties. It became a prominent center for trade along the historic Silk Road, connecting civilizations from China to the Mediterranean.

During the Islamic period, Peshawar became an important city under various Muslim rulers, including the Ghaznavids, Ghurids, and Mughals. It served as a gateway for Muslim conquerors entering the Indian subcontinent.

In the 19th century, Peshawar came under British rule as part of British India. It became a center for colonial administration and military operations in the region.

After the partition of British India in 1947, Peshawar became part of Pakistan. It has since evolved into a bustling metropolitan center, known for its vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and strategic importance as a gateway to the Khyber Pass and the Afghan border.