The history of ancient Lahore predates four thousand years from the present day. According to popular legends, the old city of Pakistan was founded by Loh or Lava, son of the legendary epic hero, Rama. The temple dedicated to the founder stands isolated in the northern fringe of the Royal Fort. The city stands shrouded in antiquity in the midst of its long and timeworn past.
The archeological evidences of ancient Lahore prove that the well-famed Chinese pilgrim, Hiuen-Tsang visited Lahore in the early half of the 7th century. A vivid description of the ancient city features in his documents. Another authentic document that mentions
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the city of Lahore is called the Hudud-i-Alam. Lahore features in the document as the small city or 'Shahr' with tall citadels, colossal temples, sprawling orchards and tangled large markets. According to the document, the city developed around two large markets and was enclosed by mud walls. The two dwellings that developed on both sides of the markets stood united as one within the premises of the wall. The document that described the old city of Lahore was translated to English by Vladimir Fedorovich Minorsky and is presently preserved in the British Museum.
Lahore was soon plundered and conquered by Qutub-ud-din Aibak who ushered in the Muslim rule in the city.
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