Cities are more than mere points on a map; they are living narratives, reflecting the history, culture, and evolving identity of a region. Pakistan, with its deeprooted civilisations, dynasties and diverse cultural influences, is home to cities whose names serve as echoes of their past. These names often reveal clues about the cities` geographical, historical or cultural significance. From the remnants of ancient empires to the markers of modern development, each city tells a unique story.

In his book Nagar Nagar Punjab, renowned historian and awardwinning researcher Asad Saleem Sheikh delves into the rich tapestry of Punjab`s cities and towns, seamlessly blending the chronicles of ancient and modern settlements.

Shaikh traces the evolution of human habitation from ancient times to the present, exploring cities established during pivotal eras, including the Delhi Sultanate, Mughal, Sikh, British and post Independence periods of Pakistan.

This article draws on some key insights from his work, alongside reflections from its author.

Many cities and towns in Pakistan feature distinctive suffixes or prefixes, such as `Nagar`, ½bad`, `Pur` and `Mandi`. T hese terms are more than mere linguistic markers; they reflect the heritage and evolution of these places, each with its unique etymology that reveals the stories of the people and events that have shaped these regions.

The suffix `Nagar`, meaning `city` or `town` in Sanskrit, is commonly found in the names of cities and towns across Pakistan, particularly in the Punjab region. Historically, it was used throughout South Asia to denote urban areas and became more widespread during significant periods, such as the Mughal and British empires, when settlements were either established or expanded into prominent urban centres.

For example, Bahawalnagar was originally known as Rojhanwali, a small settlement consisting of only a few huts and shacks. In 1904, when Nawab Mohammad Bahawal Khan Abbasi, the ruler of Bahawalpur State, visited Rojhanwali, the local people requested his permission to rename the town in his honour.

Similarly, Phool Nagar, formerly known as Bhai Pheru, is located in the Kasur district of Punjab, Pakistan. This city is named after Rana Phool Muhammad Khan, a former minister of the area who contributed significantly to its development.

LINGUISTIC MARKERS The suffix `Pur` has its linguistic roots in Sanskrit and Prakrit, where it translates to `town` or `city`.

Historically, it was widely used in ancient and mediaeval South Asia, particularly in regions influenced by Hindu and, later, Muslim cultures.

Derived from the Sanskrit word pura meaning settlement, city or fortified town the term holds historical significance and reflects the region`s long-standing urban traditions.

For example, the town of Bahawalpur was originally known as Bahamanabad. In 1729, Nawab Amir Bahawal Khan rose to power and transformed Bahamanabad into the capital of his state, renaming it Bahawalpur in his own honour.

Similarly, in 1783, Mir Sohrab Khan Talpur established his rule over Upper Sindh and chose Burahan as his capital. Three years later, in 1786, he renamed it Khairpur.

Another example is Haripur, which was established in 1822 by Sardar Hari Singh Nalwa, a notable Sikh general. The city was named in his honour, further reflecting the tradition of naming places after influential leaders who shaped the region`s history.

Many cities in the region include the word `Mandi` in their names, a term signifying a market or trade centre in local languages such as Punjabi, Urdu and Hindi. This reflects towns or settlements historically recognised as commercial hubs, often serving as key locations for the exchange of agricultural goods or livestock.

Over time, these market centres expanded into larger settlements and urban areas, yet the Mandi suffix or prefix has remained intact.

A prime example is Mandi Bahauddin, a city whose name combines two elements: Mandi, denoting a market, and Bahauddin, derived from the nearby village of Pindi Bahauddin, now part of the town. The Mandi prefix underscores the area`s historical significance as a bustling grain market, while Bahauddin links the town to its neighbouring village, emphasising its connection to the region`s broader cultural and geographic landscape.

OF SAINTS AND SETTLEMENTS Similarly, the suffix `Garh`, meaning fort, stronghold, or fortified place, is often associated with areas historically linked to military settlements, forts or fortifications.These structures were primarily built for defence, protecting local populations and critical trade routes from potential threats. Over time, places with this suffix evolved into towns and cities, yet their fort related origins remain embedded in their names.

One notable example is Garh Maharaja, located in the Jhang district of Punjab, Pakistan.

Known as the `City of Saints`, it is home to the revered Sufi shrine of Sultan Bahu. Another example is Muzaffargarh, a city in Pakistan named after Nawab Muzaffar Khan, who founded it in 1794. The name translates to `Fort of Muzaffar`, reflecting its origins as a fortified settlement.

The suffixes `Wal`, `Wala` and `Wall` are commonly found in the names of cities and towns, originating from Persian and Arabic influences. These suffixes generally signify a relationship, ownership or association. Specifically, Wala is derived from the Persian and Arabic word Wall, meaning `one who possesses` or `is associated with` something. In this context, the suffix typically refers to someone belonging to or residing in a particular place.

For example, the name Mianwali traces its origin to the Sufi saint Mian Ali, whose legacy is deeply connected to the region. This area has a rich history, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, and has witnessed the rule of several prominent figures in South Asian history, including Alexander the Great, Qutb Shah, Mughal Emperor Babur, Nadir Shah and Ahmad Shah Abdali. The combination of historical depth and spiritual significance underscores the importance of this suffix in regional nomenclature.

Likewise, Gujranwala derives its name from the Gujjar tribe, which inhabits northern Punjab. The name translates to `Abode of the Gujjars in Punjabi. One local story suggests the town was named after a Gujjar named Choudhry Gujjar, who owned a Persian wheel that supplied water to the town.

In the case of Jaranwala, another town in the region, the name originates from a bohar or bargad [banyan] tree, famously known as the Jaranwala Bohar. The name itself combines two Punjabi words: `Jaran`, meaning roots, and `Wala`, meaning place. This connection to nature further emphasises the significance of the suffix in linking the identity of a place to its defining features.

HONOURING A LEGACY The origin of Burewala`s name is less clear, with multiple theories surrounding its development. One suggests that it was named after a person named Burha, possibly a Sikh. The village was also referred to as `Purana Boora` or `Old Bura.` According to one account, the villagers constructed a well called Chah Boorhay Wala [Well of Burha]. This well became part of the Pakpattan Islam Link Canal, leading to the naming of the new city as Burewala, further strengthening its association.

Additionally, many cities feature the suffix ½bad`, derived from Persian, where Abad means inhabited, populated, prosperous or developed. This suffix signifies a place that is well-established or flourishing due to human settlement or communities. For example, Faisalabad is named after King Faisal of Saudi Arabia. The name reflects not only its connection to the monarch, but also its growth and prosperity in recent decades.

Similarly, Islamabad, the planned capital of Pakistan, symbolises modernity and prosperity, echoing the nation`s aspirations for development.

One notable city with the Abad suffix is Hyderabad, founded in 1768 by Ghulam Shah Kalhora of the Kalhora Dynasty, on the site of the ancient town of Neroon Kot. The city remained the chief town of Sindh until 1843, when it surrendered to the British after the Battle of Miani, and the capital was moved to Karachi. Named in honour of Hazrat Ali, the son-in-law of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Hyderabad`s name translates literally as `Lion City`, derived from haydar, meaning lion.

Another city with the suffix Abad is Sadiqabad, named after Sadeq Mohammad Khan V, the ruling nawab of the Bahawalpur state. The city, inaugurated in 1948, is a tehsil in the Rahim Yar Khan district of Punjab province.

Moreover, Abbottabad, founded in 1853, is named after Maj James Abbott, an English military officer in the Bengal Army and an administrator in British India.

He is often regarded as the first British deputy commissioner of the region.

Jacobabad, a city in Sindh, Pakistan, was founded in 1847 by Brig-Gen John Jacob, an officer of the British East India Company.

Jacob, known for establishing the town and founding the cavalry regiment 36th Jacob`s Horse, spent much of his career in colonial India.

The city`s name honours his legacy in the region.

Another example is Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, which was founded in 1646 by Sultan Muzaffar Khan, the chief of the Bomba tribe.

Khan also constructed the Red Fort that same year, to protect the area from incursions by the Mughal Empire.

Wazirabad, established in the 17th century by Wazir Khan, who served as the governor and later the grand vizier under Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, has a rich history. Over the centuries, the town came undervarious rulers, including Charat Singh in the mid-18th century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1809, and the Jarral Rajputs of Rajouri in 1855. The new town they built featured a wide, straight bazaar with side streets arranged at right angles, a design that still defines the town today.

Certain cities feature the suffix or prefix `Kot`, referring to a fort, stronghold or settlement, and originating from the Persian word Kot or Qut, meaning a fortified place.

These towns were often strategically located near rivers, trade routes or borders, underscoring their military, trade or administrative importance. The usage of Kot also reflects the cultural influences of Persian, Sanskrit and Indo-Aryan civilisations, particularly during periods such as the Mughal Empire and the Delhi Sultanate.

For instance, Umerkot takes its name from Umer Soomro, a local ruler of Sindh from the Soomra dynasty. The city is famous for the folktale of Umar Marvi, a tragic romance also included in the renowned Shah Jo Risalo.

Similarly, Kot Addu is named after Addu Khan Mirani, a leader from the Mirani tribe. This ancient and historically significant town, founded in 1500 by the Mirani chief Addu Khan, is renowned for its beauty and tranquility.

Additionally, Shahdadkot, located in Pakistan, was named after its founder, Shahdad Khan Khuhawar.

Initially part of the Larkana district, Shahdadkot became the focal point of a new district, Qambar Shahdadkot, created by the government in 2005. The district was originally named Qambar, but the name Shahdadkot was added following objections from the city`s residents.

Sialkot, one of Pakistan`s most important industrial cities, boasts a very ancient history. It was founded by Raja Sul and later reconstructed by Raja Salivahian, who also built a fort in the city. As a result, the city was named Sialkot, which translates to `Fort of Sial`, emphasising its historical and military significance.

It is essential for us, especially for future generations, to understand the history of the places within Pakistan. By connecting with our past, we can better appreciate our present and work towards building a brighter future.

The writer is a columnist and an author. He can be contacted at omariftikhar82@gmail.com