The old names of Lahore were Lavapuri, Lavkot as well as Rahwar. According to some of the old books of the history, the old name of Lahore was Lahoo. The city of Lahore is world famous, historic and socio-economically imprtant city of Pakistan. The current name of city Lahore is derived from the old name such as Lahoo.
According to the old books of history and culture, the old name of Lahore city was Lahoo. From there, the new name of Lahore is derived with the passage of time. Now the city of Lahore is popularly better known as the “City of Gardens”. This is the most modern and well-developed city in Pakistan. The modern infrastructure, the latest public transport system, improved civic facilities, and health facilities are the top features of this city that differentiate it from the rest of Pakistan.
Old Name of Lahore
The current name of Lahore is believed that it is derived from the famous Lavapuri. Later on the name transfered as Lav-garh, Lavhur or Lava-puri. In the final stage the name turned into the current final stage i.e. Lahore.
Where is Lahore Located in India?
Lahore is located in Punjab, Pakistan. It is the official capital of the province of Punjab, Pakistan. Moreover, Lahore is the 2nd largest city of Punjab and the most advanced city of Pakistan. The population of Lahore is according to the latest census, is approximately 1.4 million individuals.
Therefore, Lahore is neither located in India nor is it part of India. The famous and historic city of Lahore, after the partition of the Sub-continent, became part of the state of Pakistan. Moreover, it is now part of the Province of Punjab.
History of Lahore
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Here is the list of old names of various cities in Pakistan. There are many cities in Pakistan that had different names in the past, and now they are called by new names. The major cities of Pakistan, with old names as well as historic names, are given below. Moreover, these names are given during colonial era, local languages, historical importance of a certain region and due to ancient kingdoms
List of Major Cities of Punjab Old Names:
| Present Name | Historic/Old Name | Descriptions |
|---|---|---|
| Lahore | Lavapuri, Loh Kot | Linked to the legend of Lava (son of Rama); Loh Kot means “Fort of Loh.” Later the name was changed as Lahore. |
| Faisalabad | Lyallpur | Named after British Lieutenant Governor Sir James Lyall. The name changed in the year 1979. |
| Gujranwala | Khanpur, Gujranwala | The name was also referred to as Khanpur during the Mughal Era. |
| Sialkot | Sakala | Ancient Greek/Buddhist period name. |
| Rawalpindi | Fatehpur Baori / Rawal Village | Named after the Rawal clan before becoming “Pindi.” Now the Rawal Dam is also famous in Pindi due to its history. |
| Multan | Malli, Kashep Puri | Called Malli by the Greeks; associated with sun-worship. Multan is also known as the land of saints in Punjab, Pakistan |
| Sheikhupura | Jahangirabad | Founded by Emperor Jahangir in 1607. The city of Sheikhupura is famous due to the presence of the Mughal Emperor. |
| Okara | Depalpur Region | The city was once a part of the Depalpur State. |
| Bahawalpur | Bahamanabad. It was an old settlement. | Bahawalpur later emerged as an emirate state. |
List of Major Cities of Sindh Old Names:
| Current Name | Historic Name | Descriptions |
|---|---|---|
| Karachi | Kolachi, Krokola | “Kolachi” from fisherwoman Mai Kolachi; Krokola mentioned by the Greeks. Karachi is an international city with seaside. |
| Hyderabad | Neroon Kot | Renamed after Prophet Muhammad’s cousin, Hazrat Ali (RA). |
| Sukkur | Aror | Ancient Aror was the original city before shifting. |
| Thatta | Debal | It was the Famous medieval port city. |
| Larkana | Chandka | It was also known as Chandka by local rulers. |
List of Major Cities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Old Names:
| Current Names | Historic Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Peshawar | Purushapura, Parashawar | The meaning of the city name is“City of Men” in Sanskrit. |
| Mardan | Takht-i-Bhai region | The name is linked to a Buddhist monastery name. |
| Charsadda | Pushkalavati | Charsadda was the Capital of ancient Gandhara. |
| Abbottabad | Hazara / Abbottabad (named 1853) | The city of Abbotabad was Founded by Major James Abbott. |
| Swat (Mingora) | Uddiyana | Ancient Buddhist kingdom. |
List of Major Cities of Balochistan Old Names:
| Current Name | Old Name | Descriptions |
|---|---|---|
| Quetta | Shalkot | The British changed Shalkot to Quetta. The name Quetta is given by the British. |
| Gwadar | Gwatthar | Old Makrani name. |
| Turbat | Kech | The Kech Makran is an ancient name of the city. |
| Zhob | Fort Sandeman | The name Fort Sandaman was given by the British and restored to Zhob after independence. |
List of Major Cities of Gilgit-Baltistan Old Names:
| Current Name | Historic Name | Descriptions |
|---|---|---|
| Gilgit | Sargin / Dorikote | Ancient Buddhist kingdom. |
| Skardu | Iskardo | Variants in Tibetan chronicles. |
| Hunza | Kanjut | Called Kanjut State historically. |
List of Major Cities of Azad Kashmir Old Names:
| Present Name | Old / Historical Name(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Muzaffarabad | Udabhanda | Hindu Shahi period name. The name was later changed as Muzaffarabad. |
| Mirpur | Khari-Sharif region | Developed later under Mughal influence. Now it is one of the largest cities of Azad Kashmir. |
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